The Belmont / Decibel

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.

Serious about your dance music? Smartbar is one of Chicago's most respected clubs, with a long history of hosting outstanding DJs and championing underground electronic music. While it isn't exclusively an LGBTQ+ venue, its legendary Sunday night Queen! party makes it essential territory for queer clubbers. Queen! celebrates Chicago's deep house music heritage with acclaimed resident DJs, guest performers, drag artists and a wonderfully expressive crowd. Expect a proper dance floor, excellent music and an atmosphere that values individuality over posing. It's a very different experience from the pop-heavy clubs of Northalsted, and a particularly good choice for visitors who love authentic house music culture.

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...

Look for the unmarked red door on Chicago Avenue and head downstairs into Dorothy, a wonderfully atmospheric lesbian cocktail lounge inspired by the 1970s. Rich colours, plush seating and subdued lighting give this welcoming West Town hideaway a distinctly retro feel, making it a brilliant choice for a date or a relaxed evening with friends. Dorothy puts queer women at the heart of its community while welcoming the wider LGBTQ+ crowd. Its changing calendar includes DJs, live music, karaoke, film nights and social gatherings, so there's often more happening than just cocktails. It's intimate, full of personality and one of Chicago's most distinctive LGBTQ+ venues.

For a completely different side of Chicago's LGBTQ+ nightlife, head to Little Village and discover La Cueva, a legendary Latino drag club with decades of history. Widely recognised as one of America's oldest Latino drag venues, it has long provided a stage for transgender Latina performers and an important gathering place for the local queer community. The entertainment celebrates Latin American music, showmanship and glamorous performances, with an atmosphere quite unlike the bars around Northalsted. This is an opportunity to experience a genuinely historic part of Chicago's LGBTQ+ culture, although performance nights can vary. Check the latest programme before visiting, particularly if you're travelling across the city specifically for a show.