The Chicago Traveler

There's something about a man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat that makes many ladies swoon. But if you're a cowpoke looking for the company of other men, put on your big belt buckle and head on over to Charlie's.

This predominantly gay establishment on the north end of Boystown (right next to Kreative Soul) features country-western music and plenty of room to dance. The bar itself may not be much to look at (and those bathrooms, eek!), but both the patrons and staff are usually friendly with that good ol' cowboy charm. But the dance floor is where it's at. Monday nights host two-steppin' and line-dancing lessons, and you can practice what you've learned on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Don't worry if you don't have a partner. More than likely, you'll find a handsome hunk who will gladly, ahem, show you the ropes.

If you're not much of a dancer, Charlie's provides two rows of benches near the DJ booth where you can rest your boots and enjoy the eye candy. Or stop by on Sunday and Tuesday nights, when you can grab the mic under the spinning disco ball (and a pair of glittering cowboy boots) and show off your karaoke talents.

Every night, Charlie's 'after hours' DJs also spin dance tracks. The bass starts thumping around midnight on weekdays, 1:30 a.m. on Friday night, and 2 a.m. on Saturday nights. Charlie's is one of only a handful of bars that is open past 2 a.m., so the place gets jam-packed on weekends. With all those dancing bodies, it can get very hot (in more ways than one), so the bar installed a cryogenic system which blasts a refreshing cool blast of liquid nitrogen into the air, creating a 'freezing fog' effect.

Finally, there is a cover for those who show up after 12 midnight. Five dollars on Friday nights; ten on Saturdays. Twice as much for ladies. That's right; women pay $10 on Friday nights, $20 on Saturdays. I've heard quite a few women complain about this, but considering the countless bars that charge guys $10 to $20 while gals are admitted for free on designated 'Ladies' Nights,' I think it's only fair.

So mosey on up and dosey-doe, and you may find yourself a beau.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) RandomlyRoaming, nssf04

Charlie's Chicago: 3726 N Broadway St; 773-871-8887
Sun ' Fri: 3:00 p.m. ' 4:00 a.m.
Sat: 3:00 p.m. ' 5:00 a.m.
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 8, 36, 152
http://www.charlieschicago.com/