CLOSED: Gentry on State

I travel a lot and Gentry is a favorite when I visit The Windy City. I've always had a good time there, the entertainers are always just that and for an old-fashioned guy like me, the atmosphere is perfect... I wish there were more places like this where you can actually get to know the people around you. The downstairs bar is OK, but it seems to be a concession to good business (for the downtown crowd which doesn't appreciate what's going on in the Piano Bar upstairs) Chicago is lucky to have this haven for the evolved gay community. Cocktails aren't cheap, but reasonably priced for a major city and they don't stick you for an exorbitant cover charge. They used to provide salty snacks, not sure if that is still complimentary, though. I certainly hope nothing happens to this bastion of a better time.

My best friend works around the corner at a straight bar and we often meet up at Gentry after he gets off and it always seems like the perfect place to unwind, drink, and not be bothered by anyone. I confess I've never seen it busy...though the garden level/basement bar is usually more lively that the main floor area.