Bobby Love's

You won't easily miss Progress Bar, thanks to its striking illuminated ceiling that gives this Northalsted favourite a distinctly futuristic feel. Thousands of lights create an impressive centrepiece above the industrial-style interior, making it a great place for cocktails, people-watching and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. There's more to Progress than its good looks, however. DJs keep the dance floor busy with a lively mix of pop and club music, while regular drag performances and themed parties attract an energetic LGBTQ+ crowd. With multiple bars and a friendly, sociable atmosphere, it's equally appealing for a few early-evening drinks or a full night of dancing. Expect things to get particularly lively as the weekend gets going.

Chicago knows how to put on a show, and Kit Kat Club has been doing it with plenty of sparkle for more than two decades. Now in a glamorous new Northalsted location, this much-loved drag dining destination combines fabulous performances, creative cocktails and a lively restaurant atmosphere that makes even an ordinary evening feel like a celebration. The redesigned Art Deco-inspired space has plush seating, dramatic lighting and an impressive outdoor patio. Come for the weekend drag brunch, book a table for dinner with the Kit Kat Divas, or enjoy cocktails while soaking up the atmosphere. It's particularly good for groups and celebrations, although booking ahead is wise for popular performances.

Who says a gay night out has to mean endless pop remixes? Charlie's Chicago brings a distinctly country-western flavour to Northalsted, combining its longstanding cowboy-bar heritage with late-night dancing, drag and plenty of good-natured fun. This lively institution is particularly popular for country line dancing, with regular sessions welcoming newcomers alongside experienced dancers. Later in the evening, the soundtrack moves towards club favourites as the party continues into the small hours. Whether you're arriving in cowboy boots or just fancy trying something different, Charlie's is an entertaining alternative to Chicago's more conventional gay dance clubs, and one of the neighbourhood's great survivors.

Bobby Love's is a gay karaoke bar in Boystown. During the day it's a neighbourhood bar that's home to loyal regulars enjoying a variety of specials that are on offer throughout the week. People pack into this tiny bar, especially on the weekends, to sing karaoke fuelled by strong drinks but throughout the week the jukebox is always playing great music as well.

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...

The North End is a long-running gay sports bar in Boystown that provides a laidback and unpretentious atmosphere. There are plenty of drinks specials to keep you in the moon as you watch whatever sports are on the TV or have a friendly game of pool or darts with the new friends you'll inevitably make. This is a classic sports bar at heart with a modern and stylish twist that suits the local gay community.