Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Closet
The Closet is an unpretentious neighborhood spot with a loud
and constant loop of music videos (and sports games, when it matters) that
draws mostly lesbian regulars, although gay men and straights show up, too. The
space itself is not much bigger than a closet, which makes it easy to get up close
and personal with other partiers. There's also a small dance floor that's usually
packed on weekends. Open until 4am every night, until 5am on Saturdays.
3325
N. Broadway (at Buckingham St.).
&
773/477-8533.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.
Cocktail
This corner spot, less frenzied than its neighbors, is more of a friendly
hangout than a cruising scene; it's easy to converse and watch the passing parade
from big picture windows. This is one of the few places on the street where men
and women congregate.
3359 N. Halsted St. (at Roscoe St.).
&
773/477-1420.
Subway/El: Red
or Brown line to Belmont.
Gentry
This gay cabaret in River North has been around since 1983, so
expect to see plenty of regulars. The piano bar attracts plenty of out-of-town
headliners, along with some quirky local favorites. There's also a Boys Town
branch at 3320 N. Halsted St. (
&
773/348-1053
).
440 N. State St. (between Illinois
and Hubbard sts.).
&
312/836-0933.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand.
GLEE Club at Crobar
On Sunday night, the sprawling nightclub hosts a
long-running gay dance party that draws a young body-conscious crowd danc-
ing to techno-pop and house. As for the dress code, almost anything goes.
1543
N. Kingsbury St. (south of North Ave.).
&
312/337-5001.
Subway/El: Red Line to North/Clybourn,
then a 15-min. cab ride.
Roscoe's Tavern
The picture windows onto Halsted make Roscoe's, a
gay neighborhood bar in business since 1987, an especially welcoming place,
with its large antiques-filled front bar, an outdoor patio, a pool table, and a large
dance floor. The 20- and 30-something crowd is friendly and laid-back—except
on weekends when the dance floor is hopping. The adjoining cafe serves sand-
wiches and salads.
3356 N. Halsted St. (at Roscoe St.).
&
773/281-3355.
Cover after 10pm
Sat $4. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.
Sidetrack
If you make it to Roscoe's, you'll no doubt end up at Sidetrack.
The popular bars are across the street from one another, and there's a constant flow
of feet between the two. The windowless Sidetrack is a sleek video bar where TV
monitors are never out of your field of vision, nor are the preppy professional
patrons. A recent expansion made the place even more welcoming. Don't miss
Show Tunes Night on Sundays and Mondays, when the whole place sings along
to Broadway and MGM musical favorites.
3349 N. Halsted St. (at Roscoe St.).
&
773/
477-9189.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.
Spin
This dance club attracts one of Halsted Street's most eclectic crowds, a
mix of pretty boys, nerds, tough guys, and the occasional drag queen. The video
bar in front houses pool tables and plays a steady stream of dance-friendly music
videos. The dance club, behind heavy drapes, thumps with house music. Spin
keeps regulars coming back with daily theme parties, featuring everything from
Friday-night shower contests to cheap drinks.
800 W. Belmont Ave. (at Halsted St.).
&
773/327-7711.
Cover $5 on Sat. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.
Voltaire
This restaurant/cabaret exudes a sophisticated vibe. Dinner is served
in the Derby Room; there's also seating at the polished wood bar or at tables in
the spotlighted cabaret room. Amy Armstrong sings show tunes on Monday
nights; other evenings feature jazz, music videos, and vignettes performed by the
singers/dancers of the Voltaire Troupe.
3441-3443 N. Halsted St. (between Roscoe St. and
Cornelia Ave.).
&
773/281-9320.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.
Finds
Finds
