Sidetrack

Gay bar · Chicago Northalsted

Seven connected rooms, a rooftop and a whole bar that knows every word of the show tunes: since 1982, Sidetrack has been the heart of Northalsted and one of the largest gay bars in the US.

• ★ 4.3 on Google (786)
• Since 1982
• Rooftop
• Show tunes on Fridays and Sundays

Address

3349 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours

Mon–Fri 3 pm–2 am
Sat 1 pm–3 am
Sun 1 pm–2 am

Entry

free (21+)

Crowd

mostly men, mixed ages, locals and tourists

Flirt factor

medium to high

Programme

Show tunes “TGIF” every Friday 4–9 pm and on Sunday afternoons
“All Things Beyoncé” every Wednesday from 9 pm
“All Things K-Pop” on Thursdays from 9 pm
Daddy Disco on Saturdays 4–9 pm
Dance party Fri/Sat from 9 pm

Getting there

“L” Belmont or Addison (Red Line), each about 10 minutes’ walk

What makes Sidetrack special

Art Johnston and his partner José “Pepe” Peña opened Sidetrack in 1982 as Chicago’s first gay video bar. Over the decades it grew into a complex of seven connected rooms and bars with a rooftop. Johnston also co-founded Equality Illinois and campaigned for Chicago’s 1988 anti-discrimination ordinance. The documentary “Art and Pep” tells the couple’s story.

The show tune afternoons are legendary: the whole bar sings along while musical clips play on the screens. The frozen cocktails are famous too, such as grape, black cherry, frosé and frozen margarita. From Wednesday to Sunday there is dancing in the evening, and once a month there is Sapphic Saturday.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mostly male and spans generations, plus lots of groups of friends and guests from around the world. Afternoons are sociable; at weekends it gets full and danceable in the evening. The show tune nights, frozen drinks and rooftop get praise.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Sidetrack website, Out x Out, Google reviews (4.3 stars, 786 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.