18+ Gay Bars/Clubs in Chicago?

June 23, 2017 3:02 PM

My wife and her under-21 sister are going to her first Chicago Pride. They want to scope out the nightlife tonight, but finding under-21 bars online is fizzling out. Any locals know of gay or gay-friendly venues that accept under 21s?

This was asked on MeFi back in 2010, but I imagine most of the advice is no longer relevant.

posted by zug to Travel & Transportation around Chicago, IL (3 answers total)

The bars in Pride-centric areas have clamped down on underage attendees; they could (and do) lose their liquor licenses. You won't be able to get into a bar in Lakeview as an underage person this weekend. Don't set yourself up for disappointment, underage nightlife isn't a thing here.

You'll be able to get into the Neofuturarium for 30 Queer Plays in 60 Straight Minutes or into the Playground Theater's GayCo Gaywatch show.
posted by juniperesque at 5:02 PM on June 23, 2017 [3 favorites]

Replay Andersonville isn't explicitly gay but it's pretty gay nonetheless and is 100% underage-friendly. Plus: videogames. There's also one in Lincoln Park, though I have no personal experience there.
posted by eamondaly at 9:04 AM on June 24, 2017 [1 favorite]

We were just down there and saw posters for the Back Lot Bash, which looked like it was all ages. They have a whiskey event tonight but family stuff during the afternoon and performances throughout the day and night.
posted by eamondaly at 2:26 PM on June 24, 2017