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The SoFo Tap

The SoFo Tap is the epitome of a laid back neighborhood bar. Things get a little rowdier later in the evening, especially during themed events like Frat Night and Chicago’s Best Bear Night. Big Chicks

Address: 5024 N Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60640

Located in Uptown, Big Chicks is a beloved queer bar known for its inclusive atmosphere, affordable drinks and cocktails, and hearty food menu.

Grab a drink, play some free darts, and mingle with the diverse crowd of regulars.

Sidetrack

This LGBTQ-owned hotspot is one of the most popular bars in Northalsted. Get some friends together on Lex to meet up to watch the latest women's soccer or basketball game, or play a round of pool or darts. It’s also a whole lot of fun. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in 1997.

These days, while a night out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city.

Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.

Big Chicks

This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. Go quietly into the night?

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The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago

Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack

Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but great gay bars are all over the city.

Chicago has always been a trailblazing city when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ community.

It also boasts a better selection of craft beers on tap than most bars on the Halsted strip.

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LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more

Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. The laidback spot is primarily known as a lesbian bar, but all are welcome.

The drink specials are excellent, and when RuPaul's Drag Race is in season, Roscoe's is the place to be, as queens from the season stop by the bar for rowdy viewing parties where they've been known to spill some behind-the-scenes tea.

9. La Cueva

An international, intergenerational feast for the eyes and ears, La Cueva is one of the country’s longest-running Latino drag bars.

One of the city’s newest lesbian hot spots, it’s quickly becoming known for its classy, sexy vibe and great cocktail menu that includes elevated classic, extra boozy drinks, and alcohol-free/CBD options. It has been a bumpy year so far, however we are going to get through it together!


With love Michelle, Michael and all of the staff, of Big Chicks and Tweet!

Tweet Let’s Eat 

Monday-Sunday 9am to 3pm

(last table seating at 2:30PM)

Big Chicks 

Monday - Friday 4pm to 2am (kitchen open 4pm to 10:30pm)

Saturday- Sunday 9am to 2am (kitchen open 4pm to 10:30pm)

To Go’s are available at Tweet & Big Chicks every day.

Nothing speaking to you? Either way, you'll have a great night out at this lesbian bar staple in the Windy City.

6. Play Skee-ball, shuffleboard, darts or board games like giant Jenga upstairs, or hang out downstairs for theme nights like the lively Thursday karaoke (be warned that some performers can actually sing), the Tuesday “Big Gay Gayme Show” and Dungeons & Dragons meetups. 

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7. The Closet

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8. Roscoe’s Tavern

This longstanding Boystown destination has multiple bars, a dance floor, an outdoor patio and all the music you want to hear, with theme nights dedicated to Madonna, Taylor Swift and more.

La Cueva is a go-to for dancing, with regular karaoke and drag events. The Happy Hour, on weeknights from 4-7pm, offers a dollar off local drafts, $7 mules and $7 glasses of wine.

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16. Whiskey Girl Tavern

As the co-founder of Back Lot Bash, Christina Roberts stewarded one of Chicago Pride season’s destination parties.

And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.

Check out some of the best gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.

Jeffery Pub

One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. Tucked away above the bustling streets of Streeterville, Second Story is a relaxed refuge that’s remained virtually unchanged since it opened 35 years ago.

To complement the music from local artists and weekly queer-centric open mic (known as "Jarvis Squear") on Wednesdays, there's a craft beer menu (including 16 taps) that skews hyper-local with selections from Marz, Spiteful and Casa Humilde. With its weekly themed events and laid-back vibe, Jackhammer offers a welcoming space for patrons to express themselves freely.

5.

chicago gay bars