Krave

Dancing · Karaoke · Blue Island, IL

About

"Each bartender brings something to the table," says one regular, and the staff at Krave also double as drag entertainers during shows. This South Side Blue Island dive bar is a welcoming alternative to the 25-minute drive to Boystown, serving a mixed LGBTQ+ and straight crowd with weekly events like karaoke on Sundays and Wednesdays and all-you-can-drink draft beer on Thursdays for $10.

It's a slower, chill spot where you can bring friends and enjoy a good time without the North Side frenzy. The bartenders are known for being outgoing and kind, and the drag shows are polished and energetic. Expect a mix of locals and visitors, with some straight women and boyfriends in tow on busier nights.

Krave is located in Blue Island's South Side, about a 25-minute drive from Chicago's Boystown, offering a suburban gay bar alternative.

Features

✓Drag shows performed by bartenders
✓Thursday: all-you-can-drink draft for $10
✓Karaoke on Sundays and Wednesdays
✓Go-go boys/strippers rotating
✓Chill dive bar atmosphere with friendly staff

Good for

✓Drag Shows✓Go-Go Boys/Strippers✓Dancing✓Karaoke✓Dive Bars

Practical

✓Trans Friendly✓Mixed LGBTQ✓Mixed Gay/Straight

What people say

46 community ratings.

From the community

“Great place and even better specials!”

There is a huge variety of activities going on here. Each night offers something different, with the best drink prices on the south side and definitely cheaper than the city.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Love it”

Had a good time here.

A guest · Over a year ago

“Just ok”

It's a great option if you don't want to drive 25 minutes to the gayborhood. However, there are many straight women there with their boyfriends. That's not a big issue unless you dislike hearing a woman scream all night—my ears are still ringing.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Great service!”

This is a fantastic place to go as an alternative to the north side. The staff couldn't be more gracious, outgoing, and friendly. Each bartender brings something unique to the experience. The drag shows are top-notch, clearly showing how hard the entertainers work, and some performers are also your bartenders. Definitely worth visiting more than once; you'll come back for sure.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Fun place to go in the burbs”

It tends to be a bit slower there, but bring a few friends and you'll have a good time. It's not the city's gay district, but it's a fun bar in the suburbs. Every Thursday they have all-you-can-drink draft beer for $10, and Sunday and Wednesday are karaoke nights. Otherwise, it's a cool, chill place.

A visitor · Over a year ago