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Second Story Bar

Google (266) 4.2

Tripadvisor (38) 3.9

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GayOut Score

G4.2 🦉3.9

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Address

157 E Ohio St #2, chicago

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About this place Second Story Bar

You’ll find Second Story Bar tucked one flight up at 157 East Ohio Street in Streeterville, just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile. It’s a small gay bar in a part of downtown Chicago where such spots are rare. That scarcity means the crowd is a mix of office workers, hotel guests, and longtime regulars who know exactly where they are. The room has a divey feel, which is part of the point. Bartenders are friendly, and drinks are cheap. Most reviewers warn you to bring cash; it’s cash only. Don’t forget your wallet. Weekday hours run from noon to 1:30am. There’s no listed schedule for weekends, so check before heading out on a Saturday or Sunday. The entrance is easy to miss. Look for the doorway and stairs, not a street-level frontage. If you want a bigger scene later, Boystown is a quick cab or Red Line ride north.

Opening Hours

Closed

Monday 12:00-01:30

Tuesday 12:00-01:30

Wednesday 12:00-01:30

Thursday 12:00-01:30

Friday 12:00-01:30

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Features

Gay Ages 31-40 Ages 41-50 Ages 51+ Happy Hour Pub/Tavern Safe space Walk-ins welcome Cash only Gay (mostly men) Mixed LGBTQ+ Chill / Relaxed Underground Local favorite Pub Dive bar Themed parties No dress code Evening venue Late night (after midnight)

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google

4.2

★★★★★

266 reviews

Based on 266 Google reviews.

Julia Dickerson Jun 2026

★★★★★

A lovely lovely bar to spend a night in. The music is just the right level to be comfortable for conversation, the music choices were good, and the prices were decent. Everyone is so kind and sweet, I highly recommend

Ali Almomar Jun 2026

★★★★★

Tali Halpern Jun 2026

★★★★★

One of the best gay bars in Chicago, a hidden gem! Stunning gorgeous bartenders…

Howard Zavala May 2026

★★★★★

Jimmy May 2026

★★★★★

I was visiting chicago recently and went here twice. The first time was good, we didn't stay long but it left a good impression so we returned before I left chicago. I asked the older bartender what he would recommend as I didn't fancy my usual drinks. Long story short, his reply was that he doesn't know me so can't recommend anything. Thinking he was kidding, I laughed and asked him a second time. I got the same hostile reply so ended up ordering the drink I didn't want. I didn't get his name, but he ruined the experience of this lovely bar for me. I didn't give 1 star as the previous bartender was nice