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via Stay22About this place Cellblock
Cellblock is a long-running leather bar on Halsted Street in Chicago, one of the main drag's dedicated to LGBTQ+ nightlife.
It's a leather bar, plain and simple, and it's set up for people who are into that culture. They've split the place into a few areas so you can find a spot that works for you.
The front section is looser, more casual. Jeans and leather are fine here. But then there's the back bar, and that's where the serious leather scene happens. It’s got adult videos playing, too. The setup lets you ease into things or jump right in, depending on what you're looking for.
You'll find Cellblock at 3702 North Halsted Street. It’s right there in the middle of Chicago's gay neighborhood. If you're going, just be respectful of the place and the people who are there for the leather scene.
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Very Tall bouncer was rude and violated my space which made me really uncomfortable.
Cell Block delivers pure, unadulterated escapism. Men shed all societal pretense at the threshold, stepping eagerly into a dimly lit, deliciously trashy playground of leather, gear, and unspoken possibilities. The pulse of the jukebox drives the casual, cruising crowd, while the bartenders pour stiff, no-nonsense drinks that instantly dissolve inhibitions. My gear fit the unpretentious, masculine vibe perfectly, granting me immediate entrance into this joyous carnival of subculture. For anyone seeking authentic camaraderie alongside a thrilling touch of midnight sleaze, this legendary Halsted institution satisfies every expectation.
First bar amazing but 2nd bar we went to the back and bartender accused us of inappropriate things then called us out our name and got very threatening. Came from out the bar and followed us out. If you are a women be careful here.
I always have a nice time here! The back bar is my favorite... don't bother if it's not open; only because the 'front bar only' guys are very clicky... but in back, everybody is friendly and good... i'm coming from milwaukee, and the gay scene in milwaukee is one of the most Toxic in the whole of the united states... i stopped going out to the gay bars in milwaukee because their attitude here is very immature and hateful... if you are not the exact same as them; a clone, then you will be 100% ostracized... but at Cell Block i am treated like a hunan being... i was just there on saturday, and it felt so good to be talked to, and looked at, and interacted with... i forgot what that was like here in wisconsin hell... thank you cell block for being what you are... 🤗
I don’t recommend this place to anyone, the owner Joe Hoffman doesn’t condone consent in his bar. I was sexually assaulted and psychically assaulted, fought the guy back and because the guy had a busted lip, Joe took the aggressors side. Joe only cares about money and not his customers, I still have the police report. I worked around boystown 10+ years and this is the only place I’ve had this bad experience.
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Last updated on 2 August 2026