The gay nightlife in Northwest Indiana is vibrant and varied. From the bright lights of discotheques to the soft glow of a friendly neighborhood dive, Northwest Indiana's gay scene offers something for everyone. While not as abundant as in nearby Chicago, gay and lesbian bars in northwest Indiana's Calumet Region, also known as the South Shore, are nevertheless worth checking out.
Dick's RU Crazee is a Hammond gay bar offering free pool every Thursday and Saturday. Drop in on Sunday to meet Timmy, the bow-tied bartender and get $1 bottled beers and complimentary hot dogs as of October, 2010. The bar regularly hosts special events such as birthday bashes and Halloween shows.
Dick's RU Crazee
1221 East150th St.
Hammond, IN 46327
219-852-0222
dicksrucrazee.com
This vibrant Highland gay bar boasts a lounge with music videos and a full bar. According to clubfly.com, it has a "high energy dance floor" and is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Nine
8955 Indianapolis Blvd.
Highland, IN 46322
219-838-1201
This thumping, double-room lounge features a variety of themed nights for the gay and lesbian crowd, including Hump Well Wednesdays, Twilight Thursdays, and Karaoke Fridays. The club is open every night except Monday, and its website says guests never have to pay a cover (show nights and special events excluded). Lineups include a Diva Queen Show and performances by the Stud Puppy Dancers.
Encompass Nightclub and Lounge
2415 Rush St.
Lake Station, IN 46405
219-962-4640
encompassnightclub.com
Truman's Entertainment Complex calls its 11,000 square foot gay and lesbian night cub the "largest gay entertainment complex in Indiana. Located in Mishawaka, the space features food, drink specials, entertainment, music, and drag shows. The club also participates in special events like Pride in the Park, an annual gay outdoor festival.
Truman's Entertainment Complex
100 North Center St.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
574-259-2282
trumans.com
This gay-friendly tavern in South Bend has a full restaurant, bar and karaoke on select nights. According to www.clubplanet.com, the bar has the atmosphere of a friendly neighborhood dive and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patrons are always welcome.
Jeannie's
621 South Bendix Drive
South Bend, IN 46619-3144
574-288-2962
This South Bend gay nightclub markets itself as "all female, all the time." According to www.clubfly.com, the club showcases events such as Tighty Whitey Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, Freaky Fridays and Sexy Saturdays. Check out one of its Centerfoldz shows or drop by the bar, open seven nights a week.
Starz Bar
1505 Kendall St.
South Bend, IN 46613-1842
574-288-7827
starzbar.com
This lesbian-owned and operated club in South Bend has dancing, darts, food, drag shows, and smoking throughout. According to www.clubfly.com, the lounge has a jukebox, weeknight dart teams, drag shows, and groups of locals drinking on the weekends.
Vivkie's Bar
112 West Monroe St.
South Bend, IN
574- 232-4090
