Chicago gay bars with dark room

Leather bars seem to be slowly receding into the past, but the Cell Block in Boystown is bringing it back, or trying to at least on its ever popular “Furr Night” when bellying up to the lock takes on recent meaning… On every other night, it’s cheap drinks, darts and pool that draws a predominantly non-leather neighborhood queer crowd.

Not to be confused with the very straight Lockdown on Western, Cell Block lurks ominously behind darkened windows on Halsted, just north of Waveland and adjacent to Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. If you blink as you amble by, you might never even spot it.

I must disclose that I was a little apprehensive about going to Cell Block. I’ve often heard it described as a hook-up bar for older gay men and the entitle itself is a little intimidating, not to mention the somewhat unwelcoming façade. However, after visiting the bar on several occasions, I discovered that the place is a little misunderstood. Although there are some creepy men lurking in the shadows, Cell Block isn’t the hardcore leather bar like everyone thinks. It’s mainly groups of men and women just having a great time.

The bar itself could use a décor up