I always have such mixed feelings on Replay and, honestly, I am not sure why. The bar interior bar is relatively small but they have a large beer list, friendly staff, and in my experience most of the other patrons are super friendly and approachable. The bar feels very beer focused- large list of draft options, however, they serve mixed drinks as well. The highlight of Replay is the outdoor garden behind the bar- it's the perfect place to catchup with friends on a nice day. The games (at least at this location) seem more decorative than the actual draw to the bar. Replay Lakeview is a nice, lowkey, bar option in the thick of Boystown. read more

Good place if you a gaymer and gamer I'm huge gay gamer also love someone bought me a drink and nice place and chill

We came here on a Friday night and really liked this place, with the bar area inside, and the outdoor bar and additional seating out back. However, we'd just arrived, grabbed a beer and had a seat on that rear patio on a perfect night weather-wise, when the staff came along and started forcing all the customers to go inside. It was a bit odd as the outdoor space was busy, there were bartenders available and it really wasn't very late. Once everyone went inside it got really packed - we chose to finish our beverages and go elsewhere. read more

I love a good bar and this was no exception. Replay is located in Boystown and is serving up drinks, games, and good vibes. I think the best part about this place was the fact that it was video game themed! Their outdoor patio had a scene built out of a Super Mario game, which I was all about! The drinks are reasonably priced and when we went on a Saturday, they had a DJ playing some good tunes. The best part, they don't let you in if you're not vaccinated, so I felt safe being there. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - a graffiti on a door - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a great spot to relax with a drink and play some video games. Replay is a bit smaller than most of the arcade/bar establishments I have visited, but that's OK. You get a much cozier, friendly vibe here. All the games are also set for free play. The bartender was great, full bar, large rotating craft beer selection, a dozen arcade machines, and 2 pinball machines. They do have a nice large patio area out back for when the weather is nice. I can't think of a better way to unwind - craft beer and video games. Now, who will challenge me to a game of Frogger? read more

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We were making our rounds in North Halstead and this was our 2nd stop of the night. Staff was not very friendly and you could tell it was one of their bars with more attitude. We were lucky to get a table right near their street patio and able to people watch. Drinks were on the pricey side and weren't that good. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Honestly, what's not to love about this place? The have a photo booth, arcade games, a really nice patio space (and with heaters in the winter), friendly stuff, karaoke nights during the week, and they do a great job of changing the decor based on what holiday or season we are in. While this place isn't a club with people dancing everywhere, it's definitely a go-to for me during the week, or a place to grab a drink/pregame before going elsewhere. It's one of the first gay bars in Chicago I went to, and I'd return in a heartbeat. read more

Not a safe space. What we thought was going to be a safe space wasn't. The bartender harassed us for more tips, which of course we were on our second or third round before leaving, but she made us feel terrible when we were out celebrating a friend's birthday. I'm not sure if she's a manager or owner but, this being in boystown is very deceptive, not inclusive. read more

Went here with two white people and myself (Latino). My friend, a white man, had a bag. The short chubby Latino doorman with a beard let him in without checking his bag. Then when I walk through with my bag he says he needs to check mine and puts his hands all up in my bag and thoroughly checks mine. The next friend who is also white comes in with his bag already open cuz he sees me getting nearly strip searched and the doorman just glances in his bag. Idc if the doorman is not white. Y'all need to train your staff to treat everyone the same especially when you have fake inclusive murals around the place cuz clearly your staff members have a biased pov. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon is a nice little arcade bar located in the Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The place attracts a wide crowd due to its open space (that backyard doe), game selection, and cheap drinks. Outdoor patio is fun to hang outside when it's warmer outside and bartenders are always quick to serve. Drink selection is solid and leans more heavily on the craft-beer selection. Cognac and scotch collection is small but there. Only downside is that after going to some other arcade bars in the city, this selection felt a bit small. Yet, that shouldn't detract away from the fun as most games are free. Seriously, you can't beat free. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I stayed at an Airbnb right near here so of course I had to stop by. I think if I had gone on any other night it probably would have been a better experience. Since I was on vacation I sat at the bar because it's fun to talk to people. The bar itself was pretty empty, however, they were all very busy setting up for a SMART ride event. Because of this, the service kind of sucked. I'm hoping this was the reason why. The bartender was very nice, just not worried about taking my order or answering any questions. I ended up having one drink and left. No games were even played during my visit. That was more of a letdown than anything. Overall it's a cool spot. Indoor and outdoor seating options. Yes, videos games, lots of beer options. I'd give it another go when I'm nearby. I would give them a second chance. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wow, this is my 1700th review! I need to get a life, lol. Just kidding, I don't need a life. Anyway....stopped here while visiting Chicago because I heard they had a good tap list. And they did! 25 beers on tap, most of them craft (although they had a couple of more mainstream beers too). I was only planning on having a couple but there were so many options, I had more than a couple. On a Friday night, the place wasn't too crowded early but when I left around 8:30 it was filling up. The bartender (Niko?) was really awesome. He handled everyone efficiently and with a friendly smile. He gave me popcorn, so of course that makes him even more awesome. They have a couple of tv's that had sporting events on , so that was good. And the jukebox was a good value, plus everyone really seemed to like it when I played "Xanadu" by ONJ. I would definitely come back here. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - They have a moose - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I really like this bar and have been coming for years. Really like the set up, their patio & the staff. Just didn't agree that a certain server told me to cancel my credit card after it was incorrectly charged $130+ for 2 beers. As they proceed to try and run my credit card yet again for the charge of the original 2 beers. I will gladly be coming back will just be avoiding that staff member. read more

Fun little bar! The vintage games are a nice touch :) We were able to sit on the back patio - super spacious, quite a bit of seats and what looks to be a bar shack as well. The back bar wasn't open for our visit though. Bartenders were polite and quick and that was appreciated. Bar/bathrooms were also super clean even considering we came on the Sunday after St Pats. Fun atmosphere - will definitely be back! read more

WOW! decided to come here with my friends, this place is amazing! I love the decor, vibe, and friendliness of the staff. Everyone here was so nice, funny, and genuine! Great menu of craft beers and cocktails. Highly recommend the frozen coconut rose. They also have arcade games available to play and an outdoor area! read more

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Replay Beer and Bourbon is our favorite spot in town to grab a drink and watch a game. With seven screens that can be split between two different channels, they have always been super accommodating with our game viewing desires, especially if we contact them beforehand. Staff, prices, and ambiance. These are the three reasons that Replay is our favorite spot. The staff are always warm, welcoming, and a lot of fun! Staff is wonderfully attentive and helpful, helping us out with drink suggestions, being accommodating with game requests, and making sure you know about the yummy free popcorn. Did I mention that there is free popcorn! Prices here can't be beat. From a diverse and wide selection of premium craft draft beers, as well as an equally expansive liquor collection (especially whiskey), you can find all of your dream beverages here! They also have wine, if that is desire! The prices here have won our hearts! Finally, the ambience is super fun! Relaxed and exuberant, this place is a great place to come and hangout in a group. The inside is wide open and spacious with over 15 arcade games and pinball machines. Such fun! There is a beautiful outside patio space in the back with its own bar during the summer months. Plus, Replay is an inclusive and gay bar, so it is a safe place and space for all peoples! Come on down to Replay, grab a drink, watch your team's game, hangout with friends, and play an arcade game! It'll be a blast! read more

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We stopped in here for a drink before grabbing some dinner down the street. This is fun spot with a great vibe. There are video games, lots of TVs, and great bartenders. Definitely going to come back when I visit Chicago again. read more

Replay's aesthetic is on point. Their tribute to original Mario on their back porch is gorgeous and their game selection is full of fun. They keep up with rotating their beers and are committed to that free popcorn. Definitely suggest for a first drink if going out in Boystown. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is small but SOOOOO much fun!!! All the games are free. (Yes, they have Pac-Man) Bar is a full service bar. Music was good, play all genres. They have over 10 games to play. It's a nice little place to start the night with friends. read more

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Met a friend here on Thursday night at 8:30 and, besides the "bored out of his mind" indifference of the door staff/ID checker, the volume was ridiculously loud. To the point of having to lean in and pretty much shout to be heard by someone right next to you. I get that sitting at the door is likely boring as F, but getting someone who makes you feel welcomed from the moment you walk in is a good idea. Especially on a freeze your tits off, early-ish Thursday night. And, blaring the music doesn't make any bar more interesting or seemingly busy when it's not, it just makes it annoying and headache-worthy. Based on the same we walked out and took our cha-ching elsewhere. I might try this place again given that I live down the street and love arcade games, but my first visit did little to inspire that possibility. read more

Replay Lakeview is my favorite place to grab a drink in the gayborhood! Conveniently located right around the corner from my apartment, it's the first place I suggest when a friend asks to grab a drink. They have an amazing craft beer selection, an entire wall of whiskey, and a full bar, so really something for everyone. They have an amazing outdoor patio in the back, which has become a haven for me during these COVID times. They are also taking every precaution to make sure everyone is having a safe and enjoyable time. With social distancing, and barriers between tables. They've also got heaters outside to keep you warm. And right now, for the holidays, the place is decked out! Literally Christmas decorations everywhere. It's adorable and very cozy. Since they're operating at a reduced capacity, there can sometimes be a short wait. So go early (and often). read more

Pretty neat bar -- it has many of the features of other bars in the area such as the dark, but comfortable feel inside with classic videogames that you expect from a beercade -- but also the nice outdoor patio you love to spend time in during Chicago summers. Drinks selection was pretty good, with a good selection of everything from ales to IPA to lager. Only complaint I really have is the length of lines and quality of service when they get really busy, but that's to be expected pretty much anywhere during the busy chicago summers. read more

I don't really drink at all and I hardly go to bars but this place is truly exceptional. I showed up at 1:30am on a Friday night with my buddies from AA. We decided that it would be pretty great to test our collective resolve at a local watering hole. So I approach the bartender who smiled as he patiently explained the drink menu to me. Watch out because their big chalkboard is full of all kinds of numbers and I thought the percentages next to the prices were discounts (pro tip: they aren't.) Anyway after about ten minutes I asked the bartender if I could just have a water and he pointed me to this awesome water station they have set up by the bathroom. Normally, not a problem. But I have this thing about drinking anything I just had my back turned to (blame it on AA.) It took me maybe six or seven minutes to explain myself and the bartender, God love him, made a special water drink not just for me, but for all my AA friends too. The best part is when I asked him how much it all was--after almost half an hour had passed and the lights were coming up. He chuckled and told me it was free of charge so I left him a dollar for a job well done. They even let us stay a few more minutes to enjoy our waters as they cleaned up. Pro tip #2: the guys here are even CUTER when the lights are on! read more

I've stopped in here a few times in the past to grab a drink with a friend and people watch or play games. It's a fun little place that isn't too busy during the day and busy in the evenings. Bourbon selection is pretty decent... I had more than a few Old Fashioned's here, and you can't go wrong playing Ms Pac Man or Frogger. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Old Fashioned. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is one of our favorite go to fun places with games and great drink selections and awesome themed pop up bars. Most games are free to play which makes an inexpensive experience with just paying for drinks. Both locations are great, I do love the patio at the boys town location but inside is smaller than the Lincoln Park location. Keep doing what your doing! read more

We stopped in to Replay recently with a group of friends for a couple of beverages and to play some games. Very impressive beer list! Wow. They had some very good popcorn available for the asking. Don't be shy and ask for a bowl. The video games are set to free play but the pinballs are not. Video games and pinball machines were in excellent condition. It's nice to see that they put pinball in for the customers but the area that they are in is a little on the crowded side. Service was great and atmosphere- well, let's say it was better than I expected from the outside appearance. I certainly would go back- both the clientele and staff were welcoming of non-gay people from what I could see. read more

Throw on a decently mixed video set, littered with Top 40 Hits and you can be in Any Gay Bar, USA - but Replay is different! Replay has been a long time Boystown favorite, with a laid back atmosphere, good vibes, and some seriously sick beats. Management has created a truly unique experience at Replay and the changing seasonal decorations grow ever more impressive. The staff are friendly, professional, and work well together and don't forget Replay's awesome patio, too! Keep up the good work, guys. read more

Replay is worth five stars, and I will tell you why. Yelp has a star rating system where two stars equal "I've had better" so there's two stars to start. Three equal "A-ok," which it is. Four stars equal I'm a fan, and I like the place so, I am a fan now. Five stars equal "As good as it gets" and it is. The service at Replay was Awesome! Shout out to Lauren. He was nice, and a good bartender always introduces himself, which he did. He even had a signature drink to make. The other bartenders seemed nice as well. Prices were not like Whoa! They were decent and allowed for tipping at least for what I was drinking. I know how to get slapped (drunk) on a budget. The bar is small with a nice amount of games. Nice amount of seating for its size. They also have a back patio area where you can smoke and just have a nice chat without the music and volume of the indoor activity. They have free popcorn if you want it. The games are the classics everyone loves to play. Replay draws a very diverse crowd of men, women, young, old, jock, bear. All kinds, even aliens. Haha! Many of the games are two player games Bam! New BFF or something else, different strokes for different folks. Located next door to the now closed Halsted's Bar and Grill. Replay helps show another side to the LGBT community in my opinion. Replay is in addition to Headquarters and The Emporium Beercades. Both are larger and welcome all. Replay is located in Boystown, so some won't get that awkward moment/ feeling like when stepping into a straight establishment. Nor do you have to worry about the guy who's not into being in the same room as someone gay. If you're in Replay chances are you're in agreement with the LGBT community. Gay does not equate to sex all day and night. Have a little fun, enjoy a great cocktail and they have great beer selection, and play a few games. It's as good as it gets for the Boystown strip. That's why I give them five stars! read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Free game play! You cant beat that with pricy drinks. Compared only to the other arcade bars. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I met 7 of my friends at this location earlier today. There were no staff checking ID's in the front by the podium. I casually strolled in to find my friends with an open energy drink in my hand. I make my way to a table in the back and one of the staff members (that was supposed to be checking ID's in the front) proceeded to SNATCH my energy drink out of my hand quickly and respond rudely with "you can NOT bring this in here" to which I responded with "can I please just chug it and be done with it then?" and he proceeded to shake his head no and walked away to throw it out. I went back up to him and asked for my $3 back to which he threw his hand up in my face and walked away with a shitty attitude. All of my friends were in shock including myself. One of my friends complained to the bar staff and they could care less. I don't recommend this location solely based on the attitudes of the staff. read more

This is by far my favorite bar in Boystown. I love the staff here, as well as the ambiance and their drink specials. The back patio is awesome during the warm seasons, and there is plenty of space and seating offering a more relaxed vibe in comparison to other bars in the neighborhood. You can come here any day of the week and there will be some event happening, whether it's karaoke or a watch party for RuPaul. The free popcorn is also a nice touch, and from May to August, they also have free hot dogs and burgers on Sunday from their grill. You can find me here, on average, four days a week. read more

Gotta say. The replay patio portapotty is top Notch. After an afternoon of delicious foood (from crispy chicks) and beverages, nothing felt better than that portapotty. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - After using the portapotty. A happy customer. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great addition to the area! It's a cool relaxed sort of place to just grab a drink with a friend. I wouldn't say it's a dive bar, as it's not grungy enough, but it does have a laid back feel to it. Bartenders were all friendly too. The 80s-90s replays of American Gladiators on their screens was pretty entertaining to drink to. Best feature: All the Arcade games are free! I was having a nostalgic blast playing some of those games. I'll definitely be back. read more

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What better way to enjoy a fun time with friends for drinks but also enjoy playing video games. For some reason the arcade games just brought me back so much memories of childhood which is fun. I've been coming to this place for years now and I must say it's a good time. During the warmer months the back patio is open as well. It can get crowded on weekends and during pride events but you can expect that already in every Boystown establishment. Cheap drinks and good selection of beer too and of course popcorn :-) I enjoy playing the arcade games here while having fun with friends as well. I was here last Saturday and I was kinda shocked about the smoke machine and the clubby vibe music I just didn't expect that but overall I had a good time read more

Place is mad fun with all the free games they have. Solid beer selection as well. The people on the car racing games and air hockey were playing the entire 2 hours we were there so those were the only games we couldn't try out but what ya gunna do. Star Wars and Indiana Jones pin ball were hella fun. Some of the shoot um up games were tight as well. read more

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While being shown around Boystown, we came upon this cool place. A bar with arcade games.. could it be any better? They have an excellent beer selection, with the ABVs listed. Plus, they serve free popcorn. The outdoor seating is pretty cool as well. I'm not sure if it's because of the recent Pokemon Go surge, or just because it's an arcade game bar, but they had a Pokemon drink poster that made us all the happier while we sat playing Pokemon Go. You should totally go here. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - On the outside portion of Replay Bar. But they were taking it down as we were leaving, so I'm not sure if it's still there. - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The smaller Replay, we went before a Cubs game. Was pretty quiet and we enjoyed good service. Happy hour special was good as well.

I love this place. It is my new favorite bar. The staff and manager are so friendly, welcoming and accommodating. They have 26 draft beer selections. If you don't find it here, you can't find it anywhere. My favorite are the free games you can play. Several games to chose. The outdoor patio in back is beautifully laid out with another bar. Beautiful during a summer day. Plenty of seating. The first time I was here they were grilling free hamburgers and hotdogs in back. They also offered free deserts. I can't say enough about this place. A must stop if you're in the mood for some good drinks and friendly atmosphere. It won't disappoint. Stop by. read more

Replay Beer and Bourbon - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The service here is AMAZING!!!! They have made the most of the situation to increase their patio. It was such a welcoming environment (even for four-legged friends!). And the porta-potty situation is actually very clean (thanks, KR!). read more

$24 martinis? Really? I think not! Stear clear of this price gouging establishment. Why do they think they are justified charging this inflated price without informing the customer first? Horrible! Well never go back. read more

This place used to be awesome with all of the up to date, functioning video games, unique drinks. Place has gone down hill. Addition of a DJ who blasts the music so fucking loud you can't have any conversation. Sorry, Replay you aren't what you started out to be. read more