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Sidetrack

Historic Venue 1982 Still active

World's first dedicated video bar — Sidetrack, on Boystown's Halsted Street continuously since 5 August 1982.

GayOut (50) 4.5
Google (750) 4.3
Tripadvisor (58) 4.7
90
/ 100
GayOut Score
4.5 G4.3 🦉4.7
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Address
3349 N Halsted St, Boystown, Chicago, IL 60657
📞
Phone
+1 773-477-9189
🌐
Website
sidetrackchicago.com
💰
Price Range
$$
🟢
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About this place Sidetrack

Sidetrack opened in 1982 and has been the undisputed anchor of Boystown's Halsted Street ever since. The format — multiple rooms, each playing a different video theme throughout the week — has been widely imitated but never replicated. Show Tunes Sundays and Musical Mondays are Sidetrack institutions; the Broadway show-tune singalong culture that has developed here has no equivalent at any other gay bar in the United States. The physical space has expanded over the decades: what began as a single-room bar now occupies a large footprint with an outdoor patio, multiple interior bars, and a capacity that allows it to serve as the de facto community living room for Boystown. During Chicago Pride week in June, Sidetrack is the command centre of the neighbourhood — the line stretches down Halsted, the patio is at capacity, and the video screens show the parade route in real time. The bar is politically engaged in the tradition of the best American gay bars: it has been a fundraising platform, an organising space, and a community institution through 40 years of AIDS crisis, marriage equality campaigns, and ongoing advocacy. For first-time visitors to Chicago, Sidetrack on Halsted is the non-negotiable starting point.

Upcoming events at Sidetrack

Opening Hours

Closed
Monday 16:00-02:00
Tuesday 16:00-02:00
Wednesday 16:00-02:00
Thursday 16:00-02:00
Friday 16:00-02:00
Saturday 14:00-03:00
Sunday 14:00-02:00

Features

Gay Happy Hour Karaoke Cabaret Shows Live music Outdoor Patio Safe space Community oriented Walk-ins welcome

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

Verified by Google
4.3
750 reviews

Based on 750 Google reviews.

Dayne Hammerly
Dayne Hammerly Jul 2026

Such a fun bar. Drinks are excellent and feel reasonably priced. Plus the atmosphere is amazing

BANANACONDA
BANANACONDA Jul 2026
Anthony Bona
Anthony Bona Jul 2026
Allison Norman
Allison Norman Jul 2026
Kenya Greathouse
Kenya Greathouse Jun 2026

Dude with the grey beard who was the door today was super power trippy. We saw the sign about bags. We were confused about it so we asked him about it before waiting in line. We asked if our bags were and okay size. He did not give a yes or no answer and instead told us “ Read the sign. For today only no bag checks”. This could have meant several things, and the signage was not clear. I followed up by asking him “ But is a bag this size okay” and he just kept repeating himself not giving a clear answer. We walked away thinking that answer he gave meant yes. When we finally got to the front of the line after waiting, he yelled “ I told you, read the sign, no bag checks” super rude and not helpful. We spoke to him politely too, we just wanted a clear answer

Evee Curtis
Evee Curtis Jun 2026

I was denied entry during the pride parade on 6/28 due to having a service dog and a small bag with his equipment (placemat, food, and water during an excessive heat watch). The management refused to hear me out or work with my group, as soon as they saw us they turned us away and interrupted me when I tried to find any compromise. This was extremely disappointing (not to mention illegal as per the ADA) and my group will not be returning due to this discrimination.

Adrian Carballeira
Adrian Carballeira Jun 2026

“Never a cover” my left foot

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Last updated on 2 August 2026

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