Progress Bar Chicago

Vacationed in Boystown & stumbled in. Music was 10/10+videos add to the scene. Drinks were killer. BF & I were having a great time before a belligerently drunk man began harassing us/threatening us. I don’t want a charge on vacation so I went to leave. Upon telling the bartender(Theo), he IMMEDIATELY swung around the bar & kicked the drunk man out. I didn’t know it, but he was watching out the whole time. We continued our night& had a blast :) Special thanks to Theo. Almost had our night ruined but instead got the best service in town. Will definitely be back to Progress🩷

Everything was great until my friend was racially profiled and removed from the club. While we may all be humans and mistakes can happen, the fact he was removed without any explanations or questions is reminiscent of the white supremacist practice of “guilty until proven innocent”. This could have been easily resolved by checking his ID. Even after reaching out, my friend was not reimbursed for his drinks and entry fee, and the efforts to right this wrong were surface level at best, only benefiting the club. To invoke the legacy of social justice advocacy and activism while simultaneously acting as agents of discrimination is unappealing. I hope that one day, the management of this establishment will have the courage to live up to their aspired convictions. But who knows?

Saturday Aug 2, 2025, I was approached by security and removed from the venue without cause or explanation. I was not given a chance to speak or clarify any misunderstanding, and my friends were not notified of what had occurred. I was neither intoxicated nor behaving inappropriately and was without a doubt mistakenly identified. As a person of color, during the current political climate, I felt racially profiled. That evening, I was later informed by Rob, a manager on duty, that I was identified as someone who had previously harassed bartenders and was not permitted back. I was stunned by this claim, as I have not been to this venue in over three years and have never behaved inappropriately toward staff. Upon reviewing my ID again, Rob admitted he had made a mistake in identifying me. They offered no remorse for the humiliation, embarrassment, and trauma I experienced. I was forcibly removed without cause, separated from my party without notice, and publicly accused of behavior I did not commit. The emotional impact of that experience was real and deeply upsetting.

Not really one to leave bad reviews but had a pretty shitty lil experience here. Waited in line 40+ minutes and got turned down at the door because I’m in a cast. My arms broke I can still move 💀, just wanna have a good summer regardless. Same security dude mentioned in another review. Went to hydrate instead of an ableist place won’t be back.

I been here a couple of times i love this place.! Last time i brought a couple of friends with me on a FRIDAY & We got denied entry By the MANAGER !!!! we explained to him and WE ALL APOLOGIZED for anything that might have bothered him (it was our first stop at any bar so no we were not tipsy or drunk) we are the type to go big or go home & we mentioned to him that we were there to consume a good amount of ($500+) and he still DENIED ENTRY!!!

Walked in and up to one of the men working at the bar. I was pointed to go down while him and three other patrons literally laughed me out of the bar. I was in for all of 15 seconds. The complete rudeness is astonishing and isn't something I've previously experienced.

MUST! No cover charge like most bars do in Chicago . First time here and I love it. They play very good music r&b, rap, gossip, just a good mixture of music. The environment was nice and bright with great details. The drinks are very inexpensive I spent less then $30 and they are very good. I don’t remember the bartender name but he was African American tall he make very good drinks. He accommodate everyone very quick and efficient. They also have areas where you can sit if you find somewhere to sit. They have tables against the walls as well. Overall I recommend

Progress Bar was… alright. The music was decent, drinks were average, and the vibe really depends on the night. It can feel fun and energetic at times, but also a bit cliquey and hard to break into if you're not already part of the crowd. Staff was fine—nothing to complain about, but nothing particularly memorable either. It’s one of those spots you might pop into if you’re already out in Boystown, but probably not the place I’d go out of my way for. Just... okay.

Came here with a party of 12 bachorlette girls after waiting almost 1 hour outside. Negative for the long wait in the cold but once we got inside, the music was jammin and the vibes were good! The front part of the bar was packed and as you get to the back there were less people. It is a unisex bathroom and the stalls didn't lock. That was a first for me but everyone was nice. Two people hyped up the group and took videos with the bride. We stayed all night here until it was time to leave. Adding to the list, but think about waiting outside for a long period of time. Also, this is in Boystown so a lot of people bypassed the line and you just have to live with it.

The music here is amazing. It's twerksble shufflable. The outdoor indoor window opens up this bar. Makes the space feel larger and more spacious compared to other bars in the area. This is definitely different and very fun compared to some of the other bars in the area.

Some friends and I have been supporting this bar for YEARS! But as of July, that's no more! I got mistakenly charged a $66 dollar order, because the bartender swiped my card for an order that wasn't mine and then told me "they couldn't reverse charges on the register". I filed a claim with my bank, and they lied and said this never happened. Keep in mind, this is the same bar that would charge you different amounts for the SAME DRINK if you order at a different register! Seriously, this is how you show customer appreciation. We definitely won't be supporting this bar anymore.

Great people and vibes, the DJ was popping . The glasses of wine are only 9$ Bette then most places in the area

First stop of the evening and we were the only customers inside. It picked up later on as there was a Lady Gaga concert that eve. Bartender was super nice and cool. He even made a drink wrong and was very apologetic. Drinks are on the pricier side (must be a Boystown thing). Had a great street view to people watch and charge our phones.

This was my 1st time in Chicago and my 1st time to Boystown or "North Halstead". I'll surely be back! The DJ played good music, lots of hot guys and the venue is very spacious! Only con was the line holding was beyond ridiculous. They held the line so long and the venue had so much room inside. Last, I ordered the same drink twice and was charged one price at the bar in the front and a much higher price at the bar in the back! Just giving a heads up. Aside from that I will definitely come back to this bar when in town

I would like to start of this review with a brief definition of racial discrimination. According to Merriam-Webster Webster racial discrimination can be defined as the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people racial/sexual/religious discrimination = discrimination based on race/sex/religion = discrimination on the basis of race/sex/religion. Now that we've defined a basic terminology that should've been understood but unfortunately it has not I'm officially about to read you all for the filth that you clearly are! I heard about the progress bar from a friend who is a Chicago local and was eager to go to a neighboring bar that was a sacred and safe place for people who hold minoritized identities unfortunately that was not the case. On November 7, 2021 I went to the progress bar with my brother. Upon arriving to the door we were denied entry due to a projection that my brother was intoxicated. This individual walked more than a half of a mile to the door and back. He answered all of the questions requested of them two things that I'm happy to admit was his posture and body language being what Id like to describe as "fidgety". Additionally, there was a reasonably delay as he was unable to retrieve his Covid-19 vaccination card. There are a number of issues here as to how this infraction was mishandled: 1. Even if you suggest someone is belligerently intoxicated its suggest that you address their alcohol intake with consideration with de-escalation and consideration for the possibility of an adverse reaction. 2. It is appropiate and fitting to ask someone if their okay and have a conversation versus carelessly making assumption. 3. Provide food or hydration. 4. Be friendly but firm in your decision. 5. Explain the additional protocols that are in place when you let someone intoxicated into your establishment. (i.e. possibility of losing liquor license etc..) These idiotic security guards denied us the ability to speak with management which only further exacerbated the issues. I am demanding the immediate termination of the front door staff who (mis) handled this situation. I am requesting a diversity and inclusion training be provided to the staff which specifically highlights the topics of the following.: racial profiling, Power, and privilege, and nuerodivergency. For your further consideration I'd like to you to consider the reading listed below as a required reading for future training opportunities: Anti- blackness and anti-fatness : https://www.penguin.com.au/books/belly-of-the-beast-9781623175979 ( I've recommended this reading because a suggestion was made that he and I could have digested the alcohol in different manners due to body weight and height) White gays and privilege: Croteau, J. M., Talbot, D. M., Lance, T. S., & Evans, N. J. (2002). A qualitative study of the interplay between privilege and oppression. Journal of multicultural Counseling and Development, 30(4), 239-258. Racial profiling: May, R. A. B., & Goldsmith, P. R. (2018). Dress Codes and Racial Discrimination in Urban Nightclubs. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, 4(4), 555-566. Chicago

It was my first time visiting Chicago, and I was told if I love hip-hop music to come to this bar. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. The music was nonstop hits. Everybody was dancing and drinking having fun. The place looks really clean. I wasn't stepping on spilled drinks. My friend that recommended me this place told me to be aware that it's a lot of fights in there but I went 4 nights in a row, and did not encounter one fight! They also have security that does walk-throughs every now and then

I've been to this bar/club probably 15+ times since moving to Chicago a year ago. It's my favorite place on the Northalstead/Boystown strip for many reasons. I've never felt interrogated or rude energy from the doormen, and that includes my friends who have gone with me (people of different backgrounds). The music here is lit. Literally. I'm not into the Britney Spears pop-type music that a lot of places nearby play like Side Track or Roscoe's for example. This place ranges between 90a hip hop, modern hip hop, r&b, some latin/Reggaeton music, and some pop thrown in. Overall, nine times out of ten, the DJ is on point. Once in a while there will be an off night and I hate when that happens, lol. This place is situated on a corner, so the building is long but somewhat narrow. Sometimes it gets tight inside when it's a busy night, and I don't always feel like the layout is conducive to dancing, but beggars can't be choosers (when there are other bars/clubs nearby that don't play the same music practically ever. The cover has always been free for us, and I hope it stays that way because my groups always make up for that with our drink purchases, haha. Also, this is probably the most diverse crowd which makes it even better. I have heard some previous stories about the owner trying to change the music and getting rid of rap. If that's true... I hope he (they?) learned by the backlash of that. I'll be back though... please don't ever change.

Its a good bar and gayish I will go to halsted street and may stop in there for a drink in the future.

Always fun and has the best music in Chicago Every time I go in there it's always a good vibe, always people dancing, and the staff there are on it and very helpful. No food there but a lot of people looking like an appetizer

Best bar in Boystown. All the staff are sexy and welcoming. I love the purposefully redesigned space, particularly the back dance floor and restroom. Drinks!!! Five bucks for a Svedka cocktail --- not bad!

We were looking for a dance club in Boystown later on a Friday night, and though we never found a proper 'club' per se, Progress Bar was about the closest we came, with lots of people dancing to a really good DJ. When one first enters, there's a large bar with a very cool ceiling fixture/light above it which looks like large backlit glass bubbles across the ceiling. Once past the bar you'll come to an open area which is more or less the dance floor, then the DJ booth and a passageway which leads to the next room. We stayed here for one or two beers and danced a bit before moving on to explore more of the places along Halsted. When back in Chicago, Progress Bar would be on our list of places to return to.

"Security" with the little bin was so rude at the door (lucky I was with a friend) im from out of town and it's 10pm if you going to treat your patrons like this.... All I can say is COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO BE TREATED LIKE TRASH COME HERE. I will never come here again! Bartenders were great tho

I am from Washington DC visiting Chicago. Around 1230 am this morning I was at the progress bar in Chicago located at 3359 N Halsted Street. I asked the security guard if I decided to come back to the bar, do I need to get back in line. He stated yes. I saw a couple of guys cutting line to get back in the club. As I came back to approach security questioning why they came back, the inappropriate approached me rudely. I contacted the owner to explain what happened, then he told me not to come back again, simply because I lied on Manager that he had touched me. By coming close to me I considered him touching. Remember, COVID is still there. We need to maintain space Also, the owner stated that he scanned me. I do not know what he meant by that. When he said that, I felt that he is invading my personal space touching me. Remember, COVID is still out there.

Jerks I went in with my bf who was walking funny due to his disability. They immediately called us out WITH A BULLHORN saying we were cut off and to drink some water, which embarrassed both of us. We left and we are not coming back.

The manager "Roy" is extremely rude and aggressive. I had a horrible experience with the way I was treated by that manager and a security guard whose name no one would give to me. I recommend reading other reviews regarding the assumptions that security makes about patrons and the way the treat certain people who enter this bar and believing those stories.

A very classy CUSTOMER APPRECIATION event -- 2 hrs FREE DRINKS (old school 1 oz on a big glass, just right ice), GIFT BAGS that you can choose which sponsored shirt you want (I hear it's an XL jock strap *LOL* and we took 2 pp), FLASHY PHOTO BOOTH that quickly prints with a super drunk Santa (but he wasn't smelly). A hot red hair ELF came by as a host/emcee....tip your bartenders reminder. I can dance to the music here (top 40, pop). I always like that mesmerizing color changing cloud. Best part of it all...plenty of SEATS (in the front, in the back). Impeccably CLEAN. No clutter. Quick cleanup. Comfy and Nice CIRCULATING AIR. Clean unisex roomy BATHROOM. Guys can get shy as you have to pass by their usual stall before reaching the lockable door for Gals. No peeking, Ladies.

I wish I was writing about how good (or bad) the drinks and the DJ were, but this is to warn you all to hold tight to your belongings while at Progress Bar!! Got my iPhone stolen from my rain jacket on the first 10 min of being there. Had my phone while in the bathroom, and then GONE as I get to the dancefloor. Just as bad as having that happened, the staff couldn't care less. Right when I'd noticed my phone missing, I talked to two different bartenders, the door guy and they told me to call the next day. Been calling the bar, left voicemails, sent emails to the manager Josue and haven't heard back from them. At all. Not even to let me know they don't have my phone. But it looks like pickpocketing comes with the territory at this place. Wish I had read these reviews first.

Great service, open air bar and great atmosphere may be my new "watering hole". 5 of 5 stars!

This place is very deceiving. From the outside it looks like an upbeat modern bar. However, it was extremely packed and the bartender almost didn't give me my ID and credit card after i told him to keep the tab open he said "i don't have any tabs open." Luckily, a customer told me to remember to get my ID and credit card back from the bartender or else there is a $100 gratuity fee. Seems like they try to give you the fee. Very sketchy

hate this place ‼ i'm straight and the bartender was literally mad that i didn't tip off my card he told me to go to another bartender very rude & unwelcoming i came out to support my friend and it was a shit show my money spend good anywhere would not be back

Went on a Friday night with 4 friends! No cover, super packed and a lot of fun! The music was great heard a lot of old school hip hop (Tupac, R kelly, etc) Everyone was really fun and the vibes were great. No complaints at all

This bar has incredible DJ's and is one of the only bars in boystown that plays hip hop. But they do last call and kick you out before you can even finish the damn drink!!!

Came here for the fist time on my last visit to Chicago. It was a Saturday night and our group was not having a great night. This bar turned our night around. The music was great -- although, there was a point where the DJ was only playing a line or two from a song before moving on to another. I would've liked a little more time on each song. The staff was amazingly friendly. Even the doormen were pleasant. The bartenders were really good at keeping of track of who was next and took care of each customer like he was the only one in the bar. I plan to visit this place again on my next trip.

Went on a Sunday for about 6 pm, from outside the music was bumping so we decided to see what it was all about. It was a great spot, the bar space of open and very spacious. The music was good, very diverse. The staff was great and on top of social distancing . Drinks were a decent price and pretty good.

I love the vibe of the bar and the drinks are amazing. I went with two friends out of state and one of my friends was kicked out. He was twerking on the floor and then security came and said he was too drunk to stay in and said he could not stand. He was standing up straight and was completely sober because he cannot have alcohol. It was very embarrassing. Make sure not to dance on the floor there.

This is the place to visit. The clientele is diverse and the music is awesome. I recommend it 100%

Love this bar on a weekend! Came here on a Sunday and the vibe was amazing but the DJ would not stop talking during each song and it was my birthday. Usually a FANTASTIC time highly recommend

Progress was my first Chicago gay bar when I moved to Boystown a few months ago. I LOVED the diversity and beautiful patrons- true celebration of all walks of life and a place for people of color and white people to dance the night away connecting over Bodak Yellow, Lauren Hill and Missy Elliot throwbacks. Even friends back home in Phoenix looked forward to this bar and wished they had a similar bar in Phoenix. Sadly, my roomies and I will no longer visit this place. We cannot support racist business. Sending positive vibes to the entire LGBTQ community!

I went here last weekend. Good price for drinks. Staff were friendly. It wasn't that crowded. They really made sure that customers are comfortable and still following regulations about social distancing.

Just in time for Pride month, Progress Bar has opened in the old space of Cocktail. This place is sleek, and you can still smell the fresh coats of paint and the new wooden seats as you wine with your friends. Also made to be a fun, low-key date night for all kinds of couples. Of note is the really cool light fixture made out of light bulbs that adorns most of the ceiling over the bar area. I found out later that the lighting changes depending on how noisy each section is. So I guess the noisier the bar, the better you see it from the outside through the windows. Awesome! I hope business picks back up, Progress Bar was one of the few bars that was charging a cover during Pride. Perhaps I will be back!

Since I stepped in the door..it's been amazing! I even went to the bar across the street. (Roscoe's) without being impressed I was immediately drawn back to progress bar. Rob makes the bar a great place tIt's just really nice. Amazing. 20/10 Rob is the best bar tender, he is charismatic and cute

I came here with my husband to have a drink and watch the Cubs/Dodgers game. The bartender, an older gentleman, greeted us with a smile and quickly began making our drinks. We both ordered a long island. He sits our drinks on the bar and says $30. My husband immediately let's him know that we come here all the time and they've never cost that much. The bartender claimed they're doubles and that's why they cost more. So rather than argue we pay, leave a tip, and find a seat to enjoy the game. I immediately noticed the color difference between both of our drinks. Which would indicate they weren't made well. Good bartenders are mostly consistent. Especially when making the same drink twice. Halfway through my glass I notice I'm not even feeling a slight buzz. Hence the reason for my rating. I've now finished my drink and I feel as though I didn't get my money's worth. I was charged more for a drink I always get and it was very weak to say the least. Side note: CUBS WIN!!!!!!!!

Progress... more like regress! Failure and such offensive service. Been a customer for years. Wasn't even that busy but left immediately after The red head in an open onesie behind the bar used a mega phone through our entire conversation with our group of 6. After stating we could do all this without a mega phone he loudly repeated himself still using the megaphone. We took our happy selves somewhere else. In these times, love your customers and appreciate your customers for even coming out. There are much better uses of a mega phone! That's all.

I'm a straight guy that went here with a group of friends. Male & female. We had other plans that night that were ruined so one of my friends suggested we go here. I had never heard of it before and didn't even realize it was a gay bar, but it wasn't uncomfortable at all. It was actually very chill and fun. Everyone was just doing their own thing. Good strong drinks, great DJ. A lot of old school hip hop was being played, I love it. I actually lost my phone here that night & the bartender held it for me til the next day. That left a very good impression on me. Overall nice experience. No cover charge either.

I didn't buy my own drinks (humblebrag!) so I didn't have any interaction with the bartenders. They were adorable, though. Progress Bar gets 5 stars for the music and the patrons. DJ played a vide variety of amazing music and, as a lady in her 40s, was exited to hear songs I knew. And that everyone loved them as well. I'm generally the observer when I'm out, but you simply can't be a wallflower here. Someone will encourage you to dance, even if you can't dance. There's a little bit of everyone here and as a straight woman I felt nothing but comfortable. As an out-of-town guest in Chicago, I was excited by how welcomed I felt in the city.

Ive had good experiences before but this time i felt discriminated against by the doorman/boy. He was a young skinny white boy with reddish blondish hair hosting the door at noon on sunday july 5, 2020. So the owners are aware. Other people were standing and dancing by their tables but he only cane and spoke to people once i got up a large black man. We tested ourbtheory snd had a non large black person at our table stand up and dance and he only came and spoke to us once i stood up. I wouldnt have a problem with it because i understand the covid rules, but when they are only being applied to one person thsts different than everyone else there, yeah its a problem. Looking at other post this seems to be a common occurrence so do better and maybe i will patronize your establishment again, one of the few places in boystown that play urban music.

This spot is AMAZING! Great music. Great drinks. My friend and I had soooooo much fun and I'll definitely visit again on my next trip to Chicago. Very young crowd. Visitor friendly. Sweat. Butts. Boobs. Smiles. Hand in the air! I hate clubs but very much enjoyed Progress Bar. Treat yo self!

"Hey gurls Hey!" ('member me, now?) This place was the best! And not because everytime I told someone I just moved to town they bought me a shot. Really nice crowd with a crazy light fixture - above and beyond! "Everyone needs a chandelier!" Literally got off plane....dropped off luggage....went to happy hour. Boom done! Thanks for welcoming me... and see you soon, gurls!

Worst bar to come in pride day No one checking if someone is cutting like which is what I witness several people cutting in n after an hour I just left n went to sidetrack which they had someone specifically checking for "cutters" so I appreciated that

What a great place with awesome mixing of music. The bartender Gabriel was very attentive and made great drink. Thank you for the great times. We will definitely come back.

This place is what you make of it. Some nights it can be a great place to catch up with friends and just have a beer. The limited but cozy dance floor is great when you're feeling the music. Great and kind staff!

Probably my fave club in boystown cuz the music is poppin!! They play pop music as well as old school house, reggae, hip hop, trap, everything! I wish the layout of the club was better tho cuz it's like a small hallyway by the front bar then a small dance floor the a skinny hallway to the back are with another bar & another small dance floor. I like a more open space so when people walk thru they don't bump into u as much as ur trying to dance. It can get pretty hot in here too even with the AC on but if u stand by that side door under the vent, good grief charlie brown!, u can feel that AC blowin down on u & cools u off! will be back for pride events even tho i know it'll be a madhouse!!

One of the few places in Boystown that plays hip-hop music! I'm sad I didn't get to visit here more, very popping place right on the corner. Nice extremely big but the music makes up for it. I loved it here, you will definitely want to check it out if this is your genre choice and looking to have a good time.

straight guy in a gay bar... never got any attitude for being a straight guy in a gay bar. trust me, I have at other places. came here with a big group of friends. Bartender was cool, I asked where the drunk straight girls were, he pointed them out and was really cool. Music is decent. people are friendly here, the group I was with was having a lot of fun. Ugh everyone here was doing fireball shots... they are so gross. Unisex bathroom... I don't know, kind creepy. This woman was staring at men, it was awkward.

Fun, fun, fun. Energetic atmosphere, friendly bartenders, good music and feels safe, not slimy like some other clubs I've been to. Can't wait to go back.

One of my favorite bars in boystown. Never a cover, drinks are reasonable price, inclusive to all genders, good music, and friendly staff

Had a great time here last night until I realized my credit card was stolen. I spent the whole day calling them to see if it had been turned in or if had been held behind the bar and no one answered the phone. Literally called six times. I'm not going to drive an hour back to the bar to see if they MIGHT have my card, so I ultimately ended up cancelling it. ANSWER YOUR PHONE!