Gay friendly bars downtown chicago

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Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in 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.

Out and About: Best Gay Bars in Uptown Chicago

From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer bar to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about drag brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town. Been there, done that? Think again, my friend. Despite all that bar, six big rooms and a downtown rooftop deck are always packed for weekend dance parties, summer day-drinking and, of course, the legendary "Musical Mondays," where regulars belt along to videos of their favorite showtunes.

Grab one of their strong and sweet boozy slushies and join in the fun. Not a Boystown fan? Head to this laid-back Uptown saloon, where community matriarch Michelle Fire serves tasty victuals and cocktails to the sunburnt brunch crowd when the space is known as Tweet Let's Eatand keeps the rest of the week happening with tons of food and drink specials friendly dollar off burgers on Mondays and all-out dance parties on weekends.

Come for the enticing, creative rotating cocktails named for trailblazers like Bessie Coleman and Celia Cruz; stay for the camaraderie and the chicago sidewalk cafe. The seasonal cocktails are great, but what makes Dorothy special are the comfortable atmosphere and the queer community, facilitated through events like the intimate Fruit Salad open mic and Yellowjackets viewing parties.

A popular destination for lesbians and queer women, Farraguts has been serving Andersonville since Known for its pool table, well-stocked jukebox and cheap Tuesday draft special, Farraguts is perfect for a lively night out or for grabbing a pint and a spot close to gay window for a leisurely conversation and watching the world go by.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryce Lobdell brycelobdell. This teeny taproom is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the clubs on Halsted, and it's a favorite unpretentious late-night destination for queer partiers of all stripes. Come for lively karaoke or party until the wee hours on weekends.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roscoe's Tavern roscoestavern. 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. 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.