Hydrate Nightclub

Boystown lost a longtime buddy when the hard-charging Manhole closed. But in its place this decidedly less intimidating gay bar has opened. Manhole's blacked-out facade has been replaced by garage door-like windows that open up onto Halsted Street. And there's no longer a no-shirt requirement for the back-room dance floor. The bar's blue-hued front room serves as a lounge, while the club's rear turns into a full-blown dance club after 11 p.m. and stays going until the wee hours thanks to Hydrate's late-night license.- Metromix