Gay Chicago

Chicago is a city known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from its world-famous Pride celebrations to its claim to the country's first official gay neighbourhood. While the whole city exudes a welcoming vibe, there are a couple of especially queer neighbourhoods that are worth a visit, from the historic importance of Boystown to the quirky local businesses of Andersonville. Roger's Park offers a low-key visit, while Uptown is the place to go for a good old queer party, and this range makes Chicago's gay scene is well worth exploring.

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Chicago Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

Sidetrack

Bear, Cocktails

Sidetrack is the biggest and one of the most popular gay bars in Chicago. It's a video bar with a large lounge, multiple fully stocked bars, and a rooftop deck (which is great for people watching) and attracts a mixed but slightly older gay crowd. Themed events range from dance and lip-sync parties to a Tony Awards Viewing Night, so no matter what kind of night you enjoy, you can have a great time here complete with legendary slushy cocktails.

Second Story Bar

Cash Only

As the name suggests, Second Story Bar is hidden away above a restaurant in the River North area of Chicago. This bar is dark and divey with an old school charm that has remained untouched by the upscale modernity of the street below. Inside a sketchy looking unmarked entrance, you'll find a perfectly friendly bar serving cheap drinks to a soundtrack of camp dance classics. This is a true hidden gem and a unique venue among its modern neighbours.

Progress Bar Chicago

Cocktails

Progress Bar is a relatively new entry on the Boystown scene, and at the heart of the space is a cloud-like overhead sculpture installation made up of thousands of twinkling lights. Not only is this bar perfect for artsy photos, but it also boasts an enviable selection of craft beers on tap, pouring local brews alongside imaginative cocktails. Mixed crowds gather in the low-lit, rustic-industrial setting complete with two bars and a dance floor.

Jeffery Pub

Cocktails

Jeffery Pub is a classic south-side institution that caters to a mixed crowd. Pitchers of brightly coloured cocktails along with lively music from a range of genres make a vibrant and fun space for parties or getting together with friends for a night out. The atmosphere is always welcoming thanks to friendly patrons and staff, so people keep coming back for great value happy hours and nights of dancing.

The Closet

Lesbian

A staple video bar in the Boystown community, The Closet walls have been a second home to many since 1978. The Closet is a great place to kick back with friends or meet new people, whether you're looking to relax after work, or kick start your night. The Closet attracts a mostly lesbian crowd who pack the small bar and create a super friendly atmosphere, so all identities are welcome for dancing, games, and karaoke.

Manhandler Saloon

Older Crowd, Outdoor Seating, Cruising

Manhandler Saloon is the place to go in Lincoln Park if you want a good cocktail as well as a crowd full of leathermen. This neighbourhood dive bar offers a quieter outdoor seating area while inside the jukebox plays great classic tunes and an exclusively male crowd can relax and have fun. Having been a staple in the area for many years, guys keep coming back to Manhandler Saloon for cheap drinks and cheap thrills surrounded by friendly people.

Chicago Gay Bars

Recommended gay friendly hotels in Chicago

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

3* Best Western Hawthorne Tce

Located in Boystown, with easy access to the gay bars, the historic Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace hotel is within 10 minutes' walk of Wrigley Field and the Red Line train to downtown Chicago. It features a glass-enclosed hot tub and contemporary rooms with free Wi-Fi. A 42 inch flat-screen TV and laptop safe are included in each guest room at Best Western Hawthorne Terrace. A microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator stocked with free bottled water are provided. A selection of cardio machines is available at the Hawthrone Terrace's on-site gym. The front desk offers concierge services 24 hours a day and a continental breakfast is served in the mornings. There is a lush and relaxing interior courtyard as well. The shopping at the Magnificent Mile is just 20 minutes' bus ride from the Chicago Hawthorne Terrace Best Western. The Lincoln Park Zoo is 3.2 km from the hotel.

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3* City Suites

Just steps from Chicago's "L" train, the City Suites Hotel is your choice for hotels in the Chicago Lakeview area to explore the beautiful north side. Enjoy boutique amenities like complimentary breakfast and free afternoon cookies. Located in the city's Boystown neighborhood, this Chicago hotel features Art Deco style decor, complimentary daily breakfast and free WiFi. Every room at City Suites Chicago provides a flat-screen cable TV and a work desk. A fully-stocked minibar and small refrigerator are also included. Free access to the nearby fitness centre is offered for all guests at Chicago City Suites. The hotel also offers 24-hour coffee and tea services in the lobby. Belmont CTA Station is located next to the hotel, offering easy access to top attractions and entertainment in downtown Chicago. Wrigley Field and Lincoln Park Zoo are both less than a kilometer away.

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3* Hampton Inn North-Loyola

Less than a 5-minute walk away from Loyola University, this Chicago hotel is 6.4 km from Wrigley Field and offers complimentary hot breakfast and guest rooms with free WiFi. Every room at Hampton Inn Chicago North-Loyola Station, Il provides a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV and a work desk with an ergonomic chair. A small refrigerator and coffee maker are also included. Guests can enjoy views of Lake Michigan from the hotel's rooftop terrace or grab a drink indoors at the hotel lobby bar. A fitness center, meeting room and 24-hour snack shop are also available on-site. The Sheridan & Loyola Red Line transit stop is a 2-minute walk away from the hotel, providing easy access to downtown Chicago. O'Hare International Airport is 22 km away.

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3* Majestic Hotel

Book your room at Majestic Hotel & enjoy one of the most beloved Chicago hotels in Wrigleyville. Explore the Friendly Confines, Lakeview, Lincoln Park & more. Near Wrigley Field, home to baseball's Chicago Cubs, the historic Majestic Hotel offers easy access to Chicago attractions and a free daily breakfast. It includes complimentary WiFi access and guestrooms with 32-inch flat-screen TV. Built in the 1920s, the completely non-smoking Majestic Hotel provides 24-hour coffee and tea service along with free afternoon cookies. Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the hotel's sitting area in front of a wood-burning fireplace. The Lincoln Park Zoo, Second City comedy theatre and the Steppenwolf Theatre are only a short distance from the Majestic Hotel. Popular concert venue, like the Aragon Ballroom and Vic Theatre are nearby.

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3* The Willows Hotel

The Willows Hotel is nestled on a tree-lined street in Chicago's prestigious Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighbourhoods. Free daily breakfast, 24-hour coffee & tea service, free WiFi, and cozy guest rooms featuring modern amenities are included with every stay at the Willows Hotel. With nearby access to public transport systems, guests at the Willows can easily explore popular city centre attractions, including the Steppenwolf Theatre and Wrigley Field. The Lincoln Park Zoo along with the scenic Lake Michigan coastline is also only minutes away.

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3* Versey Days Inn

Enjoy a lifestyle experience in the Lincoln Park neighborhood that connects you with local culture and history at our boldly reinvented Chicago boutique hotel. One of our bestsellers in Chicago! Just 3.2 km away from Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan's North Avenue Beach, this boutique hotel is located Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood and combines the local culture, music and art of the city to provide a unique lodging experience for travelers. Every room at Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago provides a 50-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels and livestream capabilities. A Nespresso coffee machine is also included. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the LA Fitness facility located next to the property. Complimentary WiFi and daily newspapers can be enjoyed. The famed shopping, dining and entertainment of Chicago's Magnificent Mile is 4.8 km away from the hotel. Lincoln Park Zoo is a 5-minute drive away.

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Chicago Hotel Deals

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Tours & Experiences in Chicago

Make the most of your travels by pre-booking our popular tours and experiences. There's a whole range of options, from cultural and historical to food, drink and nightlife. Get under the skin of your destination, and book a tour or experience now.

Tours & Experiences in Chicago

Gay Chicago

Chicago Gay Bars

Sidetrack

Second Story Bar

Progress Bar Chicago

Jeffery Pub

The Closet

Manhandler Saloon

Recommended gay friendly hotels in Chicago

3* Best Western Hawthorne Tce

3* City Suites

3* Hampton Inn North-Loyola

3* Majestic Hotel

3* The Willows Hotel

3* Versey Days Inn

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Tours & Experiences in Chicago

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