Second Story Bar
Cruising · Pub/Tavern · Chicago, IL
About
A crowd of regulars in their 30s through 50s fills this unassuming River North dive. Second Story Bar is hidden above street level, offering strong drinks and a no-frills vibe that draws locals back again and again.
It's open daily from noon to 1:30am, making it an easy stop at any hour. The bar stays intentionally small and cold, so bring a jacket even in summer. A diverse crowd of gay men, lesbians, and everyone in between keeps the energy easygoing. If you're in the mood for something livelier, Sidetrack is a short walk away.
Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, steps from other gay bars and nightlife.
Features
- ✓Open 12pm to 1:30am every day
- ✓Strong, reasonably priced cocktails
- ✓Diverse crowd of gay men, lesbians, and regulars
- ✓Small, cozy space above street level
Good for
What people say
Rated from 190 reviews. 59 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
I couldn't believe the bartender working on July 24, 2023. I brought a group of friends because I'd had good times there before. Our tab was getting high and some people were about to leave, so we asked for the bill to pay the current balance without closing out. The bartender went up to one friend, visibly angry about the tip he thought he received, saying, 'I know you have more money than this.' After that, he refused to serve those of us staying longer, intentionally ignoring us and serving others who ordered after us. We planned to tip appropriately when we left. Having worked in service, I know tipping is important, but that behavior would have gotten anyone fired on the spot.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“dark and dicey”
After shopping on Michigan Avenue, I love coming here for a strong drink and maybe more. The crowd is very diverse, from young to old, black to white. It's a judgment-free zone. You never know who you'll meet. It can be a lot of fun.
A guest · Over a year ago
“...love this place!”
It's a true dive bar. Strong drinks, relaxed vibe. A must when you're in Chicago.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Downtown's Best Secret”
I visit this bar every time I'm in Chicago. I love a good, unpretentious divey gay bar (they're an endangered species), and Second Story is as good as it gets. Last time I brought my husband, who doesn't like dive bars. He wasn't thrilled that the whole bar is smaller than our living room (he has space issues), but after a few strong drinks and noticing the diverse crowd (old men, young guys, big lesbians, lipstick lesbians, etc.), he relaxed and had a great time.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun bar but too cold”
Fun vibe and crowd, strong drinks, good music, but it's always way too cold. The bartenders keep the AC on because they get hot behind the bar. Hint: when customers are wearing their winter coats, it might be time to consider their comfort over your own.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Second Story Bar serve food? +
No food is mentioned; it's primarily a drink spot.
Is there a dress code? +
No, it's a casual dive bar.
What kind of crowd goes here? +
A diverse mix of locals, mostly in their 30s to 50s, including gay men and lesbians.
More Bars in Chicago
Sidetrack
4.1
Bars · $$ · 3.8 mi
Roscoe's Tavern
3.3
Bars · $$$ · 3.8 mi
Hydrate Nightclub
Bars · $$ · 3.9 mi
Chicago Eagle
Bars · 5.5 mi