My least favorite bar in this area! It's always way over capacity and too crowded to have fun. If you want to be squashed like a sardine and have flailing drunks bump your drink all over or out of your hand while dancing to crappy dance mixes, this is the place for you! read more

This is my second time being extremely disappointed by this establishment. First time, I dropped my phone and they could careless to help me find it. The staff was extremely rude and didn't want to help me, they just wanted to dance. The second time, I went there for my bachelorette party. It is unbelievably crowded which should be expected for this kind of bar. OH and THEY TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR WATER!!!! It was clear I had been drinking and when I said I needed water, they refused to give me tap water. I am still not sure if that's illegal. Many states out there have laws where it's illegal to refuse water at a bar. Either way, this place DOES NOT care about your wellbeing. I will not be going back and I will make sure I stress how horrible the service is to everyone I know in the service industry. Do not go there unless you want to pay for VOSS water at a crazy price. read more

I was out the other night with a bunch of yelpers when we decided to leave our Roscoe's meeting place and venture forth in to the vast area of Boystown. Our virtual tour guide Andy F steered us toward Scarlet. This lovely little bar had a DJ dropping some hot beats, our door man told us there was complimentary coat check, the crowd was lively, the setting was chill and dimly lit with, scarlet lighting (what else would you expect?), and the friendly bartenders were imbibing people. I didn't stay that long here, mainly because it had been a really long day and my eyes were already starting to droop. However I did stay long enough to have a drink with this friendly crowd and to come away saying, "Not a shabby find.. I'll probably be back." read more

My roommate and I (both straight women) have never been treated so well in our entire lives. Scarlet was amazing from the moment we stepped in until the moment we left at closing. Literally every song that came on would prompt us to scream "That's my song!!!" The bartenders were so friendly and got us strong, delicious drinks immediately. The atmosphere was out of this world. It was crowded but that's exactly how I love my clubs, and we didn't have any problems with the crowd. Absolutely zero cons, Scarlet is 100% pros and we will definitely be coming back for more. read more

Hands down my favorite bar on the Halsted Strip. The prices are very comparable to everywhere else and the staff is amazing! I am a lesbian and many times at gay bars lesbians feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Well this is not the case at all at Scarlet. I love going there and I always feel welcome. This has actually become one of the new hangouts on the strip for lesbians. In seems as though in the last few months every lesbian bday party or celebration I've gone to has been here. Also, Sunday Funday is the BEST at Scarlet. Start drinking at 2pm with $12 bottles of champagne and you will be home and in bed by 8pm and ready for your workday monday at 8am after 12 full hours of sleep! :-) read more

The best part about this bar are their bathrooms. I love a single stall bathroom, and this one always seems to be clean. The decor is pretty, but the clientele are a bit obnoxious. The music always seems pleasing, but I never stay around long enough to see if that's consistent. The prices are pretty high for Boystown, and it really isn't worth dealing with the crowd. read more

Ok, let's get something straight. Scarlet's is not the most 'gay' bar in boystown. And it doesn't need to. They create their own image that doesn't need to fit stereotypes. The look of the bar has a great 'scarlet' theme. The staff are very quick and friendly to get a drink and are great multi-taskers. When I try to take some str8 peeps I know who are 'scared' of the whole boystown look, I take them here. They feel very relaxed and is a great way to show off boystown. The drinks are always fantastic and the music is pumping. It's not supposed to be a dancing bar but it can if you want it to be. But it's a very relaxed way to meet people at least to start off your evening. They're always setting up new events and have great people working there and the company complements it. Again, it's not the most 'gay' bar but it's somewhere I would recommend to stop by first. One more thing: Never a cover so there's no confusion where to go even late at night for 'free.' Only complaint is that I wish it were open longer. read more

used to be great - now a fine example of how to suck. Doorman = jerk. PSA for him and all other (jerky) doormen. You have an ultra simple job. A moderately trained ape could perform the same function... Smile and act like youre not a frustrated twink losing his looks. Bartender = nice enough. A little slow and seemed distracted when my party was there. But he did seem like he was trying so Im not gonna fault him too much. Some people are just slow... Bathroom situation = are you kidding me? The pocket door thing just randomly plopped in the middle of the room is so weird. Music = Hard to say... Some of the mixes/songs were good and some were just so different that it was hard to get a feel of what kind of vibe they were going for. Sound system seems quality though; just needs better selections being played. Crowd = met a few nice guys here last visit. But, If im honest I just wanted to kidnap them all and take them down to Minibar with us. I think they know the owner or some employees and just patronize the place out of some misplaced loyalty... I dunno. Atmosphere = other than the aforementioned cluster#$ck situation by the bathrooms the place does look OK inside; although it was VERY dark in there... Verdict = Dont see any reason to ever go back. The drinks are cheap enough where if you dont feel like trekking down to bucks or little jims, this dive will do, I guess. Overall you could probably randomly throw a stone and hit a better gay bar on halsted. read more

straight guy in a gay bar, but I had fun. good music, good drinks and fun straight girls! staff and bouncers are actually really cool people. I like this place read more

Weakest drinks in town. The barstaff are too preoccupied with each other's bare, adolescent chests to tend to customers. This bar is a pass-through on the Boystown crawl. read more

It's worth it for the laser show alone. The DJ is usually good although occasionally he seems to spin only the worst song off an otherwise stellar artist's best album. read more

Reading yelps is always fun, especially when you throw the gay element into it. I don't know who is more funny db, the old strip joint loving guy who went to frat night at Scarlet and was upset that there were drunk young people playing games or gayb, the obvious disgruntled ex-employee. The visual of someone hanging virtually upside down to feel the water's temp did make me laugh though. Scarlet's a fun bar with good specials and friendly bartenders. Thursday and Sunday afternoons seem to be a don't miss for the non- Sidetracks crowd. Weekends get busy a little later, so we always stop by for a pre-drink or two and end up back there. As most people know Scarlet was closed for most of 2009 recovering from fire damage. The street definitely missed going there as an option. read more

Had so much fun at this place! Went here for a friend birthday. I like how they gave us lighters and glow sticks! Fuck yeah! And 5 dollars pitchers!? I'll be here again! read more

Great atmosphere, staff, and music! Always a great place to visit when you really want to party. Lots of themed nights for several different crowds of people throughout the month. Entertaining and exciting drag shows! read more

Love this place. The nicest and hottest twinky bartenders/bottle servers. Great door guys. Strong drinks and not expensive. And a free bottle now and then. Perfect. read more

I've been here a few times now, and I'll probably end up here many more times in the future. While I'll admit it can be fun - but you better be really drunk to enjoy it. It is soooo crowded on the weekends that you can barely move. I like a poppin' club and all, but there's a point where it goes from being fun to feeling like you're as squeezed-in as canned tuna. read more

Ok, I'm not one to leave bad reviews unless is it well deserved... Being too negative just isn't a good shade. Hiring bartenders based on their ability to fill out a sleeveless shirt really gets in the way of my ability to tie on a good buzz... especially when I'm spending 60 bucks at your establishment. news flash bartender... just because I'm gay doesn't mean all you need to know how to make is a vodka cranberry. Either train your staff, or don't charge me 10 bucks for something that was premixed before I even got there.. Word of advise party people, either rip shots before you go here, or order beers, at least you'll know you're actually getting alcohol in your drink read more

One of my favorite Lakeview bars with a pretty laid back feel to it. The bartenders over the years have been attentive and fun to talk to. I've seen it both busy and non, and it's fun either way. read more

Another vodka free hosted bar. What can I say broke hipster lead us to a free drink night that got me and my friend tore up from the floor up. It was free vodka and red bull for one hour. The interior design was great very cozy an cute. The bathroom was very dark and the toilet was clogged. But oh well. I had a great time for a free night out. The workers were extremely funny and friendly. read more

I went to the new Sunday night party here and hand a great deal of fun. It was busy but not too packed. The environment is very classy/loungey but with that pornstar dancing on a box kind of appeal. There is plenty of seating and room to move in. I appeared here as mini cher and was well received, so all in all not bad. read more

I had a lot of fun here. I was only able to stay long enough to have a drink, say hi to a few people I haven't seen in a while, then head out... but I had a great time. No bad vibes, no pushing and shoving even thought it was crazy packed. I definitely want to go back! read more

Stumbled over here on a Friday for an advertised hipster party and FOUND NOTHING OF THE SORT. For the most part boring, the DJ ignored us, more than one time a friend was told to stop hopping up on the DJ booth, she also fell a bunch of times and threw up in the sink in the bathroom. Soooo, fun times? read more

I went to Scarlet for an advertised hipster dance party. Upon arrival there were no hipsters, no dance, and certainly no party. The bar is small, cramped and there weren't even that many people there. All the people that worked there acted entitled and were rude. Me and my friends tried to bring the dance party to scarlet, but just ended up leaving because we were getting so many weird looks. read more

Great club, always crowded (so avoid if you don't like crowded dance floors) and full of amazing staff. Bartenders and bar backs are always nice and make incredible drinks for a fair price. What really makes this bar special is their Events. Almost everyday you can find a different event happening there and almost all include a FANTASTIC drag show. Sunday nights are the "Takeover" where they only play one artist or genre of music and have a killer drag show to go with it. Love this place. read more

Loved stopping here first with my manpal and we had some great bacardi specials and a "forty"..lol : ) Nice people. Nice view. Great music, where we were singing and dancing to the tops of our lungs. We made lots of new friends here. I will def go back here and party it up. My fav bar in boyztown! read more

So I personally LOVE Scarlet Bar. Is it perhaps too small and crowded? Yes. But I always have a blast dancing here because the DJ and music is amazing. It's never obscure EDM music you haven't heard of or ghetto rap/R&B, but really fun current and older songs that everybody enjoys. I know so few clubs that I can rely on to play great music where I can spend the entire night dancing away with no problem. The crowd is an energetic group of mostly gay and some straight people in their 20s and 30s. A very friendly and very drunk crowd. Plus there is usually no cover or a low cover of $5. Definitely not a classy joint, but the perfect place to get smashed with your friends and dance unabashedly. If you go in knowing that it can be a hot and crowded mess, but ultimately super fun with great music, you won't be disappointed. read more

I literally have called this place 16 times between last night and today and no one answers. They don't even have a voicemail box it just reaches the end and states "goodbye". Super unprofessional of them and inconvenient for their customers. There is NO way to contact this bar at all other than to e-mail them about being hired. Ridiculous. read more

So , we ended up on Halsted for Greek Fest, had a great time, then @ about 1am, I found my self ,on the dance floor, having the time of my life, with some hottie, from Naperville, of all places.. great lights, cool dj,etc.. drinks also high end, including the fiji water.... read more

Just wanted to update to add more awesomeness to my review. I just love dancing at Scarlet. It is the best music and most fun crowd, gays and lesbians. Love it!!! read more

I like this bar. Its my favorite bar in boystown. Im a striaght girl but I enjoy going here for the music. They usually play top 40, hip hop, techno. The only cons are that the club is soo narrow and tiny but its soo popular. It gets way too crowded. No where to sit. Too many people. Hard to dance becuase so.many people. Another con is that this was one.of.the few.clubs in.boystown that never had a cover but.last night thwy had a 5 dollar cover. And even though it was my birthday they didnt even let me in free. But a pro is that eveeryone got a small tube of free alcohol. read more

The nightlife is great and the bartenders are very considerate and apt to take your order when a big crowd comes through so that is definitely a plus. However the bouncer chick with her glasses and tattoos don't make the entrance welcoming. She discriminated me because I wasn't the ideal quota for their nightclub and that I can't excuse. I understand you have rules to rely on but you should never have a bouncer that undermines you're motto of what equality's suppose is to be. Honestly, I was more disappointed of the bouncer than the nightclub. My thoughts is to be open and acceptable to various sexualities and personalities. If you don't have a staff that understands those values then you can't become an asset and model to your community. Not disappointed with Scarlett but it's female bouncer! read more

I LOVE scarlet and have been a loyal customer for YEARS- However LAST NIGHT I was escorted out of the bar (by a guard that refused to listen to the manager (that I was direct messaging online) or myself to as to why he; the bar back and guard; were kicking me out which is VERY UNPROFESSIONAL and I felt I was being discriminated) due to the fact months ago I use to lightly date a bar back and he didn't take it the right way. I was mature about my feelings and he's continued to take the low road and be malicious in a public setting (scarlet bar). I was not drunk, barely drinking and had a tab. the Bar back who's name is Brandon Tesch deliberately walked into the bathroom as I was waiting for friends to finish and says and points in a loud rude way " YOU HAVE TO LEAVE NOW" I took it with a grain a salt because he does not own the building but he continued to harass me and finally had me escorted out for NO REASOn except his personal vendetta against me. I'm asking for the owners name or whomever I can talk to about this establishments - employees repor and how they conduct themselves with great loyal customers. read more

Look, I have been a patron of Scarlet for two years now. I am only twenty-two and I can understand how based on a purely agist assessment, myself and my group of friends may appear to be delinquents, but the fact of the matter is we go to the bar to dance. On several occasions, the same doorman has been a complete jerk to us. This is the kind of larger man who always wears a baseball cap. On one occasion, he would not let my friends and I back into the club because he assumed we were on recreational drugs (which we were not), even though we started the 11pm dance party. Tonight, before we even entered the space, I had ten dollars in hand to pay the pride weekend cover, and he instantly starts berating us, saying we were lying (about what, I have no clue) when we were about to pay. Needless to say, it really put a damper on our night. I like dancing. I like having a good time. Scarlet is a pretty fun place to be, but this man has really made me loathe the establishment. Just because we are younger than you we are not stupid or mischievous people and there is no need for your senseless power trips. Dude, I hope you read this. Learn a little respect towards your customers. I am now avidly telling people not to return because of this repeated poor customer service. read more

This past Thursday I decided to try out Scarlet because everybody talks about how Thursdays night are the only good night to go. Over all i was very disappointed.... The 40oz beers are a novel idea, but unfortunately the entire crowd was most definitely over served. i spent the entire hour i was there having cheap beer spilled on me by questionably 21 patrons. the beer pong served as a catalyst for a beer soaked floor and smelt awful. if that's what frats are like now I'm glad i graduated college long ago. Over all I would of had more fun watching the strippers at the Lucky Horseshoe, because at least they would not have been as messy as the "frat Boys" at Scarlet. read more

Great drinks and great music!!! My favorite bar in boystown because it's all dance floor!!! Yes, there is standing room BUT you can go over to Roscoe's or Sidetrack if you want to just hang out and chat. Scarlet is a great place for those looking to dance their ass off for a night!!! read more

Terrific small bar where the staff and guests are extremely friendly and warm. Very charming, warm and full of character. Had a super time here for New Year's Eve and the DJ was out of this world (especially early in the night with vocal music). I will be a regular from now on. Highly recommend a visit. read more

It's nice to go into a bar that is clean, inviting, and still busy on a Wednesday night. Good music and good company. Scarlet has all that! On the other side of that, Scarlet is just not place I would want to spend all the rest of my waking moments. There weren't a lot of places where groups more than 2 could hang out, so I had to sit on one of the ottomans, and totally felt out of place. I also like friendly wait staff, but it's very clear when the attendant is flirting for tips, and ours was practically bending over and giving his virginity away...well if there was any to be taken. I probably won't be coming back unless my man really wants to visit again for Wednesday $3 Long Islands which is totally a great deal. Just a bit too sweet for me though. I like my drinks a bit harder. read more

Came here on a Wednesday night and discovered their $5 martini special. Lots to like here... nice decor and atmosphere, friendly bartender, and the music was good although a little on the loud side. If there's only 10 people in the bar, the music doesn't have to be super loud. But, I appreciated the good mix of indie dance and other dance genres. read more

Scarlet is one my regular favorites in Chicago. While it could never take the place of my beloved Sidetrack (since I have a penchant for dating guys in their 30's and that's pretty much ALL of Sidetrack), this ranks right up there. I have yet to have a bad time at Scarlet. Even when the place is empty and it's just me and my friends, it's always fun. The bartenders are great, especially Jared. I make sure to say hi to him whenever I am there, and he is always friendly to me...a welcome change from the attitude-loaded bartenders at Minibar! Favorite night is definitely Thursday...Fratboy Thursdays are a must on my schedule, especially when I can work from home on Friday. The crowd, for those of you who have not been, is pretty mixed. I see some people looking to cruise and I see people looking to hangout. It is not as meat markety as some of the bars in Boystown. The only thing I dislike? The main bar itself is pretty big, which limits the space a little bit. Drink Up! read more

Helll ya usaully go on Wednesday evenings for dollar drink nights. Dance floor is nice. Friendly bar tenders which is great. When i go there i have fun. Yayyy. read more