Important Reminder:The Foursquare City Guide app officially sunset on December 15, 2024, with the web version following in early 2025. However, your check-in journey doesn’t end here! Join us on Swarm, where new adventures await.
Planning a trip to Chicago?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Sidetrack
Gay Bar and Night Club$$$$
Lake View East, Chicago
The experts at Time Out Chicago and Chicagoist recommend this place
"A Boystown icon and the best Showtunes video bar ANYWHERE!"(19 Tips)
"Black cherry slushy drinks and showtunes...GAY HEAVEN!"(5 Tips)
"It's my favorite bar in Boystown!!!!!"(3 Tips)
"Amazing slushy drinks and Monday Night Showtunes"(2 Tips)
157 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- showtunes
- slushies
- boozy drinks
- rooftop
- trendy
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
One of the largest, nicest gay bars I've been to. Very sleek and modern. One disappointment was the upstairs patio closing early... It's a shame in nice weather. Great bar other than that!
Pro tip for a budget queen or those strapped for cash: coat check is a dollar, but bag check is free and mandatory. Stuff your coat in your bag, and save yourself a buck or a trip to the ATM!
DavidMay 10, 2016Great slushie drinks. Really neat RuPauls drag race paintings throughout. Would visit next time in town, thanks to the friendly bartenders.
The atmosphere and holiday decor are a welcome treat after a long day at the office or for a fun night on the town. And yes, slushies are still awesome in the winter.
There’s a vibe for everyone! Most the bars are playing the same music, the feeling can change from room to room. Highly recommend a “fruit loop” before committing, and don’t forget to check upstairs.
from musical monday to showtune sundays, trax is THAT girl. get the frozé. you won't regret it. sidetrack: the watering hole of boystown
Agustin Zavala GarciaJuly 29, 2015Thanks so much everything was so nice, we loved the place and the atmosphere there, definitely going back, greeting from PV
Melody LeggeJanuary 2, 2016Love. This. Place. Showtune Sundays are the best. Vodka slushies are amazing. Friendly staff. Lots of fun. A must to go to
this is the premier gay bar for a reason. great videos, friendly staff, strong drinks. only complaint is that they don't have daily drink specials. at least there is never a cover!
Everything is awesome here! Got a Effen Vodka Black Cherry Buzz mixed with Stoli Pink Lemonade
ChicagoistAugust 1, 2014A beautiful interior, multiple bars and an outdoor space makes it spacious enough to hit the dancefloor or find a quiet corner to sip down a few alcoholic slushies. Read more
Hold on to your nickers girls!!! Sidetrack is a great place to gather with friends on the patio OR it's a great place to go alone and people watch spontaneous.- For Boystown, Sidetrack is has the most spacious venue. The perfect bar to move around with friends and do a 'Fruit-Loop' ... you know checking out the scene.
- In the warmer months, the upstairs patio is beautiful! There are two bars up there as well, so no need to go back down for a drink.
Jaegger is for dumb Freshmen jocks. Try a chilled shot of locally-made 70 Proof hum, The World's Most Unique Rum created by Chicago's own Adam Seger. Gurl,It was featured for Oprah's 25th Anniversary!
The northern bar (to the left when you're facing the front of the building) is generally a little less crowded & has more seating.- Phil TouchetteMay 27, 2014Amazing slushy drinks and Monday Night Showtunes was worth the extra night stay in Chicago once Bear Pride ended.
Always clean and non-threatening. More fun in a group.
This place is amazing, make sure and check out the rooftop patio and all of the different bars.
The Whipsical is by far the best frozen slushie drink I have ever had. I strongly recommend it along with a shot of Honey Wild Turkey!
Showtunes, Showtunes, Showtunes! Find out the nights and times for Showtunes and make sure you get your friends there! Always a top priority when I get back to town.
The Outspoken series is well worth attending. First Tuesday of each month.
One of the best bars in Chicago, friendly staff, good drinks and music. Just beware of queeny bitches who will literally steal the seat from under you!- Appliance Repair ChicagoMay 1, 2014Great place to hangout with friends or family from out of town. Read more Read more
Get an equality slushy at sidetracks! (It's just two flavors layered together)
Make sure to order margaritas without salt. Damn good and strong! Make sure to go when Kathy is there
Rohan HareJune 17, 2013This bar is really big, and a lot of fun. Great place to meet some new people.
Frozen drinks are great! Good bar, but they need a better sound system. My biggest gripe is the bartender with the glasses who's balding. Everyone hates him, including the workers. A real @sshole. Ge
Brittney DiseroadOctober 18, 2013Go on showtunes night, best night ever...the slushies are fantastic as well
Take time to walk around and explore. The bar is huge!
Amy makes the world's best White Russians. Seriously. Find her and order one of these babies. She also makes an unbelievable oatmeal cookie shot. Fun times.
Glass bar is where I like to hang out. Best bar in Boystown!
Slushie, for sure. Go for the smaller one or you'll get brain freeze.
Must try: slushies, any flavorGreat music videos on the weekendsShowtunes on SundayMusical MondayComedy night on Thursdays
Dillon JayAugust 14, 2010visited from nyc and was less then impressed. Stand atound and stare is basically the formula, with less interesting nightlife. Frozen drinks are the plus and patio. Plus its close to other gay bars i
Buzz EvolutionOctober 10, 2011Rosie O'Donnell just checked out Sidetrack's Showtunes Sunday (10/9) this evening, according to @sidetrackbar on Twitter. Cool that she is getting to know her new home city!
David Oaks is legitimately best bartender, Calvin is best bar back, and Kevin is the #1 security!!!
- Chicago Bar BracketMarch 21, 2015
- Chicago Bar BracketMarch 21, 2015Friendly for the straight crowd too. Beware having too many Purple Slushies.
Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored, sugar-filled, tart slush drink that will make you orgasm. Or at least drunk. Yeah it's loaded with calories but it's damn good!
Jason AstorgaDecember 16, 2012Great bar, make sure you get your drink from Paul, great and handsome!
986 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Sidetrack...The Video Bar has entertained standing room crowds for 33 years with a unique video mix of comedy, pop, retro & show tunes.
Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 3:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sat
- 1:00 PM–3:00 AM
- Sun
- 1:00 PM–2:00 AM
(773) 477-9189
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
Live Music
Parking
Street, Valet
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
You might also like
- 8.0
"Had both good and bad mixed memories here. But they're all great stories. You'll have yours too. #fav"
Kevin L - 7.4
"It's not $1 drinks on Monday. It's $2. But it's still worth it and the place is amazing!"
Jimmy Diaz - 7.3
"Always a blast, crowd is often a but younger, but always very friendly. Sundays nights are the best!"
Phoenix Jimenez
Places people like to go after Sidetrack
Appears on 182 lists
Best of Chicago 2012: Readers' Choice
Created by Chicago magazine
8 items • 92 followersA State-by-State Guide to 2015's Most Popular Bars
Created by Foursquare City Guide
51 items • 435 followers
America's Ultimate Rooftop Bars
Created by Foursquare City Guide
38 items • 756 followers
