don't come here, will overcharge you depending on who or what you are. yes it's a gay/mainly lesbian bar, but coming in as a younger gay man, they charge me 20 bucks more than what the drinks actually cost here. I know this for a fact, I work industry and have friends who guest bartend here. no excuse for price discrimination ever. charge what it costs. read more

Came here while bar hopping with friends. This place is open later than some of the other nearby bars so we were able to easily walk over when some other spots had closed. The place seemed to be full of regulars. Everyone was really nice and there was good music. read more

The Closet - a bar with a lot of bottles on the counter - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Had googled some local LGBT bars in the area that were off the "Halstead strip" and found this local gem not too far away (within walking distance). Very low key hole in the wall (what I like). Bartender was so friendly and nice. Chatted up with him a bit and asked him about the area. Drinks were average priced for the area (6.00/ea). Like the cool vibe, and the videos they played (video bar essentially). read more

I was there on a chill Thursday. Everyone was friendly. Had a couple beers and soaked in the music videos. femmes/lesbian bar

As noted by other posts, the staff is very rude, especially the door person(s). Drink prices are on the high end. It is very cliquish. Men are not welcome there (they are often turned away). It gets very busy at 2am because other gay bars in the neighborhood close at 2am and The Closet has a 4am license. read more

Just experienced the most biased moment of my life. I was denied entry into this establishment by the female in the picture because she said " I had too much to drink" when I had NO DRINKS PRIOR TO THIS" literally none. Drove and parked my car in front of the business but was DENIED ENTRY. MIND YOU IM BLACK and feel as though that played a part. I AM BEYOND ANNOYED. I WILL NEVER ATTEND THIS PLACE Again. Literally I have never experience such racism. To have never been so profiled and felt so mistreated in my entire life. To be met at the door by this woman and denied entry was just insulting. I will NEVER attend this place. Just wow is all I can say Just wow!!! read more

The Closet - the door to the restaurant - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We ended up at this bar twice in the same night on a recent Friday. The first visit was when we'd just started our night and were looking for decent bars in the Boystown district. We found a few websites that showed photos and gave information about the various bars, restaurants and businesses in this general area, but none that mapped it out for us. We simply picked one out of the list, went there, and it turned out to be a bit of a letdown. We decided to wander down the street and happened to find this bar, The Closet. The Closet looked like a fun bar, with the name of this place spelled out repeatedly across the front windows in rainbow colored lettering. Inside, the walls of this establishment and the trim around the center bar were outlined in wide, colorful frilly garland and lights, forming a full rainbow of color around the room. There were a few dart boards and a sign declaring that, after more than 40 years in business, they finally accepted credit cards! We bellied up to the bar, ordered a few beers and the server was quite friendly. I explained we were visiting and asked where people go around this area. He told us we were about 3 blocks away from the main Boystown thoroughfare (Halsted Street) where most of the bars, restaurants and businesses are located. He then came from behind the bar, grabbed a magazine that had a map of the area, showed us were all the businesses were located, and continued to make conversation with us as we finished our beers. Later that same evening, we ended our night back at The Closet. Chicago has a bit of a strange regulation concerning closing time for bars. Evidently newer ones must shutter at 2, but older bars like The Closet are "grandfathered" and can sell until 4. When the newer bars over on Halsted Street started closing, many of the patrons we'd seen over there walked a few blocks here to The Closet so they could continue their night for a few more hours. When we returned they had 1 sole bartender working like a machine, serving the hoards of thirsty patrons. To be honest, I felt a bit sorry for her as she got slammed in a hurry. I was also a bit surprised that she was working alone, as lots of people were trying to get served, it took her a while to get to some of them considering how packed the place quickly became after 2, and my guess is that this situation where people come here late after the other bars have closed, most likely happens every weekend. read more

Every couple of months I come back to this bar due to friends wanting to come and EVERY time I'm absolutely disappointed! I want to love this bar but the bartenders are the rudest I've ever ever come across! If you care about service, this bar isn't for you! Ownership should do something about it but they continue to turn a blind eye to their staffs lack of customer service. read more

Don't go here unless you want to be berated by the old bald bartender and stocky woman. They're so rude. They also will not give you an itemized receipt when you feel like you've been overcharged. Will just start yelling at you that you're drunk and need to pay your tab and get out. Every review that says the service here is terrible couldn't be more correct. I could not recommend this bar LESS to anyone in or visiting Chicago. read more

I wasn't the biggest fan of this place. It was out of the way for us and when we did arrive here it felt as if it was a very unwelcoming place. That could be in part because of the very unfriendly door person. If you get a first impression by the first person you meet when walking into a place, this wasn't a very good one. She was very unfriendly and treated everyone as if this wasn't the best place to enjoy yourself and you are intruding on her "me time." This place to me felt rather small. I did enjoy the seats by the windows. Made this place feel larger than it felt and also had some great views for people watching. This is a good place if you don't like the crowds of the street over, but not a place I would frequent when I visit. read more

What a terribly disappointing experience. Friends and I were really excited to give this place a try after walking past it dozens of times, stopped in the first time and last time. We walked in with a group of 6, 3 of us had to use the restroom, when we came back we were berated by the bartender. Apparently there was a sign posted only one person allowed in the bathroom at a time, it's a dark bar we of course didn't see it posted. Instead of letting us know, again first time ever at the bar, the bar tender wouldn't hear an apology and didn't serve us half our order. We were really looking forward to a good experience but with the attitude we received from behind the bar there's no chance we'll ever visit again. read more

The bartenders and bouncers are extremely rude. If you are dancing with your friends, be careful, they will be upset with you. Do not come here if you want to have fun. read more

Lisa and Judy are the funniest, sweetest and most honest women I have ever met! Learned all about the city.

This place is small but always a place to function and they include anyone and everyone. They also do music requests.

This is a pretty cool late night bar :) The bartenders are real nice, the music is great and the drinks are cheap! The place is a little small and can become over crowded quick, especially around 1:40am when the 2am bars are shoving out the gays. Besides that, it's definitely a place to check out. read more

The Closet - Clean your bathrooms closet! This is gross! - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This bar is taking COVID precautions seriously, has an easy-going vibe for a Saturday night (no line to get in), and stays open late. The crew is so nice and open to offering recommendations on where to get late-night food. The music is current and upbeat. Shout out to Glen! Wonderful experience here. read more

Oy. Whenever I've been here, it's a late night. And I always get in the mindset of "screwthebusi'mtakingacab" which I suppose is a good idea. Dancing around, singing Britney Spears' "Womanizer" at the top of our lungs. Yeah, it was that kind of night, and I'm callin' YOU out, Kellie K! Your fault! But hey, since she's my homegirl, and I adore her, it's all good. I always find the crowd here to be extremely fun, nice and polite - like the people actually step aside for you, when you're stumbling outside to catch that cab. read more

I very much like The Closet. I've been when it's early evening waiting for a friend to finish preparing dinner (we offered to help but he didnt want us there until the meal was totally ready) and also into the wee hours of the morning. And every hour in between. I've never had a bad experience here; in fact I've always had a very good time whenever I hop in. The bartenders are sassy and professional and the crowd seems to be fun yet not out of control. Chill atmosphere with friendly staff and decent beer selection. Dance a little if you want or have actual conversations. You've got options, you lovely Broadway broads! Definitely one of my favored bars in the area. read more

The Closet - a car parked in front of a building - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Adorable neighborhood gay bar. It's my first time back in the city after being away for 13 years and Glenn and Natasha made me feel like not a day had gone by. Excellent service, great drinks, and wonderful staff. As for covid-19: they checked temps at the door and strictly enforced the mask policy and service standards Chicago has enacted. I have to admit, I was very apprehensive going to a bar and was fully planning on leaving if their practices weren't up to my hypochondriac standards. They were and I stayed. Highly recommended. read more

After having a really really crappy day I figured id come here. Ive been here before and had a good time, I thought maybe it would turn my birthday around. I have NEVER been treated so bad by a waitress before in my life. Granted I KNOW I'm not the "right" kind of trans woman,but the place is called The fkn Closet, I figured I would be fine. Granted I'll probably be back because its one of the only "quite" gay bars I know of that isn't super busy but IMO that's not really the point. You don't treat people like the way the waitress on 10/15 did. Its not right! read more

The Boystown "Cheers." You know, a neighborhood bar where people know each other's name and newbies are welcomed in a lowkey atmosphere. There I've seen people walk in and greeted by name enthusiastically and everyone just super friendly to strangers. While it's known as a gay bar that tends to be more female, some nights I've been the sole female and with a guy in a crowd of guys. The ages and orientations run the gamut, and it's very chill and cozy. The music is really good. They let the bartenders pick the music and videos they show. Which actually exposes you to new music and let's you see a bit of their personality. They sometimes have kareoke or trivia nights. There's a dart board and arcade game and that bar top computerized game system. The shining star is the service which is outstanding! The bartenders don't just make your drink with care and artful execution but follow up to ask your feedback. And are smiley and fun. Rachel is great. You can order in food for delivery. And I like the green holiday lights. I raise a glass to you, The Closet, Cheers! read more

Great little neighborhood spot. My godfathers met here 41 years ago. Darts, music, and good drinks. A nice place to meet up for conversation or a beginning and ending to a night. read more

Was I having a nightmare? You know, the one where I'm stuck in a 90's cliche and my mullet keeps getting caught in my thick gold chain and someone keeps stepping on my white Nikes? *shiver* Makes me break out in a cold sweat now just thinking about it. No, it wasn't quite THAT nightmare, but stepping in here is like experiencing something awfully close. I think I may have even recognized someone from my nightmare. How could it get worse? No Jameson at all. And $9 for a crappy jigger of Jack on the rocks. I'm not that picky, but come ON! read more

Sheesh...you yelpers are so freakin' mean! These reviews are outrageously hurtful...why would you insult the women who work here by commenting on their personal style and appearance? Seriously, yelpers, grow up. And to the people at Yelp!, those reviews need to be removed. I've been coming to the Closet for years. As a bartender, it's my favorite place to unwind after a long night at work. The fine people who work here have always treated my with kindness and love. This is a 4am bar, and the employees have to put up with a lot of crap, and have to be tough. Show some respect, and you'll get the same in return. read more

Lesbians of all shapes and sizes. Hot lipstick lesbians. Manly butch lesbians. Men so gay they might as well be lesbians (except for the whole sexin' up the women part.) Other than that, I don't remember much. It was a bar with beer. And lesbians. And karaoke. And fun Yelp-i-tude. read more

I haven't been to The Closet in YEARS! I must say that past experiences weren't favorable (overzealous bouncers and cover charges). A friend had a Going Away/Birthday Bash last weekend, though, and I made a return trip. The place is small, but it suffices: there are a handful of TVs, the music was a little lame, and there isn't much room to dance. (Though, as with most things, the more you drink the less it matters.) The bar is CASH ONLY and not necessarily cheap. Drinks aren't generous by any means (we went through nearly $200 between three of us), but my immediate party ended up getting pretty sloshed. During said "slosh-making" I mistakenly handed the bartender $20 too much, which she gave to the bar back to return to me. I definitely appreciated the honesty! I don't think I'd make The Closet my destination when in Boystown, but I wouldn't mind stopping in for a drink or two. read more

I had a horrible experience there, the bartender actually defended a pervert who was staring at my date and me, because he gave her big tips right infront of us. She told me he was a regular when I asked if she knew him and when he wouldn't stop harassing us I told her, and she told me straight into my face that I was lying. We came into the bar, which was almost empty on a Friday night, and just had a drink and minded our own business. We are both over 30 btw, and we were looking like the most normal people in the world. However, this man sitting next to us was the clearest case of a pervert I have ever seen - he kept on staring at us and moving on his bar stool and when I looked he would look away and keep on looking from the corner of his eyes - it was simply disgusting, and it went on for 15 minutes or so. I asked the bartender if she knew him and she said that he was a regular. So I thought maybe I am imagining things. Next thing I know the guy gives her a five dollar tip together with the beer he orders. As he went on staring at us I told her, and she said in a really angry tone that he was NOT staring at us. We left immediately, and I can only say that this was the worst experience I ever had in a lesbian bar. read more

This joint's a big old trunk of dive bar fun. There's a disco ball, but it doesn't spin. Nice stiff drinks and good folk. Cash only. read more

This place sucks, I went there three years ago while on vacation and the staff would not even come over to take our drink order, very rude and attitudy. I went there on this past Sunday, and let me just say the "bartender" on her power trip was a you know what. She said our id's were fake, we are 27 and 24... so she needed other picture id's... I told her I am on vacation and didn't bring my entire wallet... she said well its not you so leave. Is this the Chicago way? I know it's not since we had a warm welcome at T's, Mary's, and the place with Sunday bbq at 4pm (forget the name). Very disappointing, crappy place, if you aren't 50 plus, carrying an Illinois license with back up id! Don't waste your time. To the owners.... you would have a lot more business if you would teach your employee's some good ole' southern hospitality. I wish there were negative stars.... read more

I'll admit this....I love this gay bar and it is the only lesbian bar (if this is even truly considered one I'm not sure) I've ever been in. So why the love? Well, last night a friend came in from out of town and they were in the mood for some Italian. Adesso came to mind, so we hopped in a cab and head down to Broadway. The meal was very good, as always, and we decided to have a few drinks after dinner. Now Rocks is a relatively new bar up the street, but last night was really cold and it was windy to boot. So the closet is across the street and I suggested it to my lady friend since the weather was a bit too chilly for her....she wasn't quite sure about my suggestion, but decided to check it out just for fun. Little did we know when we entered the place that the entire bar was into a full bore BINGO match? We were told to grab some bingo boards and join in the fun.......which we did. After getting our drinks, the prizes were shown to the audience....a double sided dildo here...a cheap VHS porno here....Instantly my mind goes to Florida where my parent are retired.....I think these types of prizes would give some of those blue hairs down there a heart attack.....or be a great twist to an old game....but I digress....... Moments later a young woman yells out those words we all yearn to shout....B I N G O! Now there is rule in this bar....if you screw up and don't have the right numbers....and the bartender does check...then the one who makes the mistake has to buy everyone in the bar a shot....at this point there were 25 people in the bar. YIKES!! My friend and I converse and catch up, laugh at the game, and continue playing. I haven't won a game like this in years....so I'm not that into playing, G76,yep..... B11,nope....... G54, yep.....I13, nope......N33,nope......G34yep....O45,nope..... G5,yep.....B12,nope..... G12,yep......... then I realize......I've hit bingo..... But did I get the numbers right!?!?!?!?!!...for a moment I hesitate thinking of screwing this up and having to buy a lot of shots.....but I put my fears to rest and yell....B I N G O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say there are more women in this bar then men, so I think some folks were pissed I just walked in the place a little while ago and already won. Wha evr.............*grin* I was now the proud owner of a translucent lime green 7.5 inch dildo (aka...the Maximizer) So after that it was all downhill in that bar...we finished our drinks and with dildo in tow, we headed out to another bar up the street. The Closet.......nice bar.......sure it is...........Is it fun........absolutely.......Bingo Nights on Thursday......a must do in the Lakeview area...check em out! read more

You know, being gay in Texas, I understand being uncomfortable - really. But when I go to a gay bar - and not only gay - lesbian bar - I should NEVER feel like I don't belong. This place is full of regulars and a few of them. And my partner and I walk in to be stared at like we don't belong?! I'm sorry, I was out shopping and wanted to be in a family environment for an hour to settle down. Instead we're having to listen to these older women discussing their lives so loudly. And no women's basketball game on!? What!? I did go to a LESBIAN bar right? It boggles the mind. One time we went in there and an older gentleman nursing a beer had his dog in there. Wow, that would be fantastic! But I bet I can't b/c I'm not a regular. And the beer and liquor selection are ridiculous! I'm glad I like Southern Comfort, b/c there's nothing else I would choose. Not one beer would I want to drink there. The taps and bottles are such random choices. I don't understand this place. And I hate when stereotypes stare me in the face when I'm one trying to change all of that. And DO NOT stare at me weird when I kiss my girlfriend!! It - is - a - LESBIAN - bar. Jeez... read more

I had two funny interactions here when I sat at the bar alone on a Wednesday night in November. 1. Alcohol in America is inexpensive compared to where I live [pints average $6.50] Observe: me: I'll take a beer. I want a good one, but you can pick. bartender: What's your price range? me: ummm... I dunno? whatever? Well... how much is it going to be? bartender: well, it won't be like ten bucks or anything but usually when people say whatever I give them a Miller Lite. me: no! I'll take one glass of the best draught beer you have. bartender: ok, that's going to be five-fifty, is that okay? me: [laughing hysterically] yeah it's fine. 2. Everyone in Chicago is friendly. Observe: guy at bar: hey. me: whats up. guy: [long rant about recycling] me: [laughs] guy: [long rant about tumor research] me: [laughs] guy: okay, I have to go, great chatting with you! me: [laughs] I had a great time here on an empty random weeknight, but if it was packed and there were 50 people in line for the bathroom I would have hated it. So context! read more

.the owner/bartender (I don't know what she is) gets really cranky sometimes, and it was a bit excessive. Like everyone else says about our travels here yesterday, it's entertaining for yelp-crowd but I don't know that I'd suggest it otherwise. The karaoke locals as usual vary from "dear god what is she singing" to okay, to "lol is Matt really singing I'm too sexy for my shirt?" (dancing about as well as a fish out of water in a shoebox....also thanks for the suggestion of the song, you know who you are) Oh, it's a pretty small place too. One bathroom for an infinite number of people. I can only imagine nights where there is a long line. It was still an entertaining place though, if only because everyone was relatively drunk. Also, the assboob made it's cameo so that pair of cheeks/tits brings it from a 1-star to a 3-star establishment, or something. what am I saying? I have no idea. Just go here if you want to get drunk and sing karaoke. read more

what an apt name for this (technically) lesbian bar. Let's continue the metaphor: like a closet, this bar is small and inviting. You will also find a wide mix of people, as you would find a wide range of fashion in (some) people's closets. I stopped in on a Friday night just around 10pm with some friends. We decided to go out and have a drink, but didn't want to deal with the craziness of some places on Halsted. Unfortunately, we got the same kind of atmosphere without the crowd. What does this mean? It means that instead of standing yelling at each other over the loud music playing at Sidetrack, we ended up sitting at the bar, yelling at each other over the loud music playing at The Closet. Not that there's anything wrong with that, its just not what we were expecting. However, the drinks were very good and interestingly enough, well drinks were the same price as call drinks (I paid $6 for my vodka cran and my friend paid $6 for her 7and7). The closet can be fun if you know what you're gonna get: a small space that can seem extremely empty, or overwhelmingly full. If you're the type of person that likes to walk around and be seen, this isn't your location. But if you're the type of person that likes to see everyone and everything from one corner of the room, you've found your spot! read more

I had the worst experience I've ever had at this bar. I used to come here regularly. It's mellow and I'd always meet a few people. Now I come by about once a month. I always bring a ton of cash and tip extremely well. I meet a few folks, buy them drinks, it's all friendly. Last night I got verbally attacked by one of the bartenders. She was taller, fatter, buzzed black hair, not particularly attractive. I've never gotten into any sort of verbal altercation with anyone. I was completely taken aback. There are much better places for me to spend my money. I will never come back here again and I hope this shithole shuts down. Their drinks are terrible and their prices are highway robbery. Beer tap selection is the absolute worst. Get with the times, update your bar and take a fucking credit card. Ownership should get rid of that psycho, irrational bartender and put someone back there who has quite a few more brain cells. read more

I think it was a mirage. I came here on a monday night. Late. It was my first official night in town. Sat down and a very attractive, funny and skilled bartender appeared in front of me despite the 2-person deep crowd. I ordered a pepper-tini per her request and we chatted a bit. Best (and strongest) martini I've ever had and I had to share it with one of my room mates to avoid getting too tipsy. Anyway, * That * visit was fun. So we keep returning. And then regretting it. I haven't seen the bartender from that night since, and each time my friends and I are basically ignored or glared at. It seems anti-gay boy and not very femme lesbian friendly. Sigh. I wanted to like you... Call me when you figure your shit out? read more

This is one of the only 5am bars in my neighborhood...so naturally when all of my friends wanted to go there, I agreed. They have this bouncer who works the door, her name is Lisa. She is by far the rudest, most horrible individual I have ever dealt with. From the second my friends and I walked through the door she started harassing us. Then, she completely humiliated us and kicked us out after being told it was a misunderstanding. I have never been treated like that, and it was a horrifying experience. Aside from that it's a hole in the wall, sketchy, dive bar. Their drinks are nothing to be desired and they don't accept credit cards. Honestly, they don't even deserve the one star. read more

The best 5am bar in Chicago! This is the sort of place where you get what you give - if you treat the staff with respect, they'll look after you for life. Act like an entitled yuppie and, well, let's just say you won't enjoy it... read more

Where do you go when the other bars are closing and you still want to hang? Berlin? Hella, no! Why pay a cover when you can chill at the closet... Let's break it down: *2 bathrooms (very important) *Crowded after the other bars close (with a mixed crowd) *Not much room to dance, but a great place to chill when it's busy *Don't think I've ever gotten liquor here because by this time, I've told myself I need to stop (self-control baby) *Lots of cabbies coming down the street to take you home Yeah, it's a closet, but it could be worse; it could be a dresser... read more

Nothing screams "Best Idea EVER After a Night of Wrigleyville Antics Is Shoving A Hundred Sweaty Drunk People Into a Bar the Size of a Studio Until 5AM" better than The Closet. Fortunately I'm close by so I can roll home in case the 2:100 toilet:person ratio becomes a bit treacherous. And Miller Lite drafts are $2.50 now. I think. Who knows - I was hammered. read more