Scarlet Bar

Dancing · Video Bar · Chicago, IL

About

If you're looking for a tiny, high-energy dive bar with drag shows and DJs, this Northalsted spot delivers. Scarlet Bar (formerly Gentry on Halsted) packs a narrow hallway with dancing, video bar screens, and Ru Paul watch parties. The crowd skews 20s through 40s, mixed gay and straight, with a playful vibe that can tip into chaos on busy nights.

Expect cheap drinks and a bartender who might dance on the bar. The space is small enough that you'll make friends fast. Weekday happy hours are quieter for conversation. Weekend nights can get jammed, so go early or be ready for a sardine-like experience. Sidetrack is a block away if you want more room to spread out.

Scarlet Bar is in Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood (Boys Town), known for its concentration of LGBTQ+ bars and nightlife.

Features

✓Bartender-on-bar performances (including underwear)
✓Ru Paul viewing parties with drink specials
✓Dive bar meets cocktail lounge decor
✓Narrow hallway layout creates intimate crowds
✓Skilled DJs spinning for a mixed-age crowd

Good for

✓Drag Shows✓20 Somethings✓30 Somethings✓40 Somethings✓Dancing✓Video Bar✓Cocktail Lounge✓Dive Bars

Practical

✓Mixed LGBTQ✓Mixed Gay/Straight

What people say

75 community ratings.

From the community

“You buy a drink, bartender pours one on you. No apology.”

I've frequented bars in Boys Town for years and never particularly liked Scarlet because it gets extremely crowded, being a narrow hallway, but I'd stop for a quick drink occasionally. After last night, I won't return. A bartender was dancing on the bar in his underwear, trying to get attention from a few people who weren't interested. When he jumped off, he threw a full vodka drink in my direction, soaking my friends and me and knocking my own expensive drink to the floor. I tried to confront him, but he just smirked and kept working. I asked multiple employees for a manager, and none could direct me to one. On my way out, a security manager said the bartender was one of the managers but couldn't give me anyone else's name or the owners' names. With over 10 years in customer service, I see no excuse for treating paying customers so disrespectfully. My night was ruined, money wasted, and clothes stained and wet. I recommend going somewhere that values customers. One bad employee might be forgivable, but no employee offering help, a refund, or any resolution says a lot. Most of us work hard for our money; spend it where you're valued.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“1”

Good crowd.

A guest · Over a year ago

“cool”

A bit cramped for a Thursday, but cool people and good music. $10 for a small pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea mix. Grade: B-.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“More like sophisticated lounge attracts a wild crowd!”

Went two nights in a row and had a crazy fun time. It's small but charming and absolutely worth visiting.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Enjoyable casual spot”

Came for happy hour on a Friday; the crowd was small, making it a nice spot for conversation and drinks. Great for meeting before dinner or having a drink with a friend after work.

A visitor · Over a year ago