If size matters, there’s no better bar than this Northalsted juggernaut. Despite all that space, six big rooms and a gorgeous rooftop deck are always packed for weekend dance parties, summer day-drinking and, of course, the legendary "Musical Mondays," where regulars belt along to videos of their favorite showtunes. Grab one of their strong and sweet boozy slushies and join in the fun.
Chicago has always been a trailblazing city when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ community. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the Society for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in 1924, more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in 1997.
These days, Northalsted is still a prominent gay playground, but long-running queer nightlife spots can be found all over the city, from Rogers Park to South Shore. And creative new nightlife spots are popping up every year. So if you're looking to have a good time, head to the city's top nightclubs, beloved dive bars and places that host opulent drag brunches for the best gay bars in Chicago.
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