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    Cell Block

    3.5 (65 reviews)
    InexpensiveGay Bars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    Cell Block Photos

    CELL BLOCK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Juke Box
    Good for groups

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    Ed U.

    The name kinda fits the place though there were no bars. Or rather, there was just one bar. It wasn't seedy in here, just dark since everything was painted black. It's a leather bar on the northern edge of Boystown. However, if you're here in the middle of the afternoon during the week, it's just a fairly generic watering hole with reasonably priced drinks. Nothing wrong with that. It's not a place to ask for craft cocktails if you were wondering. I made the mistake of asking the bartender if he made a Mai Tai to which he replied curtly, "Dude, this is Cell Block". OK then. Jamie W. and I stuck with our regular orders - Makers Mark & Ginger and Tequila Sunrise - just $7.50 each (photo: https://yelp.to/xzNz6YV3aM). They had the desired effect before we headed to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field just down the street. Nothing wrong with that either. Da Cubs. DRINKS - 4 stars...potent enough, cheap and nothing fancy AMBIANCE - 3 stars...pretty much a dive, dark and leathery SERVICE - 3 stars...been there, done that TOTAL - 3 stars...wait, this is a gay bar? RELATED - Exploring Chicago? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/44c4CZO

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    2 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Great atmosphere, friendly employees , great for fun, even more fun in the back area, I recommend sundays fun day and fridays.

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    2 years ago

    Helpful 9
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    4 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
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    2 years ago

    Rude staff, weak drinks, avoid this bar at all cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I've been to several bars in the neighborhood and this one, hands down, has the best free ATM in the neighborhood!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This place is the tits for Los gays. Sergio is an incredible bartender. #yaaaaassssss #love #slay

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This place makes me happy to be gay. Diverse crowd, chill vibes and good music. Something for everyone.

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    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Locked doors early. Closed out any new walk ups 30 min early? Maybe you should close on time... Service was awful.

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    3 years ago

    Great place to hang out. comfortable space. Great drinks. Attractive people. Enjoy!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Very fun bar. Very diverse crowd. Don't come if you're shy though. Drinks are a little pricy.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Bartenders and patron are very friendly. Made an out of towner feel welcome. Will definitely be back when in Chicago.

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    4 years ago

    Top-three bar in Chicago. The perfect amount of wrong. Always a good time and a destination while out for the night.

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Cell Block Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cell Block

    Does cell block have a coat check for winter months?

    Yes, in the front bar. And there's a full clothing check in the back playspace for guys who want to be naked back there.

    Does the Cell Block have a backroom?

    Yes. Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun. Many groups meet there regularly: Bear Naked Chicago, Chicago Puppy Patrol, Chicago Feet Buddies, and some others. It's also open for random play on weekend nights from 10pm. Male only, of course.

    Is this 21+ only?

    Yes. All bars in Chicago are.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Cell Block

    The front bar is more social and the back bar is more for cruising.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Elixir

    Elixir

    4.1
    (119 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    We have been to Elixir a few times and it is always a great choice for unique and delicious…read morecocktails! It is a cozy little bar with dim lighting perfect for a date night drink. The bartenders are always very friendly and check in often which is always appreciated. You're always immediately given little pretzels to snack on which I love as a unique touch. This time we both chose a more standard cocktail, but they also always have very unique and delicious seasonal cocktails which are always amazing! I would definitely recommend Elixir to anyone looking for a spot to grab a quick and delicious cocktail!

    On our first night in Boystown, Jamie W and I were pretty overwhelmed by the crowds at Sidetrack…read moreand Roscoe's, so we ended up coming here to make Jamie's virginal gay bar debut. It was the right move because it had the kind of chill vibe we were seeking after a long flight from SFO. Fortunately there were two seats at the bar with our names on them. Figuratively speaking. They had quite a signature cocktail list on hand, and we felt it was our obligation to try as many as we could. At least that was what we said to ourselves as the evening wore on. Each cocktail was $14. We started with a couple of familiar libations. Jamie ordered the Mint Julep, a delightfully Deep South mix of bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint (photo: https://yelp.to/u-td8LdPLj). I went further south with the Pineapple Margarita which was emboldened by a tropically potent mix of pineapple infused tequila, lime juice, and agave (photo: https://yelp.to/V-Sf6Q_2qK). We got a bit bolder with our second round and found mixed results. Jamie had the Not Your Mom's Daiquiri which amped up the margarita by blending pineapple-infused tequila with Bacardi 8-year rum. Along with fresh lime and simple syrup, this one definitely had more of a kick (photo: https://yelp.to/1ZijDf6wMV). However, my order, the Pontiac Pony, was a spicy miss for me. It was a rather oddball mix of apple-cinnamon infused vodka, pear liqueur, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and ginger beer (photo: https://yelp.to/5dQoFdzG98). There was just a harshness that didn't sit well on my tongue. Oh well, the mellow vibe was cool. COCKTAILS - 4 stars...three out of four cocktails were aces, just one clinker AMBIANCE - 4 stars...very chill, fairly quiet for Boystown SERVICE - 4 stars...cool bartenders TOTAL - 4 stars...check it out when you take a break from your Boystown cruising RELATED - Exploring Chicago? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/44c4CZO

    Photos
    Bar view
    Bar view
    Not Your Mom's Daiquiri
    Not Your Mom's Daiquiri
    Behind the bar

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    Behind the bar

    Cell Block - gaybars - Updated June 2026

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