Charlie's Chicago
Country Western · Dancing · Chicago, IL
About
Northalsted's Charlie's Chicago is a country-western staple that draws a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd across age groups. Drag bingo, karaoke, and shirtless cowboys dancing on the bar keep the energy high throughout the week, with happy hour and after-hours slots adding to the mix.
It's open until 4am most nights and until 5am on Saturdays, making it a frequent late-night stop in the neighborhood. The vibe is playful and a little rough around the edges, true to its dive bar roots.
Charlie's Chicago is in Northalsted, Chicago's historic LGBTQ+ district, surrounded by other gay bars and nightlife venues.
Features
- ✓Drag bingo and karaoke on the schedule
- ✓Shirtless cowboys dancing on the bar
- ✓Mixed crowd from 20s to 50s+
- ✓Happy hour and after-hours slots
- ✓Open until 4am or later
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 127 reviews. 45 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
I went to this place with my boyfriend. It's both fancy and a total dive bar.
A visitor · 1 year ago
“Very Dangerous Bar”
For those traveling in spring and summer 2016, be aware that Charlie's is the most hazardous LGBTQ bar. This bar operates in four western states and has a reputation for being very unsafe. The security staff won't protect you. Lately, police have been called for incidents involving methamphetamine, illegal weapons, four assaults, thefts, and stolen cars. Avoid this place to stay safe. In just April and February, crimes confirmed with police include: 5/7/16 drug possession at 1:59 AM (incident 2016284212), 4/9/16 auto break-in at 7:50 PM (incident 20166003410), 4/15/16 theft from building at 5:45 PM (incident 2016234789), 2/22/16 meth possession and weapon possession at 9:10 PM (both incident 2016114342), 2/21/16 assault at 12:15 AM (incident 2016110129), 2/13/16 larceny at 11:50 PM (incident 20166001530), 2/11/16 auto theft at 11:30 PM (incident 201693176), and 2/3/16 theft/larceny at 11:45 PM (incident 20166001644). Management ignores these violations of business rules to protect customers, by erasing video, deleting social media reviews, and refusing to answer questions from FOX31Denver's Heidi Hemmat about failing restaurant inspection reports. Their popular Sunday drag shows are linked to 7 out of 8 violent assaults in the past year. Charlie's is a bar to skip. Even when police, health inspectors, and customers file legitimate complaints, management ignores them and continues bad business as usual.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Dance Cowboys”
A country bar that turns into a nightclub. Attractive.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“fun place”
I usually come here after the pride parade.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Hmmmm”
Excellent venue. I adore this spot.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charlie's Chicago have drag shows? +
Yes, drag shows are a regular feature, including drag bingo. Check their website for the current schedule.
What is the dress code? +
No specific dress code is listed, but country-western attire like boots and hats is common.
What nights are busiest? +
Sunday drag shows tend to draw big crowds, but the bar is active every night with late hours.
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