7 Best Chicago LGBT Bars

The famously upbeat Big Chicks in uptown Chicago is legendary for its hospitality, welcoming everyone from the LGBT community. Created by artist Michelle Fire in 1986 during the height of the AIDS pandemic, the bar served as a welcoming venue and important information hub for the LGBT community and as a host for countless events to support those living with HIV. 

Whether you stop in to admire artwork or you’re enjoying lunch or an evening out, the diverse menu at Big Chick’s sister restaurant Tweet promises to satisfy your every craving. Indulge in a Southwestern Cobb salad, a breakfast burrito smothered in organic beans and eggs and topped off with avocado and cheese, or Belgian waffles dusted with powdered sugar. 

Celebrated for its vibrant events, Roscoe’s Tavern is a cornerstone in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood LGBT community. It beckons patrons with a wide range of inclusive experiences with drag competitions and theme nights. Dance the night away to DJ-curated music, attend a drag show, or watch a viewing of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The bar also features a patio courtyard for a relaxed outdoor experience where you can gather with friends to toast the evening. 

Signature drinks include the Stoli Lemonade and Prickly Pear Margarita, and on Sundays, they offer a double Bloody Mary special. The menu offers a range of delicious fare, from classic burgers and wraps to vegetarian options like the watermelon feta salad. 

Nobody’s Darling is a lesbian-owned bar founded by owners Angela and Renauda Riddle. Named after an Alice Walker poem that celebrates individuality and outcasts, this chic venue has an industrial vibe accentuated with elegant chandeliers. Handcrafted cocktails will indulge your tastebuds, whether you prefer luscious, fruity drinks, rich, boozy concoctions, or classic cocktails. 

The creative cocktail menu features high quality ingredients and enticing names like Love and Trouble, Lipstick Lover, and Carry Me Home Darling. The bar also offers high-end spirits and zero-proof cocktails. Regular events such as Sunday Fundays, Happy Hours, and DJ Nights make this one of the best Chicago LGBT bars to gather with friends to enjoy exquisitely crafted cocktails with a sophisticated flair. 

Make your way to Marty’s Martini Bar for an upscale bar experience. The decor was influenced by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a French painter celebrated for his depictions of the late-19th century bohemian lifestyle in Paris. This ambiance, combined with the bar’s intimate, chic décor creates a welcoming atmosphere for the enjoyment of artfully crafted martinis including the popular Classic Dry Martini, Mr. Bond, and the devilishly delicious Dirty Bird with olive juice and blue cheese-stuffed olives. The menu also includes the decadent Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Martini, and zesty Lemon Drop.

Marty’s bartenders are renowned for their professional attire and exceptional service. During warmer months, enjoy cocktails outdoors in a patio setting that evokes the ambiance of the French Riviera. 

Following the tradition of friendly neighborhood bars, The SoFo Tap in Chicago’s South of Foster area offers a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of festive events. It caters to a diverse clientele, including the LGBTQIA + Bear community.

Whether you’re seated indoors or on the patio in the beer garden, you’ll enjoy the easy-going vibe of this inviting, inclusive gathering place. Join the fun at The SoFo Tap’s regular events and test your trivia skills, meet fellow dog owners on Doggy Days, and sing along to your favorite tunes on Bearaoke Sundays. With its diverse and inclusive offerings, this is one of the best Chicago LGBT bars where you can enjoy hospitality, the company of friends, and your favorite beverages. 

Founded in 1969 by Jim Flint, the iconic Baton Show Lounge located in Chicago’s River North area, is a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant LGBT nightlife scene. The lounge is famed for its performance art and as a platform for the freedom of individual expression. 

It’s highly acclaimed for its “Top of the Nation Revue,” a drag show featuring celebrated female impersonators and male revue acts, and its Miss Continental pageants. The bar also hosts wildly popular burlesque shows. For decades, the lounge has attracted celebrities such as Madonna, RuPaul, and Tim Curry. Lose yourself in a memorable evening of entertainment with top talent like Toni Valentino, Joan Jullian, and Danika Blake while indulging in your favorite cocktails.