Progress Bar
THE HOTTEST NEW BAR IN BOYSTOWN STAFFED BY SOME VERY FAMILIAR FACESAverage Reviews
About
DESIGNED TO BE LIKE NOTHING YOU’VE EVER SEEN BEFORE! COME DOWN, HAVE A DRINK AND CHECK US OUT!
Photos
Reviews
Based on 271 reviews
Joey V.
15:06 04 Jan 25
I've never have a bad time here -- it does get very busy because they plays some of the best music in Boystown so give yourself some extra time incase there are lineups to get in or at the bar, but overall the venue is pretty, the staff is friendly, and the drinks are yummy! Check out the back bar area when it's open - there's more room there so it's less crowded on busy weekends.snow card
05:05 03 Jan 25
paid 50 dollars for 5 lemon drops... are you kidding me? for a 30 dollar cover they keep the line long so the club looks popping, horrible music, and all the clientele is self importantJorge Ernesto Lozano
06:13 02 Jan 25
I was assaulted by the door man only because we walked in and no one was checking identification. I hear the rental cop yelling atMe to step back. Granted no one was even there. He’s checking our identification and his jaw was going from side to side wired as a kite. I mention to the manager about the assault because he got me in a headlock. Very disappointing venue and lack of understanding and respect. Will never set foot in there ever again.ali yıldırım
20:56 29 Dec 24
I paid the cover ($10) and was having fun at this place. After I stepped outside briefly, the security did not allow me to get in. Although I had stamp on my wrist, they said I had to wait in the line again! I DID NOT KNOW THIS IN ADVANCE! Nobody has warned me. I explained my lack of knowledge (cause I was tourist), but they were not flexible. The security guard was arguing with irrelevant and exclusionary points, saying “do you think you’re superior than these people waiting in the line.” (I even sensed implicit gesture of xenophobia) Even people waiting outside were surprised with the fact that I had to wait once again to get back in! It was cold and 1:40 am by the way. I felt so disappointed with this treatment and communication. It should not be too hard to let people know about your venue rules in advance!A E
09:37 13 Nov 24
Honestly, I had the worst experience at Progress Bar this past Sunday and it was beyond disappointing. I paid the $10 cover, and when I stepped out briefly and tried to reenter, I was flatly told "no" and to get in line by your so-called bouncer, Charles, despite the fact that I had already paid. This wasn't just a rude brush-off—it was bad management.To make things worse, there were over 20-25 people waiting outside, while the inside was nowhere near crowded. Keeping a line outside to make it look like things were "popping" isn't fooling anyone, especially when people are fed up and leaving for spots like Hydrate which is open till 4AM, which wasn't even charging a cover. Not exactly the best move when it's your first night for the new Sunday event, especially if you're trying to grab the crowd while Charlie's is under renovation.It felt like you were holding patrons hostage in line just for the optics. Not a great look for your first night, Progress. I won't be back on a Sunday, (was it called Skyn? I can't remember) Replay and Hydrate will have my business instead. Do better. Not much progress at Progress.Asia Watts
15:34 02 Sep 24
I will never come back the owner was very rude and put his hands on me all I asked for was a song request he was very rude and the djs music could be better literally and all I was trying to do was get the club more jumping as a black women I will not tolerate nobody putting there hands on me .Ray C
15:18 31 Aug 24
Probably the best place to go in boystown. Music always hits and drinks are good. Only complaint is the bartender kept trying to sell me water when I wanted tap water.Brandon Edingburg
14:38 31 Aug 24
Some friends and I have been supporting this bar for YEARS! But as of July, that's no more! I got mistakenly charged a $66 dollar order, because the bartender swiped my card for an order thatv wasn't mine and then told me "they couldn't reverse charges on the register". I filed a claim with my bank, and they lied and said this never happened.Keep in mind, this is the same bar that would charge you different amounts for the SAME DRINK if you order at a different register! Seriously, this is how you show customer appreciation. We definitely won't be supporting this bar anymore.Brandon E.
07:58 31 Aug 24
Some friends and I have been supporting this bar for YEARS! But as of July, that's no more! I got mistakenly charged a $66 dollar order, because the...Joe Lannan
00:33 11 Jul 24
If you want to go out in boystown and not be surrounded by clones of me and my cousins, then this is the spot. Chill night or lit event… the drinks are good and vibe is accepting.Lonnie M.
09:44 22 Apr 24
Great people and vibes, the DJ was popping . The glasses of wine are only 9$ Bette then most places in the areaSandy L.
17:37 12 Apr 24
Came here with a party of 12 bachorlette girls after waiting almost 1 hour outside. Negative for the long wait in the cold but once we got inside, the music...Undra Brown
21:25 06 Apr 24
I have a blast at this place every time I’m in town. I love the mix of music! The drinks are a bit pricey but overall I enjoy the establishment.Kevin Boor
01:12 18 Mar 24
We only had cocktails in the late afternoon before everyone comes into the place. We had a great bartender that made great suggestions for places to go.Diane Buford
15:54 25 Feb 24
The manager Chris was extremely rude and did not accommodate me with another drink was extremely sarcastic and told me that they did not make the drink and to go to the front of the bar. I will not be returning back to Progress.Nickolas McKee
03:51 18 Feb 24
Terrible, terrible, terrible. Security mistakes situations, and cheap ghetto bar that should close instead of Furious Spoon or the one across the street next to Roscoe. Roscoe is way better.Donovan Hubbard
23:03 12 Feb 24
I absolutely hands down love this club/bar!!! I've been coming out of town just to come here for the music, comfortable atmosphere, and a non dress code like most clubs. I definitely recommend coming here 🤞🏽💯‼️. The security be on guard for when things do go down or people are too sloppy which is very rewarding! Friendly people as well! 🩷Matthew K.
22:25 30 Nov 23
Its a good bar and gayish I will go to halsted street and may stop in there for a drink in the future.Ceraun Loggins
04:19 13 Nov 23
Cute bar with great musical choices. Good priced drinks and great visual installations. Def come here for a more melanated Boys town experience complete with friendly patrons and great vibesAndrea A.
16:35 29 Oct 23
Great place. Great service. Great drinks. Just a great time. Went on a Sunday and it was surprisingly packedAlejandro Gomez
07:54 15 Oct 23
Omg I had the worst experience of my life at this establishment. I can’t believe the way they treat their clientele it’s absolutely absurd. I waited in line for over 45 minutes and the security personnel were completely unprofessional and rude I definitely will not be coming back!!!!!Unknown U.
19:47 30 Sep 23
This place a racist the manager needs to be fired and the owner needs to loose his license.Jeremiah Willis
14:05 13 Sep 23
The Music is Everything!!! They play something for everyone. Was here on Saturday 9/2/23Na X.
05:22 30 Aug 23
The music here is amazing. It's twerksble shufflable. The outdoor indoor window opens up this bar. Makes the space feel larger and more spacious compared to...Donnae K.
08:49 23 Aug 23
It was my first time visiting Chicago, and I was told if I love hip-hop music to come to this bar. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. The music was...Clanisha W.
20:11 20 Aug 23
hate this place ‼ i'm straight and the bartender was literally mad that i didn't tip off my card he told me to go to another bartender very rude &...Joey W.
09:02 19 Aug 23
Avoid this place at all cost if you don't want your night ruined and I would give zero stars if I could, the racism and negativity thats oozing from this...Sidéwon Andre N.
16:09 13 Aug 23
This was my 1st time in Chicago and my 1st time to Boystown or "North Halstead". I'll surely be back! The DJ played good music, lots of hot guys and the...Mitzi Almaraz
14:55 15 Jul 23
Now I see why they do a NO CHARGE...WARNING!!!!PHONES GET STOLEN HEREattended on a Thursday night for my girls birthday and Dj announced an iphone had gone missing so I kept checking making sure mine wouldn't go missing..Wasn't even drunk!!!We went through the crowd to get from the dj back to the bar to sit and my phone was no longer in my purse so i pocketed practically cause it got taken out my purse.I let the DJ know and security and they said they couldn't do anything and didn't even announce it anymore.4 other people after me spoke up about they phones going missing too security did nothing and it's a small place for them not too .So all they did was kick everyone out and closed the place.Sounds iffy like they knew!!!We was so mad cause now no one could catch a Lyft without they phones we was outside trying to figure it out and no apology no help we just got kicked out.Things have really changed in boys town.My girls and I always go cause we wouldn't have nasty guys gripping on us but that night it was full of them we had to walk away from.What ever happened with gays & galsPriince Omar
04:01 14 Jul 23
It's Simply Not The Same Anymore. Don't Recommend this place. I feel like it would be more strict on Identification (But Passport Is Fine right) on a busy day but on a slow day really. I'll just take my business elsewhere.Mahajoy Laufer
07:44 09 Jul 23
Awesome experience! The line was worth the wait, great music, great vibes! Highly recommended!Abigail G.
05:51 15 Jun 23
A patron punched a guy in the face for "bigotry" and the guy who got punched was kicked out. Staff did not even ask the other folks around what happened....Patrick Curry
18:53 08 May 23
This is an extremely racist establishment. I am a white guy and security told my black friends they could not come in but I could. We are all from out of town and wanted to drink mingle and have fun. But this racist establishment ruin my friends experience. How disappointing, we will never patronize this place and I will be letting everyone I know please don’t go to progress because racism in there is still very real.Jody B.
02:34 07 May 23
This place sucks ass . It would be better if they fired every last one of them especially them fucking security guards. They all have a fucking attitude....Tranquilino A.
20:18 14 Apr 23
"Security" with the little bin was so rude at the door (lucky I was with a friend) im from out of town and it's 10pm if you going to treat your patrons like...Donovan Bradshawe
23:47 09 Apr 23
I use to love progress but the current bar manager Chris(I think that’s his name) has the worst attitude I’ve ever experienced in a bar. It’s like he goes out of his way to be rude and nasty. His attitude is definitely shedding on the other bartenders. My entire experience was ruined and honestly I’m going to give progress a break for a while.Ale S.
14:02 26 Mar 23
Josué the bartender has poor customer service. Treated my friends like complete shit. It's not the first time I hear this man treating people poorly. This...James Kelly
04:54 14 Mar 23
Came down from another state trying to find cool queer places and figured progress bar would be nice. Walked in wearing my mask, sat at the bar and when I didn't have my drink order immediately ready the bartender and his little bun coughed at us and started complaining about lockdowns with the other people at the bar. My sister has lupus and I'd like to not kill her for my anniversary vacation. Not to mention the cheapest drink they have at all is $9. Everywhere else I've been has been almost half the price. This place sucks. It was a Monday, this bartender shouldn't have a job here anymore. Was in here for less than 5 minutes.Jordan James
18:40 20 Feb 23
The club be popping on Sunday’s for the black community however we have been asking the DJ for songs and he not able to deliver, Hispanic be getting the lastest however the black community want more recent song they be playing songs decades back. Better Songs this coming Sunday I be spending up to $400 on sundays I want to hear better musicJalen Johnson
00:05 06 Feb 23
The bar manager that he proclaimed to be was very rude and disrespectful towards me. I asked for some tap, as I have sensitive teeth and the bottle was very cold and also not a brand I drink, and I was told ordering water doesn't pay my bills. And rudely pours me the smallest glass of water he could. Then when he was confronted he proceeds to ask why Im upset and arrogantly says what you trying to get Me fired. There was a line outside I'm sure your bills are being paid. That ruined my evening and my whole experience for this place. It's poor taste and tacky. This is not first time I've encountered rudeness unwarranted.Trea H.
00:59 29 Jan 23
The manager "Roy" is extremely rude and aggressive. I had a horrible experience with the way I was treated by that manager and a security guard whose name...Peter B.
06:12 16 Jan 23
Best bar in Boystown. All the staff are sexy and welcoming. I love the purposefully redesigned space, particularly the back dance floor and restroom....luis mesa
00:55 03 Dec 22
I’ve been coming here for years and I have to say that this weekend was one of the most disappointing and saddest I’ve had at this location. Security there has become extremely homophobic I can not believe how the tall security guard with the beard looked at me and my partner and the smirks and the sh*t talking he was making with who ever he was talking to about us is unacceptable…..he might as well should have called me the F-bomb. I will not sit here and be ridiculed at a place that’s supposed to be for us. It’s so hard to talk to a manager here or someone in charge! I will be spreading this information.And I noticed someone posted something similar to my experience. During the same weekend with the same bouncers!Honestly I wonder if they have the proper paperwork, certification and legal documentation to run security legally.????? Can’t be hard to find out….luis mesa
16:08 02 Nov 22
I’ve been coming here for years and I have to say that this weekend was one of the most disappointing and saddest I’ve had at this location. Security there has become extremely homophobic I can not believe how the tall security guard with the beard looked at me and my partner and the smirks and sh*y talking he was making with who ever he was talking to about us is unacceptable, he might as well should have called me the F-bomb. I will not sit here and be ridiculed at a place that’s supposed to be for us. It’s so hard to talk to a manager here or someone in charge! I will be spreading this information.And I noticed someone posted something similar to my experience. During the same weekend with the same bouncers!Courtney L
15:49 30 Oct 22
Went to progress last night for Halloween. Was in line for over an hour which was no big deal. My group and I finally made it to the front. I had my Carmax and vape pen in my hand as I’m showing the Hispanic bouncer my ID, he literally does not say a word about my vape pen. Literally everyone in line was smoking something. We get inside progress for some time. I witness other people smoking their vape pens inside as I occasionally use mine. Was in progress for about an hour when All of a sudden a different bouncer comes to me aggressively asking me what’s in my hand as I’m dancing. It was my Carmax and pen I was holding. I tell him, he tells me I need to leave all rudely. I asked him can I throw my item away he responds rudely with a no that I need to get out now as he is pushing me at this point. Remind you other people were using their pen or even drunk in this club. As I’m leaving out with my group I asked the Hispanic bouncer by the door what’s their protocol for pens since he didn’t say anything about mines he lies to my face and said “I asked you to put it away”. I did not have a great experience last night. There was not need for the other bouncer to be rude to me especially since I was kindly asking what the issue was. I will not be back for a while. My father works for the city I’m reporting the two bouncers.That P.
17:46 26 Oct 22
Always fun and has the best music in Chicago Every time I go in there it's always a good vibe, always people dancing, and the staff there are on it and...Michael Yang
00:12 23 Oct 22
First time here on 9/3/2022. DJ kept skipping Nicki Minaj's verses. I mean come on...you're in Boystown. Feed the gays what we want. Will update stars when I hear more Onika.Update 9/17/20222They played Nicki tonight and didn't skip her verses. Will continue to update review. There were 2 fights here tonight chilee 😭Update 10/22/2022They played Nicki again and didn't kill her verses. Barbz were in the house and we love to see it! Love it ❤Raphael H.
18:44 18 Oct 22
Incredibly sad and concerning that after 6years of avidly attending this club I have to leave this review.10/15 Saturday night sometime between 11p-12a...Michael Yang
16:16 17 Sep 22
First time here on 9/3/2022. DJ kept skipping Nicki Minaj's verses. I mean come on...you're in Boystown. Feed the gays what we want. Will update stars when I hear more Onika.Update 9/17/20222They played Nicki tonight and didn't skip her verses. Will continue to update review. There were 2 fights here tonight chilee 😭Michael Yang
21:31 04 Sep 22
First time here on 9/3/2022. DJ kept skipping Nicki Minaj's verses. I mean come on...you're in Boystown. Feed the gays what we want. Will update stars when I hear more Onika.Justin Santiago
01:16 24 Aug 22
Carlos F. Was great. Went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. Thank you and good af drinks.Jacob D.
05:52 16 Aug 22
First stop of the evening and we were the only customers inside. It picked up later on as there was a Lady Gaga concert that eve. Bartender was super nice...Jocelyn R.
23:26 31 Jul 22
This place is very deceiving. From the outside it looks like an upbeat modern bar. However, it was extremely packed and the bartender almost didn't give me...Ria Shaw
14:31 31 Jul 22
MUST! No cover charge like most bars do in Chicago .First time here and I love it. They play very good music r&b, rap, gossip, just a good mixture of music. The environment was nice and bright with great details. The drinks are very inexpensive I spent less then $30 and they are very good. I don’t remember the bartender name but he was African American tall he make very good drinks. He accommodate everyone very quick and efficient. They also have areas where you can sit if you find somewhere to sit. They have tables against the walls as well. Overall I recommendCharlie Mango
00:20 21 Jul 22
One thing about Progress: it's consistent!A lot of the nightlife in the NorthHalsted/Boystown is wishy-washy. Progress always has great music (usually a live DJ rotating HipHop/RNB/Top40) and a live crowd of people actually dancing. Many clubs in the area don't get a lot of people dancing.Progress is always the first place I hit up if I'm going out. And definitely the first place I'll bring friends who are visiting from out of town.Samira A.
23:25 15 May 22
Love this bar on a weekend! Came here on a Sunday and the vibe was amazing but the DJ would not stop talking during each song and it was my birthday....Neville Reid
06:42 24 Apr 22
Now this is the best club/bar that i have been to in the state of Illinois. Heheheh. Drinks good. Music great. Vibe awesome.sherry goldsmith
23:00 09 Apr 22
Great service! Bartender was helpful picking out a drink for us!! The owner was there was very friendly and more than accommodating making us feel like home! Highly recommend !!! Can’t wait to go back!! Ty for great experienceMonique Fernback
06:21 03 Apr 22
Great music but bartender is so mean. Man bun and tye dye shirt was rude and would make really mean comments saying we were a hassle and causing problems - we wanted four white claws on one tab and 4 shots on a different. Which we said to begin with. Overall unkind.M Cc
18:35 13 Mar 22
They seriously need to hire better bartenders because the one that we got yesterday was so rude to my friends and I!Brice Alford
02:57 07 Feb 22
Progress? More like regress. I have never met staff as un-supportive and degrading. Avoid if possible.Andrew P.
11:24 31 Jan 22
I've been to this bar/club probably 15+ times since moving to Chicago a year ago. It's my favorite place on the Northalstead/Boystown strip for many...Brad ..
02:43 08 Dec 21
All Robb "the manager" does is sit in the back posting videos of the security camera to his snap chat making fun of the patrons. If you wanna be the butt...Allen W.
22:02 07 Nov 21
I would like to start of this review with a brief definition of racial discrimination. According to Merriam-Webster Webster racial discrimination can be...John Doe
15:53 16 Oct 21
DO NOT trust the bartenders with your credit card! If you visit this establishment, use cash.Taryn C.
19:15 03 Oct 21
I love the vibe of the bar and the drinks are amazing. I went with two friends out of state and one of my friends was kicked out. He was twerking on the...Pavel K.
20:05 27 Sep 21
at the entrance they ask for masks and say "this is necessary because COVID", but the bartender takes the money with his hands and puts the lemon in your glass with the same hands. I reprimanded him, but they just laughed at me and said that everyone does this. I will never go back there.alexis r.
02:00 06 Sep 21
declined me because they thought my vaccine card was fake. i’m fully vaccinated. i can attest with my doctors that i am FULLY vaccinated. get better staff who are qualified for this.Corey T.
16:48 21 Aug 21
I have never felt welcome here. As with many bars in Boystown, they cater directly to white gay men. I inaccurately assumed that the gay community would...James Z.
18:38 30 Jul 21
don't be fooled by fake cops!! know your rights and be careful!!!i'm sure the northalsted business alliance intended only to make boystown safer when it...Shamel J.
12:43 16 Jul 21
"Progress Bar" Chicago, IllinoisRatchet Level: LowCover Charge: FreeMusic: Hip-Hop, Pop, RapI came here twice in one day. The first visit was day...Asia M.
21:14 06 Jul 21
This bar has incredible DJ's and is one of the only bars in boystown that plays hip hop. But they do last call and kick you out before you can even finish...Rachel Shutty
01:46 04 Jul 21
Bartender was really nice and the ceiling art was cool, lively bachelorette crowdMatt Peterson
15:50 20 Jun 21
No more covid restrictions! Place was packed. Fun dancing and good music!Gregory S.
11:55 05 Jun 21
This bar is actively violating our civil rights and federal laws by imposing medical discriminatory practices.Myles Hecimovich
13:24 31 May 21
Very fun place with a diverse crowd of people. Staff was exceptionally attentive during my visit.Lashay B.
05:42 17 May 21
Went on a Sunday for about 6 pm, from outside the music was bumping so we decided to see what it was all about. It was a great spot, the bar space of open...Reginald W.
22:43 19 Mar 21
This is the place to visit. The clientele is diverse and the music is awesome. I recommend it 100%Clifford A.
06:47 21 Jul 20
I went here last weekend. Good price for drinks. Staff were friendly. It wasn't that crowded. They really made sure that customers are comfortable and still...
Reviews from Google Maps, Yelp and WhereIs.Gay
Submit a review
Map
Today Closed UTC-5
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Monday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Tuesday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Wednesday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Thursday
04:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Friday
03:00 PM - 02:00 AM
-
Saturday
02:00 PM - 03:00 AM
-
Sunday
01:00 PM - 02:00 AM
Leave your comment