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15 Best Lesbian Bars in Chicago

Traveling for fun can be stressful when you’re struggling to find authentic welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ community. Everybody wants to have fun, whether gay, lesbian, queer, or straight, and the world is evolving in terms of inclusivity which is a great thing to see. Chicago is one of the most thrilling cities in the USA, with fantastic music scenes, trendy nightlife, museums, and rich culture generally. It also houses one of the best gay scenes in the country, Boystown.

Here you’ll find cool spaces where you can freely be yourself and have amazing fun. It is home to a series of great lesbian bars and overall LGBTQ-friendly spots. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best lesbian bars, inclusive of the latter, where you’ll find comfort over a drink, some music or karaoke, and great crowds. Check them out whenever you’re around!

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Nobody’s Darling

Owned by two amazing women, Angela and Renauda, this is one of those chill, laid-back cocktail bars where even the introvert in the group would find comfort. Here, you get to be yourself, and the drinks are ever-flowing. It has a solid 4.8-star rating in reviews, with a satisfied clientele. The cleanliness of the premises, the professional and friendly staff, and the general welcoming atmosphere make it a great pick for a night out.

Well, as much as it serves as a perfect lesbian forward, the crowd is mixed and everyone is free to have a good time. It is an LGBTQ-friendly community. There’s a beautiful outdoor area, so you can grab your drinks and sit out on the patio as you sip and chat. Their classic cocktails menu features a variety of professionally curated drinks, including their Nobody’s Mai Tao, and the Woman King.

They have nonalcoholic cocktails too, such as the Nojito, made up of hibiscus, lime, mint syrup, pomegranate, and Q club soda. Catch their Darling specials from Wednesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm. Are you looking to host a private event? They have private event bookings as well. There’s street parking so no worries if you’re pulling up in a car.

Practical information

Address: 1744 W. Balmoral Ave Chicago IL 60640

Call:

Open: Wednesday-Thursday 5 pm to 11 pm

Friday 4 pm to 12 am

Saturday 2 pm to 12 am

Sunday 2 pm to 11 pm

Progress Bar

Located right at the heart of Boystown, Progress Bar is more than just a bar. The modern designs and handcrafted visuals offer reminders of how far they’ve come as a lesbian community. Indeed, this was the goal, to establish something beyond a mere, community that is ever progressing. The wide windows and immensely expansive floor plan curate a space perfect for a beautiful night out, dancing with your friends over a drink and soaking in the friendly, warm, and fuzzy authentic atmosphere.

If you’re looking forward to an energizing experience, they have incredible DJs, both resident and guests offering special performances to buoy your free spirits all night! Did I mention their daily drink specials? Whether you want some beer on tap or tantalizing cocktails, all you have to do is talk to the bartender. Quick service and the staff makes you feel welcome and at home. They also host special events for clients, so hit them up when you want to have one.

Practical Information

Address: 3359 N. Halsted Chicago IL 60605

Call: 773 697 9268

Open: Monday-Friday 5 pm to 2 am

            Saturday 3 pm to 3 am

            Sunday 1 pm to 2 am

Dorothy

Dorothy is a hidden gem of a lesbian cocktail bar and lounge tucked away at Split-Rail. Once you step in, the warm décor and cozy feel enveloped in a 1920s speakeasy vibe greet you. Then you order your cocktail of choice and sway away into the music from the DJ. They have a great selection of drinks, which are reasonably priced. The atmosphere is quite laid back, and there are lots of plush seating in this retro lounge. They charge an automatic 20% gratuity but you can always add a tip on top of that if you’re feeling generous. Good times, a great chill crowd, and a comfortable space for a drink with your girls on a Friday night.

Practical Information

Address: 2500 W Chicago, IL 60622, United States

Open: Thursday & Sunday 6 pm to 10 pm

            Friday & Saturday 6 pm to 12 am

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The Closet

Opened in 1978 by two women, Rose and Judi, the Closet has been around for years as a warm lesbian community where women can proudly have fun their way. Although it is mostly women-dominated, it welcomes a diverse crowd as well so you can pull up with your straight friend and they’ll be sure to have fun. It features a full-size bar with black vinyl stools near the wall and an expansive floor space for the dancing and Karaoke nights on Thursdays.

Occasionally, they host themed karaoke nights, and singers get to sing songs from a particular genre. Fun! It is reasonably small though, accommodating a few tens of people, but don’t let the size fool you. The great vibes, top-tier service, and of course, reasonably priced yet amazing drinks make up for all of it. Get up on stage and hit a few notes on Karaoke, then catch up while playing darts over drinks. Easy nights with your partner and the Closet spells just that. One more thing, it’s cash only, so carry your wallet.

Practical Information

Address: 3325 N Broadway ST. Chicago, IL 60657

Call: 773 477 8533

Open: Monday-Friday 4 pm to 4 am

            Saturday & Sunday 12 pm to 4 am

Joie de Vine

This is a neighborhood lesbian bar spot tucked away in Ravenswood, and your go-to joint if you’re thirsty for some tasty custom-made cocktails, small plates, and great wine. The wine collection and specialty cocktails are some of its greatest highlights, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing, wholesome experience served up here. A true hidden gem, with a cozy lounge feel, perfect for a date night or a private event.

They have patio seating as well, and given the laid-back, quiet street adjacent to it, you can be sure to enjoy sipping your glass of red wine outside. There’s no official cocktail menu, and I’ll tell you why. This place has some of the best bartenders when it comes to mixing and fixing a cocktail specifically tailored to your liking for the night. Crispy? Some lime? Sweet? Just let them know what mood you’re in and they’ll get you just that. Try a classic Old Fashioned glass as you vibe to the jazz in the background. Oh, and everyone is welcome, lesbian or not.

Practical Information

Address: 1744 W Balmoral Avenue Chicago, IL 60640

Call: 1 773 989 6846

Open: Tuesday 6 pm to 10 pm

Wednesday – Saturday 6 pm to 1 am

            Sunday 5 pm to 10 pm

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Sidetrack

This one has been in operation since 1982 at Boystown, and it only keeps getting bigger and better. It is one of the most spacious LGBTQ-friendly bars in Chicago, and can host about 1000 people at a time! It has 7 different bars, and the service is reasonably quick. It has been described as the ultimate pop-karaoke bar. It has incredible video mixes of pop for you to sing along to with friends and specialty programming. The party here doesn’t stop, ever. The crowd is diverse, and the place has been a fun, warm, and welcoming space for the LGBTQ community since its establishment. Everyone has a great time just being themselves, you’ll hardly need to categorize it.

There are lots of events every week, and you can be sure to find something fun lined up any day you turn up. Enjoy show tunes three times a week, that’s Monday 8 pm to 2 am, Friday and Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm. Then get your dancing every Wednesday through Sunday till 2 am. We’re not done yet! They host a drag race viewing party every week so be sure to catch the fun when you’re around. Their popular frozen cocktails are a must-try, and just when you think that’s it, Sidetrack offers $ 6 cocktails every day! That’s happy hour all week long, and can a deal get any better?  Add the rooftop deck views to that and your experience is complete. You must be 21+, and don’t forget to carry your ID.

Practical information

Address: 3349 N Halsted St Chicago 60657

Call: 773 477 9189

Open: Monday-Friday 3 pm to 2 am

            Saturday & Sunday 1 pm to 2 am

Second Story Bar

Located downtown, Second Story bar is a nicely tucked away small neighborhood bar in the Streeterville area. It is LGBTQ friendly, welcoming all for a cozy, easy night out over drinks. If you’re looking for a joint to just grab some stiff drinks on a weekend, and sip them over some chill music, then this is that laid-back spot.

It is hardly noticeable from the street, but once you see the rainbow flags and neon lights, you should be just a few meters away. It is located upstairs, so wheelchair accessibility could be problematic. You almost feel like you’re walking up someone’s apartment in the street but don’t let the entrance deceive you. The drinks are reasonably priced for a downtown bar and the bartenders will gladly serve you with a smile. They only accept cash, but no worries since they have an ATM downstairs.

Practical Information

Address: 157 E Ohio St FL 2 Chicago, IL 60611

Call: 312 923 9536

Open: Monday –Sunday 2 pm to 11 pm

Berlin

Berlin has been creating amazing moments for the LGBTQ community through great music, dancing, and art since 1983. All orientations are very much welcome for a great time. It is also the ultimate dance bar experience in town, hands down. It’s no surprise since it’s been awarded Chicago Reader’s ‘Best of Chicago 2021’, for Best Gay Bar, Best Venue to see Drag and runner-up for Best Dance Music Venue. Berlin remains Chicago’s critically acclaimed nightclub bar, and it’s easy to see why. The spot is where electronic music and fantastic DJs, live performances, and themed events meet and you get to enjoy it all over reasonably priced drinks and a great crowd.

If you’re in for a night of dancing and a little celebration for the weekend with your girls, pull up at Berlin with your dancing shoes. Dressing comfortably is highly recommended, and for safety too on the dance floor, wear appropriate shoes.  Art lovers will enjoy a night here as well, as there are experimental installations hosted by art students once in a while. While most bars in Boystown close at around 2 am, Berlin is still on till 4 am!

Practical Information

Address: 954 W Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

Call: 773 348 4975

Open: Monday 10 pm to 2 am

            Wednesday-Saturday 10 pm to 4 am

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Jeffery Pub

This is an African-American-owned LGBTQ bar, and it has been running for more than 70 years. It has established a haven for the black and brown LGBTQ community of the south side of Chicago. That doesn’t mean that anyone else is excluded though! Jeffery Pub offers amazing nights of dance and karaoke, tasty, well-priced drinks, friendly staff, and a welcoming crowd for anyone looking to have a blast. This is a locals’ bar, and the music, culture, and vibe of the southside thrive here so pull up if you’re in for some.

Practical information

Address: 7041 S Jeffery Blvd Chicago, IL 60649

Call: 773 363 8555

Open: Tuesday-Thursday 12 pm to 4 am

            Saturday-Sunday 12 pm to 4 am

Big Chicks

Big Chicks is the ideal all-in-one experience LGBTQ-friendly bar, offering reasonably priced drinks, a menu of tasty small bites, weekend DJs, and fun music nights! Everyone looking for a good time is welcome here, and the warm interior, colorful modern deco, and friendly staff add to the amazing bar experience at Big Chicks.  It is usually busy, especially on weekends, but service is still reasonably quick. Note that this is a cash-only establishment, so bring your wallet (with cash in it, of course). On weekends, you can grab some egg benedict for breakfast before turning up for drinks at night later on. Great breakfast bites, and oh, they have vegetarian options as well. You have food, drinks, music, and great company and what else could you ask for?

Practical Information

Address: 5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

Call: 773 728 5511

Open: Monday-Friday 4 pm to 2 am

            Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 2 am

Roscoe’s Tavern

If we’re talking amazing drag brunch, fun watch parties, and lively dance floors, Roscoes’ Tavern is undoubtedly one of the best spots in Chicago. It is a neighborhood gay and lesbian bar and has been serving the community since 1987. It is pretty spacious, with a variety of spaces including pool tables, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. Great selection of drinks and bar snacks, which translates to tasty bites over a happy hour! The prices are moderately set, so you don’t have to dig too dip in your pocket for a good time here. The music is always on, and the lively yet chill atmosphere blends in quite well. Catch the drag race watch parties which are set regularly, or hop in for some drag brunch with friends on Saturday.

Practical Information

Address: 3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Call: + 1 773 281 3355

Open: Monday-Friday 3 pm to 2 am

            Saturday & Sunday 12 pm to 2 am

Kit Kat’s Lounge

Looking for an upscale bar experience in an LGBTQ-friendly space? Make your way to Kit Kat. It offers some of the best nightly drag entertainment performances from super talented drag queens, great drag brunch, and a tasty selection of cocktails and wine. If you’re one of those people to whom ambiance is everything, Kit Kat has some of the coolest aesthetic touches in Chicago. The space is laid back, and the atmosphere is perfect for an easy evening out with friends over cocktails and chitchat. The menu is extensive for both food and drinks, so all you need to do is come ready to dig into your pocket. Prices are a little on the higher side, but then again it’s worth it and we only live once, right? Reservations are allowed.

Practical Information

Address: 2700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

Call: + 1 773 525 1111

Open: Tuesday-Wednesday 5 pm to 2 am

            Friday 5 pm to 2 am

            Saturday-Sunday 11 am to 2 am

Scarlet Bar

Another of Boystown’s ultimate award-winning LGTBQ destinations to get the party on! Although relatively limited in space, Scarlet Bar is popular for its trendy dance party scene, coupled with the drinks, laughs, and a blast of great music. It easily makes for a perfect joint to enjoy the night away, with cool theme night line-ups such as Liquid brunch and Monster Rave. They have a no-skip album that plays occasionally on Friday nights. There’s always something going down at Scarlet every night, and all of it spells mad fun.

The establishment prides itself on the diversity of both its staff and clientele, so everyone here is welcome for a good time. It has won Best New Bar, Best Gay Bar, and Best Dance Bar in Chicago among other achievements. It is therefore no bluff that Scarlet has indeed made a fantastic impression in the nightlife scene of Chicago, and I’d recommend that you check it out whenever you’re a friend. Chances are, you’ll agree! Oh, and you must be 21 years and above to enter.

Practical Information

Address: 3320 N Halsted St, Chicago IL, 60657, United States

Call: +1 773 348 1053

Open: Thursday-Saturday 8 pm to 2 am

            Sunday 2 pm to 2 am

Glenwood

Glenwood is the typical classic tavern in Chicago. It is LGBTQ friendly, so it makes this list besides the awesome craft beer selection anyone would fall in love with. The vibe in this place is quite laid back, and easy, and makes for the ideal spot to catch up with friends over playing pool and a cold beer. It has a sporty side to it, with games such as pool and draft. They have gluten-free sugar-free mixes as well, and the drink prices are very affordable in this neat little neighborhood bar. What’s more? They have karaoke on Wednesday nights, and the staff is friendly. With numerous positive reviews from clients online, Glenwood is your divey, sporty, chill bar waiting for you to try it out.

Practical Information

Address: 6962 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626, United States

Call:

Open: Monday-Saturday 3 pm to 2 am

            Sunday 11 am to 2 am

The SoFo Tap

Located south of Foster, right at the corner of Clark and Argyle, this is an LGBTQ+ friendly  Bear bar and one of the best-reviewed in the neighborhood. Picture trivia, karaoke, and themed nights all week, in an energy-filled atmosphere. You’ll fancy it especially if you love large crowds. SoFo Tap offers fantastic drinks and happy hour, and you can sit indoors at the cozily decorated bar, or out on the patio for some fresh street air during summer. Did I mention that it is dog friendly? As most bars usually are, it can be a bit low-key on weeknights and highly energized during weekends. They host party nights occasionally.  Either way, with the friendly staff and cool, welcoming crowds, you’ll be sure to have a good time whenever you hop in. The drinks are moderately priced, and you’ve got to be sure to grab some of their daily specials. Be sure to bring your ID, and you must be 21 years of age and above.

Practical Information

Address: 4923 N Clark St 1^st Floor, Chicago, IL 60640, United States

Call: + 1 773 784 7636

Open: Monday-Thursday 5 pm to 2 am

            Friday 3 pm to 2 am

            Saturday-Sunday 12 pm to 2 am