LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the boys at Charlie's!! I always have a great time! Fantastic dance floor, funky fog machines. Great bartenders, good drinks, reasonable prices (considering it's a dance club) Fabulous D.J.'s and music! I've never been there before midnight, or on a Fri. or Sat. night. No cover on the week nights (I heard about the infamous $20 cover for women on the weekends) The times I've been there...I've always been treated wonderfully, danced my butt off to fantastic tunes, was entertained by the adorable eye-candy, and have been told on numerous occasions "Guurrrrl, you have great hair!" What's not to love?!?! NOTE: They have now installed two "Stripper Poles" on the middle of the dance floor, can I tell you how much fun that was to watch?? read more

It was so so for this place. Cheap drinks and the music was ok. anyway this place is good to chill out with friends . read more

If there is one late night bar I would call home, it is "Charlie's". I frequently refer to this place as total debauchery. It's trashy, let's be honest, but by the time you are done being pretty on lower Halsted head up here to sweat your ass off... Put your hand's up if you miss Miss Amanda??? Newbies to chicago, make the trip... you will have a devilish good time. read more

One of my favorite bars in Chicago! They donate to charity and allow so many groups to fundraise there too! Best staff and management that are so nice and welcoming! read more

I felt like an "invader." But had a helluva good time. Took me a minute to get used to the bathrooms with swing doors but when in rome.... read more

Question for the guys out there. Have you ever felt objectified before? Truly eye-raped? Probably not, unless you're a doppelganger for Sawyer from LOST. But when you step into this place, you'll feel like a piece of meat hanging in a freezer on a hook. Charlie's is hands down the GAYEST bar I've ever been to. Sure, its not like I was born and raised in San Francisco's Castro District, but I've seen my fair share of gayness. This place takes the cake. Flashing lights, blaring club music, shirtless "bois" and FOG everywhere. So thick you can't see your own hand, let alone someone else's. It's a fun place to get your dance on. If you're a sexy bear or a cute twink, the door guy might even waive the cover for you. Then jump in to the writhing and shirtless crowd of men! Plus, if you're a single straight guy, the single straight girls can smell you a mile away. There's a lot of girls that accompany their gay friends and if you're the least bit appealing, you'll probably meet some of them. They'll probably even buy you a drink to let you know they're interested. Now I really know what it feels like to be a chick! read more

I DON'T DO KARAOKE. Well, only outside of the continental United States of America. But here I is with my Honey and the erstwhile Bailey h. While dealing with a stunning Stillers loss, karaoke was the only salve for Bailey's wounded soul (against the Ravens (fake Browns) no less!). So to Charlie's we go, $10 pitchers of mixed drinks, with people that really enjoy their karaoke! but not in that annoying way that makes you want to put an ice pick in your eyes/ears kind of way. While I can't imagine myself participating anytime soon ($10 pitchers of cocktails could change that). Charlie's is a fun place with great bartenders that are fun, and get the job done. I may start singing in the shower now... NO! read more

Gay Karaoke - need I say more? This place is awesome. I love their Tuesday nights for $2 Bud Lights and karaoke. People like Perry Homo, Ol' Gay Eyes and Baby Gaga make me drink till my one block walk home seems like its too far... A huge bar with tons of room for groups, this place is great for when you want to get out and maybe come out (the closet). With a slightly western theme its a nice break from the rest of the usual Halsted crowd/scene. If you like Boystown check this gem out. read more

The staff is always great, friendly and professional. It's a very welcoming bar, very inclusive bar. The entertainment and show hots are top notch. They are very supportive to the community, always willing to give back. read more

I never considered myself a country boy. But show me a man in a ten-gallon hat and a pair of tight blue jeans, and I'm all his. Charlie's never used to be my kind of place. When I first started going out in Boystown, Charlie's was pretty strictly country all the time-- and that was fine. Then they started experimenting with the thumpa-thumpa dance music after 1am, and people started coming in droves. I guess I should state that I'm not a thumpa-thumpa dance boy either. But the thing I like about Charlie's is, no matter what you prefer musically or for your going-out experience, Charlie's has the scene you're looking for. You want karaoke? Charlie's has one of the best karaoke libraries in Chicago. You want to learn how to line dance? Charlie's can teach you. You want to play cards and meet some new friends? Charlie's has an Euchre league on Sunday nights. On a business level, I've worked with Charlie's in conjunction with the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus. From the start, their staff have been accommodating and generous. They are extremely supportive of the LGBT community (and I do mean ALL letters of that acronym), and will bend over backwards to help out wherever necessary. CGMC members can be found at Charlie's every Sunday night after our weekly rehearsal, and each week we bring more and more people, because we have such a great time. I just think it's about time this place gets the recognition it deserves. You can't go wrong at Charlie's! read more

If you want to get roofied have your belongings stolen and barely make it home alive Charlie's is the place to go! And when making a complaint the next day to the manager was told that "I must have been at a different bar" until I showed them the credit card charges. Still no results..they said they searched camera footage but I doubt that very much! Stay safe-stay out of Charlie's!!!! read more

Not just for Cowboys! But for any boys...(21 and up, please drink responsibly!) No really, tons of shirt less guys, lots of fog, lots of groping, inside and out of clothing, it's a regular fun fest! You can even dance with yourself in the huge floor to ceiling mirror, or watch yourself making out with that cute guy you've been eyeing all night. To comment on earlier reviews: Swinging Doors - Most real gay clubs don't have doors to the bathrooms, so be grateful for a "door". Sweaty Shirtless Guys - Sweat assists to lube up those freaky situations. (Remember to Play Safe!) Fog - Fun for everyone, even the prudes who don't want to see what's going on. Plus it simulates a visual hallucination without being doped up. Free Cover For Good Lookers - Means more cute guys who are there to party! read more

Partner and I have patronized this establishment since we've been together (and separately before that). It's a country bar plus so much more. They've had campy drag, karaoke, bingo, euchre, etc. They're sponsors of the annual Gay Rodeo and provide a party bus to the event (a bargain Partner and I have enjoyed for many years)The staff is relatively established and friendly. They almost never run out of my bourbon. And the relatively new tall skinny ginger is hot. read more

I don't think this is a Country Western Bar anymore. I was there Pride Weekend on Saturday. Very young crowd...not Country Music at all. Had Strippers. Bartender was very rude...no hello even after I spoke to him. No thank you. I had a well bourbon and seven and it was $8. I will not be going back. read more

Thank you, Charlie's -- for being open until 4 am -- or maybe even later -- thus rounding out my assessment that Chicago is one of the best towns in the entire country. And that cold oxygen stuff that blows out on the dancefloor -- best thing ever. Ever. read more

It's fun to watch the 2-steppers here on Saturday night because the bar is country before turning to high energy dance around 2am. The music is pretty good. The bathroom is disgusting and exposed (toilet has no seat) but that's to be expected at a bar. It's a fun place to spend a late Saturday night. read more

where's everyone at? late friday evening and it was empty. the long island pitchers brought me back to college and the cans of pringles brought me back to cross country drives with my family - so a+ for the fuzzy feels. i love to dance and i loved the company i was with but felt a little intimidated on the dance floor (weird for me). i can pick up choreography (so i thought) and whether the "teas" were kicking in too hard or what, i was a little slower than usual. the choreographer and his buddy seemed to want the dance floor to themselves. i guess we weren't music video ready enough for their taste. oh well... it was 'country' enough for me but i'm not a country fan so i'm not a good gauge. read more

Great place, always have a good time! The whole reason I logged in to this site to review today was because of Charlie's New Years Party, although I did have to post some others at the same time. The only reason I don't give this place 5 stars it the bathrooms! Uugh! boys, take some of my money and fix em' up! LOL But I can get over that! The energy in this place is so wierd! And I mean that in a good way. If you can try and picture gay men waltzing to country in tight jeans and cowboy boots your with me... Then all of a sudden, the lights go out in an instant, fog starts filling the room, and the country is replaced with earthshaking bass from the now dance music. The cowboys fade into the sunset, and a mob of people start lining up outside. ITS CRAZY! The really nice thing about Charlie's is that I think you can fit in no matter what the age. I see from 21-60 in there enjoying themselves. Then to top all of that, they have some kind of a cold fog, I suspect either CO2 or nitrogen that jets on the floor throughout the night, cooling the hot men without shirts! Amazing! But now to the real reason for my review. New Years Eve 2008! I have never been to their party, but I will never miss another! I paid $50 for a ticket, for an open top shelf bar! and let me tell you, they did not hold back, I got my $50 worth! Great appetizer buffet, and the decor was faboulous! They transformed this place into a jungle with huge animals and vines, I would have never imagined. I want to especially thanks Mangina (I am sure this is not his real name, but thats what he said) and Jason (I think I remember, but they were close to the bathroom, so I could recycle often) for getting me totally wasted and making this the best NYE ever! Complete with both dance music and country! I liked! I did not think I liked country. CHEERS BOYS!! And then like magic again, all of a sudden the music ramped up, and there was a block long line outside. I was only able to make it until about 3am, and then I crawled back home, but it was amazing! If this is not the best NYE value in the city I would be surprised. Charlie's Your In My Heart forever! Thanks again guys! read more

This is the place! Friendly bartenders, affordable drinks, and the best DJ in town. (and the crowd can be very friendly too) What's not to like? I've been there for many years every weekend -- an unmissable part of the Chicago nightlife scene. A 4/5 AM bar and dance club. Just go. You'll have a good time. read more

Charlie's is one of those bars that can be one thing one minute and something COMPLETELY different another. If you're there during the evening or during the week, you'll see two-steppin pairs of cowboys and a laid-back vibe. When the clock strikes midnight, though, watch out. This place turns into the biggest dance party in Chicago, with bumpin and grindin gay boys and girls who love them. I will say that Charlie's can be a good time if you're super drunk and looking for annoying techno, rave-esque dance music. It's thumping and bumping and people are everywhere. Drinks are small and a little over-priced, but nobody cares. It's the place to dance the night away after all the other bars shut. read more

Meh. I guess if you're a 'mo whose vision of the nightlife is everything you heard all day on the radio remixed, with generic clone-boys convulsing all around you then you would love this place after hours. Before 2am its actually rather cute with all the cowboys, and thats why I'm giving it any stars. Honestly I'm at a loss why there aren't more options in Lakeview for dancing. Is S&M (Standing and Modeling) all we're into anymore? I for one do not need drugs to have a good night out, just a real DJ taking the best thats out there and bringing a dance floor to a frothy frenzy of madness. Theres so much good music too, something straight people in Chicago seem to be aware of. Anyway, the crowd here is alright, and the bartenders are friendly. Its crowded, but people aren't pushy like in another place i've reviewed. read more

Everytime I go to Charlie's, I have the absolute BEST time. Yes, the bathrooms are disgusting. Yes, the beer selection is less than ideal for me. But I dont care. In my world, nothing can beat being surrounded by gay men until 4 or 5 am dancing to ridiculous pop songs and getting silly drunk with all my boys. It's a really chill non-judgmental bar (in that, you dont have to be male-model-caliber to fit in) and the bartenders are all so sassy and adorable. Even the door-guys are sweethearts. Good quality people work and patron here which creates a fun relaxed atmosphere, allowing me to feel free to share my terrible dancing skills with all my new boyfriends. Heaven. read more

I just about lost it when I found out that this place did karaoke until 4am on Tuesdays. But I steadied myself and remained calm upon entry. When I got a book and saw how big the library was, tears started welling up. When I asked the bartender about Tuesday drink specials and was told that there were $10 pitchers, I almost bawled right there. But I regained my composure. I drank my pitchers with aplomb. I sang until four in the morning. read more

So I am visiting from out of town while "clearing"my bingo card from the host who was absent for most of the session she started screaming and then came and picked up my bingo card from me telling me that my actions were unacceptable. I was confused because I didn't know what other way one was to clear their bingo card. She then called security to kick me out of the bar. I then exclaimed I wasn't going to leave without drinking the drink I paid for. She got super angry and screaming on the mic. Calling security and the bartenders. Darla seemed to be the only one that had a problem with me there the bartenders apologized and were confused one of them actually saying I'm sorry I think she is drunk! How embarrassing. I will never come back here or suggest for any of my friends to come here. I hope chicago has way more to offer than this trashy bar! read more

I wasn't sure what to make of the disco boots. I guess we came in at 3, so it wasn't exactly the country line dance time. It was the "hook up or forever hold your peace" time for the boys. I'm not sure how to take the much higher cover for women. On the one hand, my boys were like "that's discrimination!" and on the other hand, I get into places on ladies' nights free all the time. I don't get into places that "hot" girls get into for free... but I don't think I'd want to be there. Anyhow, I'd probably be more annoyed by the higher cover if one of my wonderful boys hadn't paid mine for me. This is why you roll with a crew of hot gay boys, ladies. They also hold doors for me and buy me drinks. The music was fun, and I have to say the text a message to the screen thing- pretty hilarious. There were some scandalous things going on up there, and it really added another level to the whole hook up/be seen/etc. scene. I was glad when I got in that there were a few women hanging around. I hope their boys paid for their cover as well. A great way to end a great weekend. Chicago is no California, but it beats the hell out of Michigan. read more

Karaoke and specials on Tuesdays. Fun times! I don't do karaoke, but I always go there after my volleyball league on Tuesdays. It's fun place to spend some time with your friends. read more

My friend and I both had our phones pick pocketed within minutes of walking into Charlie's. We noticed immediately but it was too late. Although the manager was very kind and tried to make it right, this apparently is not an unusual problem for this establishment. Even our Uber driver later that evening told us that he too had been a victim of pick pocketing there on a different occasion. read more

i've always been a big fan of this bar, but it seems like every night people are pickpocketed/robbed and none of the staff does anything about it or takes you seriously if you report it. My friends and I all had our phones stolen last weekend. They need more security besides the one guy checking IDs at the door, or at least more attentive security. the fact that 3 people in the same friend group can be robbed within minutes of walking into the bar is absurd!! And based on previous reviews, this has been a big issue for months. Do something to change it, it's about time to actually take action to protect your customers! read more

My friend and I came back after having a good first stop. We had great drinks last time. This time we had to wait for bad drinks. We asked for a double mixed drink and it went up by maybe 50 percent. Our bartender was horrible and he got no tip. Wow what a waste read more

Bouncer did not let me and my friend in claimed we were too drunk when we only had a single drink prior. He was an asshole and I will never be going back read more

It takes ALOT for me to give a bad review. But this is not a safe place for women! We frequently go to Charlie's but after our last visit never again. While we were in the bathroom a woman ran in trying to block a man out. She told us that the man had just punched her in the throat. He also threatened our female friend when he saw we were going to complain. When we ran to tell the bartenders (two men. one was short, tan, had thick eyebrows, and I believe he was bald.) they were initially helpful and ran towards the man to kick him out but as soon as they found out he was the woman's boyfriend they said it was fine. The bartenders then decided to kick US out for getting upset that they wouldn't kick the man that threatened us and punched a woman in the throat. They began to argue that because he was her boyfriend it was okay (i guess as long as it's domestic violence it's fine). In the end they kicked the man out but not until after they kicked us out. TLDR: two women were kicked out of this establishment for reporting domestic violence and reporting that they were threatened themselves by the same man. This was on September the 30th at around 3 am. I have also heard similar stories from performers and other frequent visitors about the staff being misogynistic and unwelcoming. read more

This place is a shithole. 1st time I was here they wouldn't let my mom and I take a picture on the dance floor, and my friends dragged me out tonight so I said fuck it, I'll give it one last try and they wouldn't let me sing karaoke but let someone else after me sing. This place can suck my left nut I don't have. Don't ever waste your money here or your time. DONT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!! Go somewhere else on halsted!!! If I could give them zero stars I would. read more

First of all, I am giving this bar 1 star because there are no lower options. That being said, I'm sure the bar itself is adequate, but I will never know because I was denied entry. Allow me to explain... My cousin's bachelorette party started out at the Kit Kat Club last night. To keep spirits up, we decided to head to Charlie's because we heard good things about it. If only I was warned about the bouncer on a power trip. The bride-to-be (who is a fellow Lakeview/Boystown resident, the same as myself and a large portion of the group) was wearing the usual bachlorette garb - tiara, sash, etc. When approaching the door, said bouncer very rudely without notice told her to remove ALL bachlorette accessories if she wanted to get into the bar. Upon asking why, he responded... "You're taunting us. When YOU let US get married, YOU can come in like that." Understand the entire group's shock at the blame for current political affairs placed at our feet during, what should be, a very fun night. Every bar was excited to get our business. Let me remind you, we had just come from the Kit Kat Club. What upsets me the most is that we had people out of town and for them to witness this behavior in the very popular, friendly, and ACCEPTING neighborhood was upsetting and embarrassing. I understand they have a right to deny business to anyone, but for the grounds of us being supposedly bigoted and discriminatory was offensive, especially considering the fact that we chose these specific bars because we love the environment, the people we meet, and completely and whole-heartedly support this community. Its a shame that my friends and I will never be able to experience what we were told was a great place to be. If you're looking for a welcoming bar accepting all patrons, this is not the place to go, sorry to say. read more

Adrian the bartender was FANTASTIC. Two separate times my friends asked for "something pretty" and two separate times he gave me wonderful different drinks for our group. Not to mention the queens working gave us special attention too! This bar is beyond great with the best staff. Definitely a must visit!!! read more

Out of towner that frequents Charlies. Last few times its gone down hill. What happend to "those lil ole bitty pissant country place". Been here a few hours and not 1 country song....this might have something to do with why its 1221a on a Saturday and no one is here. I WANT OLD CHARLIES BACK. read more

My friend and I came to Chicago to celebrate my birthday and we came across this bar via yelp and we decided to come we came on country night and we participated in the lesson that they had, my friend and I decided that the dancing wasn't for us but we still stayed and ordered a couple of drinks. I went to the restroom before my friend and i were about to leave when I returned to her she tells me that Ricky came to her when I was to the restroom and told her "you don't come back now you hear", which I thought was very rude. He only came to her and said that because once we finished the line dancing lesson we didn't want to go out and dance anymore, no wonder there were only about 15 other people there aside from us. After that comment from Ricky I do not recommend this place. I don't know who Ricky is but if he's the owner what he said was very unprofessional. read more

Ok, honestly if you didn't tell me that Charlie's is usually a country bar, I would have no idea. There was nothing country going on when we came here. That's ok, we still had a good time. There is a $5 cover charge...which isn't bad...but I'm not a fan of cover charges at all. There is a decent dance floor for dancing, and people get into it. There are a few bars to visit, so those don't get too crowded. The people are nice, the drinks are good. It's definitely more of a club atmosphere. Again...maybe the country thing is only certain nights, I still don't get that. Or the cover charge. But it's still a good time. read more

Awesome bar! Plays country with line dance lessons until 1 on Fridays and Monday's then transitions into dance music later in the night and it's a 4am bar. The drink specials are THE best in Chicago with $1 drink Wednsday with gogo dancers and sick music, plus the bartender are epic read more

I fell in love with Charlies when I walked in at 2am and saw the sparkling saddle disco ball and cowboy hats juxtaposed with the dance music pumping through the air. Honestly, I don't have the clearly memories of the lay out because we always come here after 2am. You'll see things about the cover on here to discourage gawkers, if you're a lesbian and want to get in the bar you can usually not pay, and I've always had my birthday boys vouch for me that I'm here for them, not the show. The dancing is awesome, the music is really energetic and the general atmosphere is fun, fun, fun. And if you're out in Boystown you're spending a ton of cash anyway so don't be scared of the cover, this place is worth a splurge every once and a while. read more

The Charlies in Phoenix and Denver put this dump to shame. It's small and pays primo taxes. --Should have been located in Andersonville or somewhere they didn't have the overhead. At any rate, there isn't another club in town that has a bathroom worse than Charlies. It's a 'gay' bar and you can't even wash your hands? ...Yeah, that's REAL attractive. So, Y'All can continue paying for crappy drinks, inflated covers and enduring a P.O.S. (literally) john. I'll take my biz elsewhere. read more