05/12/08

Boys Town's premier gay bar, this sprawling hangout draws a professional crowd with videos, slushy drinks, and a bi-level rooftop deck.

by Contributor

The Scene
The polished metal facade gives way to a dark, warm interior lit by wall sconces and video screens. There's a room here for every mood, from the dimly lit front and back areas to the sunny, loft-like "glass bar" and rooftop deck. Crowds of casually dressed professional men in their late 20s and early 30s pack the place most nights.

The Draw
Frozen, slushy drinks like the Ketel One krush taste like Kool-Aid, but pack a serious punch. Videos play on more than 30 video monitors scattered around the bar, from showtunes and old-school disco classics to the latest dance hits, with comedy clips cleverly interspersed throughout.

03/11/08

Fantastic

by michaeljjohn

This is the best bar Ive every been too. The bartenders are great, the space is really cool and very clean. Job well done. I LOVE CHICAGO

11/24/07

A Gay Chicago mainstay

by jericsmall

Sidetrack has really grown up. The bar is huge nowadays and many of the bartenders have been there for what seems like forever. For good reason...they're probably the friendliest group of bartenders at any gay bar in America of this size. The drinks are poured right too. The bar is a stand-and-model type but with the right friends can be quite fun. For me, it's a walk down memory lane, as I get to see the same old acquaintances from my days in Chicago as I did when I lived there. Sidetrack has the right formula and hopefully will for a long time to come.

• Pros: Valet is available if you have to drive
• Cons: Crowd can be a bit aloof sometimes

09/06/07

Great place to relax, & have fun!

by seamusid

Sidetracks is one of the most beautiful bars I've ever seen. The metal and woodwork are just great!

They offer several rooms for different feels.

I noticed a lot of comments about an older crowd and pricey drinks, but I've never noticed that. I think the drink prices are pretty average. And every time I've been here the crowd has been fairly well mixed age-wise.

A great aspect to this bar is the fact that the cruising, meat-market feel is pretty faint. Most people are more caught up in the videos and friends.

If you're visiting, make this a must-see!

• Pros: Atmosphere
• Cons: Parking, of course

04/02/07

heaven on halsted

by sidripley

Everything is perfect. size: huge..... cover: none.... crowd: everyone. So much fun it might make a straight man gay!

08/31/06

Great Bar! RUDE Bartender!!!

by bebolain10

Is one of the best gay bars in Chicago. The problem is that one of the Bartenders is very rude. I don't know his name because they don't have a name tags. Totally necesary!!!!! But I will come back with a lot of plesure to tell you guys. He threw a dollar at my face after I asked for a cup of water.

• Pros: MUSIC VIDEOS, CUTE GUYS.
• Cons: BARTENDERS, DOOR GUYS, DRINKS

07/28/06

top notch

by bmwducatirider

On a Sunday afternoon this place was packed. It must be the place to meet. Even with crowds so thick that it was hard to navigate the multitude of bars made it easy to get a drink. The rooftop was the fastest. Went pack on a weekday, still a large and varied crowd. Then the decor and ambience could be enjoyed and it is one of the nicest bars (gay or straight), I have ever been to. The drinks cost a little less than the neighboring places, the barstaff more friendly and served in nice glassware (during the week). Well worth the visit.

• Pros: Nice ambience, varied clientele, good service
• Cons: quite crowded on Sun afternoon

06/05/04

Fantastic!!!

by rik21

The best bar ever!!! The new lounge area is comfortable and very attractive with lighting that changes colors about every 15 mins. or so. The brand new rooftop deck is not to be missed!!! It boasts a new inside bar (with video monitors, of course), with an outside service window and another service bar as well. The large, two-level outside deck has planters with flowers and trees. Add all that to the other beautiful, clean bar areas - throw in fast, friendly service, good drinks, and the best job done showing videos anywhere - and you have Sidetrack!!! I can only imagine what they will do with the space they have purchased next door (south). I'm sure it will be amazing!!! I believe that expansion will make their facility one-half of the block!!! Keep up the great work, Sidetrack!!!!!

• Pros: Great facility, Great Service, Friendly staff

02/14/03

Best bar!

by davidsh2

This is honestly the best gay bar in all of the US. No question! Try it, you will agree!

• Pros: Great location, Great people, Great bar!!
• Cons: None!

12/29/02

Best Gay Social Place in the Country

by glong

Not your average gay bar. Sidetrack in Chucago is like NOTHING you have been to. I've traveled the country and this place is the model for profesional gay men to visit. If you want sleeze, go to an Eagle, or Manhole. Dancing, check out Backstreets in Atlanta. Sidetracks is for the gay professionals.