SERVICE: Yikes. We walked in and sat at a bar with two other people at the bar. Despite that fact, we had to ask to be served after waiting for 7+ minutes. I get waiting when there are many people, but not when there are two others. Once we did ask to order and get a menu, I asked what the specials were. I do this just to confirm specials, because sometimes they change. And it helps to Make sure everyone is on the same page about the prices being paid. Anyways, I knew what the specials were because they are literally posted on the outside of the building. I asked the bartender just to confirm and he had no idea. He asked a manager to check. "Okay..." I think. "I get that. Maybe he just forgot the daily specials and needs to check". But when the manager comes back, she mentions that one of the beers is half off and fails to remember or mention the other 3 drink specials happening that night. So I mention the drink specials posted outside and he manager goes outside to check. She comes back and says they are happening. As we are drinking, we notice that there are little flyers dispersed around the bar that have the drink specials on them. So let's recap. We had to ask for service, once we DID get service, the bartender didn't know the specials, and neither did the manager. Despite the fact that the specials are posted outside and are on flyers around the bar. We had to ask specifically about the posted specials in order to get the discount. I promise I wasn't doing this to "test" them. I just don't always trust specials posted because they change, so I like to ask and make sure. DRINKS: The Jameson Apple shot was good. Not super strong, but tasty. Too bad is was a 20 minutes ordeal to get them. TLDR: Service wasn't knowledgable, and they didn't know their own specials. The bartender wasn't attentive. read more

Great beer selection. Fresh popcorn. Lots of TVs for Cubs games. Contra the arcade game! Plus the exposed brick, dark hardwood everywhere, and red and grey walls make for a cozy atmosphere--it's basically the bar version of my apartment. read more

If you are looking for a bar in Boystown that will allow you to have a damn good time with your friends while throwing back some beer and cocktails; Replay is the place to go. The bouncers are friendly - check Nice outdoor patio - check Good strong drinks - check Free popcorn - check Free video games - check Ms. PAC-MAN - double check read more

I really like this place. The garden in back is really nice to hang out and talk in and the bartenders are friendly. They have free food some days and free popcorn all days, excellent. I love bourbon and craft beers, and they have a pretty extensive list of both here. The free video games and 80's movies playing on the TV's make it even better (definitely not as big as Headquarters though). This is a nice change of pace from the loud and foggy bars in boystown. The only thing that bothered me is I got charged $2 to add an ice cube to my bourbon. What? Is that a thing? I can get free ice at the 7-11 down the street. read more

I did a double take when I happened by. Yup, it's another bar jam packed with full size old school video games (take note other bars jumping on this trend). You've got your dig dug, street fighter, centipede..blah blah blah. There's about 20. The idea behind these bars, I think, is that you can buy a bunch of these games..spend maybe $10K-$15K. Then, you get a huge nerd brigade breaking down your doors to play. Next, you make boku cash selling beers to said nerds who are thirsty due to all the high scores and yelling and what not. Easy peasy. After that, you go on a fabulous vacation to the Bahamas and make it rain cause you're rich (bitch). But this is a gay bar. Nobody was playing. True they have a nice patio and it's summer. That's a draw, understood. But still, the bar is called 'replay'... as in play these games please and thank you. Not 'patio'... as in go the patio and ignore the games. I'm gonna make a prediction that this joint has a garage sale for these games within 2 years. Which will mean some genuine nerds may have some sweet games up their studio and 1 bedroom apartments. Nice BTW, kudos to the bartender for calling me 'sweetheart'. I've been working out a little and I appreciate that he noticed. read more

Barcade but gay and better. Free arcade games? Free popcorn? Outdoor patio? Decent drinks? Good thing Replay isn't in New York otherwise I'd be there every other night. Whether it's crushing sausages in BurgerTime, kicking ass with Ryu in Marvel vs. Capcom, or playing a classic like Mario Bros, Replay does so much right. It's not the best raging or dancing venue, but for everything outside and in between, I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Boystown. read more

I am believe that feedback -be it positive or negative-it is essential to the success/ growth of any great business. I also believe that negative feedback is only a great opportunity for improvement. Well, this is a wonderfully positive one! I had drinks and light bites with a friend at Replay Lakeview this evening. I really must give credit to the excellent staff and particularly Morgan. This is a great example management, training, team work and customer service. Kudos Replay! Thank you Morgan for a fantastic experience at your establishment. Take note Lakeview, Wrigley and Lincoln Park! read more

Quickly becoming one of my new favorite places. They have a respectable amount of free games (nowhere near as many as Headquarters) and a fabulous beer garden. Drink prices are a little steep, but they always seems to be offering free popcorn and free grilled stuff on the beer garden, so it slightly evens out. I am just so happy that this no longer Buck's. Buck's was a shithole and not in the fun way some shithole bars can be. Replay is a MILLION times better. If you are in the hood, definitely check them out. read more

Free arcade games--whaaaat!!! The first time in my life I've played Crusin America for free--that provided me a lot of joy. The outdoor area is really cool also--we hung out there for a while and really enjoyed chillin out there. It's very small but definitely worth stopping by to grab a drink before heading somewhere else. read more

I love this place, and I would give it 5 stars if they had CasAmigos tequila! I'd be here more than other bars in boystown for sure!

This place is a lot of fun. I've been here a bunch of times, know some regulars and have a friend that works there. I'm a straight guy and most of the people that work here know me and my friends are straight and no one cares. The staff is very friendly! They have a good selection of spirits and beers on tap. They usually have specials. The back patio is a lot of fun and a cool place to hang out. The video game other games there are a lot of fun. Definitely be back. read more

Replay has gone down hill lately. Bartenders are not friendly and act like you should be thankful that they're available to get you a cocktail. Pick another bar in boys town/Northalsted like side tracks where they are happy to see you and help keep the night light and right. read more

I'll always remember my first time visiting as a Replay virgin. My moment of bliss was drinking a Goose Island 312 and playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Arcade Game when I looked up and saw that they were playing 90s episodes of American Gladiators on the TV. I was in heaven and knew I stepped into something special. I've been going to Replay Lakeview for a few years now, and there's a reason that it's a staple in my Boystown bar repertoire - it combined beer, gaming, and nerd culture. Three things I am totally on board with. You've already seen in other reviews that Replay has a lot of beers on tap, and that the games are very fun, but one thing I want to note that may have gone unsaid is that Replay has given Tuesday nights a certain niche when it celebrates TaTuesdays. That night, you'll find a different crowd - many of whom have a lot of piercings, tattoos, and leather harnesses. I don't add this in judgment, but in praise. Bartenders Keith and Ryan, along with drag queen hostess Debbie, have crafted an environment for this subset of the LGBT community that is usually relegated to seedier bars like Cell Block, Touche, and Jackhammer. While I don't count myself among those who are in that particular scene - I like that there's a place for these guys to go that isn't cruisy and dimly lit. And you know it's a unique time when they actually have a drawing for a free tattoo. Win! The only downside to Replay is that it is very small and hard to get around when there's a good crowd. When the weather is nicer, they open up the back patio that is very nice and has a good amount of room, but otherwise, space is at a premium here, and it's very easy to spill your drink when maneuvering around. read more

This whiskey and beer bar with the video game theme was one of the first to open in Chicago. The bar (and most of the people) are easy on the eye. They also have cocktail servers that come around and more than willing to take your order. One of the most appealing attributes is the patio. They did a great job cleaning it up and installing heat lamps, high boy tables and cleaning up the back bar. The company that owns this place, which owns a few other Boystown locations, did a good job with the renovation. It also has a MUCH younger crowd then the previous bar (Bucks). This can be both annoying and gratifying...depending on the crowd. PROS: Great bar selection, free video games, outdoor patio, Burger Sundays, great people meeting/watching. CONS: Price (things can get expensive...fast), why isn't pinball free?, really tough to maneuver if crowded. Definitely worth at least one trip. read more

Fun Environment with great service and great company. Video games, Popcorn, and Bourbon along with great jams makes for a great Sunday Funday! read more

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

I was a big fan of Bucks, so I had my doubts when it shuttered and the signs for Replay went up. But they've done a great job and the garden in the back is spacious and the servers and bartenders are so sweet, cute, and funny. Oh, and all the classic video games are free. My new summer hangout! read more

Love, love, love. Classic video games, all for free (except pinball), beautiful patio, and great beer selection. What more could anyone ask for?... except maybe a slightly better mannered door person (had a few incidents with a very rude bouncer), more attentive bartenders, and it's definitely not Replay's fault, but the space is sometimes so crowded that playing video games doesn't feel feasible in that space because it's so shoulder to shoulder. read more

Fun place to go to in Lakeview if you want cheap entertainment. Tons of beers on tap free play arcade games and free popcorn.

This bar is okay. Definitely a meat market lol I like the video games against the wall but the place can be dimmer and cleaner :) it's not a bad bar just a good stopover before heading to other places. One downside too it's super loud and lots of kids here lol read more

Worst experience ever. My girlfriend and I decided to stop by after Pride Parade. It was our first time at this location so we were both excited to check it out. There was a line to get in but we were in such good spirits it didn't phase us. We grabbed a drink and wandered out into the patio where we played a few games. My gf won a game of Connect 4 and the team that I joined won a round of Jenga. Once you play the handful of games they have, the place gets old real fast. Before we headed out I asked my gf to hold my bag while I used the restroom. She stuck around to watch the next game of Jenga while she waited. This is where things started to go downhill fast. The restrooms are located inside the bar and I ended up waiting at least 20-30 minutes in line - one of the girls before me must've been sick or something. Eventually when it was my turn, the bathroom was filthy, so it was a quick in and out for me. I then made my way back to the patio but was bodily blocked by a short, dumpy worker. He yelled that there was a line to get into the patio. I explained that I had just come from the patio to use the restroom but before I could finish he cut me off saying he didn't see me. I told him I was just out there with my gf playing Jenga to which he replied 'no'. Okay. So I told him I just needed to get to my gf who has all my stuff and we could leave, to which he responded again with a flat "no". Fine. I asked him if he could go get her because she has my phone and I couldn't contact her. Again 'no' because 'he didn't know what she looked like'. At this point it was clear he was just being an asshole who wouldn't be reasoned with. Still, I tried staying calm and asked if he could ask one of his fellow workers to go find her or let them escort me and again, 'no.' In a full blown state of panic, I stepped forward and gestured towards the patio, stating, "I Need to Find My Girlfriend" but before I could finish I was promptly manhandled and thrown out the side door. Despite normally having a sailors mouth, I didn't even curse or anything until after I was outside. I was SO UPSET. Not only did I not do anything wrong (I just wanted to get my girlfriend and leave) but he might as well have thrown me out naked. I had nothing on me. I made my way to the front and asked the bouncer if someone could just go get my gf who had all my stuff and he said no, I had to leave or they'd call the cops. Fortunately the police was nearby from the end of the parade. I explained to the officers what happened and despite the workers being rude to the police, too (srsly guys?) they escorted me inside where I found my girlfriend. I thanked the police and we left. When my gf and I first arrived, we wandered freely to and from the patio. I don't know when the no-readmittance policy for the patio was enforced but had I known about it, I would've asked my gf to wait inside the bar. I don't know what that worker's problem was. Maybe he was having a bad day and wanted to take it out on someone, maybe he had personal issues going on and didn't know how to leave that shit at home, maybe he just wanted to go on a power trip on a target who wouldn't fight back. But that's why you don't give people like that responsibility and power because they'll abuse it. I'm disgusted with that worker's behavior and the fact that none of the other workers stepped in. read more

Awesome awesome bar. The beer selection is extensive and well rounded, they have every bourbon you could think of, and the patio is hard to beat during the warm weather. The staff is all very enjoyable, and doesn't make fun of me when I either a) end up going there by myself to do homework or b) lose every free video game I try my hand out. The crowds are usually always enjoyable, and it's a nice alternative to the packed club scene found in Boystown if you're trying to have a more relaxing, casual experience in the neighborhood. read more

We stopped in to this friendly bar on Saturday night to have a few drinks with our friends who live nearby. The bar is small and a little loud, but not nearly as bad as a Wrigleyville spot. I would certainly agree with previous Yelpers that the vibe here isn't particularly 'gay' at all. (Is that a good thing? No, just an observation.) The guy at the door was perfectly nice, we easily found some seats at the bar and they had a great drink menu. They certainly live up to the name with extensive beer and bourbon offerings. I had a Stiegl Radler and every member of the group found an appealing beer to order. While we didn't play any games, I thought the machines were a cute touch and plenty of guys seemed to be enjoying them. They were playing a great throwback 90's mix, which I also appreciated. A smattering of guys were dancing in the back. My only complaint might be that the male members of our party got served much more quickly than myself. The bartenders were a little curt, but it was also pretty busy. The most impressive interaction we had was actually with (the barback maybe?) an attractive petite Filipino guy, who gave us wonderful tips about the neighborhood spots and was friendly and knowledgeable. read more

A great local Boystown bar with a solid beer and whiskey list, arcade games, popcorn and a giant moose on the wall. Mark the bartender was awesome, if you meet him talk about the merits of well-designed credit cards. read more

A nice selection of beers on tap. Prices are the usual $6 for a pint, that's typical for upscale Chicago bars. A good selection of free classic video games, including Ms. Pac Man, Galaga, and Asteroids. Complimentary popcorn is also provided. They ID everyone at the door, this is common on this section of Halsted Street. The only drawback is they do charge $1 for the few classic pinball machines they have. I'm not sure why. There's a wonderful patio in the back during good weather, this bar can get quite crowded and not having the patio in cold weather makes this bar quite congested. Try late afternoons or early evening if you want to play as many video games as possilbe. read more

Easily my favorite Boystown bar. Free arcade games, a broad beer selection (that changes seasonally), and an outdoor patio for the warmer months - who wouldn't enjoy that? Also, there's FREE popcorn, which is always a plus. It's not super packed on weekends, so you're able to actually walk around without worrying about spilling your drink. Definitely recommend staying for a beer, if that's your drink of choice. read more

Great beer list. Loved the retro video games. Dislikes - there on Saturday at 7P befor3 dinner - not too crowded but the bartender was not friendly at all. In addition, another off duty employee came I with a pit bull on a leash. Not for me - shouldn't have a dog like this in a bar. read more

Tuesday night, 10pm, 20 people in the bar and it takes 20 minutes to maybe get a drink? Not the right formula Replay; pull it together...quickly. It's time to hire real bartenders. Stop hiring your "friends." all the best. read more

Come through. Kyle is the best bartender. They play great music. Popcorn is free and drinks are cheap.

A place in Boystown with a good beer list (finally). And bourbon too. It's about time. Neat idea with the old arcade games, but most people were sitting out in the patio section (gotta take advantage of 2.5 months of summer in Chicago). Only complaint was that the staff repeatedly cleared our glasses with significant amount of beer remaining in them. After the second round that this happened, I asked the guy to not be so aggressive on clearing the glasses - and was given attitude and sarcasm in return. Whatever. I'm certainly not looking for incredible service, but it was a bit annoying. I'll go back because of the beer list and cool spac- but will keep one hand on my beer at all times. read more

The atmosphere is GREAT! It's a great mix between bar and club that we were looking for! The DJ was awesome and played some awesome mixes! I recommend for anyone! read more

They've done a great job with this space. Not overly done up, very casual, and someplace I feel totally comfortable hanging with gays and straights. Great beer selection, friendly staff, and free video games... what more can you want? read more

A great place to start your night in Boys Town! Reasonably priced drinks for the area. Wide selection of craft brews and the bartenders mix passable, if unspectacular cocktails. The retro games are a lot of fun but the selection doesn't quite compare to their Lincoln Park location. read more

I have been coming to Replay on a regular basis for several years now, and so I can say without question that it is not just my favorite bar in Boystown -- it's my favorite bar in Chicago. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, without any sacrifice at all in the quality of the service or the drinks, which are always impeccable. There's also a very charming back patio; in the middle ,of winter, I warm myself with thoughts of having a drink on a summer evening out on that patio. Sooner or later, I get to do it in real life! And the clientele runs the gamut: every age, every type, every ethnicity. Replay is known for its arcade games, which may seem to appeal to a certain age group (namely mine, mid-thirties); but you'll find older and younger together, which shows that any and all will have a good time here. This is not a bar for a certain type of person, which I think stands to the place's credit with respect to the breadth of its appeal. The whiskey collection is impressive, as is the draft beer selection, which always carries several beers that are only available on a seasonal basis. But my go-to drink is always a crisp vodka martini, served flawlessly each and every time. Hands down, however, Replay's greatest asset, and the factor that keeps me coming back, is the incredible staff. This is a team of some of the best bartenders and bar backs I've ever had the pleasure to know. And some of the nicest people, too -- these guys are real sweethearts. (Tip them well, they deserve it!) Bill, Daveon, Tony (two of 'em), Vegas, Mark, Michael, Hadeis, Dirk, Skot, Orion, Victor, Cordero, and the guys I forgot while writing this who will give me a ribbing for it next time they see me -- each and every one of them is a gem and I love them dearly. If you're visiting Chicago, I highly recommend you check out this great bar. If you live in Chicago and haven't gone yet -- what's taking so long?? read more

I shouldn't admit that I have never played the video games at this great boystown treasure. I go for the amazing beer selection and the even more amazing back patio! Now that the weather is nice I know where I'll be kicking it on Sunday afternoons. read more

A few friends and I went to replay the first time on Saturday and will absolutely go back. The bartender, Niko, was fabulous! He set the tone for a great experience for us with his personality. Let's be honest, it's always more fun when you have great service! We loved the patio, and there were so many cute puppies running around. I would highly recommend this bar, just make sure Niko is working!! read more

Boozy beers, a spacious patio, free video games all under one roof in Boystown! Finally, a gay bar that doesn't smell like cheap vodka and diet coke. I'm also a sucker for cute bartenders who remember my name throughout the night. Makes my boyfriend jealous, but he thought I looked hot playing video games. read more

So decided to stop and have a beer after cutting grass. The bartender and barback just looked at me. Ignored me. This very afternoon, Saturday, July 1. Then finally, the bartender said to me "What's Up!". No smile. I ordered a Mike's Hard Lemonade, Don't have. I ordered a MGD. Don't have. So I ordered an Amstel Light. Which was quite good, by the way. Patio was as refreshing as the beer. That's it. Won't go back. There are friendlier bartenders at other bars in Boystown. read more

This is a really fun addition to Boystown. It's nice for when you want a more laid-back atmosphere than any of the clubs around. Free throwback arcade games are fun, though some of them don't work. But they're free, so how can one complain? Long beer and bourbon lists, as one might expect given the name. Good times! read more

Loved Replay. Wandered in randomly and was pleasantly surprised. The decor is great, the bartenders were friendly, and the free games/popcorn didn't hurt. Awesome cocktails (though a bit spendy, they were strong). Highly recommended. read more

I give this place a two because of how much I normally love it... Today 12.05.15 (12:50 pm) really left a bad taste in my mouth. Two people working and both more engaged in their conversations verses taking drinking orders. Keep in mind there were only seven patrons in the bar. My friend had gone by to garb a drink first and waited seven minutes before he had to request for the bartenders attention. I'm not as forgiving, I had my card out ready to pay for the two drinks I would have liked... Sadly I did not get acknowledged so we left to a bar that would like to take my money. read more