July 20, 2008
2 Chicago Bars Make List of Best Gay Bars in America
Logo Online has released a feature, “The Best Gay Bars in America.” And two local stomping grounds have made the list.
Now a word of caution, by best, they don’t mean shiniest with polished service and sleek, contemporary finishes. Rather, they tap into their hearts for the kitschy, dive-y, and messy bars that are diverse, appealing to young and old, gay, lesbian, trans, and beyond. The sort of places that flirt in the wee-hours with memories that on some mornings are best forgotten.
Making the list from Chicago are Berlin and The Closet. About Berlin,
This place has been around forever. It's a thrilling, trashy, randy, packed club where gays, lesbians, trannies, straights on the DL and just about everybody else go to get hot and nasty on the dance floor. Seriously, anything goes at Berlin.
And about The Closet,
An ancient, divey dyke bar. It's an after-hours joint so when the 2am bars let out, neighborhood and hipster boys storm the place and hang out with the lesbians. It's the best mix of guy/girls in the city and is totally unpretentious and fun.
What do you think are the best gay bars in Chicago?
Cocktail image by yewenyi.
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aww. those are two of my favorites. the closet is great, the bartenders there are fun. this makes me miss chicago. and it's good to see that logo has more programming than "bad girls" and really awful movies.
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I remember the man hole. I'm not gay but I remember driving past it growing up.
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the manhole is now hydrate, right?
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Matty
make sure that you quantify that you "are not gay"
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i'm so over most gay bars in chicago, but berlin is always a blast.
but you'll find me at the north end 3/4 nights out of the week. it's my "cheers" and i'm "norm". it's the best bar to drown your sorrows, listen to karaoke, watch the game, and pick up questionable men. say hi if you see me.
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Big Chicks!!
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Berlin is the only gay bar I've ever been to. It was a great time.
Definitely the most diverse crowd I've ever seen at a bar. Much more fun than generic irish sports bar in Lincoln Park.
I didn't really think of it as being a gay bar when I was there. There were gay dudes there. And dudes dressed like women. And other things.
But there were also straight people there.
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Going to gay bars is always fun for straight chicks because there is that niche of straight dudes that are just jumpin' to prove they like ladies. So much so that they will make out with you.
Awesome.
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Crew, next to the Green Mill on Broadway. The beergaritas rock!