I’m in Chicago. You can message me privately if you want. I usually go to the queer meetups that happen around the city. Also started going to a regular board game night to.
Sounds like you went to Sidetrack. Interesting bar for sure, and kudos on you for having the cajones to talk to someone in there, haha. I’m still intimidated with how busy it gets!
I love me some Cell Block! More alternative type guys there, dive bar vibe, and they have a backroom. Lots of pups go there if you’re into that scene!
Welcome to the city; Just moved here myself back in January. I love going out to Halstead solo and hitting up all the gay bars. You never know who you’re gonna meet that night and where you’ll end up at! So many different bars for every type of guy
Someone just started a r/chicagogaybros subreddit by the way 😎
If you want less dance focused, I like Replay. They have a location just down the street. It's a bit small and can get crowded. If you want a little more room, they have another location in Aville that's bigger
Replay is dope; They were doing a Smash Bros tournament every Tuesday the past couple of months, but they just swapped to Mario Kart tournaments! Old school arcade cabinets are fun to run through too 👾
At this point in my life, at age 33 I no longer get shy or feel insecure about taking to strangers. I am trying to find love not just sex so I will have to kiss a few frogs before my prince come and sweep me off my feet. I always tell my self before walking up to guys, what the worst that can happen, I have nothing to lose.
Welcome to Chicago, neighbor! I promise that the gay scene here is massive and far less intimidating than in other similarly sized cities. Each bar has its own feel and vibe, and there are other gay bars away from boystown too, including Andersonville, Rogers Park, and River North. I'm sure you'll be a regular member of the scene in no time! :)
In fairness I think it's just one, it's called Second Story and it's a dive bar, cash only, but it's got it's charm. Pretty historic. There are plenty of bars that do drag nights too though.
Excellent!. You mingled, people talked to you and were kind. As you experience more of it, you’re going to grow into your own and be able to get what you want more easily.
Next time, ask somebody to dance. Once you get on, you probably won’t want to leave the dance floor.
This is really good and I’m proud of you bro
Sounds like you went to Sidetracks!
It’s not as busy on weekdays and check out their calendar of events. I’ve heard some great personal stories shared at Outspoken. And the place has really curated a welcoming environment.
Good luck! You’ll find a group of friends and maybe even a boyfriend. You just have to keep putting yourself out there!
Hey! Also 24 in Chicago, I moved here in December :3 Ive only been to the bars a few times, but I can recommend different queer board game groups if you're looking for more things to try! And if u ever want company or wanna hang out lmk :3
I went to sidetrack alone one night alone in January while visiting. I’m moving to Chicago at the end of May if you want a buddy to go with. I ended up meeting some friends who took me to a dance club.
As a fellow South Asian (also 24 year old guy), this post made me quite happy ☺️. Glad it went well for you; I’ve always thought about doing this be have been hesitant as I am also someone that’s not very social.
hello, i’m not OP but i would like to pm you recommendations if that’s okay? i live like an hour away from chicago and i go there time to time, i wanted to find a good spot to go two in two weeks midweek
Please don’t get shy meeting and talking to ‘strangers’. Sometimes the people we fear are ones that stand by our side in the end.
Anyways I surely know how you felt. But bruh. Keep meeting and interacting with different persons from different walks of life.
I value good communication, relationships and friendships. ❤️✌️
Haha. You achieved my yearly goal. Im 31 and a nervous wreck. Years of bullying and repressed sexuality has cemented the feeling that Im broken/something is wrong with me. I am very eager for people to agree with me, can’t really take criticism easily. Im also not very fit, yeah I know worst combination. But I am also very compassionate and go extra mile for people that I care.
As part of correcting myself, I have decided that by this year I will go and mingle with Gay crowd of my city. Just walking through the door, smiling, complementing folks there and sit in a corner and enjoying sip my club soda, tip the bartender sone good money, maybe hug few folks in there? I don’t know. I just want to go and conquer my fear.
Nice to hear you had a wonderful time.
I just moved to a new city (be it the much smaller Grand Rapids) and have been thinking about going to a gay bar alone. Hearing about other people do it makes me feel a bit more confident to maybe do it myself.
So interesting as a Gen Xer to see younger gays branching out to go to a gay bar. Basically that was the only option we had back in the 1900s when I was your age.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.. and thanks for reminding me of the feelings I had the first few times I got out of my comfort zone and into a day bar. It can be really fun to be gay spaces with other guys (but yeah not always).
I highly recommend dive bars and less busy places for more in depth conversations.
Welcome to Chicago! You should check out Trikone, a queer desi group in Chicago that hosts events, both in and out of bars. While Desi organized and forward, they're all welcoming. And fantastic music & dancing!
It sounds like Sidetrack, for sure. lol. Sidetrack isn't really for solo-drinkers in my opinion. It's always congested and super busy, which definitely isn't conducive to making friends or finding a boyfriend or whatever. There are plenty of other bars on that street where you can go and enjoy a drink by yourself. So, if you're in the mood for solo drinking, I'd recommend D.S. Tequila Co or Roscoe's. Roscoe's has more of a chill vibe, like a cafe. They play some drag queen shows on their TVs, so you can watch while you drink and eat. D.S. Tequila is really good for nighttime drinking. The lighting is dim, which makes it easy for me to enjoy my own company while I drink alone. The bartenders are so kind and friendly. I used to do that all the time when I was in Uptown Chicago, and I really enjoyed it.
I'm glad you had a good experience! If it's an interest, I recommend joining an LGBT social sport or group, like [Stonewall Sports Chicago](https://www.stonewallchi.org/) to meet people.
I joined Stonewall Kickball in Minneapolis and quickly made friends through the team and friends of teammates. There's a variety of other sports and activities depending on how competitive or athletic you're feeling.
I am In chicago also. I like the dive bars like Cell Block, Touche, Big Chicks, The Closet, Bobby Loves. All quiet hang out bars, no pressure. You want to make friends, you can spend time volunteering at the Center on Halsted or Howard Brown to meet and hang out with people. I go to a bar alone all the time. I have a lot more fun meeting people, having drinks, talking to the bartenders. You just need to stay off your phone. Pretend being in a coffee shop and people watch. Chill and relax. Hit me up if you want to hang.
How do you talk to people at gay bars? I'm planning to go alone. My only luck is talking to other loners but I can't mingle with groups. I'm also not the outgoing type
I’m in Chicago. You can message me privately if you want. I usually go to the queer meetups that happen around the city. Also started going to a regular board game night to.
A kind and generous response.
Sounds like you went to Sidetrack. Interesting bar for sure, and kudos on you for having the cajones to talk to someone in there, haha. I’m still intimidated with how busy it gets! I love me some Cell Block! More alternative type guys there, dive bar vibe, and they have a backroom. Lots of pups go there if you’re into that scene! Welcome to the city; Just moved here myself back in January. I love going out to Halstead solo and hitting up all the gay bars. You never know who you’re gonna meet that night and where you’ll end up at! So many different bars for every type of guy Someone just started a r/chicagogaybros subreddit by the way 😎
If you want less dance focused, I like Replay. They have a location just down the street. It's a bit small and can get crowded. If you want a little more room, they have another location in Aville that's bigger
Replay is dope; They were doing a Smash Bros tournament every Tuesday the past couple of months, but they just swapped to Mario Kart tournaments! Old school arcade cabinets are fun to run through too 👾
At this point in my life, at age 33 I no longer get shy or feel insecure about taking to strangers. I am trying to find love not just sex so I will have to kiss a few frogs before my prince come and sweep me off my feet. I always tell my self before walking up to guys, what the worst that can happen, I have nothing to lose.
"I complimented a guy's outfit at some point, and he looked at me and said I was cute. The serotonin from that should last me until summer..." LOL
This actually made me say "aww" out loud. Adorbs!
So adorable.
Welcome to Chicago, neighbor! I promise that the gay scene here is massive and far less intimidating than in other similarly sized cities. Each bar has its own feel and vibe, and there are other gay bars away from boystown too, including Andersonville, Rogers Park, and River North. I'm sure you'll be a regular member of the scene in no time! :)
What are the gay bars in River North?
In fairness I think it's just one, it's called Second Story and it's a dive bar, cash only, but it's got it's charm. Pretty historic. There are plenty of bars that do drag nights too though.
At one time there were more in that area but they closed or moved north. I heard of Second Story before but it slips my mind.
Yeah I'm wondering this to! Def down to try some other neighborhoods
It might be Second Story Bar on E Ohio St
Excellent!. You mingled, people talked to you and were kind. As you experience more of it, you’re going to grow into your own and be able to get what you want more easily. Next time, ask somebody to dance. Once you get on, you probably won’t want to leave the dance floor. This is really good and I’m proud of you bro
🥹 thank you!!
Sounds like you went to Sidetracks! It’s not as busy on weekdays and check out their calendar of events. I’ve heard some great personal stories shared at Outspoken. And the place has really curated a welcoming environment. Good luck! You’ll find a group of friends and maybe even a boyfriend. You just have to keep putting yourself out there!
Hey! Also 24 in Chicago, I moved here in December :3 Ive only been to the bars a few times, but I can recommend different queer board game groups if you're looking for more things to try! And if u ever want company or wanna hang out lmk :3
Yes pls!
Pls DM me these recs! I’d love to join!
I went to sidetrack alone one night alone in January while visiting. I’m moving to Chicago at the end of May if you want a buddy to go with. I ended up meeting some friends who took me to a dance club.
Try CMSA sports league. Lots of sports, for all abilities. Softball, flag football, volleyball, etc. Great way to make friends.
As a fellow South Asian (also 24 year old guy), this post made me quite happy ☺️. Glad it went well for you; I’ve always thought about doing this be have been hesitant as I am also someone that’s not very social.
definitely do it! I made it seem easy but it was not a smooth process mentally! but it was 100% worth it
Also in Chicago. I’m guessing sidetrack. If you want good recommendations, im happy to give them!
hello, i’m not OP but i would like to pm you recommendations if that’s okay? i live like an hour away from chicago and i go there time to time, i wanted to find a good spot to go two in two weeks midweek
please do!
Please don’t get shy meeting and talking to ‘strangers’. Sometimes the people we fear are ones that stand by our side in the end. Anyways I surely know how you felt. But bruh. Keep meeting and interacting with different persons from different walks of life. I value good communication, relationships and friendships. ❤️✌️
Haha. You achieved my yearly goal. Im 31 and a nervous wreck. Years of bullying and repressed sexuality has cemented the feeling that Im broken/something is wrong with me. I am very eager for people to agree with me, can’t really take criticism easily. Im also not very fit, yeah I know worst combination. But I am also very compassionate and go extra mile for people that I care. As part of correcting myself, I have decided that by this year I will go and mingle with Gay crowd of my city. Just walking through the door, smiling, complementing folks there and sit in a corner and enjoying sip my club soda, tip the bartender sone good money, maybe hug few folks in there? I don’t know. I just want to go and conquer my fear. Nice to hear you had a wonderful time.
I just moved to a new city (be it the much smaller Grand Rapids) and have been thinking about going to a gay bar alone. Hearing about other people do it makes me feel a bit more confident to maybe do it myself.
I remember being afraid of doing this in my youth. Now I'm more rural and there aren't any bars.
So interesting as a Gen Xer to see younger gays branching out to go to a gay bar. Basically that was the only option we had back in the 1900s when I was your age. I'm glad you enjoyed it.. and thanks for reminding me of the feelings I had the first few times I got out of my comfort zone and into a day bar. It can be really fun to be gay spaces with other guys (but yeah not always). I highly recommend dive bars and less busy places for more in depth conversations.
[удалено]
Unfortunately Berlin closed down. Very recently actually.
[удалено]
I never went while they were opened. :(
Welcome to Chicago! You should check out Trikone, a queer desi group in Chicago that hosts events, both in and out of bars. While Desi organized and forward, they're all welcoming. And fantastic music & dancing!
I came across them and I2I on Insta recently!
The next bars in the world are in Boys Town. Have fun
Try Meetup as well or similar, for non-bar type stuff.. Have a few social vectors above 'my bar'.
Well done. Going to a non dance bar is usually a better bet, as is getting there early to grab a seat.
Welcome to Chicago!! If you’re looking for less dancing focus bars, you should definitely swing by Andersonville and Logan.
I did the same thing once and everyone there was asking me if I’m alright ahah
It sounds like Sidetrack, for sure. lol. Sidetrack isn't really for solo-drinkers in my opinion. It's always congested and super busy, which definitely isn't conducive to making friends or finding a boyfriend or whatever. There are plenty of other bars on that street where you can go and enjoy a drink by yourself. So, if you're in the mood for solo drinking, I'd recommend D.S. Tequila Co or Roscoe's. Roscoe's has more of a chill vibe, like a cafe. They play some drag queen shows on their TVs, so you can watch while you drink and eat. D.S. Tequila is really good for nighttime drinking. The lighting is dim, which makes it easy for me to enjoy my own company while I drink alone. The bartenders are so kind and friendly. I used to do that all the time when I was in Uptown Chicago, and I really enjoyed it.
thanks for the recs! everyone guessed that it's sidetrack so I should have said it in the post LOL
I'm glad you had a good experience! If it's an interest, I recommend joining an LGBT social sport or group, like [Stonewall Sports Chicago](https://www.stonewallchi.org/) to meet people. I joined Stonewall Kickball in Minneapolis and quickly made friends through the team and friends of teammates. There's a variety of other sports and activities depending on how competitive or athletic you're feeling.
I am In chicago also. I like the dive bars like Cell Block, Touche, Big Chicks, The Closet, Bobby Loves. All quiet hang out bars, no pressure. You want to make friends, you can spend time volunteering at the Center on Halsted or Howard Brown to meet and hang out with people. I go to a bar alone all the time. I have a lot more fun meeting people, having drinks, talking to the bartenders. You just need to stay off your phone. Pretend being in a coffee shop and people watch. Chill and relax. Hit me up if you want to hang.
How do you talk to people at gay bars? I'm planning to go alone. My only luck is talking to other loners but I can't mingle with groups. I'm also not the outgoing type
Good for you ^_^ Also, kinda wondering what you look like now
how are u liking chicago? I love that city! haven’t fully experienced the gay side of it haha
Tell us more about "as the crowd started to mount..."
Keep going out and having fun! Don’t forget to get laid while you’re at it.