For a gay dive bar it's a 5/5. Friendly staff and friendly patrons. They have a variety of games (darts, pool) and TVs usually streaming sports. I like their new windows that allow it to feel more open air on nice days. I don't believe they serve food but if you just want some brewskis with the bois it's a fun, casual, relaxed spot. Not "nice" but unpretentious and welcoming. read more

It really is a great neighborhood bar where they know your name and if you go often enough they know your drink, ask for the bartender Labake (la-ba-kay), he will take good care of you. read more

The atmosphere at The North End is unpretentious and welcoming. It's my favorite gay neighborhood bar especially with Jesse and Javier. They are the best features here. Super sweet, funny and kind. They also know how to make the perfect drinks. The vibe is never wrong here. If you are looking for a place to start or end the night, this is your spot. read more

See all

Pretty great atmosphere for a Saturday night! Lots of people, good music, and two bars. There's pool tables and darts to play with your friends and plenty of seating. It was quite loud but there were a few games on the tv's. Drinks are good and not too expensive. Our bartender couldn't hear us too well but that's most likely due to not being use to the sound on our end. I'd recommend this place if you like hanging out with friends in a cool, trendy spot away from the business of wrigleyville! read more

I wouldn't even consider the North end to be a "sports bar." Yesterday for example University of Illinois is playing in the sweet sixteen ncaa March Madness and several patrons are there to watch (You can tell because they are all wear Illinois gear) and the bartenders have to be asked to turn that game on? It then gets turned on late. They refuse to play the sound of the game because I suppose Miley Cyrus is more important? I have been there in the past to watch sports such as Loyola in the sweet sixteen and same thing happens. Bartenders are not even aware of a local team being in March Madness. How does that even happen? Another major complaint is the sound of music is so loud one cannot even socialize at this bar. Forget about trying to play your own music as the juke box is almost always very likely booked up by the bartenders. Chicago needs a better gay sports bar than this. I will be taking my service elsewhere even if it is a straight bar. read more

My girlfriend and I frequent this bar during the week to grab a drink and play pool. Bartenders are incredibly friendly and attentive. The vibe at this place is top tier. One half is quieter with a pool table and some older folk who want to enjoy a drink and chat, while the other half is much livelier with a younger crowd playing darts and pool. 10/10 experience read more

I have long loved this bar. From the long standing single stall restrooms honoring gender queer and non-binary people, to the darts, to the mad respect for gays who love sports and decently priced drinks and chill vibes, this is the best day drinking gay bar in Chicago, but their greatest accomplishment may be installing the high powered blow dryers. You see, I went to use the rr yesterday and needed to have a poop, anyway when I was done they were out of toilet paper, so I panicked, but because it was a single stall, I was able to use the sink and bidet my b hole. Anyway, then I realized there were no paper towels, again, normally I would have had a panic, but to my surprise and delight, there was a new high powered hand dryer at waste height, with a quick bend and snap I was able to get gale force, warm winds blowing over nether regions and thanks to the optical sensor and auto dry function, I was sparkly dry in no time hands free, no wet spots in my jeans. 10 out of 10 would recommend. Other bars with just toilet paper are simply homophobic. read more

Nice bar. Friendly staff. The space is small and intimate. Great place to go with friends.

Have been here a couple of times now and it's a friendly neighborhood bar in the Boys Town area of a Chicago. Lots of guys here and a handful of women. This is a place with fun music, pool tables, and a pretty large bar. The drink specials are good and a large enough beer selection. Seating can get sparse as the place fills up, so look for a spot at the bar if you plan to sit and sip for a while. They don't serve any food, just drinks here. There are nice taco and pizza places within a block if you want to bring a little food in to nosh with your drinks. Lovely atmosphere and this is where the boys are! Fun night here and very lively. read more

The North End - Complimentary by the pool tables. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Dishonest bartenders. I've been a member of the Hasted community for more than two decades and this bar has long been one of my favorite "non scene" spots to go until last night. As a former Halsted Street service industry employee, I'm familiar with a lot of the inside baseball that happens on the other side of a bar, which is why I was reluctant to write this review but it's also why I feel I need to. Having arrived with two other friends yesterday, I ordered us a round of Jameson shots and Bud Light cans. The bartender, whom I had never seen before, told me the bill was $60. I was a little surprised by this. Typically Bud Light goes for $4--6 and Jamo shots are pretty standard at $6 a pop. She then condescended me by explaining that Jamo shots were $8 apiece and "welcome to Chicago." I paid and did not tip her. Even at 8 a pour, that makes the Bud Light cans $12 each. That's not "welcome to Chicago." That's not even "welcome to New York." That's a shitty bartender trying to pad her tab with tips she can't earn on her own merit. Way back when, this place used to be run by a decent guy that made sure the bathrooms were clean and the whole bar didn't smell like a urinal cake. It was a great place to chill out and meet people and play a few games of darts or pool. Now it's headed right down the same path Spin took and it's sad to see such a great spot ruined by trashbag people. There's nothing here you can't find anywhere else. Lakeview has a ton of pool halls with well-maintained tables. Plastic bar darts are within arm's reach at any other bar. Free popcorn is pretty much standard these days. Oh, but wait--there's ONE thing North End has that you won't find anywhere else.... An $8 shot of Jameson with a $12 can of Bud Light. Save yourself some money and pay $6 per Jamo literally anywhere else and $4-6 per BL. Also, tip your honest, witty bartenders. Let the awful, shit ones wither on their poisoned vine. read more

This place is actually fun. It's strange that I had walked by hundreds and hundreds of times having never gone in... a few weeks ago we decided to give it a whirl. we stayed for awhile... went back this weekend. It seems to be a pretty laid back crowd, slightly older (30-60 seems average) crowd. A lot of the "I'm 38 wearing abercrombie still" crowd too. They recently upgraded their TVs and now have nice huge 60" LG plasmas throughout. It was a fun social place to watch the Grammys... did someone say... porn star bartender with his own dildo named after him? read more

The North End - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

North End is easily one of my LEAST favorite bars in Boys Town. The only time I will step foot inside is when we are required to play there for our dart league. Otherwise, I avoid it like the plague. The bartenders are usually friendly... and there are a couple jerks that work there too... but they are SO STINGY. We'll be there a couple hours for league night and never get anything free. On top of it, they measure one shot into their $6 drinks. INSANE. We were there last week because of the dart league and they had run out of Miller Light on tap... the only cheap-ish beverage you can get there. Are the dudes cute? Not any cuter than any other bar on Halsted. Do yourself (and your wallet) a favor by going elsewhere. read more

Definitely improved from the last encounter I had with them. Pool table is upgraded music on point and everyone friendly. It was definately a good time. Good Job. read more

My partner and I went here April 10. Opened a tab on credit card. And was given my card back. Had some drinks. Total came to $105. I left a 20 tip on my card for a total of $125. The next day I checked my bank. I had the 105 charge an extra $54 charge for April 11 and a $6 charge on April 11 at a bar across the street ( cell block ) that I've never been in. I have called over and over, to get an explanation,no one answers. I had to freeze my card. read more

A large group of us was enjoying the game and a few of the drag queens (who appeared to be endorsed by the bar) offered a 50/50 raffle. Several of us bought in with more than a few bucks and after the supposed time had come and gone, they were nowhere to be found. Super lame experience and makes us all question the owners and staff who were supporting this shady operation. read more

North end is a wonderful bar full of wonderful people. The drinks are well priced, the service is fast and friendly, even when I maybe haven't deserved it. The place has become my favorite place to unwind by playing darts before headed home. They always have great specials and flamboyant, vibrant people. Thanks for being a great neighbourhood bar. read more

There is nothing I love more than when a bartender handles the following statement with aptitude and zeal. "I don't know what to have. . . you pick". Bookended by my husband and our favorite gays, we were on a fairly explicit mission as part of "Emily D., Acting Out 2009, Sponsored by Grey Goose". I've taken to falling in love with shots again. We did several. Jaeger, Red-Headed Sluts and Hottie Bartender's specialty: Washington Apple. I inquired if it had Pucker in it, which is clearly rhetorical. He thought I was cute, but here I still have to pay. We could have easily gone the way of oblivion and karaoke'd to several showtunes but opted to hop to the next location. I want to come back and introduce myself to the bar hop wearing the "I Love My Penis" shirt. There's more to that shy soul. He really needs to come out of his shell. Tragic. I love the North End. That's what she said. read more

Step back Crew... The North End has the classic, grungy sports bar feel, and you just simply don't! [Stepping back away from being a bitchy gay.] The North End has plenty of TVs, pool, darts, sometimes karaoke and everything you'd want from a social straight bar, yet it's gay. For those who are new to "the scene" it's a good starter bar where you can go comfortably without intimidation. The bartenders are down-to-earth and will actually chat up a conversation. Another plus is the bathroom isn't too nasty and has a door which closes *phew*. Note: If you're there at closing time, they will throw your beer down the drain so you better chug it. read more

What? You have a problem with me? You actually want to fight right now?! How about this? Follow me to North End, hit the punching bag game and if it says I'm stronger than you, let's fight! Okay, I'm definitely not a fighter, but where else can you go to hit a punching bag to show how strong you are?! (Or in my case, not strong; just don't tell anyone my secret) This is definitely my favorite chill bar in Chicago! There are pool tables that aren't broken, dart boards with all the pieces, TVs everywhere, and great drinks! I may live farther South, but traveling to the North End is no problem for me when I know how wonderful a time I will have! read more

If you're a pool player, go to this bar. Don't waste your time at any other bar in boystown or wrigleyville. If you have a friend, or if you're alone-- you'll find others at this bar. Also three dart boards, very tall beer glasses and a laid back unimposing atmosphere also raise this bar on the scale. Not the typical gay bar-- it's very straight-friendly as I have found on fridays and saturdays. The barstaff is hit or miss-- the cute ones are the slowest servers, while the average-joe types are the nicest and fastest to serve you. The best ones there right now are Chad, Frank, and George. Also, they'll put on any game you wanna watch. During the day this is a GREAT hiding spot if you just want to sit, drink, and watch a game. read more

North End is a gay bar without the attitude. I'm not much one for primping and posing at the trendier bars on Halsted, so The North End is a nice option for hanging out in a relaxed, low-homo-pressure environment. My experience here has been drinking beer and throwing darts with friends. Check out the pool tables, dart machines, and popcorn machine. Everyone is friendly and you'll feel welcome as a newcomer. Very cool. read more

Oh honey child! I am no stranger to gay bars and with the amount of gay friends that I have, I might as well just open one myself! If I did, it would probably be like The North End. The North End is a great sports bar, but I could see it also being a great dance club. The patrons weren't twinks or what I like to call "gays of the bitchy variety", like you would see at other gay bars. They were just nice folks hanging out at a bar. The bartender was my favorite. He guessed that I was from Milwaukee by my beer selection (which was NOT Leinenkugel's or Miller, btw.) read more

If you enjoy watered down drinks & ignorant hipster bartenders with cheap imitation Buddy Holly glasses and ill fitting plugs then this is the place for you! I'd much rather go to a "straight" sports bar....at least the guys there are hot. read more

The North End, at the end of Boystown and at end of your night, offers a poor selection of drinks at an uncompetitive price. It pairs poor service and low quality with such delicate finesse that you mistake it for gross incompetence... but I assure you, dear friend, is done with great attention to detail. To not just be world's worst gay bar, but also the world's worst dive bar is their only true and lasting ambition. read more

Thank goodness for this place. Not much else to say that hasn't been said, I just wanted yelp to know I'm down with the North End too. ^ _ ^ read more

Having perused the various locations in the Lakeview/Boystown area The North End is probably the easiest to handle. The bartenders are courteous and personable, the prices are average, and they are not campy/trashy like a few more well traveled watering holes in the area. Cons: the noise level can get to an obnoxious level for no apparent reason, regardless of the TV/sound system. While Karaoke is fantastic, the few times I have been to TNE for it the volume on the microphones was deafening. I'm not totally interested in a screeching rendition of Womanizer by Britney's tone-deaf drunk twin. read more

This is the gay bar for all of you gay men out there who would rather not deal with all the typical crap that goes down at gay bars. I'd list all of that, but if you are looking to avoid it, you know what I am talking about. The North End is your gay Cheers. It's cozy and laid back. The bartenders are friendly. The clientele is respectable. It's a great place for grabbing a beer with your friends. It's a little detached from your typical gay fare, but that works in its favor. If you are looking for you next favorite gay bar, this is it. So why not five stars? I hate when gay bars get big heads. read more

Top 3 reasons to visit The North End: 1. Free pool on Wednesdays 2. Friendly & fast bartenders 3. Laid back atmosphere read more

This is my favorite gay bar in the city. People here are (mostly) so laid back and unpretentious that you'll almost forget that you're hanging out on Halsted. Don't get me wrong; the place is filled with gorgeous guys. (And, unfortunately, the random straight guy who is so lame that he's unable to pick up women at a hetero bar.) And they play a lot of Madonna. And you will get air kisses from the (sometimes shirtless) bartenders if you're a regular. But there's pool tables and darts and the beer is cheap and there's free popcorn and it's usually not TOO crowded and everyone is pretty down-to-earth and friendly. Love this place! read more

I don't typically like sports bars. Honestly, I don't. Never a fan of Roscoe's in Phoenix, didn't bother with the GYM in West Hollywood. Just not my thing. Somehow, this one works though. The crowd is pretty good looking for Chicago, the drinks tasty, and cheap. It's a decent place. Drinks could've been stronger, so four not five stars. read more

I came here the day after memorial weekend....right before the prop 8 rally. It was pretty mellow. The beer (draft) comes in a solid frosted mug! The proper way to serve a drink and the bartender is simply adorable... Great conversation and great company. What else can a gal ask for... Oh the ladies room had this slight vibration when entering, *wink* when you are feeling a bit tipsy with all these hot men around...what more can I ask for right? Another cold beer waiting for me!!! *woot*woot* read more

OK, so this past Saturday night, was a night of many first for me. (All of which, I really enjoyed!) My first experience at a gay sports bar (nothing at all like the gay bars I'd visited in DC). My first encounter with Hacker-Pschorr; and what a sweet encounter it was (just refer to review below). And lastly my first sports obsession, the World's Strongest Man competition - this blows my mind. Anyhow, back to the actual review. I had a fabulous time here. The bartenders were very friendly. The mugs were tall, frozen and filled to the top with fresh beer on tap. Fun music, plenty of visual stimulation and most importantly great company. So a big thank you to my buddy Justin and to The North End for helping me experience my many firsts! read more

Went there after brunch at F O'Mahoney's. Very nice bartender, great set up to view the games and lovely, lovely Hacker Pschoor Weiss on tap in a fantastic frosted mug. They even had hot dogs and chips with all donations going to BEHIV. Again, if friends want to go and I'm up for the ride south, I'm there. Had a great time and if I lived in Lakeview I'd definitely frequent it more often. read more

I really like North End! I'm the "Illini football season ticket holding, Cubs game going, Cardinals hating" kind of gay guy so drinking cold cheap beer in a laid back gay sports bar a couple of blocks from Wrigley (and a world away from Roscoe's) is my idea of a good time. I have been to North End on many occasions and I've never had a bad time. My favorite nights are when it's not completely packed (this can happen on some weekends) and you can actually get a bar stool and enjoy a conversation with the bartenders. North End is also close enough to Charlie's that by the time the rest of the queens have hauled it down Halsted from Sidetrack and Roscoe's you'll already be inside the bar before the cover charge while the cowboys are still line dancing. It's also right next to Buck's which is also a GREAT time. I'll take the NORTH END of Halsted anyday! read more

Do you like beer? Do you play pool? Do you like darts? And occassionally you like to sing kareoke and play wii games??? THEN YOU'RE HOME. read more

I love getting a bulls-eye -- don't you? Well, that's exactly what you're gonna get when you go to this gay bar in Chicago. It has dart boards, pool tables, and other games to keep you content and hap-hap-happy for hours. It is located on Halsted St. -- on the north end (get it) of the bacon strip we like to call BOYS TOWN. Speaking of bacon, this bar is meaty. The mensssss inside the joint come in every shape and form. A lot of the local gay sports clubs meet up here after their games -- all schvity and dewy from some man-on-man scrumming. Oh my. Just the other day while I was enjoying a drink with some friends -- a rugby team ran naked thru the bar and beer got poured on them. That sounds like my kind of Saturday night. I kid --- i would rather that happened on a Tuesday night. And if you are a sports-minded gay, they play sports games all da damn time. You would be in heaven. I don't give two shizzits about sports, but I like the laid-back vibe of this place. And I love darts. So give it a chance. On Friday night, the next door bar - Bobby Love's - has Karaoke. You couldn't ask for a more exciting time. Give them a looksies. read more

It seems like The North End is a place that most people frequent in Boystown, especially if you are a sports fanatic. I have been here several times. I love the big glass mugs on tap, especially the local beer 312. There are several pool tables and darts to keep you entertained. However, most people are glued to the television screens. I like this place because you feel like you are right at home drinking and watching all your favorite sports teams. read more

This place is fabulous. I'm a sports bar kind of gal, so I'm always open to the type of atmosphere The North End offers. Saturday night my beau and I ran into a few of my friends who were headed out. Am I ever glad we joined them! I just love the, dare I say, head bartender, George. He's been there for about 17 or so years (I was drinking when he told me so I might be a year or two off), which in my world makes him a staple in the community. He's just fabulous, caring and hilarious. Although his job is to keep the drinks flowing, he makes the experience fun and memorable, which to me, makes The North End a new favorite. Pool tables are a plenty considering the bar size and I do believe I spied a dart board, or two, I can never be sure. And from what I hear, the specials are pretty decent, but I'll have to get back to you there. read more

If you want a nice relaxed night out without all the Boystown pretentiousness of a few other places, head to North End. It's a layed-back gay sports bar with enough video screens to keep you entertained all night. It's a good place for darts and pool also. read more

Even for sports fans, there is such a thing as too many big screen TVs in one space. Also, this place is poorly laid out and the space between the bars where the dart boards and the pool tables meet results in an awkward bottle neck. As a result, it's difficult to play bar games without awkward encounters. In addition, I have found some of their patrons and a select few involved in management/ownership of the space to be rude and bigoted. As a result, I now go out of my way to avoid this place entirely. I prefer Cell Block, or Charlie's, or Sidetrack. That said, if you do have the misfortune of finding yourself there, there are a couple great bartenders who should be treated well. read more