Scarlet Bar

"When my M.O. is to dance and dance hard, Scarlet is where I go. This dark-lit, one-room, high-energy club is a great place to let loose like you’re filming your own personal music video about rival dance groups. As a white queer woman, my dance moves are subpar at best, but when I’m at Scarlet, I swear I transform into one of Lizzo’s backup dancers (the low lighting plus alcohol makes it a great place to try out some new moves). Check out their delicious specialty cocktails, like their Scarlet margarita and their espresso martini, to refresh after sweating nine buckets out on the dance floor. This is also a great spot for dancing birthday parties and dancing pride parties, or just a wild dancing Friday night out. Did I mention this place is great for dancing?" - abby keller

Where to Drink and Dance Through Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Weekend in Chicago - Eater Chicago

"The team at LGBTQ dance club Scarlet is kicking off Renaissance weekend with a concert pre-party where it’ll play Queen B’s latest album from start to finish — not once, but twice — on Friday, July 21. The drinks will flow as fans get in formation for all things Beyoncé. No Skips: Renaissance, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, July 21." - Naomi Waxman

As Worries Mount at Queer Clubs, Gen Z Just Wants Joy - Eater Chicago

"Blocks away at Scarlet Bar, a 15-year-old late-night queer dance club, the vibe was similarly buoyant. There may be no better bait for Gen Z patrons, at least in Northalsted, than ubiquitous pop superstar Harry Styles, and young patrons flooded the dance floor for a chance to listen to his full album at the bar’s No Skips: Harry’s House event." - Naomi Waxman

Scarlet - Review - Lakeview - Chicago - The Infatuation

Aubrey Scott

Google

I had loved scarlet prior to a recent experience, but honestly this place has no regard for humans. I had a friend go with us, but he got tired toward the end of the night. He had stopped dancing and was standing in the corner, just relaxing. Despite having only one drink, he was reported by staff and kicked out of the bar. It was blamed on him falling asleep and that this meant he was drunk, and the staff said that this was a safety concern. He was kicked out for just being sleepy. I understand protocols to keep patrons and staff safe, but this "safety concern" is bullshit. The bouncer was not descriptive of the situation and just cared about getting this individual out, despite us trying to understand why we were kicked out and despite my friend being sober. I'd understand if we drank too much and were disruptive, but that was not the case. I question the staff's concern for safety if he were truly drunk, as the response was separating him from his friend group and pushing him outside. Maybe throwing someone on the street with no regard for their well-being isn't a "safety" measure.

Audrey Mueller

Google

I have been a longtime patron of Scarlet. Unfortunately, I just had a very negative experience, and I don’t know if I will be back. I was at Scarlet with my friend and her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was our designated driver and had worked all day, so he was understandably lower energy than either of us. At approximately midnight on 11/16, he was accused of “being too drunk” and kicked out of the bar. He had ordered only one drink the entire night. We were not provided with any explanation. We tried to explain the situation, but were met with extreme hostility from the bouncer. Far from being too drunk, my friend’s boyfriend was completely sober. I am extremely disappointed with how this situation was handled. The bouncer told my friend and her boyfriend that I was “making things difficult” simply by questioning what was happening. Again, none of us were causing any disruption whatsoever inside the bar. As a result, all 3 of us had to leave the bar and were provided with no valid reason. As paying customers, this is extremely disappointing. I cannot in good faith recommend Scarlet when this is their customer service protocol.

Leah Williams

Google

I can't say enough about how much fun I had there. Everyone was so nice to dance with drinking and singing their hearts out. It was really really really really really awesome and I can't wait to go back again. There is a $10 fee to go in. You must have your ID. I believe it's 21 and up either way, 10 out of 10. Highly recommend. Let's party

Fuck You

Google

Way too many of the sexiest people I’ve ever seen in my life, all in one place!!! Great night, It’s difficult to enjoy myself in public but I did. The bartender had a beautiful soul and such a great listener! Sadly, THEY ONLY TAKE CARD and I love cash so I already maxed my card out on the atm but lots of cuties that’ll cover your drinks!!! <3 God bless the gays. <3

ann fulk

Google

Theft all over the place here. Anything valuable, people will steal here. My wallet that was in my purse on me the whole entire time was stolen. Keep in mind, my purse was zipped closed and on my front waist side the whole time. I also have a friend who was here a few weeks ago who has her phone stolen. Fun place but not worth going back to unless you want to risk getting something getting stolen!

Michael Abrego

Google

Nice little getaway for my first night out while visiting Chicago. It also was Harry Styles night so they played Harry Style and One Direction all night. Great drinks and good vibes!

ml_t_iw

Google

How did our playlist get leaked? No, really, but the music and vibes were immaculate. Enjoyed the drinks we got as well. Arrived as a group of 5 a bit past midnight. The line was longer than we preferred and the entry fee kinda had us doubtful at first ngl. While waiting in line, someone on their way out said it was worth it, and they were right. Upon entry we ordered from the bar then moved to the rear area. It was packed and crowded but surprisingly I didn't get bumped into harshly or frequently. There was also a little bar in the back so we didn't have to go far for another drink. A lot of people stayed until closing. It was a great night and I'm glad we came here.

Lydia

Google

Love their pop music themed nights! Been to their Taylor Swift, 1D, and Ariana Grande night and it’s a good time every time :) Plus no cover fee!!!

Where to Drink and Dance Through Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Weekend in Chicago - Eater Chicago

As Worries Mount at Queer Clubs, Gen Z Just Wants Joy - Eater Chicago

Scarlet - Review - Lakeview - Chicago - The Infatuation