Venue Detail
Sidetrack
About this venue
Sidetrack is the absolute behemoth of Northalsted—a 15,000-square-foot sanctuary that has grown from a tiny hole-in-the-wall into one of the most iconic gay bars in the world. Spanning eight storefronts with six distinct rooms and a massive rooftop deck, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure playground. Whether you're belting out show tunes during their legendary Musical Mondays, getting your geek on for Trivia Tuesdays, or sipping a world-famous Frozen Cocktail on the roof, Sidetrack serves major "main character" energy for a totally diverse crowd. It’s sleek, massive, and unapologetically inclusive, making it a mandatory stop on any Chicago queer pilgrimage.
Practical details
Address: 1010 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60613, United States
Hours: Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Canonical: https://www.queeratlas.app/chicago/venues/sidetrack--436
Venue intelligence
Know before you go
Typical queue
Sidetrack is generally a walk-in bar rather than a velvet-rope queue. The trade-off for arriving late is a fuller room and slower service, especially on event nights.
Best night
Saturday is the standout: brunch gives Sidetrack its most distinctive weekly atmosphere. Go earlier if you want more room before the peak.
Locals vs visitors
Expect a broadly queer crowd and lesbian and sapphic guests at Sidetrack. The mix changes with the hour and programme, so an early visit can feel very different from the late-night room.
Dress code in practice
Polished casual suits Sidetrack: intentional enough for cocktails, still relaxed enough for a long night at the bar.
Staff inclusion
Sidetrack's queer identity is built into the room or programme, so LGBTQ+ guests are the intended community rather than an afterthought.
Community rating
3.5 / 5
2 community reviews