Editor’s review
The premier leather bar in Chicago, the Cellblock lies on the northern edge of the Halsted St. bar strip in the Lakeview neighborhood. Though it's primary clientele is the leather and bear crowd, it is open to everyone and the bar staff and customers are very welcoming to all. This is particularly true on Thursdays, when the bar offers $1.50 well drinks and draft beer and the crowd is a cross section of gay Chicago.
The bar is divided into two main areas. The front bar is open seven days a week to the general public. Along one wall is the bar itself, and opposite that is a rarely used dance floor, though the music played in the bar is mainly dance music, with live DJs spinning Friday through Sunday. Towards the back is where you'll find the pool table, an ATM, and on Friday and Saturday nights, you’ll also find the Leather Cell by Male Hide. It’s a great place to pick up any last minute leather items or accessories.
The back bar is only open Thursday through Saturday and a strict dress code is enforced. (At least one major article of leather or uniforms, no white sneakers, chinos, fluffy sweaters and/or heavy cologne.) It is divided into two sections; the Holding Cell where you'll find another bar and a shoe shine stand, and the Yard, which is primarily for socializing. For the adventurous, the Yard contains a chain web, a wooden cross, and a narrow steel cage.
More information on the Cellblock, including daily drink specials and a calendar of special events can be found on it's website at www.cellblock-chicago.com.