Pros: -unique and hidden -divey meets cozy vibe -cash only (i believe!) -very reasonable pricing -patrons very nice Cons: NONE read more

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Second Story Bar is one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it gems that feels like Chicago's best little secret. Low-key, no frills, and effortlessly cool. The vibe is relaxed, the crowd is friendly, and it's the kind of gay bar where you can actually hear yourself talk (a rare luxury). It's cash only, which somehow adds to the charm--like you're stepping into a simpler, cooler era of nightlife. Drinks are solid, bartenders are chill, and nobody's trying too hard. Come as you are, stay as long as you want. Perfect for starting the night, ending the night, or just hiding out with friends and good conversation. If you're into cozy energy, inclusive vibes, and zero pretension, Second Story Bar absolutely delivers. I'll definitely be back. read more

Stopped by this bar while on vacation in Chicago for Thanksgiving and had a great time. The drinks were cheap, it's cash only, and the crowd definitely leaned a bit older but honestly, that added to the charm. It was just my partner and me, so we found a spot, listened to the music, and enjoyed our drinks without feeling rushed or crowded. The atmosphere was laid-back, easygoing, and a total vibe. Sometimes you don't need anything fancy--just good music, strong drinks, and a comfortable place to unwind. We'll definitely be back on our next trip to Chicago. read more

What a great little find in the middle of downtown Chicago it's a small local watering hole. It was packed with regulars and great staff hope that were very welcoming to outsiders. Conversations between groups and bartenders and interlopers never ceased. Great little hangout. read more

Stopped in on a Saturday night with a couple girlfriends. First thing to note is that it's a cash only bar, but there is an ATM on site. Second thing to note is that it is a gay bar. We had such a fun time with the nicest people! The drinks kinda sucked, and it was a bit too full so we felt like sardines, but the music and people were so fun! read more

Second Story Bar definitely does not have the most aesthetically pleasing decor. It is small (official count for customers is 36), requires walking up a flight of stairs that are not code (very weird height difference), and it is cash only. But man oh man, there is plenty of splits of bubbles, a great playlist, fun and friendly regulars that includes dogs, and plenty of fun times with people I have gone there with. This is the only gay bar that is downtown and there use to be plenty of them because I went to them all. I am happy that it is still alive and kicking. Again, it is cash only and there is an ATM machine at the entrance so you can get cash to pay for your drinks. I have stopped in here many a time for day and night drinking before or after a dinner reservation. I have spent so many times here either sitting in the window to watch traffic go by on the street below, chatting with people I have met on the spot, or hanging out with The Doctor, Queen and friends to just chill. Service has always been nice and the bartenders over the years have been nice and chatty and catty and I have loved it! I prefer to go during the day when it is a little more on the quiet side. But pre-COVID, it was cool at night but crazy packed. But post-COVID, I am not about that scene anymore. I actually do enjoy hanging out there during the day for a quiet drink and just listening to conversations, looking at some of the really cute older guys that come in to either work on laptops or just to have a quick drink. The bar opens at noon and closes at 1:30 a.m., so have at it and bring lots of cash to get those boozy drinks and to tip your bartender. read more

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Cash only bar, great drinks and service! Atmosphere is a dive bar experience with decent music, diverse crowd and a group of bar regulars! From personal experience Ii advise you to only have drinks and not get involved with anyone you meet at this place! If you want to meet quality people you will not find them here! read more

Second Story Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We returned here again on our most recent visit to Chicago and while our experience wasn't bad, it was certainly no better than just "OK" as 3 stars on Yelp denotes. Second Story is still "cash only", and while that may have worked years ago, today many people only pay with plastic or use their phones. Personally it's been years since I've carried any form of cash most times. This place caught us off guard with that, but luckily my husband had a few bills and was able to cover us. A few other relatively recent reviews made reference to a bartender with an attitude problem, and I have a feeling that's who we got on the Saturday night we stopped by. There were only about 5 people at the bar, including an older guy at the end who was blatantly drunk. Another patron who obviously knew him was trying to be a friend and take him home. The guy was heavily slurring his speech when talking and could barely stand. However, the bartender was actually yelling at people for trying to help him, telling them the drunkard had every right to stay there if he wished, and it wasn't up to them to try and force him to leave. In reality, most everyone seemed more worried that the guy would end up falling down the long staircase that leads customers up to this bar, and they went to try and help. The bartender later told us that the guy who was drunk does that all the time and there's actually a brass plate with his name on it in front of the stool where he often sits. Joy. read more

Service was good! Great location when staying downtown . Fun crowd and everyone was celebrating St Patty's Day

It was soooooo crowded, I have never seen it this crowded and all my visits to second-story bar stay for one cocktail. Will come back next time, but during the day and holiday weekend, they are always super nice. Reminder cash only bar. read more

Second Story Bar - Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cozy bar with great service. I loved the neon signs, simplicity of the drinks and enjoyed the vibe. They gave a strong pour. cash only but worth a stop. Entrance is a little unique- walk up narrow stairs, bar is adjacent to an apartment but we had a great time! read more

love this place! it's the most welcoming bar I have found in this area. It's small but has the best vibes, truly a gem in hiding.

Easygoing hidden gem. Cash only but an atm at the entrance going up. A bit small but always a great time

Great downtown location. Small, but friendly clientele and bartenders. Great for pre-dinner ressies in the area.

Love it!!! So many handsome fun guys and the people watching is freakin stellar!!!!! The drinks the ambiance everything.

Unassuming gay bar in Streeterville area, and to be quite honest, probably the only LGBTQ+ centered bar in the downtown area. I don't think River North or anywhere in the Loop has a bar like this. I'm quite surprised they don't honestly. I came here with a friend and this place gabe chill bar vibes. Definitely not a place you go to for dancing or twerking or any of that shenanigans. It's also very easy to miss. Walking up the stairs from the street makes you feel like you walking into someone's janky apartment and going up a flight of stairs. Anyways, ambiance was cool... our bartender was friendly, and just a reminder, it is CASH only. They have an ATM nearby downstairs so that wasn't an issue. If I'm in the area, it wouldn't be a bad place to grab a drink or pregame to go elsewhere, but don't expect Boystown energy by any means. read more

Second Story Bar - I'm seeing more "Washroom" signs in the US. Feels like Canada, I love it! - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Down the narrow hall and up the stairs. If you thought that bougie speakeasy down the street felt hidden, try Second Story Bar. With just rainbow flags and neon lights you'll need strong gay-dar to hone in on this location. Or just ask around... or use Yelp. Lucky for us, we had all three. All are welcome, everyone was friendly and the drinks were basic but strong. No patio, decks, or fresh air here though, so it can get heated. Cash is king. But so is that shorty with the perfectly toned thighs. read more

Second Story Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What has a neon emoji signs of a fuzzy peach and an enlarged zucchini?! ... ONLY Chicago's Second Story Gay Bar! It's hidden upstairs via a nondescript stairway to the west of Sayat Nova's Armenian Restaurant in Streeterville. I had always wanted to pay a visit here when I was a local, however, never made it happen. Thankfully while visiting Chicago as a tourist I brought a gaggle of girls upstairs. Sadly many bars downtown and in the Loop aren't open very late, perhaps except in the Viagra Triangle area. It's always nice to not have to venture all the way north to Boystown for a gay bar. Upon entering, the bouncer was super cool and welcoming given my crowd and paparazzi. We hung out near the small space available nook near the front windows. It is not a large place but everyone was friendly and willing to squeeze in around one another. Second Story makes their drinks not only affordable but also boozy like most gay bars. We spent a few hours singing, eavesdropping to figure out each person's story, and judging folks as they came up the stairs via video surveillance. Oh and don't forget to bring cash! No plastic accepted. read more

Second Story Bar - Look for the rainbow above the stairwell - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The ambiance of the bar is lovely and I also appreciate some of the workers there-- very kind folks! However, I was shocked by the rude tone by the bartender who informed us that we must buy something or leave due to a larger crowd forming. I was fine with the request to purchase something, but the tone was very rude and unprofessional. Moreover, when I went to the bartender to purchase something, he made another rude and snide remark: "But there is two of you". I would have easily forgiven the first comment, but the second punctuated my issue: it felt very targeted and unnecessary. There were also other customers there who did not purchase anything either, but no comments were made in their direction. It was a cute bar when I attended the few times I did. Moving forward, I will not entertain the rudeness and unprofessionalism presented. P.S. they also have a very anachronistic practice of requiring cash only. read more

I like this spot. Reminds me of dives back in late '80s & 90s. I slide in whenever I'm in Chicago. What ya see is what ya get. read more

Second Story Bar - a glass of whiskey on the bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Small cash bar, the drinks are always flowing and conversations are always pleasant. Nice chill gay bar.

Great bar, great drinks, cute bartender, and a view of the city. What more could you want? Worth the trip every time

I have been to this bar many times. Whenever I have friends in town I go here. Tonight, 5/14/2024 I brought an out of town guest and it was his birthday. We were sitting at the bar and my friend placed his drink down, but didn't notice the space between the bar and the bar rail, so his glass fell on the floor and broke. Immediately the bartender made a little scene and said "you're done". I thought he was joking and I asked him if he was joking. He said he wasn't and that he would no longer serve my friend because he broke a glass. As a bartender myself, I would never deny a patron a drink because of an accident like that. I could understand if my friend was intoxicated but that was not the case. So then the bartender started to get an attitude with me. I asked him to make me another drink with and he assumed I was going to share it with my friend and told me if I did, i was "done". I thought that was an odd thing to assume. Also, I asked him to make my drink with a certain liquor but he didn't hear me. When I asked him if he used that liquor he said I didn't ask for it. When I said I did, he then told me "you're done". It was a very strange experience. I am not sure what me and my friend did to this man. Anyway, not sure if I will go back to this bar or not. This left a very bad taste in my mouth and was very uncalled for. read more

Lesbians are clearly not welcome here, took forever to let us in, the entire bar side eyed us, service was only given because they legally have to and you could totally tell, so much for solidarity read more

Flight attendant and I were on a layover and we found this place. Dakota was amazing, super sweet and helped find my wallet. Also met some nice people. Only thing I suggest is bring cash, the atm downstairs wasn't working. read more

If you're from out of town this is a great speakeasy style bar to come to and have a STIFF drink! My friend from Fort Lauderdale suggested that we go here for afternoon drinks and it will not let you down! He was right! We were immediately served in this small upstairs bar with excellent drink prices and great service. If you aren't familiar with the area you'll have to look UP when your gps says you've arrived. There's an open door that leads up a staircase into the bar area. It was constantly packed with a bunch of people that are there to have a great time. Zach, was our exceedingly charming, entertaining and hilarious bartender throughout his shift. His personality had me encompassed awaiting his next words of reality! I definitely love this guy! If you're staying on the magnificent mile and looking for a place to go drink and hear Zach's playlist I think this place will be a perfect place to start from beginning til end. Trust me on this. read more

Second Story Bar - people sitting at the bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute little bar. Too bad it is cash only. The server was very nice. I would go back when in town.

Small, cozy, friendly, (and probably crowded) hole in the wall bar. Cash-only but ATM is just downstairs. Proof that good vibes don't need schmancy digs. read more

Cutest gay bar I've ever been to! Down a hallway and up a flight of stairs next to a restaurant and you're inside a charming little gay bar on river north. Friendly staff and affordable drinks. Just around the corner from my hotel it was the perfect bar for my evening read more

Second Story Bar - Bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great old dive bar in an out of the way place. Happy to hear that the bartenders are doing their best to protect the bar from being over run with bachelorettes! Cheap and strong drinks too. read more

A neighborhood joint downtown. I have a blast every time I wander in. Friendly, fun, dishy. Yeah, it's a total gay bar, but like any place else, if you are friendly and fun, you're welcome most anywhere. If you're a Lincoln Park Trixie, celebrating your bachelorette party, don't come here. Seriously, no one wants that idiocy in their establishment. It's just off the Magnificent Mile, and this bar is probably the most authentic thing in a 12 block radius in this area. read more

A very chill and intimate bar, the staff was quick and very helpful! Will definitely go again!

The bartender was super rude and mean because we were girls. He pushed us out and screamed at us to get out and called us names. Never coming here again could give 0 stars if I could because the whole vibe and place was awful do not come here read more

Great unassuming bar. Really easy to miss (good). People super friendly. Always great fun!

I usually visit this place every time I'm in Chicago and with my friends or as a night cap and it's always been a very nice, gay friendly place to just hang out and have a few drinks. I understand that on this night maybe I did not get the "no females" memo, however the cold and harsh way my partner and I were treated is just unacceptable. Any lesbian forward bar welcomes gay men ALWAYS, it's just sad this was not reciprocated this night. Thank you for making my girlfriend feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Bad look for the community. We're on the same team. read more

this is the cheers of the loop. fun mixed friendly crowd i've only been here friday afterwork but I love the bartender. he makes a great cocktail read more

Perfect local hangout it's a place we're everybody knows your name and your drink and most importantly they look forward to seeing you. I love the cast of characters that really enjoy each other's company. read more

Super small bar But great location downtown Bar tender was super fun Great place to grab a drink No food

I had a very poor experience at the Second Story Bar last Thursday night (11/02/23). Brian M. accused me of being rude when in fact it was he that was not friendly with me and my friend. At one point we asked if he carried Mexican beer and he rolled his eyes- the beer menu was no where near us so we asked. I always used may I, please and thank you whenever I ordered and at the end of the night, a gentleman offered to buy us around and unbeknownst to me Brian had called last call for alcohol when I was in the bathroom so I said I didn't know then he said I had to have my hearing checked and blatantly lied by saying I had been rude from the start which is clearly not true. Oh then I asked him for his name and he refused to give it to me -he said "Why so you can give me a bad yelp review ?" I ignored him and my friend and I left. After writing this, I noticed other people complaining about him and he is still there, speaks volumes of that place! Never again! read more

I used to be a regular at this bar. To be honest, I probably have only been in the bar five times in the last 12 years. I came in for the first time in two years in July. Brian was the bartender and was ice cold......... bordering on rude. I can live with not being welcomed with open arms. I'm no longer a regular, to be fair, but he was put off by my mere question about their specials and the only way I can put it would be that, somehow, arriving at 2:30pm was interfering with his little clique of old sots that hang out daily at that early afternoon hour. I want to preface, I didn't ask multiple questions. It was like 10 words in the 45 minutes I was there, but it was met with a coldness I will not soon forget. If this is how non-regulars are received it leaves much to be desired. I may go in when Zach is there....if he still works there. Hopefully he's moved on to better things. read more