CHICAGO’S SOFO TAP CELEBRATES IT’S 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
An Andersonville bear bar marks a milestone with a weekend of bear parties
The SoFo Tap, Andersonville’s LGBTQIA+ bear bar located south of Foster at the corner of Clark and Argyle, is turning 15. It was the second bar to join what would become 2Bears Tavern Group, Chicago’s family of LGBTQIA+ establishments, and one of the first dog friendly bars in Andersonville. Built on a no attitude reputation, weekly programming, and strong drink specials, it has remained a lively neighborhood fixture for fifteen years.
To mark the milestone, The SoFo Tap is throwing a full weekend of events from July 16 through July 19, 2026, bringing together the mainstays that have made it a community staple: GRRR, Bear Trap, Doggy Days, and Bearaoke, plus a special 15 Year Happy Hour to kick things off. For anyone who follows bear culture, LGBTQIA+ nightlife, or the Andersonville neighborhood, this anniversary weekend reflects everything The SoFo Tap has stood for since it opened its doors.
Event Details
What: The SoFo Tap 15 Year Anniversary Celebration
Celebration Kickoff: Thursday, July 16, 2026, approximately 5pm to 2am
Anniversary Day: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Location: The SoFo Tap, 4923 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, July 16
The celebration kicks off with SoFo Tap’s 15th Anniversary Kick-Off Party, featuring a 15 Year Happy Hour with $5 You Call It specials running all day and night. Longtime resident Moose The DJ provides the music.
Friday, July 17
GRRR, Chicago’s Original Bear Night, starts at 9pm with music by DJ Bearbie. Drink specials include $6 premium well cocktails and $8 well cocktails.
Saturday, July 18
The day starts with Doggy Days on the patio from 12pm to 3pm, a nod to SoFo Tap’s dog friendly roots. The night continues with Bear Trap at 9pm, featuring resident DJ Tracy McKenzie, along with $7 signature margaritas and $8 WYNK drinks.
Sunday, July 19
The weekend winds down with Sunday Funday from 12pm to 3pm, including free hot dogs while supplies last. Bearaoke, hosted by Rhett Butlah, rounds out the celebration, with $6 premium well cocktails, $7 signature margaritas, and $8 WYNK drinks.
All Weekend
Guests can enjoy $5 Jager, Fireball, and Malort shots, along with $4 Old Style, PBR, and Hamms. All events are free with RSVP.
About The SoFo Tap
The SoFo Tap is Andersonville’s LGBTQIA+ bear bar, located south of Foster at the corner of Clark and Argyle. Now marking 15 years in business, it was the second bar to join what would become 2Bears Tavern Group, Chicago’s family of LGBTQIA+ establishments.
As one of the first dog friendly bars in Andersonville, The SoFo Tap has built its reputation on being a no attitude space that welcomes everyone. With weekly programming and strong drink specials, it has remained a lively fixture in the neighborhood all week long, every week, for fifteen years.
