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Scarlet
Bars

Scarlet

Chicago’s LGBTQ+ dance floor in the heart of Northalsted

Chicago, USA
3.8
821 reviews

Neighbourhood

Chicago

Category

Bars

Vibe

Cocktails, Outdoors

Official website

About Scarlet

Scarlet is one of Chicago’s most established LGBTQ+ dance bars, located in the heart of Northalsted (Boystown) on North Halsted Street. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and welcoming, mixed crowd, Scarlet blends neighbourhood bar comfort with a full-throttle club vibe once the music kicks in. Open Thursday through Sunday, the venue is best known for its packed dance floor, themed pop and throwback nights, and rotating DJs who keep the party moving into the early hours. The space is intimate but lively, making it easy to meet people, celebrate with friends, or dive straight into the music. Whether you’re starting a night out in Northalsted or planning to dance until close, Scarlet remains a reliable, no-attitude staple of Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.

What to expect

A compact, high-energy Northalsted dance bar where pop, throwbacks and themed DJ nights keep the floor moving.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

The dance floor fills quickly because the venue is intimate.
Programming is concentrated later in the week, so check current opening days.
Best suited to dancing and a lively crowd rather than quiet conversation.

Gallery

Location

Scarlet

3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

3.8

821 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay, Google Maps and Yelp.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    3.8
  • Google Maps
    4.3
  • Yelp
    3.3

Been here? Rate Scarlet

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

Camila Barrero
Camila Barrero

3 weeks ago

I guess being a women won't get you there... really disappointed. And really racist 🙄 l. Thought even us lesbians can feel safe here but I guess aren't

Review from Google Maps

I have been to this club a couple times. I will say they do an exceptional job with the aesthetics! The music and dancing was a blast! This club didn’t disappoint! ;) Edit: I did not mean to give it three stars lol whoops! I did have a great time! Stars fixed :)

Review from Google Maps

Scarlet is such a vibe! I love bringing friends here when we want to dance and have a great time. The crowd is always lively. The staff is super friendly, energetic and seem to have a great time while working. I’ve come to Scarlet for years and it’s ever evolving with the times but the vibes always on point. If you want to let lose and dance, this is the place for you!

Review from Google Maps

Laura V
Laura V

6 months ago

Went for their Miley and Hannah themed night and I had a BLAST! The staff that I encountered were all soooo nice and truly looked like they were having a good time! Big shoutout to the person checking IDs they were the sweetest! Yes, it can get crowded but duhhhh it’s a good time so I’m not surprised everyone wants to come here!! Will be visiting again for one of their theme nights 💕

Review from Google Maps

Xavier
Xavier

2 months ago

I’ve been here a few times as this place has a younger crowd than other places in boystown but it is disappointing and I don’t expect to go back. $30 for cover at a place that is one floor and pretty small is pricey especially given that this bar is not in the west loop or river north. The line is long and does not move, is it worth the wait? I would argue not given that the cover is pricy and there is nothing overly special about the interior.

Review from Google Maps

Featured Yelp review excerpts

Excerpts provided by Yelp. Read full reviews on Yelp.

John M.

John M.

14 Aug 2025

Was in town for Market Days, and every time we walked past this bar, I said, "They are playing the best music!" And it took us until Sunday evening to...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Taco B.

Taco B.

2 Nov 2025

Scarlet is indeed always a hit I love it so much. The bartenders are great and they make the drinks really good. Security can be a bit iffy but I don't...

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

Ploy N.

Ploy N.

6 Aug 2025

A super fun club! Loved the energy, dj, and music. Very fun ambience with lights and disco ball.

Read full review on Yelp

Review excerpt from Yelp

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Listing details

Last updated
12 September 2026
Listed in
Chicago › United States
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue, Google and Yelp