The North End

Since 1983, the North End has been Chicago's answer to "where do gay guys watch the game," a laid-back, unpretentious sports bar at the north end of the Boystown strip that's a genuine antidote to the dance-club-heavy stretch further down Halsted. Zero attitude and refreshingly non-scene, it draws a masculine, sporty, all-ages crowd with flat screens showing every game, four pool tables and three dartboards (free pool on Mondays, and it's easy to join a league and make friends), plus karaoke, free popcorn, an extensive craft-beer selection, and famously strong drinks. A classic neighborhood bar with a modern twist, it's the go-to spot in Boystown for sports fans and anyone after a chill, friendly pint over a game of pool.