A favorite among Rogers Parkers, this male-dominated, multi-level dive features a welcoming vibe and an energetic dance floor on weekends. The basement bar, The Hole, is the city’s foremost leather/fetish bar, so come dressed accordingly. If not, don’t sweat—Leather 64 Ten is a fetish gear shop located next door, for all of patrons’ last-minute jockstrap needs.It was recently close to shuttering but was purchased by new ownership.

Gay Edgewater residents of all ages call themselves regulars at this friendly, casual dive bar. The jukebox is perhapsthe Anvil’s greatest accessory, featuring plenty of ‘60s and ‘70s hits people magically know all the words to when they’re buzzed. And with strong, inexpensive pours, the Anvil makes it easy to get to that place.

This charming, tiny cocktail joint is the perfect antidote for exhaustion from the Boystown scene. Home to vested bartenders, Toulouse-Lautrec posters and a handsome wooden bar, Marty’s old school ambiance pairs perfectly with its classic cocktail list. Its martinis, of course, are must-trys, but watch out—thoseMarty’spours are hefty.

Thislesbian-owned Andersonville spotis primarily a wine bar, as the name suggests. But Joe de Vine’s cocktail menu is equally impressive. Well, actually, there’s no cocktail menu. Instead, patrons can simply tell their bartender what kinds of liquor and flavors they like, and voila: a delicious craft cocktail.

Every night, the popular brunch spot Tweet transforms intoBig Chicks: a funky, divey cocktail lounge in one room, and a dance floor in the room adjacent. This Uptown spot features a relatively mixed-gender clientele (in the scheme of gay bars). The second Friday of each month, Big Chicks hosts FKA (Formerly Known As), a long-running dance party dedicated to welcoming folks of all genders.

As far as Boystown bars go,Roscoe’shas it all: a casual bar in the front and a dance club in the back, with drag, karaoke and dueling pianos on weeknights. The pub’sRuPaul’s Drag Raceviewing parties on Thursdays are some of the rowdiest parties in Boystown.

Sidetrackis generally heralded as the king of Chicago gay bars, and not for no reason: the sprawling complex features five different bars year-round. Add another two in the summertime, when the upstairs patio—one of Chicago’s best, gay or straight—is open for business. While it’s a largely male space, Sidetrack attracts a slightly older crowd than most Boystown spots do, with patrons ranging from their early ‘20s into their ‘50s and ‘60s.

Amidst the strobe lights and the thumping baselines of Boystown lies this unpretentious dive bar. With a killer jukebox, a friendly and nonjudgmental atmosphere, and local beers on tap,Town Hallis perfect for a low-key night out. The bar’s sticky floors are probably due to its many Jell-O shots served.

Streeterville isn’t exactly a happening ‘hood, but this dive off the Mag Mile is an absolute gem. Climb a flight of carpeted stairs to findSecond Story Bar: a dingy, charming tavern with TVs typically screening ‘80s movies and TV shows. The drinks are cheap (and strong) but it’s cash-only.

Not only is theJeffrey Pubone of the oldest gay bars in the country, it’s also the only black-owned LGBTQ bar in Chicago. The South Shore pub has incubated some of Chicago’s premier African-American drag queens, and regularly hosts amateur drag shows several nights a week. The music ranges from hip-hop to disco to house, and the drinks stay cheap and strong.

Friendly staff, down-to-earth attitudes and cheap drinks makethis no-frills divea go-to for LGBTQ south siders. On Saturdays, drag queen Miss Ruff ‘N Stuff, who has been entertaining Chicago since the ‘90s, hosts her weekly showcase.