The Closet

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...

Atmosphere is an upscale gay dive bar in Andersonville filled with neon lights and male dancers. You can dance the night away on the dance floor, take advantage of regular drinks specials, and of course admire the dancers! Drag shows, DJs, and events like bingo make for some lively nights with a mixed crowd.

The Granville Anvil is a dimly lit and manly bar that draws a small community crowd particularly on weekends. There are no frills, just a good old fashioned gay pub with faded basement vibes that appeals to those who want a simple beer with down to earth people and none of the fuss that you might find elsewhere on the gay scene.

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.

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.

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.