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via Stay22About this place Shakers
This gay bar on North Clark Street in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood feels like a local spot, not a tourist trap, with a crowd that knows each other.
You'll find it on North Clark, right in Lakeview, a neighborhood known for its gay community and bars. But this isn't a club. Think of it more as a sports bar, the kind of place where regulars have their usual stools and new faces get pulled into conversation.
It’s the neighborhood hangout, plain and simple. You can watch a game on the TV, grab a drink with friends, or just hang out. The bartenders are friendly, the vibe is easygoing, and it’s a good place to just settle in for the night.
For hours and more details, their website is shakersonclark.com. If you’re in Lakeview and want a comfortable, genuinely local gay bar, this is it.
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Did not have the common courtesy to inform me that they were only doing karaoke sign-ups for a private party before I paid for my drink. Their gimmick of serving many different kinds of Moscow Mules is fun & saved a star.
This is the first review I have ever written, but this experience really just rubbed me the wrong way so I had to. The bartender at shakers tonight was SO rude. She was extremely passive aggressive to my boyfriend and me for coming in and not ordering a drink right away(there’s a one drink minimum) and pointed out how we were just coming in to “eat all their popcorn” and “order cheap beer”. We both just turned 21 and were unaware of the rule, plus it was a Monday night and there was like 5 people in the bar. So unnecessary and a horrible attitude that ruined our night to be honest. I get having a tough night- I work in the restaurant industry, but ts was uncalled for. Safe to say we will not be returning to shakers on Clark.
I was taken here by my friend who was simply showing me their ‘neck of the woods’. Sadly, the bartender Nancy, was a true “Karen” in every sense of the word. She couldn’t remember scanning my ID, then yelled at my friend that he would have to leave without his ID, which I had just given her to scan. So like, she didn’t look at the IDs at all - which defeats the purpose of asking. Furthermore, it was like her memory was failing her or she was drunk - she closed out my tab because she was “leaving soon” without asking me if I wanted to keep it open, then after yelling at my friend, asked me to close out my tab! Just know if you waste your $ here, Nancy is EXTREMELY RUDE and should not be the first person anyone interacts with when entering the bar. I haven’t a nice thing to say about the place as it is then add a rude forgetful bartender to the mix and it defeats the purpose of existing. Simply put: GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.
I love this place! All of the staff are amazing and so friendly. There’s a one drink requirement, but it doesn’t have to be alcoholic. The drinks are affordable and while not a “Gay Bar” it is a gay bar lol. Heads Up - They only have popcorn for food so eat before hand. Sundays though, sometimes there’s a food truck that parks right in front. Also- they have Long Island and Martini “passports” that you can fill out. They have over 15 flavors of each. They do karaoke Wednesday nights 10-1, Thursday nights 10-1, Friday nights 9:30-1:30, Saturday nights 10:30-2:30, and Sunday nights 8-Midnight. Each night is a different KJ- In order of the week is: Ben, Frank, Kristal, Sierra, and Kristal again. You can also throw your birthday there and they’ll reserve a time slot for private karaoke for you before it opens to the public. Shakers is also dog friendly! They usually have a water bowl out front and they have milkbone treats on hand! On Mondays they have a variety show at 5:15 hosted by Lio and a comedy show at 8 hosted by Derrick that you can sign up the day of. Tuesdays is usually a chill day but they have discounted drinks.
The mock mule is on their menu at $6.50 but I got charged $10.50 for a “Tito’s Mule” which, with tip, is $13. I can confirm there was no alc in my mocktail. I haven’t gone in here previously for a reason. The aggressive two drink minimum sign is a jumpscare. I know yall have to make money but damn. Will probably never be back.
Love this place!! Chill welcoming vibes. They allow dogs too! Great location to grab a beer or martini before a cubs game or any time. I love the martini passport and Long Island passport! Can’t wait to come back
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Last updated on 3 August 2026