Sidetrack
Gay bar · Lakeview East
3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
![Sidetrack by Sidetrack [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62596248/glass_bar.0.0.jpg "Sidetrack by Sidetrack [Official Photo]")
Highlights
Known for showtune nights and slushy drinks, a diverse crowd
Known for showtune nights and slushy drinks, a diverse crowd
"While it’s always a fabulous party at this behemoth Boystown institution, the festive vibes will be turned up. Join other like-minded folks in the Glass and Side bars where the dozen or so TVs will have the sound turned on during headlining speeches. Toast your good fortune with one of Sidetrack’s signature frozen cocktails — a Black Cherry Buzz, perhaps?" - Lisa Shames
"One of the standouts in a neighborhood full of great LGBTQ+ bars, Sidetrack is a party all week long with show tune sing-alongs, drag shows, and giant TV screens that play music videos according to the night’s theme. It’s usually packed here, but even on its clubbiest nights there’s no cover, which is a rare gift. If you’re not feeling the energy in a certain room, take one of the deceptively strong frozen cocktails for a walk upstairs and a change of scenery." - josh barnett, sam faye, john ringor
"Sidetrack is massive with multiple levels to enjoy one of their specialty slushies on and sing at the top of your lungs. The staff here is also especially nice—they once let me start an intense slushie flip cup tournament on the roof (and I’m still only a little mad about coming in second). If you happen to be out in the area on a Monday night, Sidetrack has Showtune Sundays, aka a bunch of semi-drunk LGBTQ+ people singing “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl off-key (except for that one guy in the back who was clearly classically trained)." - abby keller
"Sidetrack is massive with multiple levels to enjoy one of their specialty slushies on and sing at the top of your lungs. The staff here is also especially nice - they once let me start an intense slushie flip cup tournament on the roof (and I’m still only a little mad about coming in second). If you happen to be out in the area on a Monday night, Sidetrack has Showtune Sundays, aka a bunch of semi-drunk LGBTQ+ people singing “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl off-key (except for that one guy in the back who was clearly classically trained)." - abby keller
"Sidetrack has a rich history in Chicago, starting as just a small, sign-free storefront in 1982. Today, it spans multiple levels and can host up to 1,000 people — and partygoers enjoy fun events like Pride Fest, trivia Tuesdays, and a show tunes-filled dance rave every Friday. To keep up with the neon lights, music, and dancing, you can always order an espresso martini. Here, the recipe leans classic with the addition of some simple syrup and cream liqueur." - Ariel Kanter
