Second Story Bar
| Address: | 157 E Ohio St #2, Chicago, IL 60611, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-923-9536 |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 1PM–2AM 1PM–2AM 1PM–2AM 1PM–2AM 1PM–2AM 1PM–3AM 1PM–2AM |
Location
Photos 41
Reviews 26
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Rick Flynn
My friend and I took a spontaneous trip to Chicago and stayed at the Sheraton Towers on New Years Day for the weekend. Our first night in town we wanted to go out, but the single digit temperatures deterred us from the trek to Boystown. We searched area bars and found Second Story. We loved the reviews of the bar described as a seedy, throw back to 1977, so we decided to go. We LOVED the bar. The crowd and staff were friendly and non-pretentious. The drinks were strong and plentiful. Loved the decor, the videos and the music. We loved the bar so much we closed it the next night too. We never did make it to Boystown, but Im not sure we missed anything. If youre looking for twinks, pretension, and attitude, this isnt the bar for you. If youre looking for a crowd in their forties, a strong drink and good conversation, this might be your place.
RA
rachel rachel
Most unwelcoming bar Ive ever been too, and Im from NY. Im Puerto Rican and my friend is black with dreads. Walking in it looked closed, I asked the bartender several times if he was closing until a girl mockingly repeated me then he answered "I guess not" they had no red bull for mixers (no energy drinks) the drink I ordered tasted awful, I gave it to my friend to drink and he gagged (pretty sure it was cheap vodka in the Absolute bottle) when my friend complained, the bartender acted like he was underage and I was buying him drinks!!!!!! We are both in our mid 30s!!! Then we decided to just leave because the vibe was awful, on the way out the bartender called my friend TPain. Stay classy Second Story. BTW my bedroom is bigger than your musty, broke down bar. I would never recommend this place. Signed, A married lesbian.
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Scott Barnett
This place is a small (official capacity 36), sort of old-style bar. Theres dirty red carpeting leading from the street to the bar, which indeed occupies space on the "second story" of a building. As others note, theres no pretentiousness here. The crowd was maybe 75% mid-30s and up and maybe 75% white. Despite the perhaps-relatively-high percentage it just felt as though there was a good mix of guys there (and maybe two women). There are a couple of video monitors with music and videos from a period of many years playing. The drinks are good. What else can I say?
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Sean Boyle
I always forget Im in Streeterville when I come to this bar. This little gay bar is tucked away on the second floor above Sayat Nova on Ohio Street, just down the street from the Gap. The crowd is usually very mixed, with lots of locals. They cleaned it up a bit a few years back, so its no longer as dark and skeevy as it was. The bartenders pour heavy drinks while shuffling music videos on the TVs. Be warned, you will get drunk here with very little effort on your part. Most important to remember, this is a CASH ONLY bar.
AN
Anthony Ramirez
Went with a gay friend who told me about it, wouldnt have never known there was a gay dive bar right off Michigan Ave unless he told me. Place is super tiny, feels like someones apartment converted into a dive bar. Can be great with friends and who the bartender is. You have to go up this awkward stairs and there is a video camera watching you. If you dont wanna make the trek all the way down to Boystown and your on the Mag Mile or near the Loop and want a gay dive. This is your spot.
JU
just Denin
Hidden Gem! I visited this spot with a friend who goes regularly and swears by this place. I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere. This alternative LBGT bar is super cozy and friendly. There is no other bar in this area pouring drinks like this place at a super reasonable price. I wish I could keep this little place to myself but that wouldnt be fair to the owners of Second Story. Go spend your money here and dance like no one is watching.
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Heraclio Saldivar
If youre looking for quick place to meet up friend in the city this hole in the wall has it. On the second floor youll find a small space that can get quite packed. Everyone is fun. From the retail queens to the executives, you never know who youll meet. Definitely stay if Zach is bartending. CASH ONLY.
ZA
Zac Moreno
Friendly local bar. Stiff drinks. Unbeatable prices. Swing by while visiting the Mag mile. Its like a gay CHEERS. Be sure to bring your drinking money. Cash only and there is no ATM. But its worth the trip to check it out.
JO
John G Hopkinson
Great Gay bar, a Great local dive bar friendly bartenders a fun atmosphere. One of two gay bars (Downtown Bar & Lounge) in the downtown River North or River East area, just off One Mag Mile (Michigan Ave)
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Ken Sheyker
Im not gay or anything but they give the best head in the country, and Ive been everywhere. I make a living out of testing gay bars and I sincerely love it here. Please keep in mind Im not gay
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Christopher Martinez
We are out of towners. We arrive and are greeted by all the staff. Dakota was so friendly, he even bought us a shot for our anniversary. Would highly recommend this cozy hole in the wall!!
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Daniel Adam Galindo
Always a good reception. A- Holes dont stay long. Lots of comerady, guys dont stand for S**t. Youre either nice to your neighbor or youre sitting by yourself drowning in you own sorrow.
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Nolan Orgel
It is small and i guess its a bit of a dive but if you just want to grab a quick drink with a friend away from the crowds before you part and venture out for the nght it fits the bill.
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Sherri Johnson
me and my friend went here for something different we had the best time friendly people and everyone was very helpful with my handicap friend I will be visiting again.
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Luis Olivarez
Oh yes! Came to this bar every single day of our trip here. Went to Boystown to dance, and came back afterwards. GREAT dive bar without attitude. CASH ONLY!
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Mark Peirce
Great gay dive bar just off of Michigan Avenue. Good drinks with great bartenders. They will take care of you. This is a cash only establishment.
CH
Chad B.
Glad I visited this little bar. It was very friendly and not pretentious. I felt welcomed by both the staff and patrons.
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Jon Coronado
Best bang for your buck. And Zach behind the bar will make your Wednesday and Friday nights amazing. Watch out for the stairs!
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Spencer Murphy
Lets be honest, this place is a very small dive... and its great! I have never felt so welcome or found a warmer community.
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Dean Lys
We stop in here whenever were in Chicago. Its small, friendly and a lot of fun. We always leave with a buzz and a smile.
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Ian Darnell
Relatively cheap gay bar. Having to go up a flight of stairs to enter makes it seem like a speakeasy -- very exciting!
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Brett Ranger
Nothing fancy but convenient. Friendly place steps away from the busy Miracle Mile. Relaxed and unpretentious.
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Brad Crabtree
Great little hole in the wall - but dont blink when you walk by, youll miss a great time
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Carl McDonald
Chill, laid back, private setting. Can get crowded sometimes, otherwise very chill
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Patrick Jay Malinowski -Duffy
Love the beat & bartenders.. Oh I could tell you more but why do that.. Go!
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Tim Templar
Good or bad, youll have a "story" to tell when you leave.
