Atmosphere

Hydrate Nightclub is Chicago's premiere destination for shows, music, dancing, and the best late-night party in the city. It's quickly developed a reputation for the best DJ's in Chicago and a powerful sound and light experience. High energy music accompanies drag acts, dance parties, and a lot of hot guys dancing on the bar, creating an atmosphere that makes Hydrate a staple on the scene. It's loud, it's proud, and it'll keep you entertained well into the next morning.

Touche is one of Chicago's few surviving gay bars that caters specifically to the leather community. Plenty of themed events are on offer here, specific to leathermen, bears, and more. Touche has a neighbourhood bar vibe with draught beers on tap, pool table, darts, and pinball machines, but it also offers a less traditional back room where you can spend time with the leathermen you just met...

Big Chicks offers great food, great drinks, and great people. There's no attitude at this laid-back Uptown gay bar, which attracts people of all genders and ages. The bar is always crowded on weekends with live DJs at the weekends, but despite this, Big Chicks tends to be a more low-key destination that other bars in the area. Offers on food and drink, including $1 burgers every Monday, keep people coming back throughout the week to this community hub.

For bears and leather fans with and a fun atmosphere. Jackhammer has a friendly vibe, with multiple levels where anything goes and you can have a fun night of dancing with other leather fans, bears, and their admirers. Jackhammer creates a unique environment that offers the community a safe and welcoming space that attracts a diverse mix of the global LGBTQ fetish community seeking a no-attitude bar.

Scarlet Bar has always been known at the place to drink, dance, laugh and have a great time. It has evolved to have quite the reputation, and always prides itself on the diversity of both its staff and customers. Scarlet Bar hosts legendary nights such as Frat Night, Liquid Brunch, and Monster Rave so there is always something going on here for those who want to party at a community favourite.

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.