Granville Anvil

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.

Right in the heart of Northalsted, Splash is a lively gay bar where cocktails, drag and dancing come together for a reliably entertaining night out. The venue mixes energetic party spaces with more comfortable spots to catch up over a drink, attracting a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd that knows how to have fun. The entertainment programme keeps things moving throughout the week, with DJs, drag performances and themed events catering to different moods. Friday's social gatherings offer a great way to get the weekend started, while Sunday afternoons bring a more playful combination of drinks, music and drag. Whether you're out with friends or making new ones, Splash is an easy addition to a night exploring the bars along Halsted Street.

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...

No visit to Chicago's gay scene feels quite complete without a stop at Sidetrack. One of the biggest and best-loved LGBTQ+ bars in the city, this sprawling Northalsted institution has something for almost everyone, from its famously strong frozen cocktails to enormous video screens, multiple bars and a fantastic rooftop deck. Sidetrack attracts a wonderfully mixed crowd, including plenty of bears and their admirers, and its different spaces make it equally enjoyable for a relaxed afternoon drink or a big night out. The legendary show-tune singalongs are a Chicago tradition, while themed pop parties, drag performances and weekend dancing keep the energy high. On sunny days, head straight for the rooftop and enjoy some of the best people-watching in the neighbourhood.

Fancy a friendly queer neighbourhood bar without the full-on Boystown party atmosphere? Fathom brings something refreshingly different to Lakeview, with a nautical-inspired interior, comfortable booths, a long bar and a genuinely welcoming, mixed LGBTQ+ crowd. Opened in 2026 by the team behind Chicago's much-loved Dorothy lesbian bar, Fathom feels more like a place to settle in with friends than somewhere to compete with a thumping dance floor. Expect thoughtfully made cocktails, relaxed conversations and changing events including karaoke, pop-ups and community gatherings. It's particularly appealing if you enjoy discovering the neighbourhood bars where locals actually spend their evenings.

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.