The Closet
Dancing · Video Bar · Chicago, IL
About
The Closet opens early at 3pm most days, with Saturday and Sunday starting at noon, and stays open until 4am or 5am — making it a rare spot for both happy hour and after-hours in Boystown. Since 1978, this LGBTQ-owned dive has served as a community staple, originally designed as a lesbian space and now welcoming a mixed crowd of regulars.
The vibe is relaxed and social. You'll find a video bar, dance floor, karaoke nights, and even Wii games for a playful touch. The crowd tends toward men on some nights, as one regular noted. It's small and cozy, so expect a more intimate scene than the mega-clubs nearby.
Located in Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood — famously Boystown — steps from other gay bars like Sidetrack and Roscoe's Tavern.
Features
- ✓Open since 1978, LGBTQ-owned
- ✓Early opening at 3pm most days, after-hours friendly
- ✓Video bar, dance floor, and karaoke
- ✓Wii games available to play
- ✓Cozy dive atmosphere in Northalsted
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 108 reviews. 56 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
I go there to get drunk, and the bartenders are cute.
A visitor · 1 year ago
“An EVERYONE Bar!!!”
Absolutely love it!
A guest · Over a year ago
“Awesome”
I enjoyed this place so much my first visit that I tell all my friends to go.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“It was ok...”
When I visited, I encountered friendly people. The crowd was mostly male, but if that doesn't bother you, you're welcome. I would love to see more women there.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun Fun Fun”
Visited about two weeks ago on a Tuesday night and had a really good time, even though it wasn't a weekend. I'm from Lake County, Illinois and tend to avoid the city on weekends, but I still enjoy going to this place and playing the Wii games.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Closet a lesbian bar? +
It originally was and still welcomes a diverse crowd, though some nights the clientele can lean mostly male.
What are the hours? +
Mon–Wed 3pm–4am, Thu 8pm–4am, Fri 3pm–4am, Sat 12pm–5am, Sun 12pm–4am. All hours are overnight.
What events happen here? +
Karaoke and Wii games are regular draws, along with a video bar and dancing.
Is the crowd usually mixed? +
The bar welcomes a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd, but women may find more men on a given night.
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