Second Story Bar

I could not believe the bartender that was on duty July 24, 2023. I was with a group of friends who I took to the bar since in the past, I had a good time there. Our bill was getting high and some of our group was getting ready to leave. In order to pay the balance before some of group left, we asked for the bill. We paid the current balance of the bill (We were not “cashing out.”). The bartender went up to one of the group and was visibly angry because he was upset with the tip he thought he was given. He said to one friend that , “I know you have more money than this.” From then on he refused to serve those of us that were planning to stay longer. He proceeded to intentionally ignore us and would go to others who put their drink orders in after us. We were not leaving and was planning to tip the bartender appropriately upon our departure. Having worked in the service industry, I know the importance of tipping. If I did this when I was working in the service industry, I WOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED ON THE SPOT!

dark and dicey

After a day of shopping on Michigan avenue I love coming here for a strong Drink, and maybe more. Very diverse clientele from young to old, and black to white. No judgement zone inside. You never know who might come to this bar. Can be a lot of fun!

...love this place!

Dive is right. Strong drinks, laid back vibe. A must when in Chicago

Downtown's Best Secret

I come to this bar every time I'm in Chicago. I love a good, unpretentious, divey gay bar (an endangered species), and Second Story is as good as it gets. This last time I took my husband, who is NOT a dive bar fan. He wasn't loving the fact that the entire bar is smaller than our living room (he has space issues), but after a couple of strong drinks and after noticing how diverse the crowd was (old men, young boys, big lesbians, lipstick lesbians, etc), he let his hair down and had a great time.

Fun bar but too cold

Fun vibe and crowd, stong drinks, good music ; but it's always way too cold ... bartenders keep the air on cold because they are hot behind the bar. Hint: when your customers are donning their winter coats, it might be time to think of their comfort vs your own