Choose your location
Sun / Jan 17
30s / 40s / Affluent / After Work
Party Earth Review Despite its unassuming brick façade and location on a desolate stretch of North Halsted Street, George Street Pub has managed to garner a loyal following of area yuppies and affluent locals since opening in early 2011. Situated between the bustling neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, the upscale yet laid-back gastropub ... more
2858 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
20s / Bachelorette Parties / Gay
Party Earth Review Located in Chicago’s famous Boystown neighborhood, The Kit Kat Lounge is a lively spot where stylish gay men and large groups of straight girls sip colorful drinks and enjoy over-the-top tableside drag performances. A throwback to the boisterous supper clubs of the 1940s and old Hollywood glamour, the classy bar and restaurant ... more
3700 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
20s / 30s / Bottle Service / Brunch
Party Earth Review Situated in the epicenter of Lakeview’s gay scene, minibar Ultra Lounge & Café caters to a higher-end clientele with swanky décor, intricate drinks, and bartenders who could double as Abercrombie & Fitch models. A narrow, sexily-lit bar takes up part of the U-shaped front lounge, whose intimate low banquettes and VIP sections ... more
3341 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Most Boystown bars, unsurprisingly, self-identify as gay bars. But locals know that, gay or otherwise, the crowds at drinking spots along Halsted Street and Broadway Avenue are welcoming and inclusive. Same-sex couples are welcome at nondescript pubs, and gay clubs are happy to have respectful straight patrons. With such a huge concentration of bars, there is something for everyone.
Gay bars in Boystown include mega-clubs like Hydrate, neighborhood taverns like Roscoe’s, and swank lounges like minibar. Those looking for a specific scene are likely to zero in on an appealing target, while the versatile can experience an entire range in one bar-hopping night.
Boystown is an upscale neighborhood, bordered by sporty Wrigleyville and yuppie East Lakeview, so most other bars tend to appeal to affluent 20-somethings, with occasional nods to the Cubs crowd. The gastropub craze thrives here, with sophisticated neighborhood spots like George Street Pub bringing craft beers to the Lakeview masses. George Street is just one of many Boystown bars with outdoor seating, adding to the festive neighborhood scene come summer. If sidewalk drinks aren’t enough, massive club Sidetrack entices with a giant rooftop space.
Boystown bars are a diverse lot, and, gay/straight/rowdy/laid-back, people can always find what they’re looking for.