My first experience with Hydrate has kinda scarred me. It was a warm summer's night and I'm out drinking with my friend. We see a sign for a lube wrestling contest at Hydrate. What could be hotter than lubed up guys in their boxers wrestling each other in a bar? So we decided to go in. Little did we know the wrestling went from interesting to disturbing really quick. It was more of a MMA fight with all blood being shed. Yikes! Totally not what I expected. I've been back a few more times but this bar definitely has the creep factor working hard. If you go before 1am, the dance floor is completely empty and when it does fill up, it's with the drunken messes the other bars kicked out. Example: My friend had a guy come up to him and say "let's make out." Yeah very classy guy that beared a resemblance to the host of Man v Food; sorry we have standards. They maybe low but they're still standards. Between the clientele and the crappy music, I usually save this bar as a last resort. read more

This place is an STD melting pot, drug infested, dank hole; just disgusting. Every time that I've been here I regretted my decision. They have a long wait to get in. Once you're finally in you've pretty much sealed the deal on your fate and will need medical attention to clear up whatever clap you inhale. Everywhere I turned people were sniffing/snorting something and then turning away and flailing into some sort of tribal dance to the repetitive music that never seems to get the words out clearly. The drinks are weak and taste as if everything was watered down -- maybe this is where their name derives from. read more

It's only been a few weeks since my gay roommate turned 21. It's a Thursday and it hits me and my girl - he hasn't been to a gay bar. G-gah! How horrible of me. We end up taking the red line to Addison and walk up to Halsted to see what our options are. There's the Circuit Night Club, a few unknowns to me here and there in passing, and then there it is - Hydrate. I've known about this place for quite some time. My introduction to Hydrate was during a Gay Pride parade in the summer, where I walked past an establishment on a corner of Halsted with misters cooling down the folks in the waiting line. Interesting... Few years go by, and finally I'm inside with my girl and the roomie. It's time to pop his cherry into the gay night club life. We were very pleased to say the least. Turns out Thursday is a rather slow night for such a hotspot. There's maybe 20-30 people there, a decent beat with the typical heavy bass. The first thing we see is a u- shaped bar. I order some drinks - a whiskey sour, a tom collins, and an ol' fashioned. Having just finished bartending school, I'm very curious to see how it turns out. Fantastic. Generous pouring, fair price... and wait. Was that sweet and sour mix... clear??? We realize that there seems to be a light show and where most of the folks are coming in and out of. We lurch our way in with no expectations what so ever. And then there it is. Half naked man, buff, chiseled, whole nine yards. My roommate is very pleased. We go find ourselves a booth/table to settle into, and we've got a great view. Really. At this point, I'm sure my sexuality is secured... if it hasn't already years back. Oh the stories I wish I could tell you... At one point, a hostess/drag queen comes to us and offers membership into their "VIP" program. Email address registration, and we get this plastic thing which is part of a raffle. Doesn't cost us anything, got nothing to lose. A few drinks and laughs go by, the male dancer is replaced with another. Just as hunky and sexy as the prior one. The hostess gets the mic and draws on some numbers. All three of us excitedly take out our little VIP key chain things which have numbers on the back. We wait for our numbers. First number. Blah. Off by 10. Second number. Damn. Off by 2. Third call. No show. Fourth. Crap! My girlfriend gets a free drink. That's it for now. A little later, they call on the raffle again. And what do you know. My roommate and I get called in that group for free call drinks. I realize now that this review has gone far too long. Apologies. There was a lot to retain, and worth retelling. Bottom line. It's definitely got the hip vibe to it, with both the decor, lighting, the bartenders, and the hosts who happen to stop by on occasion to liven things up. I can imagine this place bustling with the sex and fun on Fridays and the weekends. If just the three of us had such a delight on a Thursday night, well, that's saying something. read more

Love the show nights on Monday nights, but the management could really stand me be more friendly to the customers. As customer, we have many choices and this club needs on the management. Leadership begins at the stop so let me be an example. Treat us like you want to be treated when you visit other bars. I think I need to take a break from this club and patronize other bars in the area. This is not just my opinion this is from a few folks who visit this bar. read more

I live two doors down from this mess they call a bar. They advertise it as a "the friendliest staff on Halsted" . They couldnt be more wrong. The woman that mans the door is never polite, even when Im walking home from work on a weeknight and she sitting out there, I'll smile like a friendly neighbor, and she just scowls. I was wisked here by friends this past weekend and even paid 10 dollars to get in. I was drunk enough already so I was done drinking for the night, only to find out that even if I buy a 25 dollar round of drinks, I cant get any tap water. Thats fine, I hope the bartender wasnt expecting a tip though. Then getting cut in line by a bunch of "Trixies" who think they are fooling someone into thinking its a straight bar made me loose it. I was done. Environmentalists need to get on the owners a** about those water jets outside. This world only has so much clean water and people in third world countries are dying of dehydration, while Hydrate waters the cement. Im not even gonna start on the atrocity of a restaraunt Halsted's Bar and Grill across the street (owned by the same people) is. read more

Perfect for girls night out or any event! I celebrated my 30th birthday. It was a fun and amazing night. We had blast!!

I wish I remembered more of what happened at Hydrate... I went there after hours (2am-ish?) after spending the evening at Roscoe's, and I must have been quite inebriated as I really can't remember much of it. The bar is pretty big as I recall, with a dance floor, and was pretty crowded with some eye-candy. My boyfriend and I hung out there for a while, and next thing I know it's 5 in the morning and we're stumbling on the street in the cold with a bunch of random boys somewhere way uptown, without the slightest idea where we are nor how we got there. Yeah... that kind of night... read more

Another bar that charges $5 cover, it's only $5 but that can buy a drink. By the time we got here, my entire clan was wwwwww-asted. So it was a drunken haze. We brought in a giant di**o and people were amused by it. I was a dancing fool, they were playing some good music that night! The bartenders kind of have attitude and ignored my friend and I just because we were girls. We're all paying customers, give us that lemon drop! When we left my friend almost passed out in the flower planter on Cornelia, that was a sight to see!! read more

For a club in Boystown, Hydrate's just about mid-range. The bad-The drinks are expensive and because its a gay bar no one ever buys me drinks. The line for the bathroom can be long, even though it's always mostly dude. They kicked my friend out for being "too drunk" when he and I were making out in the corner. There's a cover and sometimes a line. The Good-The dancing is awesome, great music and a decent floor. Two bars=fast service. They didn't kick me out for making out in the corner. read more

Trashy. And not in a good way. They change their decor pretty frequently with plywood cut outs that are then lazily painted and hung on the walls. They often have a cover and it's just not worth it. Go for the Lube Wrestling they have on some Friday's as it's really funny--that's why it gets one star. read more

Hydrate redeemed itself of its skeevy reputation after my second trip here a few weeks ago. Someone stole my shirt here on the dancefloor late one night two years ago. I'll spare you of the details, but it was my favorite printed tee at the time and I stalked the patrons there until I found it and ripped it away from the thief. Swearing I would never return to such a place with ghetto shirt stealers, I found myself here on a Monday night (following dinner at Ping Pong) where my friends and I were smitten by their dollar drink special. $12 later, a cab ride and a stumble home, I was a Hydrate convert. Cheers to cheep drinks. read more

Fun place !!! Great music!! Sexy go go dancers !! Ohhh and Amy's ( front bar) special cocktail is a must try!! Is a jolly rancher taste to it read more

Get down and Dance... This little club rose up from the ashes of Manhole a few years back and shook up boystown. This place is a great place to dance and listen to cutting edge DJ's from all around the world. This dance club has a wonder in every room. 1st thing to note the owners are going for a New York after Hours kind of vibe. Meaning the space is open, free of heavy themeing so that way decorations are put up to change the view every few weeks. They theme to a current trend. Example, Hydrate is currently themed to Unicorn Planet, which is hot on the net right know. The management brings in the hottest DJ's working the world circuit right now every Friday and Saturday Night. Also Hydrate is home to Ralphi Rosario one of the hottest remixers around. If he's playing, it's a good chance you will hear a remix of his before the artist does, now that rocks. During the week there are drag shows, retro nights and strippers. So the drinks are a bit pricey, yes, but typical night life prices. The cover. Never over 10 bucks for a weekend night and never before 11pm. Staff is good, there are a few that need a bit a smile treatment, but most are nice and very helpful. Note: I have been to Hydrate more then 40 times and never has there been porn on the screen. Male Models in speedos yes. read more

Literally disgusting. The bartenders were so rude and the staff all around were so uncomfortable and passive aggressive. I just don't understand? You're out to have a good time and they have no reason to act like that. Would give negative 5 stars if I could. I'm excited about the trip read more

I came to hydrate on a Monday which happens to be dollar drink night. There was a $5 cover to get in because it was $1 drink night. They really should have paid me to walk in there because there was this awful stench when you walk in the door. The whole front half of this place smelled like dirty ass. It was sooo gross. They need to take care of that ASAP because the booty/corn chip smell ain't cool hydrate!! Hydrate needs to hire a cleaning crew to disinfect the place. Maybe it's a sewer issue? I'm not sure, but I couldn't believe the smell. Neither could my friends! Anyway we made our way to the back half where there were some very busted drag performances going on. One of the queens still had a beard. I had the best time laughing at that. If being a Drag Queen is your thing then you better work that shit. #DoBetter The dollar drinks are such a waste of time. You can't even taste the liquor. I don't know who they think they are kidding. I had to stop with the dollar drinks and do the regular priced alcohol because I wasn't feeling anything. The drinks are way watered down. One of the workers came to where I was sitting and threw my drink away. I was not too happy about that one. I could've karate chopped he/she. I couldn't tell if they were a boy or a gurl. I stopped ordering dollar drinks because they were weak, and I went for a shot of Jack Daniels. The glass they served my whiskey in looked like it came straight outta the garbage!! There was a glob of waxy goo on one side and stains on the other side. I took a pic! Spin is a much better time. Until next time y'all!!!!! read more

Hydrate - This was the nasty dirty ass shot glass they had the nerve to give me. - Dance Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I didn't have a bad time, nope I didn't. But I can't say I had an amazing time either. I had a good time with good friends, drinking some pretty okay drinks (ignoring the semi-pee like smell) and dancing my little ass off without fear of Mr. Douchebag grabbing up on my ass. Oh wait. I told Mr. Douchebag to come get me to take me home. Oops my bad! read more

It's totally a different experience all the time, the fun just never stops. What better way to start your night life on Mondays with $1 drinks and no cover before midnight. Whether there's an event here or not this place gets extremely packed for being a spacious place, it also can get pretty messy (I once ruined a cool white "Christmas sweater") here with all that drinking and dancing. Overall, I have a blast dancing my ass-off here because, the music that the DJs play just simply kicks-ass. This is a "MUST GO" place during Pride Parade and Market Days!!! read more

I frequent this place, or used to? I've gone back once since the pandemic and I'm glad to say that they're doing well with social distancing and following Covid guidelines. I hope that the pandemic has made some of their staff, especially a guy who's always at the door who might be the manager? Always wears a black hat and a mumu type of cardigan. I hope the pandemic has taught him a lesson or two on friendliness, as I've seen him treat people horribly before in multiple occasions. Anyways, the place itself is big and has always been a good spot for dancing, music there is amazing, if you're into circuit parties. Drinks are a bit overpriced for what you get, often they are VERY weak drinks. It's hit or miss, some bartenders can't make a drink to save their lives. If you ask got a vodka soda, that drink will be 95% soda, almost as if the alcohol comes out of their pockets. Other bartenders will pour the regular double shot amount or a little more. Others won't even out a shot in your drink. Overall the place is good for dancing but not quite for drinking. read more

I drunkenly stumbled into a drag show, and found myself on stage with male strippers junk in my face within the first 10 minutes in the bar. Best night ever!!! read more

I'm only stating I'm a fan because Mondays and Fridays are the nights to just be stupid and laugh at people getting wasted off $1 drinks and lube wrestling. If you're looking for a good bar to chill with friends, enjoy the atmosphere and mingle-go to Sidetracks but this is definitely a bump 'n' grind kind of place. It's totally overcrowded most of the time and half the time, I don't think the bartenders know what they're serving 'cause it's so dark and loud in there. Think of the rave scene from the Matrix and you'll understand the crowd at Hydrate. It takes a special kind of person to flock to it for any other reason than to be stupid or see stupid people. read more

A fun location in Boystown, with strong drinks, nice bouncers and hot bartenders - what more could you ask for? Our party of people was pretty chill since we had just come from an event that had lasted for several hours where the booze flowed. We were happy to find a table in the front room, away from the bachelorette parties that crowded the drag show on a Saturday night - seriously, the place was packed with 25 year-old ladies out for a fun night to celebrate a friends' wedding. All in, we were just along for the ride since we were celebrating my brother and his husband's wedding anniversary, but we were pleased to post up at a table: it was quiet enough we could talk and get caught up, but not boring and there was plenty of people watching. My verdict: worth a trip. read more

Very friendly staff and the place had quite a number of people there Thursday and Friday night when we visited. The manager, Sean, is quite cute and one of the best bartenders I've had in a while. They had lube wresting on the 1st Friday of each month which is quite sexy and even have cash prizes. Coming from San Francisco, it is nice to find bars which accept a credit card and let you keep a tab open. If I find myself in Boystown again, Hydrate is certainly one of the stops on a night out of drinking to make. read more

Made reservations in march over a month ago got here told there were no reservations.. No standing in the aisles force to stand behind a brick wall.. Had to sneak to the front to get pictures... Maybe reservations should be made the day before so they don't forget .. They cancelled the 11 show so reservations were cancelled get here n there is a show .. Well that's what we were told.. I guess it would b a good show if I were able to see I would suggest arrive early or call to ensure reservations are still available although that should be there job read more

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Fantastic Music!!!!! Drinks were delish but a little overpriced!!! AWESOME MUSIC!!! We danced all night!!!! Loved the people we talked and danced with random guys all night and it was so wonderful!!!!! We go there around 1:30a however people did not start showing up until about 215a I am figuring this is the after hours spot in Boystown!!!! I cant wait to go back!!!!! read more

This was my first time here. We went on a Monday for the drag show. I enjoyed it. The performances were average good, but the interaction with the customers was awesome. The drinks on this day were only $5 and were pretty strong. I actually thought they were going to be weak when I watched them pour them, but I was wrong. The bartenders know how to pour a drink. The establishment is very clean. I say that because I get the creeps from public restrooms and this one was clean. read more

This club is great because its open until the wee hours of the night and its always packed! Of course, those positives can also sometimes be negatives, it can get so packed that they don't let anyone in until people leave and the cover is kind of expensive on the weekends. Its in the heart of Boystown so there's always a big gay crowd .. they play a lot of techno and there's lots of room to dance! read more

Hydrate - Dance Clubs Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Last night I celebrated my birthday at Hydrate, and I had the most amazing time and all thanks to Jon O'Brien!! I had been trying to reserve a table probably two weeks before my birthday and the person I had been emailing with would never get back to me with the information that I wanted. So last night when I showed up to the club, I was directed to Jon and he understood my situation and immediately helped me out with my table. My friends and I had an amazing time last night and I will book any future events with Jon! Thanks again Jon and to the rest of your fantastic staff! I can't wait to go back to Hydrate! -NS read more

For me, gay bars mean 3 things: 1) AWESOME music that I just want to dance to all night without caring about how sexy I look! My friends and I were all commenting on how DANCE-AWESOME the music here was, even on an off Tuesday night. We didn't venture into the dance room since it was empty, but we definitely would have if there were just a few others dancing already. 2) Cheap good drinks! Plus the bartender gave us a round on the house! How nice =) 3) FUN people! I have many gbffs (gay best friends forever) simply because...they're so fun lol. Even though it was a weekday, the other patrons seemed like they were just there for a good time, and I love that. I'll HAVE to come back when it's a Friday or Saturday night to experience Hydrate to its fullest! read more

Super for a fun night out if you're an out-of-towner. My sister and I ended up here after she found a Groupon for a drag show which they host in their back bar area. We made reservations, which were confirmed. When we got there, we weren't listed though! Fortunately they were able to make some accommodations and we were given a table (yay!). Plus, for our troubles, we were given free drinks :) The only negative is that a person who works there was not the most professional (kept trying to chat/exchange numbers). Not exactly something I expected, and so my sister and I felt the need to leave immediately to avoid him. read more

My girlfriend and I went here with when her cousin was in town and this bar/club was nothing special. The management and wait staff were really nice, however the DJ that night was about the rudest person that we had ever met. Not only did he not know how to read a crowd, the music was horrible, and when my girlfriend went up to the booth to make a request, the DJ simply typed the message "I DON'T CARE" on his cell phone and held it up to my girlfriend. That type of treatment is simply uncalled for. Fortunately, after we complained to the management, he gave a sincere apology and said that he would take care of things. I'm not sure if he did anything since we left right after we told the manager, but the sincere apology gained him points in my book. read more

Hydrate had a nice space... a weird vibe and a funny smell. You know... your typical gay bar. It was one of the few chicago clubs that did make me want to dance. so cheers to that... I had fun... i think? definitely worth a visit if they aren't charging cover... don't let the waterfall display trick you.. it really isn't that glamorous. read more

I haven't heard anyone order a Blue Motherfucker before (where have I been) but I definitely heard this request at Hydrate. I mean, we HAD to go in during Pride because it was pouring rain. Overall, it just has the club "oonze oonze" feel so if that's what your'e looking for, go and get Hydrated... in more way than one probably. read more

You know it was a good time if it's Tuesday and I'm still thinking about the fun we had. We went to Hydrate Saturday night (haven't been here in ages since my partner and I don't leave Roscoe Village much anymore). We were celebrating a friend's birthday and there to see "Snow White and the 7 Drag Queens." Now, normally, you'll see me running where drag queens are concerned. But, this was really entertaining. For 15 bucks, you heard some really great voices, and got some genuine laughs (the one scene with the pork chop had me in stitches). They can't solve the visibility part, I understand due to the columns but they sure should be able to address the sound issues. Poor Snow White's mic went in and out. Overall, a great value for a night of entertainment. Unexpectedly well done! read more

I have to say I was terrified about coming here. I'm an out gay man and all, but out of my friend group/acquaintances, let's just say I'm the funny, smart, nice sister, not the pretty one. The gay scene in any major metro area can be, how to put it, more than slightly intimidating, and if you are not one of the "beautiful ones," you get used to seeing your friends all have the time of their lives with no shortage of handsome and/or finely built men scooping them up while you are at best, ignored and left to watch the tv screens/drag queen/trivia host alone; at worst, mocked and /or judged with askance looks and eye rolls and catty remarks. Think Cersei Lannister's walk of shame, except it's because you're not a ken doll. So, when my friends asked if I wanted to come to Hydrate, not having been, but always having thought of it as one of the jewels in the crown of Boystown....lol Boyscrown - I just thought of that , see I told you I was the funny sister - I was rightfully terrified and felt like a peptic ulcer was forming. I have never been more wrong about a preconception in my entire life. I was treated - shockingly - no different than all my "hot" friends, looks were not made a big deal of, nobody was heaping attention/the spotlight on how anyone looked or their clothes, it was chill and laid back and I felt like for the first time in a long time in a gay bar I could breathe. Very little to no pretentiousness, the bartenders were warm and friendly and I have had nothing but authentically genuinely good experiences and a little bit of faith restored in mankind. It's just refreshing, that's all I wanted to say. read more

Why have they adopted the "Unicorn Planet" characters as mascots? I feel conflicted about this. The bar is way too small, sweaty and unglamorous, but somehow it attracts some pretty fantastic DJs. read more

i'm not a mathematician, but here goes: Shirtless & glistening good-looking guys + Strong drinks + Drag queens + A great crowd + Strobe lights + Fun dance music = one HELLUVA time! And for those that might still be confused, here's a key to the symbols: + (Plus) = (Equals) read more

I came here during Pride and had a decent time! Bartender = nice, crowd = fun/interesting I'd be more likely to come back here after that experience. By the next visit, who knows. We may be lookin' at 4 stars. (whaaaat?!?) read more

What makes Hydrate better than any other club (gay or straight) in the city is that they have Ray Gunn, Bazuka Joe, and Jett Adore melting the pants right off of you every Thursday night. And do you know if you reserve a table, you can get a bottle of vodka for free?! read more

Gay bars, yay! I love going to boystown with my friends, always a good time. Hydrate is fun! great place to mix and mingle. I havent experienced anythign SPECTACULAR yet...but its always fun to meet new people, people watch, dance and have some drinks! i think my tab was $15 for 3 beers and a vodka drink (i could be wrong it was 2am) Good spot for late night. Just a heads up the later it gets the more crowded it is! Oh yeah and i believe its a $5 cover on saturdays read more

A couple of girlfriends and I decided to try this place out with a groupon, & had a blast. Our server was great, the drinks were good, the music was pumping, & the energy was high. We saw the Beauties & Beaus show, which runs Sat nights (bring singles!) Mocha was the most memorable performer of the night, but everyone did a nice job. The girls were so sweet to come out and take pictures and chat after the show too. I was impressed with how well the co-host handled some SERIOUSLY drunk girls celebrating a 21st. If you are going to see a show, it is worthwhile to go early and sit right by the front of the stage or to the immediate left of front. Best seats in the house. Avoid the curtained off area to the right. PROS: - able to find street parking - friendly staff - strong drinks - high energy fun CONS: - a little too much on-stage action by non-performers - tight area around stage makes it difficult for performers to work the room read more