Roscoe's Tavern

Restaurant Bar Night club Gay bar Gay night club

One of the Top rated Gay bars in Chicago


Address

3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Website

roscoes.com

Contact

+1 773-281-3355

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Wednesday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Thursday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: 4 pm to 2 am
  • Saturday: 12 pm to 3 am
  • Sunday: 12 pm to 2 am
  • Monday: 4 pm to 2 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (16) good (16) people (12) time (9) watch (8) music (8) drag (8) Drag (7) party (7) night (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Viridiana Zequeida S. 1 year ago on Google
    This iconic LBGTQ+ bar is a must stop for anyone visiting Chicago. We arrived early on Friday (around 7pm) for the Rupaul's Drag Race watch party. There were 3 special guests from Canada's Drag Race and it was an intimate chat with the queens while we watched an episode of the Down Under version. I was honestly surprised there weren't more people for this event but they arrived later in the evening for the Drag performances. During the watch party you were able to grab a seat to watch comfortably and there was staff to take your drink and food orders. I wish I would've taken more pictures of the food, the corn bites were my favorite. After the watch party you can stay there until the evening for the Drag performances or you can also leave and come back. If you do leave make sure you get your hand stamped for faster re- entry. When we came back for the Drag performances the venue was PACKED! They have a patio but strict no smoking rules, you will get kick out. Overall this place was amazing, you can get everything from food, drinks, bingo, enterTAINTment, and great service. I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of Drag Race to stop by on Friday for the watch party which also streams on YouTube.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam M. 1 year ago on Google
    In Chicago for a week so thought we'd check out Roscoes Tavern in boys town. We only popped in on a Wednesday afternoon, so it wasn't busy. Great selection of alcohol and bar snacks/food. The place is really welcoming with friendly staff. Would definitely recommend. We plan go try over the weekend. So will update:) Popped in several more times since my original review. It's a cool place with great music. Would definitely recommend visiting
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Clare C. 2 years ago on Google
    I went here last night & they were enforcing the new mask rule, I am all for safety but every 2 minutes (this is not an exaggeration) they would come over, in between sips of my drink, and yell at me to put my mask up while seated at my table. It was over the top and plain rude the way they were talking to my friends and I…. one woman kept getting in everyone’s face and was BARKING at us to enforce this policy & was shining a flashlight people’s eyes. Please be kinder when enforcing new policies that people are trying to get used to
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim B. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent place for small bites and happy hour. My Manhattan was one of the best I've had in the city. They also have a full menu, but we were there before dinner at a nearby restaurant. Very good and extra points for presentation!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ericka a. 2 years ago on Google
    We made a reservation at 2 PM on Saturday for Drag Brunch. Our server Korra was friendly and made sure we were taken care of. I had the bottomless mimosas and the Hangover Bruschetta. We also had the loaded fries which were delicious but a bit ambitious. I could not finish my bruschetta because I was already so full. One thing I would do differently is choose to sit inside. We missed out on much of the show sitting outside unfortunately.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Joseph N. 2 years ago on Google
    After showing vaccine passport and ID, I was immediately told there was a $20 cover by the same bouncer that let in about 6 of his buddies before me without charging them anything. After kindly declining, as I was walking away, the same bouncer said, “and what’s with that shirt”... guess this is the level of service to be expected when you have Regina George as a bouncer. The irony is that he looked like he picked his outfit from GAP Kids. It seems as though if you’re a local you get top service. If you’re out of town, you’ll be penalized. Go to Sidetrack instead.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Some G. 2 years ago on Google
    Been here with friends (and family) enough times to make a decision. I haven't tried the food extensively, and only been early enough to try the cocktails once BUT... Roscoe's has contributed to many great nights every time I have gone. $6 for a well drink is not too bad considering I have paid $6 for just a beer in more bars than I care to count. Atmosphere is always fun, drag shows are a blast to catch, and their are several bars all around so I have never caught myself waiting around for a drink. I would definitely reccomend this for a fun night out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chrisi G. 1 year ago on Google
    I made the worst experience ever at this place. The person at the entrance told me that they couldn't serve me because I was too drunk although I had not drunk ANYTHING at all, really nothing! I am a normal person, was dressed completely normally, behaved in a normal way, so I literally have NO IDEA at all how he could think that I was drunk. I asked him several times if he was serious and told him several times that I had not drunk anything, but he kept saying the same thing and treated me as if I was crazy or as if something was wrong with me. This has never ever happened to me before, it is absolutely insulting and humiliating, he really made me feel as if something was wrong with me as a person. I still have no explanation whatsoever for this incident. However, one thing that came to my mind is that the reason might have been racism because I'm not from the States. Anyways, I really hope that this will have consequences for the employee. It happened on June 21 around 7:30 pm and the guy I'm talking about was the employee at the entrance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 August O. 4 months ago on Google
    Immediately got turned down because “our IDs look fake”. They are not. I suspect it is bc we are 21 and I am a trans man. I don’t know. This place does not feel safe for tourists. I was really excited to be at my first gay bar, being from Alabama. But whatever.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lina María G. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is good, very entertaining, and welcoming. I recommend it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Loren 9 months ago on Google
    Super fun, one of the mid to better bars in boystown. If they have a drag show the music and dancing is better than when there isn't one, so that sets the vibe for the night. Drinks are priced okay for Chicago standards, they had a good deal on jello shots when i went that did a good number on me
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David “Do-chelin g. 9 months ago on Google
    I heard it's a big party bar with good food. We stopped by for a quiet, early dinner on a Monday. Recommend trying out their wraps.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah O. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited Chicago this past weekend and we had to check out Roscoe's! We had such a fun time Friday night, we had to come back for drag brunch on Saturday. The atmosphere was wonderful and staff was super friendly. The food and drinks were also great! Definitely will be returning in the future.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana Carolina S. 1 year ago on Google
    So much fun! Place is big, music is pretty good, have a dance floor, an indoor room and also a patio. The prices are reasonable. Vibe is really good, and stuffs are so friendly and nice people. I loved it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 angel 1 year ago on Google
    I'm sure nobody actually reads or cares considering we're limited to options in boys town, and as a content creator that is constantly reading reviews of places I can tell reading these reviews are short and straight to saying "how great this place is" a straight up pool of spam of people that were asked to write a "nice" review. But quite honestly I've never felt so disrespected as I did at this establishment. They have a girl security guard that thinks she can verbally harass people because she works there. As someone that lives in the neighborhood and feels that Roscoes is a safe place, this behavior should be unacceptable and when I brought up that she didn't have to speak to me in any tone, she made the decision to "call for back up" had like 5 men tell me "whatever she says goes" After she stood there yelling at me, arguing like she's not an employee calling me insecure and making fun of my outfit. Not only did I once get charged over $80 dollars here, but they have people working that genuinely don't care about having you feel welcomed, When I showed the receipts of my $12 purchase that was over charged by $80 dollars management made it such a hassle to get my money back. I had to go into the establishment on my down time, ask for the manager, had to get an email, then two weeks later I got my money back. Its one thing after another with this place. Really Really unfortunate that they have people working that honestly don't care. I get that we're limited to options so people will come here no matter what, but wow.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Valerie T. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for a packed night to watch drag race live. We couldn't get a table or even standing room near the stage--fine. We didn't make reservations so we understood. Part way through, my partner was starting to feel sick so he needed to get air. We stepped out for a few seconds and then tried to go back in, but the bouncer wouldn't let us back in. After we had spent a lot of money on food and drink and saved our spot along the wall for an HOUR. Extremely disappointed and upset. What a waste of time and money.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nice20 F. 1 year ago on Google
    Love it here, the staff are friendly! The brothers at the front always smiling. They are hearty and got abundant! I am amazing person and Amazing people loves me! what is cosmic frequency!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alyssa M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had so much fun. I did get drunk, but I got drunk looking at gorgeous customers all around me. This place was fabulous.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun, welcoming space. Music is good, drag shows are great, the management and staff are delightful. Eggs YZ is a great brunch. Love Aunty Chan, Naysha and the other hosts. Cast of performers is much more diverse now, which is great.

  • 5/5 Vanessa R. 1 year ago on Google
    Phillips is the best you must get your drinks from him he’s been here 16 years he’s the bost the GOAT the best ever!!!

  • 5/5 TammyLynn B. 4 months ago on Google
    Been there many times and ALWAYS have a great experience! The Bartenders are great and the servers are friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. If you’re looking for good food and a fun night…. Roscoe’s is the place to go!

  • 5/5 Corey 3 months ago on Google New
    Fun gay bar. Great music to dance to and plenty of eye candy. Lots of space to hideaway, hangout, and chat with friends. I liked how they have an outdoors area to be able to get fresh air! Cover charge isn’t too bad.

  • 5/5 N V. 2 years ago on Google
    I got the crunchy chicken wrap and it was sooo good that I'll definitely be bringing a guest with me next time I visit. I ate out on the patio where the atmosphere was pretty nice. My server was also attentive and checked in on me frequently. I showed my ID and that I was fully vaxxed in order to be seated, which I think is a good move. Unfortunately didn't take pictures, but maybe next time.

  • 5/5 Bill W. 6 months ago on Google
    The dance floor at Roscoe’s is fantastic, featuring an excellent selection of well-mixed pop music.

  • 5/5 Angel V. 5 months ago on Google
    I went to this gay nightclub and it was a really fun atmosphere. Everyone was super welcoming and you felt very comfortable whether you were at the bar or on the dance floor. I will say that I got my phone stolen here by pickpockets however, I was able to recover it later on. I do not blame the tavern because it was not their fault however, I worn and caution people when they are going out to any nightclub in Chicago.

  • 5/5 Courtney R. 5 months ago on Google
    Fun place! Went out for drinks 🍸🍸. Quick service, affordable, staff and guest in good mood. Would recommend visiting

  • 5/5 Scott K. 11 months ago on Google
    They've added a good menu since the last time we came. Years ago mostly a bar and dance club, still fun!! Great people! A must stop in Boys Town!!!

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Marco was a great bartender! Roscoe’s is a relaxed gay bar with good drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. I am excited to return!

  • 5/5 J H. 1 year ago on Google
    I came here in 2003 and it was just as fun then as it was yesterday (April 16th 23). It was pretty packed but not overcrowded to where you couldn't move. We ran into friends we haven't seen in years and everything was just a great vibe. Glad this place is STILL standing strong ✊🏼

  • 5/5 Tasia Conway (. 6 months ago on Google
    Visited with my best friend and some of her friends for Disney Bingo Night and it was so much fun! Service was great, vibes were fun, such a great experience! I tried the Paloma and sliders and both were good! We also got complimentary shots throughout the night🫶🏾 definitely would come back!

  • 4/5 Melissa P. 1 year ago on Google
    I come here mainly for the RuPauls drag race watch parties and they are so so fun, even though they are crowded. Would definitely recommend buying a seat on the floor if you can (for the watch party). The bar food is solid and the pricing on the drinks is pretty much what you would expect.

  • 5/5 Amaia 2 years ago on Google
    best drag race viewing parties!! the food is also surprisingly good! I had the chicken tenders and they were lovely

  • 5/5 Rachel W. 1 year ago on Google
    I am love coming to Roscoe’s for Disney bingo on Wednesdays, but since starting work very very early, I haven’t been able to go in a while. However, I went to their Saturday drag brunch for the first time last weekend and it was AMAZING. The performers and emcee were awesome, music was fun (although a little too loud for my delicate ears), and brunch was delicious. Thanks so much ladies and gents and enby pals! I had a great time!

  • 5/5 Jo G. 1 year ago on Google
    This is my go-to bar on the weekends! The atmosphere is great and the music too! Drinks are reasonably priced and of course it gets packed here Saturday and Sunday nights!

  • 4/5 Ian Pierce (. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here for 31st birthday over the weekend and really enjoyed the atmosphere. My fiancé and I are huge ru Paul fans so we always love seeing them support local businesses. Hopefully we’ll make it out soon on a Friday for viewing party. Good music to vibe with as well.


Call +1 773-281-3355 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago image
1
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
Fast food restaurant
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
$ $$$
4.40 (20.5K reviews)
Giordano's image
2
Giordano's
Pizza delivery
Known for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
$$ $$
4.50 (16.9K reviews)
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse image
3
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Brazilian restaurant
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
$$$ $
4.70 (15.7K reviews)
Pequod's Pizza image
4
Pequod's Pizza
Pizza restaurant
Local institution known for deep-dish pizza with a caramelized crust, served in a relaxed setting.
$$ $$
4.40 (12.8K reviews)
Last updated:
()