About Scarlet

The red sign over Scarlet’s door is more than just a nod to the business’s name: much of the bar’s inspiration comes from the GLBT community in the 1920s, whose members often wore a piece of scarlet-colored clothing to subtly signal their affiliation to others. The staff at Scarlet has reclaimed the color and now proudly displays it throughout their Halsted Street space.

Scarlet’s homage to the past doesn’t end with the color red. Dubbed “The First Ward Ball,” their Friday-night dance party honors the 1907 ball of the same name, which famously attracted more than 15,000 guests to squeeze into the Chicago Coliseum and, later on, into a high-wheel motor buggy. Scarlet’s version features multiple DJs, guest appearances by local celebrities, bar-top dancers, and drink specials. To round out their weekly event calendar, Scarlet hosts weekly Frat House parties, with LITs and beer on special, and liquid brunch, a mimosa-heavy affair.