About Us

Established in March, 1983 at 712 N. Rush Street by Alden Jones,
Gentry has cultivated an international reputation as the place to be for gay professionals when in Chicago.
The original location, housed in an old three-story townhouse was featured a martini/conversation bar with a large Swarovski crystal chandelier as it's focal point, a 32-seat cabaret room, an upstairs dining room (serving dinner until 1991) and what was a small leather bar with a pool table eventually transformed into a popular music video bar in the basement. An outdoor lunch cafe known as "Mable's Table" also existed for a while.

In February, 1997 the building was purchased and Gentry's lease was not renewed causing the current owner, David Edwards, to relocate the club he had purchased in November, 1988. Gentry customers were without a downtown home until the new location was opened on December 23, 1997.
The current location, 440 N. State Street, has provided Gentry with much larger accommodations.
The cabaret room seats up to 72, the martini/conversation bar retained the large crystal chandelier while doubling the bar space, and downstairs now houses the popular music video lounge hosting events such as karaoke and stand up comedy as well as showing campy movies, music videos and more.

Hailed as "Chicago's most popular Cocktail-hour" for the gay professional community,
Gentry continues to add new and exciting events and promotions for it's diverse clientele.

On February 28, 2005, David Edwards lost his battle with lung cancer and passed away in his sleep.
Larry Wolfe continues the Gentry legacy as the new owner.

Larry Wolfe - Owner
Mark Dobosz - General Manager

State Street (main office)
440 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
phone: (312) 836-0933
fax: (312) 836-0934
email: Larry & Mark