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    Second Story Bar

    3.7 (190 reviews)
    InexpensiveGay Bars, Dive Bars
    Open 12:00 pm - 1:30 am (Next day)

    Second Story Bar Photos

    SECOND STORY BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey

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    Recommended Reviews - Second Story Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Jerry I.

    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!

    Denyce M.

    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.

    Bar
    LaShonda H.

    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.

    I'm seeing more "Washroom" signs in the US. Feels like Canada, I love it!
    Andrew P.

    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.

    McKenzie S.

    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.

    Look for the rainbow above the stairwell
    Richie D.

    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.

    a glass of whiskey on the bar

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great find. Cozy, cool,laid back and friendly. Wish I could've stayed longer! Zack was great!

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    17 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    13 years ago

    They serve their drinks strong and cheap just how I like my men. Second Story is a great place post shopping break with the "gals."

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Love this place! Lots of cuties. Really strong drinks, low prices and convenient location.

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    18 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Free shots with the bartender. $4 beers a block from north mich ave. Music videos. Small, dark, cozy, sketchy, and a gay bar? good times.

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Having a blast ... With great drinks and awesome bartenders !! The Drinks are worth it with an awesome atmosphere:) we will be coming back

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    8 years ago

    One of the best queer bars in the city. And the only queer bar in a much needed part of town. Go. Cash only, hennies.

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Unless you want to pay $5 for a soda (yes, that $5 for a plain club soda) accompanied by terribly rude service, don't go here.

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    16 years ago

    uhm amazing. gays + divey + nice people = win! go here!

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    16 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

    I'm not sure what happened. Total dive that's cash only. What do you expect? Really small. It is what you make of it.

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    10 years ago

    The place is cool, great music and the bartender is friendly, but they don't accept credit or debit cards!

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    13 years ago

    Drinks were great right; so consistent. I'll be back to enjoy Jack anytime

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    12 years ago

    While you are in Chicago if you are interested in strong drinks, a witty bartender, and friendly clientele then you have found a home.

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    Page 4 of 5

    Ask the Community - Second Story Bar

    Is this handicap accessible?

    No It's on the Second floor....

    Is this somewhere you can visit alone?

    Absolutely! The bartenders are friendly, and so are the patrons. It's a small place, so it can get a bit tight, but you may like that ;)

    Is this bar still open?

    Yes, as of 12/20/25

    Is this a 21+?

    Yes and not worth it. Lol.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Second Story Bar

    The reason I gave it a 5 star is because everybody is friendly and welcoming.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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