2Bears Tavern Uptown

Gay bar · Uptown

2Bears Tavern Uptown

Gay bar · Uptown

1

1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

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2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null
2Bears Tavern Uptown by null

Highlights

Dog-friendly LGBTQ+ bar w/ free pinball, darts & late hours  

Featured in Eater
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1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Get directions

2bearstavernuptown.com
@2bearstavernuptown

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1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 Get directions

+1 773 672 4900
2bearstavernuptown.com
@2bearstavernuptown

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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LGBTQ bar 2Bears Tavern is replacing Nick’s Uptown, a long vacant bar - Eater Chicago

"This fall, they'll unveil 2Bears Tavern Uptown, a shot-and-beer bar with free pinball and darts. Most importantly for fans of Nick's, 2Bears will retain the 4 a.m. late-night liquor license. Ownership hopes to open in late October or early November. 'This is the quintessential Chicago neighborhood bar where you can come as you are, be who you are, and feel comfortable in your community,' co-owner Mark Robertson says. 'It's for everybody in the neighborhood with a focus the LGBTQIA community.' At about 2,000 square feet, 2Bears Uptown will offer a mix of local beers on tap, draft margaritas, and a seasonally rotating draft cocktail costing between $8 to $10. Customers can expect seven TVs for sports and watch parties." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2021/7/20/22583780/2bears-tavern-nicks-uptown-lgbtq-bar-images-renderings
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IC

Google
Mediocre bar. No Long Island? But the margarita on tap it’s pretty decent. It was dead Friday at 6 o’clock. A lot of other better bars in the area in my opinion… used to come here, but I feel like this person went downhill. We left and went to another bar that had $10 Long Island and great music with less abrasive bartenders.

Nathan Gamble

Google
Friend had been hyping this bar up for awhile because they had Smash setups. Pull up a little after 1am and were there until they closed at 4. The whole time they didn’t set up Smash, Darts, or the popcorn machine despite multiple people asking. Get told that bartender doesn’t feel like setting up the games when he works the weekends. Big shame cause it’s a nice venue otherwise.

Alyssa Thompson

Google
My partner and I came into this bar on a Sunday for one drink as we were walking through Uptown. We stayed for 4 drinks. The bartender, Chris, was so welcoming and the other patrons were just as great. It's rare to walk into a bar like this and feel like you're at home. We were planning on playing some free games, but the popcorn, conversation, and drinks were flowing and we enjoyed our time too much to think about playing any games! Definitely a new favorite spot!

gerry selian

Google
My partner and I visited last week while exploring neighborhoods in Chicago. We stumbled upon this bar on Monday evening during their Squabble Night. Our bartender, Matt G., was hands down one of the best we've ever had. He was incredibly kind, friendly, and served us some of the best drinks we've ever tasted. We’d definitely come back the next time we’re in Chicago.

James Schwartz

Google
Bartender had to remind me that he works for tips when I asked for water at the bar. Been a server for 5 years and never said that to a patron for simply asking for water. Maybe he was stressed, I don’t know, tipped him for the the water, but inappropriate way to speak to a guest. Not a great first impression :(.

tyler henson

Google
2Bears is hands down my favorite gay bar in the city. The vibe is always welcoming and fun, and my friend Wolf behind the bar is a total pro—super friendly, fast, and always makes you feel at home. The free pinball and games are such a good time, and poker night? Unbeatable. If you haven’t checked this place out yet, you’re missing out.

Christopher Sams

Google
Amazing atmosphere for day drinks & free games. Perfect late night vibes for the crowd, bartenders, and the deals. No service charge and all the taxes are included into the base price. Daily specials running too.

R. F.

Google
tge 2 bears taverns have great locations... the problem is you cant have a neighborhood bar feel when you don't have your favorite neighborhood bartender. they have multiple locations and all their bartenders are constantly shifted between their locations. it's impossible for patrons to build any kind of relationship with the staff... people come for the locations fir convenience and build their relationships w the staff... having this weird round table is like walking into a random bar every night ...theres nothing relaxing about wondering who will be behind your bar from visit to visit somecnights a bartender u like is there 90% of the time it's a crap shoot. it's easy to avoid this by just going to bars where you know who will be there and know you will have a good time and know what the vibe will be. hard to build community based neighborhood bars which is their strong suit (location only) when u have no idea who will be there day to day.
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Heather B.

Yelp
Food: You have to order in, they do not have food here except popcorn which is free. Service: We've been here twice with a couple friends and it's quick, friendly, and a good experience. Ambiance: I like the music selection/jukebox. We get a table and play Nintendo, and then darts. Good times. It's a smaller venue, so groups more than 6, might be a challenge if you get there past 8pm. I wish they did have some food.
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Sheree W.

Yelp
My friends and I came to this place prior to a concert that was right down the street just to have cocktails. When we walked in we were greeted with asking for our ID's by the bartender. He wasn't the friendliest but it was fine. There was plenty of seating and they were playing music. There were just maybe 2 other tables with people and a dog. They are dog friendly which I think is neat. Since the bartender was the only one working, we had to go to the counter to order our drinks and wait for them there. We didn't realize until we had been there for about an hour that this is a gay bar, which wasn't an issue for us but just letting you know in case it is for you!

Catie M.

Yelp
I LOVE 2BEARS!!!! I really do. But my latest experience there was dampened by a bartender named DEAN!!! I'm a sensitive ass bitch. I usually decide my final tip based on overall service. Dean decided he was fed up and cut me off ( I wasn't going to get any more drinks LMAOOOOO) because I didn't tip enough??? (If I drank too much is one thing but he literally said he "works for tips") confused about this, I usually have a really nice time there :( Dean, not everybody is in a financial state to tip a lot, please understand this and go forward with love, I know you get paid hourly babe, we all do
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Andrew P.

Yelp
My friend and I have been wanting to check this place out and we both live in the area so on a random Wednesday night we popped in and took advantage of the weekly specials for drinks while we played darts. The bartender behind the counter surprised me with a gin-infused drink since I didn't know what to choose and it came out great. He wasn't like overly friendly or anything, but wasn't mean at all. Just doing his job. The place itself was actually pretty nice. I know it's fairly new in the area so likely was remodeled or whatever inside, but even the ceilings were very ornate by the front of the bar area, and the seating around the sides just felt like I was in an upper class type bar in River North even. Glad to see this queer friendly space in Uptown who have great daily specials and free games in the back. Also very cool that they're open so late each night! 4am every night and 5am on Saturday nights!
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Philippe C.

Yelp
Wish the bartenders were a little more consistent and not changing every 2 minutes so that those among us that come on a nearly weekly basis were not treated as if we had never set foot in the bar...... it gets a little tiresome
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Nicholas M.

Yelp
One of 2022's newest additions to the Uptown bar scene is the 2 Bears Tavern, a lively dive for the ever deserving people of the area that might want to stray away from the Boystown scene. While it may get a little cramped on the inside, the bar is filled with friendly smiles, great selection of music, clean restrooms, and some excellently priced drinks. Lot of prime choices on tap, along with some extra strong cocktails to keep you nice and happy to keep the party goin until 5am! (Which is how long they're open until) 2 Bears is located conveniently near the Wilson Red Line too. Easy place to get to for meeting up with friends, or if you want to have a drink or two after work. Very nice vibe in there for any individual. Walk towards the back of the bar and you'll see some arcade games, Nintendo Switches/Mario Kart and darts to play. They also have some specialty priced drinks as well. No food menu here though, however you're welcome to bring your own outside meals to eat. I had a pleasant experience here overall, and I'm happy to see the community flocking to new businesses like this in this quasi-post-pandemic way of living we're trying to adapt to.
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Ian H.

Yelp
My partner and I dropped into Chicago's newest gay bar for beers. We saw their specials on an ad and made the trek to Uptown to visit and see what it's about. The bar has a confusing vibe. We were expecting it to be a little grungier but this place is polished. It's called 2Bears Tavern and their logo makes you think of a more outdoorsy/rough vibe, but the rest of their branding and design when you arrive is more Great Gatsby with their stained glass windows, Art Deco signage, gold accents, and fancy leather drink menus. I've been waffling between 3-4 stars because the staff was nice and quick to help. My main issue is that their specials aren't accurate and they didn't care to fix their mistake. As a self-proclaimed "value driven bar," they charged me $20 for two "half-price" mugs of draft beer. Even though the menu says 1/2 off all drafts, it apparently only applies to pints and not their larger mugs. I'm into having more gay bars everywhere so that pushed me into giving this a 4 star review vs 3, but beware when they charge you if you order a special. It might depend on the day, bartender, or way you order, if you actually get the special pricing. And don't forget to dress up (not down) for this posh "bear" bar.

Steve M.

Yelp
Clark was so helpful and accommodating. I was by myself for a bit and he made me feel welcome and appreciated. Very polite and always knew exactly what I ordered and when I was ready for it. Plus he was able to do side work and cleaning without making me feel isolated.
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Sadie A.

Yelp
This bar racially profiles. Horrible bar. Came in with a group of like 10 people, only one was black. Only carded her. She was in her 30s, everyone else was around 22. We all thought it was super strange she was the only one carded out of all of us so we left. Tonight came in with some friends. We are all white, and 22, none of us got carded. Our black friend came in when with us, he's in his mid 30s. He was the only one carded. He didn't have his ID cuz he's not used to being carded, and they kicked him out. Itd be one thing if they carded everyone, as they should cuz it's a BAR!!!! but to have BOTH experiences I've been here only card the black people I'm with... sooo nasty. Will never be back, and will be telling everyone the same. Not to mention I'm 22 but look very young... why aren't you carding me? This place should be shut down.
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George N.

Yelp
Brand new bar to the neighborhood! Came here with my BF and friends for a night cap after dinner on a Tuesday evening. Staff was extremely friendly and fun. The space is really cool and can be intimate or for a group. They offer a full bar and drink prices are reasonable. Would definitely go back as a local neighborhood bar without needing to go into Boystown
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Alexander C.

Yelp
Absolutely love coming here for a late night drink. As I am in the service industry myself it's always so nice to have a place to enjoy a drink once I'm done with work. I love the option to play the Nintendo switch there with the retro Nintendo games. Always a great deal going on daily with super friendly staff. 10/10 would recommend
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Rodney P.

Yelp
Friendly staff and great drinks at great prices. Daily specials and free pinball games are just a few reasons to check this place out.
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David D.

Yelp
This new tavern overall is almost perfect! There are just a few little things that would have made this new tavern absolutely perfect. Myself and my other friends were there on Sunday around 3 PM. We all agreed that we did not think anyone would be here after 10pm due to the location. (We hope we are wrong) The bartenders were great, especially the trans bartender!! The bar manager was there however he was not interactive with any of the customers. It would have been nice for him to say hello and thank people for coming in. I definitely recommend this new tavern! Please go check it out!

Kurt S.

Yelp
Really pleasant vibe. Great addition. Service was a bit slow but not terribly. Seating can be tough but eventually worked out. A good option to see.

Nadia H.

Yelp
I live in the neighborhood and just stopped by. Great bar: great service and very good specials. Welcome to the neighborhood, so glad you're here!

Mark T.

Yelp
This long awaited new lgbtq+ owned and operated tavern just opened last night from the owners of The Meeting House and Sofo. It's a really neat place, cozy, comfortable and open late till 4am. They a have a good selection of beers whiskeys and cocktails. With darts, pinball, and video games in the back I can see myself spending many more long nights here. Especially now it's important to support local small businesses and support local service industry! Welcome to the neighborhood 2Bears Tavern!

Joseph C.

Yelp
I had such an AMAZING TIME. But the host Nicole was such a breath of fresh air in this scene all the hearts to her