always a great time here! my wife and I love this place! staff is great, dance floor is killer. best place in lakeview

This place is a lot of fun! I've probably been here about six times now and it's a great place to end the night when bar hopping and dancing. The music could definitely be better but it's still good enough to dance to and there's so much energy from everyone that it still feels like a fun party. The other great thing is that if you get overwhelmed and need to step away, there are various bars with a more chill vibe. $5 cover (at least on weekends) and I think it's cash only for the cover. Super fun and when I went they had a couple of drag queens do a short show too. read more

This bar took my friends real ID just because it was from Missouri. We had to call the police to get it back and it was a huge ordeal, definitely ruined the night. If you go here just beware for the rude egotistical bouncers!!! Will definitely not be going back. read more

Surprised about the score of this place considering that it is Chicago's best gay club. I had a blast here Friday Saturday and Monday when I came here. Also, a bunch of Drag performers here which brings in a nice crowd. Tuesday nights this is the place to be as they have amateur drag nights and they bring in local drag queens from all over to perform and some is their first time in drag, so it's super supportive. With all of the new renovations the place looks great! I kind of saw this place as where the young 20s to fifties hang out and all get along. Super fun place! read more

It was a sad but fantastically fun night. Went to Roscoe's last night for Amy and Freddy's Farewell party. I don't think I had ever been to Roscoe's but it is such a fun place with great people. The bar had complimentary popcorn out...mmm, love free food. Drinks were a bit on the pricey side but eh...what are you gonna do? Originally I thought the place was kind of small til I went in search of the bathroom. It's actually a really cool looking bar. They have an area where there are a couple of armchairs in front of a fireplace for people to chitty chat. Not sure if the fireplace actually works but it still looked cozy. A back area where they have their bingo night and I guess dancing? A little courtyard area that looked very serene and if it wasn't chilly outside and if I wasn't there to see a show I would have been tempted to go out and hang for a bit. Then they have the two main bar areas. Sheesh see what happens when you explore a bit and aren't glued to your bar seat? The staff was great...from the guys and girls behind the bar down to the coat check girl. No attitudes here...just people wanting to have fun and wanting their patrons to have fun. They even gave out glow stick necklacees. I love those! Yeah, this was my first visit to Roscoe's but it definitely will not be my last. Amy and Freddy...thanks for the memories! :) read more

I've been here many times for drag shows/nights out. But I recently went here for lunch and was very impressed! I had the fish and chips which had a unique flavor and were very filling. They have a multitude of fun and yummy drinks to try! Whether you're looking for a fun night out in Boystown or a casual bite to eat I'd highly recommend! read more

11:00pm on a holiday weekend (Memorial Day) and the place was dead. I was the only one in there. Unfriendly staff. Expensive beer. A Big MEH. read more

Great food. Great Music. Most of the staff is friendly and welcoming. The dance floor is great as well.

OMG I died and went to Britney heaven. Last Sunday of every month is Britney night -- Britney all night 9p-2a. Britney posters cover the windows, photo ops with Britney prints, music videos accompany the songs on the dance floor... my version of happiest place on earth. =D I planned to stop by for a drink, but ended up staying the whole night. All future Chicago trips will include the last Sunday of the month. read more

I had 2 Vip tickets to rupaul final 6 On June 4th. The first performance. I was really bummed out when it was standing room. I'm barely 5'3. Basically staring at the back of heads. There really wasn't anything really vip about it. Other than getting a rushed picture with the group. I was really disappointed with it all together. The second show paid half the price and basically got the same thing. For the event I'll give 1 star. For service from bartenders and amazing security staff 5 stars. read more

Roscoe's Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The final bar stop for the evening (I think) ended with a pitcher of something at Roscoe's that I can only describe (or recall) as "red stuff". I think we might have left with some plastic cups from here too.. A decent place to swing by with people and have a drink.. Roscoe's has been around since I've been coming to Chicago. Prices aren't bad, music is pretty good, and the times I've been it's been easy to grab a seat near the window to people watch. read more

I can't get over how amazing this place is every time I go. I came here with my friends last night and all of the staff made a huge effort to be accommodating. We had to sit on the patio since we had no reservation, but after sitting outside for 5 minutes we were given free shots and then invited inside to a table. Very friendly and made the experience so fun, I highly recommend stopping in. read more

I had a fantastic time at Roscoe's last night. However, I am not a fan of the $10 cover charge. I did not get to drink anything and went straight to the dance floor! I always appreciate a place that plays actual dance music and not the usual top 40 radio hits. It gets super packed, but the later the night gets, the more room you have to flail! read more

Alright, I'm not 24 anymore. I can admit it. I don't want to admit it some times, but I can. So, my days have hanging out in dance clubs with 140 db "un tiss" music and watching long lines of Jäger shots go down people's throats are mostly over. Mostly. But, Roscoes is a pretty cool place. Yeah, load music. Yeah, drunk people. But their beer selection is good, there are places you can get away from the noise a bit, and the staff are crazy nice. The patrons too. Not to stereotype, but many gay folks are just nicer people for the most part. And everyone is welcomed with open arms. Apparently they serve food as well. When I go back, I'll check that out. But for drinks, prices are on par for the rest of the area. Service is fast and friendly. I'll be back for sure. Gotta catch some of their shows!! read more

This is the most unsafe and unwelcoming bar in Boystown. The owners/staff don't seam to care about making roscoes a secure and enjoyable place to be. All bars/clubs have their issues, but these are ongoing and persistent issues that haven't been addressed read more

I went here last night & they were enforcing the new mask rule...I am all for safety but every 20 seconds (this is not an exaggeration) they would come over, in between sips of my drink, and yell at me to put my mask up. It was over the top and plain rude the way they were talking to my friends and I.... one woman kept getting in everyone's face and BARKING at them to enforce this policy & was shining a flashlight in people's eyes. Please be kinder when enforcing new policies that people are trying to get used to read more

So disappointed with the service and respect my friend and I received here. Last night I was out celebrating my 23rd birthday. As per tradition, I wanted to visit Roscoe's. We got there and my friend, a 27 year-old from North Carolina, presented his ID. We ended up having to stand there for 15 minutes as they attempted to "verify" that it was real. I can guarantee you, it was. I asked for the manager and have never met someone so rude and disrespectful. You lost 12 customers from your rude, condescending, and unprofessional behavior. It is never acceptable to yell at a customer. I will no longer be visiting this establishment and will not recommend that my friends do so either. read more

This review is based on the employees. The person at the door was fine, however, the bartender was exceptionally rude. Even rolling his eyes. I don't understand when we are kind & DO tip, why we get attitudes. We definitely (cis women) did NOT feel welcomed. My small party & I asked a very simple question to a server and we got another roll of the eyes. We even mentioned how he was treating us, and it did nothing. We have lived in the city our entire lives and don't understand nor want to be treated this way, for absolutely no reason or fault to us. If you dislike people, don't be in the service industry. Especially if those people are kind. Makes no sense! read more

+1 that they recycle. They're probably the only bar in Boystown that recycles. The bartenders are a bit short / not overly friendly here in my experience... I always feel like I'm inconveniencing them by ordering a drink. Crowd isn't that much different than other bars in the area, maybe a little more vibrant when it gets later. There's a big dance floor in the very back, the front area is more relaxed with a lot of video monitors for watching the latest gay music videos. They have a pool table +1 ... read more

I had a horrible and stressful day, Clayton took amazing care of my fiancé and I, he turned my day around. He had great suggestions and his personality really made this experience. The drinks are always great here and they have a wide selection! read more

Our first visit was amazing!! Drag Brinch was so much fun. Aunty Chan was our host and all the queens delivered!! Great food and atmosphere. Our server "Brian" was the best. Stop by this legendary bar - you won't be disappointed. read more

The horrible ogre of a woman at the front took my friends money and then claimed we didn't have the entry fee. This establishment has really gone downhill. It's not worth the foggy dance floor / AVOID read more

Just okay. Not a fan of country line dancing, never have been, never will be. The crowd wasn't as cute as it was at other places. The drinks were just okay. I liked it better than the one in Phoenix, but still just not my cup of tea. read more

I F***ing love Roscoes!! It can get super crowded to where you are constantly bumping into people, but the vibe is super fun, and everyone is having a great time! They play really good music up front, and when you are ready to destroy the dance floor then head to the back, and get it!! The drinks are expensive, but it's Chicago so that's to be expected. My favorite nights to go are Thursdays. Yes a weeknight! Way less crowded, you can get drinks faster, and they have specials on pitchers! (I don't go for pitchers, but I love when my friends do. All inhibitions are thrown out the window, and the fun truly starts!!) Until next time!!!!! read more

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Roscoe's has been a boystown staple for a while. At randoms times of the year they will celebrate everyone from Brittany to MJ to Elsa from Frozen here. Sadly the popcorn machine is gone now. Still a lovely and lively place even on Sunday's! Last time I went - they had a Brittany night and were serving free burgers. Weirdly brilliant - as boystown can be. read more

I had so much fun at Roscoe's in Chicago! We went for an event last weekend, and it was my first time at this bar. The drink specials were reasonably priced, with two specials for the event being $6, and Jack Honey shots being $5 each. We ended up spending way too much on these, but that's my own fault! There's also a cover charge, so be aware of that. There are multiple bars inside, so the line wasn't awful to get a drink. The dance floor gets packed, so just be aware of that. Find a spot you can maneuver in, and claim it. Once on the dance floor though, the music was great, and the DJ did a great job of keeping everyone happy and entertained. The interior is really fun, with a huge disco ball and lights everywhere. The clientele here was fun, and we made some friends while we were here. I would absolutely return to Roscoe's! read more

We went to Roscoes for dinner. I liked the food but went into shock at the Bill. They charged 21 dollars for one Bombay gin martini. Holly molly. What a ripoff. Manager tried to explain this high price. He failed. read more

Not inclusive, they took one look at us and told us to leave. they took our IDs and the bouncers were extremely rude! They didn't even scan or use a blue light they used a BOOK! We called the cops and they acted like nothing happened. they got all In our faces and told us to leave and get off the "property". read more

A fun gay bar with a VERY diverse crowd. I am talking about everything from hard-core lesbians, to straight girls on the make, to all the party boys in Chicago (at least is seemed like this to me when I was there on Saturday night around midnight). They have a nice dance floor, but it gets a bit small when this bar is packed. Roscoe's is a great place to start your evening at the bars. Check it out--even if they have a $5 cover. read more

Roscoe's was the first place to visit on our night in Boystown. We literally came here two nights in a row during my 5 night trip. Such a cool place!! You walk in and there's a HUGE bar that takes up most of the first area. To the back of the first room, there's a coat rack and ATM. To the left of that room is the bathrooms. I wish there were at least dividers between the urinals. People got a little crazy during the night! Walk past the bathrooms and you'll hit another smaller bar. After that is the back room with a dance floor. Pretty cool. I think there's even an outdoor area from there. We didn't go there because it was 10 degrees! Overall, the place was great! There were great specials. On Sunday, there was a $1 beer special...SCORE! I wouldn't necessarily call it a night club, but the bar is fun. On my next Chicago trip, I will surely be back!! read more

Roscoe's Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Coming from Texas, this bar has best "happy Hour" during the week lol. We went to the other bars and they were charging 5 to 5.50 domestic beers which is nuts when liquor should be more expensive. Come. To this bar and get fucked up on blue moon lol read more

Spontaneously went out for drinks with my friends to celebrate my birthday and ended up at Roscoes. We didn't expect to have as much fun as we did! Bingo night was surprisingly a blast. Our waiter (can't remember his name ) and Ricky were so kind and fun! Would def recommend going on a Wednesday night :) read more

A CHICAGO CLASSIC! No trip to The Windy City would, for me at least, be complete without a trip to see The Dueling Pianos in action. Let the haters hate. (Not my circus, not my monkeys.) I, for one, always have a ball when I drop in here. Furthermore, who doesn't love free popcorn with his highballs? read more

Last bar of the night for me....not sure if I truly enjoyed it or if I was already plastered lol....anyhoo....they did have decent music so can't complain too much... Friendly folks overall....would definitely come back....was crowded for Pride....but hey it's Pride ha...=P read more

Absolutely LOVE this place. Their pitchers are amazing. I can't remember which flavor I like more, but they're both good! The dance floor is always packed and the music is always bumping to the point where my ears are ringing in the morning. Haha. One sore point are the bathrooms. I had to resort to using the guys bathroom because the lines were too long. read more

Roscoe's is your typical neighborhood bar. Lots of wooden decor, a few bar stations scattered around and a nice outdoor area. The dance floor in the back room gets pretty crowded as bar goers shake their bodies to cool and fun music. The bar has been around for YEARS.... so it is an institution on Halstead with pretty friendly bar tenders. On a busy night, it is hard to walk around...it gets so packed....but most people are friendly. read more

As I'm sure you can see from other reviews, this place is straight girl heaven. They've truly ruined the place. I went one time and there were 3 DIFFERENT huge bachelorette parties! I spoke to all of them and none of them were bi or lesbians - they looked confused (one openly disgusted) when I'd asked. This place has been home to straight women for long enough that straight men come here too now looking to pick them up. Got in a fight with a couple of straight guys who wouldn't leave my friend and me alone, saying we 'didn't look like lesbians' and being super messed up about us assuming they were gay (???). We bailed and went to Scarlet. I've never seen my friend angry before or since. This place is really fun otherwise but the homophobes feel way too safe there. A few straight folks coming with gay friends is great, but this is too much. read more

First night being here....went to the back bar, had some rando yell at us for leaning against his table. Then the bouncer said he would buy our drinks. When we told him we were buying patron, he said no, they don't carry it. Then when we asked for another top shelf, he got upset with us. We asked what top shelf they do carry, he got upset with us, again. I'm not sure why they acted this and I will not come back ever again. DO NOT COME HERE. This was November 22, 2019 read more

I stopped by here on Sunday for the first time in a few months. Although the weather has cooled off a bit, there was still a good crowd and lots of attractive guys. The service was adequate, and the popcorn machine is definitely a nice touch. Definitely missed the free burgers that they offer up during the summer on Sundays though. I arrived around 7:30, and initially there were less than 10 people on the dance floor. By the time 10:00 rolled around, however, there was much more activity. The music is still the same, with mostly Top 40 and some dance classics. I do wish Roscoe's would update their selections with more Hip Hop, House, and EDM music. But it was still a fun time. The drink special that night was a $6 vodka raspberry and lemonade, which was tasty and a good deal. While you won't find anything especially innovative or surprising at Roscoe's, it's certainly a reliable standby. read more

You need to pay 10-11 dollars for entrance. Vibe is ok. The bartender Shawn is really Rude and not accommodating at all. Doesn't deserve a tip. Plus his drinks taste awful. I regret that my friends and I went here. What a waste of money and time. read more