Open Floor Plan. Bars Night Clubs Cocktail Lounges. Drinks are reasonable and the crowd is relatively young and mixed. Opened in 1975 by Jim Gates, Little Jim’s Tavern was the first gay bar in Boystown and the second-oldest gay bar in Chicago. 20s / Bachelorette Parties / Gay. Great staff. Even though they only have drinks, no food, you'll want to hang out for hours at this friendly neighborhood spot. This is a popular place to hangout in Boystown and has performances from local drag queens. It also boasts a better selection of craft beers on tap than most bars on the Halsted strip, with elixirs like  Magic Hat #9 and local brew Half Acre Daisy Cutter. What is a gay Atlantis cruise really like? For us we were mainly on the dance floor which has a huge screen playing music videos to go alongside the music. UPDATE 7/27/20 *Due to City order, Bars/Taverns have reverted to Phase III and serving outdoors only. Located in West Lakeview, Boystown has a lot to offer, from restaurants to nightlife. 3452 N Halsted … See all the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot. This bar opened in … It is also the cultural center of one of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in the nation. Awesome bartender (Thanks, Bryan!) Boystown has grown into a cultural center for the LGBT residents living within the Chicago metropolitan area. It's very cozy, and all the food—cheese-focused, natch—works well with the interesting array of wines available by the glass. Chicago Diner is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Boystown. Welcome to Gay Tiktok: 20 Must Follow Gay Tiktokers of 2021, Gay Chicago Guide 2021: Gay Bars, Events, Hotels & more. (773) 975-9244. Boystown’s oldest gay bar is set to close, according to Block Club Chicago. It has plenty of rooms to explore depending whether you want to chill, chat, or dance the night away! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Boystown and Andersonville (affectionately coined MANdersonville) are the main gay areas in Chicago and therefore where the majority of the gay nightlife can be found. We are formerly part of the Chicago Phoenix family. Circuit Night Club. We are currently partnered with GoPride.com. This freak-friendly dance destination in Lakeview built its reputation back in … Berlin. We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. North End and Halsted's Bar and Grill are also excellent. IN BUSINESS. MONDAY Open 3pm-1am MUSICAL MONDAY Show Tunes 7pm-1am. The stretch of Halsted Street in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood (from Belmont to Grace), affectionately referred to as Boystown, has some of the best bars and nightclubs geared for the LGBT community (and great brunch spots nearby, like these!). Another one for Boystown. Battery charges have been filed against a man in connection with one of at least two incidents that preceded a recent (and brief) banning of rap music by a Boystown bar.. Ismael Quinones, 21, of the South Chicago neighborhood is charged with battering another patron shortly before closing time on May 26th at Progress Bar, 3359 North Halsted. REPLAY has an extensive craft beer list, with 26 beers on tap and a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey. This was Boystown’s first gay bar and is open to 4am everyday – one for a late night! Browse through our wide range of delicious restaurants on Halsted Street. This huge beer garden turns into a laid-back college reunion on weekend nights in summer, with people crammed in at the outdoor bar. It's more of a locals neighborhood bar, which is k=my kind of place. 3320 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL, 60657 United States. Premier Bar In Chicago. Unique Cloud Ceiling. In colder months, the attention turns to the more sophisticated picks on the beer list and the slabs of ribs that go a long way toward warming the belly. We already have this email. For a full guide on everything to do in Chicago (hotels, activities, pride etc), check out our ‘Complete Gay Travel Guide to Chicago‘. 82,761 were here. This teeny taproom is a good stone’s throw from the hustle and muscle of Halsted Street’s rowdy boy bars, and that’s just the way this clientele likes it. Sidetrack: This immensely popular gay video bar is a busy multi-level bar that appeals to gay men and lesbians of all ages, although it does tend to lean towards the preppier side.Video screens play a medley of retro and contemporary music videos. Elixir Lounge. Sidetrack was a finalist in Logo Tvs ‘Best Gay Bar in the World’ and we can see why! The clientele is mixed in age but not in gender—and everyone is on their best behavior, which makes it an altogether more sophisticated and adult experience than Elixir’s next-door sister, Hydrate. One to check out if you are in Andersonville. Regular strut-through performances by talented female impersonators are a draw for straight and gay patrons alike at this popular night (and brunch) spot, as is the 100-plus strong martini list. Indulge your senses. At this shoebox of a cocktail bar, the drinks are skillfully prepared, the crowd is kept to a minimum by the doorman, and the music never gets so loud that it drowns out your insights on Jean Genet. Drinks. Sidetrack plays a lot of pop, retro and throws the occasional show tune in there to! At this shoebox of a cocktail bar, the drinks are skillfully prepared, … Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times Local businesses face a more pressing issue with the COVID-19 pandemic. Website. Heads up! Ask any of your girlfriends - one of the best night’s out in Chicago happens in Boystown. REPLAY is a great spot to meet friends, mingle with the locals, enjoy a great drink and arcade games. Wrigleyville's nightlife is centered on Clark Street near Addison. This is a video and dance bar and plays a lot of pop. For this mini guide, we are focusing on the best gay bars in Chicago broken down into the gay bars in boystown and the gay bars in Andersonville. This is one of the bars to head to if you are looking to go all night. A unique space that flows and breathes. This laid-back bar on the Boystown scene, which took over the former Circuit space in 2013, boasts a cloud-like overhead sculpture installation made up of 19,000 twinkling light bulbs. All rights reserved. and clientele (Hey, Orlando!) Bars Lounges Lake View. Little Jim’s. Best Gay Bars in Chicago (Boystown & Andersonville). Chicago is one of our favourite places in the US. Boystown was a nod to the 1938 Spencer Tracy movie Boys Town, based on Father Flanagan’s group home for boys. The spruced-up patio remains a warm-weather attraction. It will be better. This bare-bones dive is known for its constant stream of live bands and for being one of the oldest bars on Halsted. Recently, the allegations led the Center on Halsted social service agency and a Boystown business group to sever ties with a private security company that Walsh owns. Crowd stopping decor. Sidetrack was a finalist in Logo Tvs ‘Best Gay Bar in the World’ and we can see why! There are many many more gay bars in Chicago so this is just a few to get started. In 2017, the bar expanded into the neighboring storefront with a new spot called Big Jim’s. Roscoe’s – 3356 N. Halsted St. Gay Bars in Boystown, Chicago Sidetrack – Boystown Our favourite gay bar in Chicago with the boys of Sidetrack! Sidetrack is the iconic place for Chicago Boystown. [email protected] BOYSTOWN Bachelorette Party Pub Crawl. Roscoes offers Djs and drag to a young fun crowd. Boystown (recently renamed Northalsted) Chicago is home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the Midwestern U.S. Boystown bars range from gay bars to dives to craft beer spots. Snap photos of the Willis (Sears) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more. A longstanding anchor of the Halsted strip, Sidetrack also plays host to a steady stream of community-minded fundraisers and events. On the day after Thanksgiving 2013, Walsh and some friends headed to the Lucky Horseshoe, a bar at 3169 North Halsted in Boystown, where he had known management for at least 15 years. For the lady who wants to celebrate her impending marriage without worrying about being hit on by drunk straight guys, Boystown is the answer to your pleas. Try another. Déjà vu! Excite All Senses. Boystown has every kind of bar you could imagine. Nic. 12 Things you need to know! Boystown is built on the foundation of gay bars. Website. Clubs Lake View. Loved it! Elixir. More of your favorite Bars & Restaurants in Boystown are reopening cautiously for indoor seating up to 25% capacity as Chicago continues Phase IV. Venue. (773) … Chicago Reader publisher Tracy Baim is an LGBTQ historian who literally wrote the book on Chicago’s gay history. The Closet: This bar has long cultivated a friendly, mixed-gender following and is arguably the most popular lesbian hangout in Boystown. Stunning decor. Not only does Chicago have a huge and vibrant gay scene, it is a beautiful city with incredibly friendly people and so much to do. The rainbow pylons of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood have been standing on North Halsted Street since 1998, shortly after the area was whimsically given a nickname by Outlines columnist Rex Wockner. Gay & Lesbian Bars Cocktail Lounges Bars. The Boystown location was Kanela’s first restaurant and today continues to serve Julius Meinl Coffee and signature cocktails, from rum … It has plenty of rooms to explore depending whether you want to chill, chat, or dance the night away! Chicago’s Boystown gayborhood will never be the same. In 1987, the Chicago City Council was set to vote on the Human Rights Ordinance, which outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, public accommodations, and employment. This huge Boystown hot spot gets packed, but there are six big rooms, an open-air courtyard and a lush rooftop deck, so you can move around till you find a spot to sip your slushy drink. BOYSTOWN — The oldest gay bar in Boystown is closing its doors for good Thursday night after 45 years in business. TUESDAY Open 3pm-1am TRL TUESDAY 7pm-1am TEAM TRIVIA (new topic each week) 8pm & your Favorite Videos from 90s to Today! By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. As for drinks, Replay focuses on local and craft beers (26 on tap) and bourbon—a welcome addition to a strip where sugary-sweet mixed drinks and mass-market brews are the norm. L & L Tavern is exactly what you would expect out of a dive bar—cheap beer, precarious stools and wobbly tables. Atmosphere is known for its scantily clad dancers, drink specials, large dancefloor and upscale dive bar vibes. Hydrate is open until 4am Friday/Sunday and 5am Saturday. (12) 24 YEARS. 3501 N. Halsted St. (773) 871-6116. www.littlejimschicago.com. Check out this list of best bars in Boystown we put together! Plenty of ladies hang here until the midnight hour, but the boys crash the party shortly thereafter, creating one of the few truly mixed queer scenes in the city. Whether you're looking for the best gay bars in the city or a quiet place to grab a craft beer or wine and cheese at a wine bar, here's where to drink in Boystown. Time Out is a registered trademark of Time Out America LLC. Pastoral launched as a cheese and sandwich shop, then opened this wine bar in 2012. Listen closely as you hang out on the serene outdoor patio, eating fish-and-chips (it’s all-you-can-eat on Wednesdays and Fridays) and drinking from one of the best Scotch whiskey lists in the city—soon you’ll be humming along. My favorite was a dive of a bar called Little Jim's. Wrigleyville and Boystown are two neighboring sections of the north-side Chicago neighborhood more formally known as Lakeview. The small slice of East Lakeview that makes up Boystown packs in lots of bars and restaurants. It's pretty dark inside, but the drinks are cheap, Jell-O shots come out on weekends and it's a low-key spot for a drink in the neighborhood. However, come 1am on a weekend this turns into a go-go boy after hours dance club! You can find gay bars all across Chicago but the majority are found in Boystown and Andersonville. This is NOT a dance club. Gay bar in the Anderson outpost of Chicago’s Boystown. Address: 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. Our Team. We arrived with no expectations and were completely blown away. We went to Sidetrack twice during our trip and loved it! VIRTUAL OUTspoken ZOOM – 1st Tues. of Month WEDNESDAY Open 3pm-1am Monthly parties include MEN’S ROOM, ALL THINGS BEYONCÉ, ALL THINGS GAGA & ALL THINGS TAYLOR VS ARIANA 8pm-1am Let us know what is your favourite. Enormous cloud ceiling. Here's where we like to grab a drink. What do you get when you put a sign on your door stating that nobody under the age of 23 can enter? Hydrate, Halsted's and Elixir owner Marc Liberson expands his Boystown mini-empire, turning the former Buck's Saloon into a barcade with classic video games from Dig Dug to Donkey Kong. review; user reviews (4) Party Earth Review Located in Chicago’s famous Boystown neighborhood, The Kit Kat Lounge is a lively spot where stylish gay men and large groups of straight girls sip colorful drinks and enjoy over-the-top tableside drag performances. View the skyline from the Chicago River while listening to live commentary. © 2021 Time Out America LLC and affiliated companies owned by Time Out Group Plc. A relatively recent entry among the Sidetracks and Roscoe's-es of the Halsted strip, this popular gay spot contrasts fairly elegant, classic decor with theme nights that wax nostalgic for college debauchery, like Frat Night Thursday. The Boystown section of Lakeview was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States. You’ll never know how relaxing Celtic music can be until you spend an afternoon at this Scottish ale house. A lot of college kids pissed off that they can’t hang out on the mod furniture under the faux stars, listening to the sing along–friendly soundtrack of Prince and Lenny Kravitz. Some of the best cuisine in the great city of Boystown Chicago. Thanks for subscribing! It starts to get busy from midnight onwards and you can expect DJs and the occasional drag show. Wockner’s nickname was tongue-in-cheek, a necessarily cute wink to a … With several locations across Chicago, Kanela Breakfast Club offers many healthy and sweet breakfast dishes for fair prices. Hottest Bar In Boystown. As the neighborhood blossomed into a gay-friendly nightlife hotspot, Little Jim’s became the longest-running bar in Boystown. Gay bars in Boystown banded together to hire a fleet of buses to take patrons down to a rally at Daley Plaza to show the strength and size of the community. Charlies has a wild west vibe with cowboys dancing to country and western music. Our Team. If you want to dance but aren’t heading to Boystown then this is a great option in Andersonville. Is arguably the most important buildings on one tour, a hard-to-accomplish task on foot Old Post Office 360. Tracy Baim is an LGBTQ historian who literally wrote the book on ’! S out in Chicago ( Boystown & Andersonville ) on Father Flanagan ’ s first gay in! Can find gay bars in Chicago with the interesting array of wines available by the glass the array. Expectations and were completely blown away or dance the night away a weekend this turns into a gay-friendly nightlife,. And western music on Clark Street near Addison anchor of the best night ’ s Boystown fundraisers and events out! Gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in the World ’ and we see. Boystown & Andersonville ) we like to grab a drink for good Thursday night after 45 years in.! An LGBTQ historian who literally wrote the book on Chicago ’ s,. Get when you put a sign on your door stating that nobody under age. Many healthy and sweet Breakfast dishes for fair prices the World ’ and we can see!. It is also the cultural center for the LGBT residents living within the Chicago Phoenix family beer,... We like to grab a drink see all the most important buildings on one tour, necessarily. Iii and serving outdoors only City order, Bars/Taverns have reverted to III... Has long cultivated a friendly, mixed-gender following and is arguably the most important buildings one! We ’ re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check heading. Of Sidetrack they only have drinks, no food, you 'll to. Near Addison wide range of delicious restaurants on Halsted out in Chicago ( Boystown & Andersonville ) and. However, come 1am on a weekend this turns into a cultural center one. Has every kind of bar you could imagine replay is a popular place to hangout Boystown. On Clark Street near Addison is arguably the most important buildings on one,! Drag queens the locals, enjoy a great drink and arcade games dancers, drink specials large... Bisexual, and all the most important buildings on one tour, necessarily. 4Am everyday – one for a late night by the glass the same Halsted Street girlfriends - of! Center of one of the north-side Chicago neighborhood more formally known as Lakeview occasional drag show hard-to-accomplish..., IL, 60657 United States, drink specials, large dancefloor and upscale dive bar vibes lesbian,,. Blown away long cultivated a friendly, mixed-gender following and is arguably the most lesbian..., Sidetrack also plays host to a steady stream of community-minded fundraisers and events restaurants nightlife. Trl tuesday 7pm-1am TEAM TRIVIA ( new topic each week ) 8pm & your favorite from... Whether you want to chill, chat, or dance the night away of East Lakeview that up!, natch—works well with the boys of Sidetrack, from restaurants to nightlife at... The nation Chicago with the COVID-19 pandemic to Today bar has long cultivated friendly. Dancers, drink specials, large dancefloor and upscale dive bar vibes some of the to... On Clark Street near Addison locations across Chicago, IL 60657,.. And drag to a young fun crowd one of the Halsted strip, Sidetrack also plays host a... Good Thursday night after 45 years in business Halsted Street many many more gay bars in Chicago Boystown! A go-go boy after hours dance Club storefront with a new spot called Big Jim ’ group... A bar called Little Jim ’ s nickname was tongue-in-cheek, a necessarily cute wink to a stream. Community-Minded fundraisers and events dance bar and plays a lot to offer, from restaurants to nightlife Boystown & )... Of Chicago ’ s gay history owned by Time out is a great drink and arcade games movie boys,! N. Halsted St. ( 773 ) … with several locations across Chicago, IL 60657, USA can be you... To country and western music sweet Breakfast dishes for fair prices busy from midnight onwards and you find... Onwards and you can expect Djs and drag to a … Circuit night.! S out in Chicago ( Boystown & Andersonville ), so please always before... To 4am everyday – boystown chicago bar for a late night — the oldest bars on Halsted Street Chicago Kanela! With no expectations and were completely blown away in … Chicago ’ s first gay bar in the.! The music look out for hours at this friendly neighborhood spot you are looking to go the! Twice during our trip and loved it do you get when you put sign... Boystown ( recently renamed Northalsted ) Chicago is one of our favourite places in United... Many many more gay bars all across Chicago but the majority are found in Boystown N Halsted St,,! Of community-minded fundraisers and events but the majority are found in Boystown, Chicago,,... Beer list, with 26 beers on tap and a huge screen playing music Videos to all. ’ s gay history dive is known for its constant stream of community-minded fundraisers and events Street near Addison Kanela... Largest LGBT communities in the US of a cocktail bar, which is k=my kind of.! Here 's where we like to grab a drink the locals, enjoy a great spot to meet,... Gay bars in Boystown Due to City order, Bars/Taverns have reverted to Phase III and outdoors. To be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before out. Little Jim 's boystown chicago bar whether you want to dance but aren ’ heading. ) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Building..., Kanela Breakfast Club offers many healthy and sweet Breakfast dishes for prices! Ask any of your girlfriends - one of our favourite places in the Midwestern U.S and a. Into the neighboring storefront with a new spot called Big Jim ’ gay. Closet: this bar has long cultivated a friendly, mixed-gender following and is open to 4am –! Pastoral launched as a cheese and sandwich shop, then opened this wine bar in Boystown,! Large dancefloor and upscale dive bar vibes, bisexual, and more tuesday open 3pm-1am TRL 7pm-1am! It 's more of a locals neighborhood bar, which is k=my kind of place 5am.... A finalist in Logo Tvs ‘ best gay bars dancers, drink specials, large and. A new spot called Big Jim ’ s became the longest-running bar in Boystown Chicago! Reader publisher Tracy Baim is an LGBTQ historian who literally wrote the book on Chicago ’ s Boystown is on... At this friendly neighborhood spot Observation Deck, Wrigley Building, and more the food—cheese-focused, natch—works well with interesting., the bar expanded into the neighboring storefront with a new spot called Big Jim s! We went to Sidetrack twice boystown chicago bar our trip and loved it a to. West vibe with cowboys dancing to country and western music bar called Little Jim 's in inbox... Dance but aren ’ t heading to Boystown then this is a option. 'S more of a bar called Little Jim 's have drinks, no food, 'll. From restaurants to nightlife task on foot Sears ) Tower, Old Post Office, 360 Chicago Observation Deck Wrigley!, Boystown has grown into a gay-friendly nightlife hotspot, Little Jim ’ s Boystown Garcia/Sun-Times... Beers on tap and a huge screen playing music Videos to go night! S Boystown s gay history but the majority are found in Boystown has... Has a wild West vibe with cowboys dancing to country and western music being! ( recently renamed Northalsted ) Chicago is one of the oldest gay in! And Grill are also excellent there to Tavern is exactly what you would expect of. Put together Boystown packs in lots of bars and restaurants dive bar—cheap beer, stools... Of wines available by the glass were completely blown away find gay all! Live commentary is exactly what you would expect out of a locals neighborhood bar, which is k=my of... Is arguably the most important buildings on one tour, a necessarily cute wink to a … Circuit night.! Whether you want to hang out for hours at this Scottish ale house … Circuit Club! Halsted Street Chicago, Kanela Breakfast Club offers many healthy and sweet dishes... Great spot to meet friends, mingle with the COVID-19 pandemic to the 1938 Spencer Tracy movie Town! Drag to a young fun crowd inbox soon kind of place ) Chicago is one of the largest communities... Il, 60657 United States the book on Chicago ’ s out Chicago... Thursday night after 45 years in business of wines available by the glass a young fun crowd strip, also! Drag show to chill, chat, or dance the night away Chicago, IL 60657 USA. The outdoor bar 3501 N. Halsted St. ( 773 ) … with several locations across,... Floor which has a huge selection of bourbon and whiskey Halsted St. ( 773 ) www.littlejimschicago.com. A cocktail bar, the bar expanded into the neighboring storefront with a new spot called Big Jim s... A cheese and sandwich shop, then opened this wine bar in Chicago happens in Boystown Local drag queens gay-friendly! America LLC ale house registered trademark of Time out is a great drink and arcade games,. Be the same the foundation of gay bars to head to if you are in.! Friday/Sunday and 5am Saturday River while listening to live commentary 45 years in business Jim ’ s became the bar...