The SoFo Tap

Good sized neighborhood bar with a private patio. Popular with the bear crowd. Gets a little too busy (and loud) on the weekends for me to enjoy it, but its very popular with the Andersonville gays. I enjoy their Dog Days on Saturdays 12-3pm

This used to be our Sunday funday destination but things have taken a turn for the worse. Takes forever to get a drink. Your bar staff is over worked and under staffed to the detriment of your patrons. The staff are hard working but drowning in mismanagement.

Havent been for a bit and thought wed come back since we live in the neighborhood. The bartender more interested in her phone than greeting any customers, much less offering insights or engaging until one particular came in. Totally different person sure became, getting him with a hug, buying him a shot and explaining specials. I even had to ask for a towel to wipe the dirt sticky bar where I sat. Not worth the to we left busy being in the industry were not like that.

My first time in this place was a Saturday night with my friends. I like those mules drinks, very unique. I had the Kentucky mule all night. The ambiance and decor are very cozy. The crowd was more mature guys in the 40s and 50s, which means you can have a great time and never worried about lousy music and drunk people doing weird stuff. I really enjoyed my time over there.

The SoFo Tap in Andersonville, Chicago, is a gem among LGBTQ+ bars. Its welcoming atmosphere, diverse clientele, and wallet-friendly drinks make it a standout. With friendly staff and vibrant vibes, its a must-visit for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago, ensuring a memorable and inclusive experience.

Really nice bar.. prices arent bad atmosphere is awesome... Gets busy at night.. and bus stop close too

I spend 100s of dollars here a month and it breaks my heart to see the staff running a million miles a minute to keep up when the owners won’t staff this bar properly. It’s inexcusable. Staff your bar properly. This is the 6th time I’ve seen this in 2023.

It was very nice bear bar with good looking barman and good drinks, free champagne during New Year’s Eve and a lot of love. Very clean place. Good music. I would love to come back there.

My experience was most dismal. It was 6pm and just a handful of customers. I got a can of beer and just observed the bar. I noticed both bartenders engrossed on their phones never looking up for long periods of time. One guy walked in and stood in the service area trying to get one of the bartenders attention. After about a minute or so the bar back looked at me and I motioned to tap one of bartenders and he finally looked up from his precious phone. I noticed a DJ/performer type guy come in and head to a folding table for some kind of event. The first thing he did was correct the horrible bright lighting that was killing the mood here. The bartenders were obviously phoning it in and unaware of the of the unpleasant surroundings.I asked for a glass for my beer and the rim was dirty and tasted like a nasty glass matt that Im sure hasnt been cleaned in ages. Bar Rescue is needed here. I had an hour to kill and ordered one more beer. After realizing I paid 16.00 (including tip) for 2 cans of beer, poor service and unappealing atmosphere I wondered why anyone would come here. I like other reviews had been here twice before and like them I was unable to get a drink and walked out. I thought since there was only a handful of people in the bar I could get a drink. I finally got a drink at So Fo, but it was so not worth it. If my friend had joined me we would have paid 32.00 for two cans of beers a piece. I believe location is the only thing that keeps this bar afloat. So Fo is a bad value, no early specials or deals to attract customers. Pass this bar by.

Dog friendly. Great local dive. Friendly bartender and partons

I’m completely new to the gay bar scene and decided to come in Sunday to try it out as I relate more to bears, being one myself. And honestly it felt so unwelcoming & cliquey. There’s no point coming/staying in a bar to escape for a moment with a creed you can relate to just to feel outcasted & out of place. Maybe bar life isn’t for me, but the only memorable thing was the bartender who attended me served up amazing margaritas that hit real good. Other than that, don’t come here alone as the loneliness will be amplified.

I literally just showed up at 1am and the bartender told me “ i called last call already sorry I’m not serving anymore drinks you have to go “Now, I work the industry I understand wanting to be closed early and going home but, if you’re a 2am bar. . . . . . Come on. I wanted ONE cocktail.The bartender was rude and STILL served two others after he told me No. . . . Preference much ?

The bar is good. Unfortunately, on Friday (4/14/2023). At two separate times drinks that I placed on tables where taken by a barback. No questions asked. I caught up with him after the 2nd time. I informed him that I wasnt done with my drink. He was annoyed. When I am paying for 2 double GreyGoose drinks. Anyone would be upset. My husband took only 2 sips before his was taken. Please inform your staff to ask people before taking away drinks.

Relaxed social atmosphere for a mostly bear crowd

Its kind of an eclectic bar. Its got a range of age and everybody was very friendly. They play a lot of older dance music but there is no dance floor. It gets very crowded. The reason I didnt give it five stars is because there are only two bathrooms with one toilet in each which is woefully inadequate.

One of my favorite bars in the city. All the bartenders are always great to me, the atmosphere is easy to jump in and meet new people, and is nice and low key on weeknights while keeping high energy on weekends. Such a great space for queer people.

Unbelievable good service. Friday night Thomas was awesome made us feel so welcome and like we were part of the SOFO family. We went back Saturday afternoon for dog day (because we have a dog rescue in Wisconsin)and Paul was outstanding. We now have a new bar to call home. You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for making people from out of the area feel so welcome!! And Jeremy on Sunday made it an awesome weekend

The staff here are friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced. Be sure to check out their events - theres something for everyone.During the day, Sofo is very much a local bar. Its great to visit on a summer day and sit out on the patio with all the locals and their dogs.The scene gets cruisier on Fridays and Saturdays starting at about 10. When the back patio is closed it can get very very crowded.

Dont forget to bring your ID. It has to be physically present and liked by the manager. Otherwise youll get all sorts of questions about when, how, and even why you were born -- before they kick you out. Its their Friday special. They have a double standards policy about when to stick to the rules as I was told: because its Friday. I have not encountered this kind of selective attitude in any other gay bar in Chicago with our without my ID

Chicago Bear HQ. Nice bar to meet with friends. Friendly servers. Free Vienna Beefs on Sundays. Back patio. Drink specials. Theme party nights. Five big TVs all showing the same game. Wish theyd mix it up a little. Bring your proof of vaxx and a mask, at least for now. Aint nothin dirty goin on.

SoFo is REALLY LOUD. Its difficult to even hear your friends that are right next to you. You have to scream and that makes me uncomfortable. Secondly, they really dont have a cocktail menu. I love a nice mixed drink, to try something new. However all they say is What kind of drink? We have anything. Im no mixologist so I dont know how to make my own concoction.The only thing they have really is beers on menu. I guess thats how they make a cheap buck. Im not a beer person and Ill never enjoy one. Me and my friends left swiftly.

I dont expect the service to be awesome all the time. If the drinks are good the service can be fare....Im ok with that. What i didnt like is that we payed to play songs on the jukebox and the staff turned off the connection to the Jukebox and didnt let us finish listening to our songs. Not cool!!! They did this because we werent playing Cher and ABBA. So yeah...wont go back.

What wonderful place to meet old friends and make new ones. Its a clean and inviting atmosphere with drinks specials and the staff was always available. And dog friendly to top it off. What more could you ask for. It will be a regular spot for me.

Fun neighborhood gay bar with a slight lean toward the bear community. SoFo has a low key atmosphere and a great back patio. They host party nights for Otters, Bears, and a once monthly DILF party. Even when not a theme night the crowd tends more towards the glamour bears. Beware when the patio closes, however, as the bar will go from cozy to packed in minutes.

This is my casual bar. I come in to relax, enjoy good company, and drink good beer. The Wednesday Night Game Show is loads of fun, and worth playing when you can win bar money. The DILF party is a fun time with DJ Moose, who knows how to build the atmosphere. Come in any night and have a good time.

Great neighborhood bar. Friendly staff with decent pours and prices. There are special events almost every evening. They have a nice patio to enjoy the summer days of the city.

It can be fun although I am no fan of large crowds. We usually go out on Friday for Grr but the lack of chairs gets on my nerves. A lot of us older bears have some problems with our backs and feet. Arthritis and other like HIV and diabetic related neuropathy. Standing for 3 or 4 hours can be excruciation on or back or then your feet of pins needles.So it feels kind of ageist to me.Jeff

Great beer selection for a gay bar!

I tapped on one star since I dont have an 0 star option...I came because it says it was dog friendlyFriday afternoon nobody here, long walk with my dog. Stoped for a beer and maybe some water for my puppy. I asked the bartender for a beer and/or specials to see if they have a bowl of water for my pup. After he rolled his eyes said the specials are on top of the bar counter I asked for water for my dog again.. he pointed at an empty bowl by the entry door and said... there!Wow!

Jeffrey Ard, if you and your friends have so many health issues that you cant stand for a couple hours you should think about putting your bar days behind you. Invite your friends to your house, but dont complain about not having someplace to sit down in the review of a bar, it is not their fault you are in poor health. I bet when you were younger you didnt care if the older guy had a place to sit.

Great bartenders! The drinks are good and they have a great selection on beer. Ask about the specials. There is always something to be had. Also very dog friendly.

Its a nice neighborhood bar. Great service. If you dont like crowds stay away from Bear Fridays or DILF night.

The staff is friendly and the customers are varied. Couldnt ask for more from a corner bar. Theyve got fun events on various days of the week. Its like Cheers for Queers.

1st visit, great bar, staff, drinks & patrons. Outdoor patio is definite plus! Thanks everyone for making Chicago stopover memorable!

Amazing establishment with a really great staff and a lot of drink specials. Dog friendly is a huge plus and Friday nights are a blast! I love the neighborhood feel.

Happened in here on a Saturday afternoon during dog friendly hours. Super friendly bartender Tom and all customers. Cold, tasty beverages. Will return.

Sofo is great. Cool vibe whether you are a local or a visitor. Great beer selections and a cool low key vibe. Also, the free popcorn is not a bad touch. YUM!

Probably my favorite bar in the city. The Otter, DILF, and weekly bear nights are so much fun! Also a great place to chill any other time of the week.

Lots of sexy men.A 70s & 80s night would be fun (yeah, Im that old)

This is a comfortable neighborhood gay bar with a nice patio in the summers. Friendly staff and clientele. Its a non-pretentious, come as you are place.

During the day on Saturday this is a fun, welcoming, cheap place to have a few beers with your dog. Its a perfect neighborhood spot.

Great staff, good drinks, fun patio and cool crowd. Well be back!

Just wanted to grab an afternoon beer on the way home to my daughters apartment. Super friendly & totally chill. Really nice.

My favorite neighborhood bar. Always so chill no matter what day. Great for gays but not gay centric.

Friendly bar with good and cheap beer that comes in huge quantities. They have great daily specials and great happy hour specials.

A bit crowded, good bar. Ok place to visit if youre with friends, but only for casual drinks.

Great place for friends, big beers and big personalities.

Its a good place for a few drinks, although I dont usually stay there for long, prefer a place with a dance floor.

Service is always wonderful. They have great specials, and its an incredibly inviting group

Always have a good time. The music is a little off at times. Staff is great and friendly.

Whats with the outrageously loud music? Are you a dance club, or a neighborhood bar? Other than that its a great bar.

It is okay till the end. They kind of kick you out 15 minutes before closing time, they want to get out exactly at 2am.

Great neighborhood gay bar. They allow dogs an Saturday afternoon s.

Personable bar staff, and an all-around great neighborhood gay bar.

The staff is great! Some of the friendliest bartenders in town.

Good atmosphere. Very accommodating and accepting of everyone that came in. Would recommend.

This is not a good place for the trans community, I was made fun of and disrespected.

Fun and local gay bar. Lots of hot daddies but can die out a little early.

Great place and always great people just can get a bit crowded at times.

The Game and Trivia nights are a blast and usually crowded. Go early to get a good seat.

Fun crowd, but prepare yourself for a closer level of comfort. This place gets packed!

Typical gay bar, love the cozy feel and inclusive vibes

Love the bears...it is summer and they are not hibernating anymore.

Good fun bar. Bit small and gets busy though

Visited on a Sunday was busy and bustling but people were cliquish and not terribly friendly

Great neighborhood bar. Relaxing outdoor plaza. Great prices.

Great neighborhood bar! Everyone is very friendly.

Chicagos best for cold beer and HOT bears 🐻 *WOOOF!!!*

Everything I wanted and needed a Bear Bar to be. Loved the back Patio.

Friendly place to have a nice cocktail, beer or wine.

Easy to get to, nice sized drinks and friendly staff

Dilf party is off the hook. great dj. accommodating bartender

Nice back patio and friendly service. No place to sit.

Saturday, is the best time to bring your dog.

Was very thirsty didnt realize it was a rainbow bar clean friendly like people

Friendly, fast staff. Great atmosphere!

Makes you feel so happy. Animal lovers wanted.

The atmosphere&the vibe u get r un.its great.never let

Great quick service. Friendly bartenders

Sofo is a great bar with a lovely backyard.

Good place for meet older people!

Love it. Come Saturday afternoon and play with dogs

Great atmosphere. Chill gay bar.

Service is above & beyond! Great drinks

A great laid back space with friendly people.

My favorite place to drink on Saturdays

Great drinks at decent prices

Best laid back neighborhood bar around!!!!

My favorite gay bar in chicago

Very cool little place to go.

My favorite place to go on a Friday night

Bears, dogs, beer specials, patio. It’s home.

It means south of foster, didnt know that...

One of my favorite bars

Love this friendly neighborhood watering hole.

The place was packed, great music

Dogs, boys and beer - SWEET JESUS!

Great place for redhead stage hands

No good for me. Bear bar.

Nice crowd,fun people!

Fun friendly bar!!!

Great staff, great specials.

Neighborhood bar cute vibe

Ok sometimes..for older guys

I love

I like Sofo and the staff.

Great Sunday specials

Great staff, great people.

Thomas is the best bartender!!!!

Sofo great place to visit with friends

Full of life loc. Party

Bearioke was a blast

Good

Always the spot. ♡

Great place

Not a bad place

Beers

Love this place.

Another gay bar

Love it

Love this place!!!

Love this place

Love this place