Dance. Dance. Like it's the last, last night of your life. Gonna get you right. Cause baby tonight, the DJ got us falling in love again. Freaking awesome in here. A little bit on the crowded side but I think that might have been part of the appeal of it all. The energy in here was amazing. It was very fun and very intense. I went with a gay couple and my husband. The couple, also from the Bay Area, had a great time. My husband was little uncomfortable since it was mostly men and most of those men had their shirts off and everyone was kind of rubbing up on everyone else but for the most part he had fun too. I had a blast here because people were actually dancing and just having a good time. Also, there was no weird looks for being a) part of the 10% of girls in the club, or b) being straight. Came on a Saturday night and was so excited to hear that late night in Chicago is actually late because in California 95% of places close down at 2am. We didn't end up leaving here until 3:30 and there were still people dancing the night away! Overall: 4 read more

Yeah, the girls found a cool 4am bar on a Monday night that serves $1 drinks. Dance floor that wasn't jammed and a relaxed crowd hanging out...major plus! I've been here a couple times and it's always a 'mellow club' feel. A few divas walking around thinking they're all that and somehow they are forced to stay in hydrate as punishment (read some of the 1 star reviews) but for the most part the crowd is friendly and entertaining. read more

The best place to have fun during Pride weekend for sure, even though I'm not gay, but you can still find hot ladies all over, just be careful some may be with their butchy girlfriends.... hahaha. read more

Love this place makes you feel very comfortable. Love the music the play band the drag shows! The Djs they have are amazing, love how they have special guest all the time! Drinks are always good and the staff is always polite! The fact that you guys are open late is a plus!!! read more

WTF...The Stanger doesn't want to talk about his experience at Hydrate, the stanger just needs a shower and a babe to hold him and promise everything is going to be alright.....Grrrr? read more

I returned to hydrate about two weeks ago and I was pleasantly surprised when I learned it DIDN'T smell like ass. It was jam packed that Saturday and there were ton's of ripped guys hanging out with their shirts off (I guess gay guys like that kind of stuff). It was waaaay better than the last time even though it was CROWDED!!! read more

Wow. Two WEAK drinks for $19?!? Biggest ripoff at a bar I've ever seen. My last drink and visit here.

I just celebrated my birthday on Sunday Funday a couple weeks back and it was amazing. The music was great, the vibe was great, the drinks were great. Everything was great. A bit chaotic, but overall everything seemed to go so smoothly as there was always someone making sure everything was going okay. Wether it was a bar back, door man, or the bartender. Regardless of how busy it was I was surprised on how good and quick the bartenders are. I will forever love Hydrate for Sunday Funday!!!!! Not to mention... this is the after spot after everything closes. I have zero complaints. There has been times where I have had issues with a couple drunks, but there has always been a manager on duty to assist with the situation and take care of it. So in that matter thank you managers because even when it gets crowded it never seems to be hard to locate one of you. 5 Stars Hydratee!!!!!!! :) read more

Enjoyed a few drinks here with my man pal : ) Nice music and great view, *wink. Hydrate is open late and so its fun to come here and just listen to some great music and finish of your drinking nite in boyztown! read more

They increased their drink prices to a dollar more than the rest the bars on the strip and this bar seems to have less and less of a crowd every time I deign to give it another chance. This is supported by the fact that every time I see pictures of the hydrate scene in Free Press, ect... the photos appear to be mainly staff members of hydrate as opposed to patrons that are displayed for other bars in the same magazine, meaning that staff were the only people in the bar when free press comes to photograph. read more

Though not as fancy as some other bars in the area, it is just fine. There is a good dance space that plays great music. The bar is never too crowded, even during pride parade. Line for the bathroom...not so fun. I loved how open it was and all the fresh air the let in. I would def give this place a try if you are checking out the bar scene in Boystown. read more

I do love to stop in when I can. Some of my favorite people work here and it's always good to see them. Crowd is a little messy but that's what a 5am bar is all about. read more

DO NOT SIT YOUR DRINK DOWN. Legit i sat one drink down for a few minutes to dance and it was gone. I ordered another one, took a sip and sat it down. GONNNEEE. Its like ur not allowed to sit ur drink down to dance. very upsetting. otherwise great bar. good music, good staff, good crowd. 4/5. only marking down because i couldn't keep a drink! the waitstaff is too aggressive with clearing tables. just keep your drink in your hand lol read more

I always have a good time at hydrate! The vibes are so positive! If your looking for a good time and want to drink, stop in! I love boystown!! read more

But of a nerve to charge a cover for this place. Rude bar staff. The music was good and the drink was strong

Yesterday went there with my friends for the first time. Cool place, nice atmosphere, fun lots of good looking and very friendly people. Had the best time of my life. I'm gonna go there again for sure. Highly recommended Fun,fun,fun read more

So I remember going here a lot when I was 21 and then stopped...recently starting going again and I must say...it's a pretty diverse crowd and love that! All the bartenders are friendly and drinks are pretty good. It gets pretty crazy after 230am in the back but if that's your cup of tea(it is for me), then go to it. If you love tribal beats...you'll love this place! read more

This place is great. Bartenders are super friendly, music is good and the Long Island Iced Teas are good and strong!

Hydrate is where its at! Talk about a great staff, awesome drag shows, and a good crowd!

Let's first acknowledge the reason that Hydrate attracts a crowd is because it's late night. That's about it. Whatever you do, don't check your coat. I checked my coat and lost the claim ticket and was told that I wasn't allowed to get my coat till the next day even though I saw it hanging right behind the obnoxious coat check idiot. Let's first realize that you're working in a closet at a club taking people's coats so, lose the attitude. I was nice enough though and replied with, can I please just take my coat it's right there? I was told no so I didn't argue even though there was no one waiting behind me. I show up the next night at 8 pm when they open to claim my coat and it's nowhere to be found. What a surprise. No one could tell me who was working the coat check the night before and they didn't know where the manger was. This place is trash. read more

Bought two groupon tickets to go see the drag show here! When I got there, the drag show wasn't showing, instead they had a much earlier comedy show going on. I was very disappointed as I was bringing my girlfriend here for her birthday. I wish they advertised which days the drag shows weren't happening during the holiday season! read more

06/29/18 We had a blasty blast!! It was our first time for all five of us! We were not disappointed. The bartender (sorry can't remember your name) but you were so fun and helpful! The LADIES were FAB! We were not disappointed. Loved the bouncer (DADDY HAT)! If we go back to Chicago, we will be back! You guys are the best! read more

We had an awesome time. The energy, spirit and customer service was great. Thanks for reminding us what a good night out with friends is suppose to be like. read more

Not the best pour. But always the best DJ's and I love the retro nights alla MANHOLE NIGHTS.

Nasty place, hot, too crowded, drugs being used openly (can be bought in the restroom) and what an amazingly rude woman "manning" the door! Those are customers, paying customers, dear. Don't talk down to people who are paying to come into your lame crap-hole bar. Drinks OK but overpriced. One bartender had a surly attitude. Music was OK, it was Ralphy Rosario that night and he rocks. Lots of people acting the fool in here. I won't be going back. read more

This place is quickly being run down. Thieves everywhere. Rude, unhelpful, careless staff. I definitely won't be back and would not recommend this bar to anyone. read more

bellow zero, worst check in staff, not that i am biased or anything like that,f i am going to described what happened every second of my experience , i walk in, show my ID, security person sees my ID and tells me its 5 dollars covers to which i replied i dont have cash if he will allow me to use ATM while my ID card stays with them and without saying YES or NO he simply drags me out the front DOOR, Out OUTRAGEOUS and I did say that " is it really fun to be so racist "? my bf comes in after few minutes and i explained to him whole situation and we tried to pay with cash as per their rule and security person won't let me go in as per his objection i called him RACIST (which he was being and proudly Demonstrating). I simply asked him if he can call manager to speak to me and after few minutes HIS EXCELLENCY did appear and conveniently ignored me while i jut request him if he can give me few seconds to speak to him, when he finally agreed he said i called that guy RACIST without inquiring or bothering listing OTHER SIDE OF STORY, he just kept saying this without letting me giving any explanation, he said (assumed) gatekeeper told me ATM is not working (which he never did or said anything about it) and I asked him, I am not trying to argue or fight with you, if he MANAGER or WHOEVER he was, let me use ATM while keeping my ID card just to verify his STAFF's ALTERNATIVE FACT and he ignored it like I didn't exist and most funniest thing is he was a Latino ignoring a request of another immigrant who pays his taxes , who refuses to use any govt funded benefits program when his work permit gets delayed for more than three months and he pays his taxes when he is not using any of benefits, i Repeatedly and very polity asked manager if he cqn let me use ATM inside club and if it doesn't work i will humbly apologize and will leave or if it works then they should held their employee accountable , he just ignored it without giving a thought, no wonder water flows from higher to lower, when person selected in highest office in country selected to act lower than beneath humanity levels,, commons will follow examples set by him. Why else would you not judge credibility of your employee? if he did say something (which he never did to me) why not test? why we do not held people accountable who is in power even if at level of some basic level like check in at club/bar? why do we have to racist or full of hatred not letting someone in for any of your pro-selected reason when that person is going to pay for your salary ? Do you still wonder why AMERICA has come to this point? there are those who act for their hatred reasons and then there are those who when given or asked to make right decisive to find out truth or false and they selected to be on biased side even when they know its wrong and they chose to be ignorant , please no matter what it would cost you at least give a try to know both sides of stories/truth, make people accountable, let those know they were wrong and realize them we won'tr back it (anyone) I will never come back to your place no matter what, i pay you, bring business to you, i don't need you or your sorry LIVES self-convinced I-M-BETTER (not to all, but to that check in Employee or manager who he called in)please be kind or at least be sincere to listen, when you don't even wanna do that, you are at least (unimaginable) beneath any justice or professionalism . there is something about being courteous and to do justice which your employee or his manager epic fails to do, please affiliate your club or bar with alternative fact group as apparently it believes in vigorously in spirits as trump does in SEAN SPICIER. read more

Bad crowd every monday...who comes across town for two dollar drinks...enterprises like these i dont stand because owners could attract a more affluent crowd with a dress code and AND A LITTLE MORE REVAMPING...Amy is the only redeeming characteristic of this establishment..nice lady read more

Otherwise known as a "last chance" bar, this place is ONLY fun in the late night hours, and ONLY after you've already consumed a fair amount of alcohol. If you're just looking for place to dance and can block out the nonsense around you, this might be a good open til 4am bar - otherwise it's a road better left untaken. The crowd is fairly tragic looking, there are "meth free" signs posted everywhere which clearly indicates this place has a problem with it, and worse than that, the entire place smells like a gas station bathroom. Even Monday's dollar drink night is a waste, seeing as how their is zero liquor in the drinks. The one SLIGHT plus? Lube wrestling on select nights. Nuff said. read more

Very nice club but the staff is rude. Probably the wrist in boys towns. There was as dumb bartender by the name of Amy who is by far the worst bartender in America read more

Tuesday night Beauty Bar- a manicure and a martini for $15! A very fun afterwork treat. Fortunately their ventilation is pretty good so you won't get overwhelmed by the nail polish fumes. I've never been to Hydrate on a regular night, but I definately recommend Tuesday nights! read more

DONT WASTE YR TIME WITH THIS PLACE UNLESS IS THE ONLY PLACE OPEN! I went there with my friend from San diego and he was not impressed! we had a hard time having a conversation,it was very loud the bar itself was not attractive,just a dancefloor with a bar in the way as u try to enter to dance, the crowd was SKETCHY and kind of SCARY! we left and went over down to another place with more of a better crowd and had a GREAT time!! Maybe better for those first timers at 21 who get so drunk that it does not matter where they are! read more

Hydrate is always a great time! Love going there with my LGBT friends they make it fun and the environment and music is always great. I love going when DJ Xtacy is on! Plays the best music and the drinks and bartenders are always so good. Thank You Hydrate for always making it a fun time. read more

Came here with a diverse group of 20-25 people and everyone had a blast! The drag show was very high energy and tasteful. I was told by friends who had been here before that the male dancer was quite a bit racier than normal, but he was still quite talented and put on a very impressive show. They gave us a glass of champagne to start, the bartenders kept more drinks coming, and there was always someone coming by to stock us up on $1 bills. Also, they let us bring our own food in the club as there were issues with our limo driver which made us miss our dinner reservations. Hydrate didn't hesitate to accommodate our group which really put a success on the whole night! read more

This place takes you for every penny. Complete opposite from the other businesses on Halsted that want provide reasonable prices and customer appreciation. Free non alcoholic drinks for designated drivers like soda water or even water do not happen here. As a member of the community and active on the bar scene I purposely avoid supporting this business. Staff is rude on top of it, other late night places in the area that welcome you friendly smiles and open arms instead of hands trying to grab your cash! read more

i give it one star for the $1 drink specials on whatever night it is (monday i think). buyer beware: you have to sift through fat, sweaty 21 year olds in a bar that is severly over capacity in order to procure said $1 drink. terrrrrrible gay house music in this generic gay scene. read more

I just don't see what attracts people to Hydrate. The music has the potential to give me cancer almost as quickly as there small cramped dance floor. It seems like the beat never changes in the place it is just a constant annoying sound. While they used to pull in big name DJ's and great music they seem to have done away with this and now have no namers and still charge a steep cover. While I don't mind paying $10 to see Chris Cox I'm not paying that to see some no name I never heard of. The drinks here are ok but tend to be the priciest on the street also. The only thing positive I can say about Hydrate is it is a nice looking bar. The decor is probably one of the nicest on the street and the roll up doors are sweet during the summer. When the doors are up and if you go early enough to get a seat by them in the summer this cn be a nice place to hang out. If you are looking to dance however skip over this place... read more

i came here on a sunday during market days at around 6 pm. i'm sure it's completely different on a normal night. bathrooms were nasty but to their credit my friend didn't wait too long for her drinks and the dj was fantastic! we had so much fun i'll definitely come back! read more

Just click those heals three times boys... Yea, it is along way from Kansas, but hell, It's got Lube Wrestling, Dollar Drink Night and Sunday is Ladies Night. Go Girls! With your bad selves, L word and all. Kudos. As for the staff being rude. So untrue, unfair and probably not in their shoes to understand all they go through and see every night. I have found the staff to be allot of fun and sometimes very helpful in a pinch. As in Drunk, not so hot thinking they are all that. The talent they have is always awesome. The pours are great, the shows and support for the community is always welcome. Let's not forget the buss to GREAT AMERICA for gay days. The bar on board is worth the trip. The Guys, Girls... Bi Straight and all the in between for the most part are a good time. As for the other things people say and see... Well some people set out to have fun and others blame for not having fun. I set out to have a good time and not depend on people or a place to enjoy myself. Put a song in your head and a drink in your hand... the rest will fallow. Your foot starts moving don't fight it... fallow it, it wants to show you how to loosen up. read more

Vomit. Granted, nothing could satisfy me about this place since it's taken the place of what was the best bar ever (Manhole), but they're not doing anything to improve their standing. If you like standing long lines and paying a lot of money to be crammed in like a sardine with a bunch of crackheads while getting bad service from snotty staff, have at it. They do get big name DJs here, if you care about that, but the place is way too small to be a dance club. How they took a perfectly fun, manly and friendly bar and turned it into this, I'll never understand. read more