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101+ Gay Things to Do in Chicago

Welcome to the ultimate Chicago gay agenda, curated by a local lesbian (yours truly). When I moved back to Chicago as a late in life lesbian, I didn’t know where to find a queer hairstylist or how to make queer friends or… where all the lesbians hang out (?!). I created this for folks moving to Chicago and fellow late in lifers. It’s also a great resource for queer travelers visiting Chicago.

Download a free gay Chicago map below for easy navigation when you’re OUT and about.

Disclaimer: Before you comment something like “this isn’t queer,” just remember everything is queer when you are. Second disclaimer: even queer-owned and queer-friendly spots have their own issues. I included all queer-owned businesses and bars in Chicago to create a cohesive guide, please do your own research. For new LGBTQ-owned businesses in Chicago and anything I missed, please leave a comment and I will add it to the list.

LGBTQIA-Friendly Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago

The amazing part about Chicago is that you can find queer community in just about every neighborhood. If you’re moving here, you don’t have to live in Northalsted or Andersonville (although, I DO recommend!) Queer people and families are everywhere. Below are a few neighborhoods that are historically queer and have a higher gay residency/amount of queer spaces.

Northalsted (aka Boystown)

First off, let me introduce you to Chicago’s official gayborhood: Northalsted (aka Boystown). Located on the northside of Chicago, Northalsted is a colorful neighborhood with rich LGBTQ+ history and a thriving queer culture. As you walk down North Halsted Street, you’ll find queer-owned businesses, queer bars, pride flags and delicious eateries. Northalsted is famous for its annual events like the Pride Parade and Market Days that attract visitors from all over the world. While it is predominately gay men, it’s a great place for everyone to visit and live. I live right up the street – if you see me, say hi!

Andersonville (aka Lesbianville)

Andersonville (aka Girlstown or Lesbianville) is Chicago’s unofficial lesbian neighborhood. Andersonville is a laidback, community-orientated neighborhood filled with local businesses, vintage and thrift stores, queer bars, some of the best restaurants in Chicago (IMO), and you guessed it – lesbians. Andersonville hosts many events throughout the year, such as the annual Midsommarfest, a lively street festival celebrating the neighborhood’s rich culture. Whether you’re moving here or just visiting, I highly recommend strolling down Clark Street.

If you’re a budget gorlie moving to Chicago and are looking for a queer neighborhood, Uptown is a great option. I used to live in Uptown and found a 1-bed in a high rise for $950/month. It’s not polished or luxurious like River North or Lincoln Park, but Uptown is historic, up and coming and extremely underrated!

Uptown is close to Northalsted and Andersonville, but also has a rich history and culture of its own. The neighborhood is home to a variety of LGBTQ+-friendly establishments, including bars, clubs, and performance venues. The iconic LGBTQ+ bar, The Baton Show Lounge, has been a staple of Uptown for decades, offering drag shows and entertainment. Additionally, Uptown has a thriving arts and music scene, with renowned theaters like The Green Mill and The Riviera Theatre. It’s also home to Little Vietnam, Chicago’s Vietnamese neighborhood, where you’ll find Asian markets and Vietnamese restaurants.

A Few Others

Depending on what you like, I also recommend Roger’s Park, Logan Square, Wicker Park, West Town, Pilsen, and Edgewater. If you are looking for housing/roommates, check out LGBTQ+ Roommate Exchange on Facebook.

@courtneytheexplorer Wicker Park is an unofficial gayborhood. #chicagoneighborhoods #wickerpark #chicagoblogger #lgbttravel ♬ Bob Ross – Remix – jaumev2

LGBTQ-Friendly Hotels in Chicago

If you have friends coming to visit, here are the queer-friendly hotels in Chicago I always recommend:

• Best Western Plus Hawthornne Terrace Hotel (best location, near Northalsted + LGBTQ events)
• HI Chicago Hostel (most affordable, good option for solo travelers)
• voco Chicago Downtown (stylish + affordable)
• The Langham, Chicago (luxury option, best hotel in Chicago)

@courtneytheexplorer ♬ Famous Christmas songs / Orchestra arrangement – MIZUSATO Masaki

To find an affordable Airbnb in Chicago, click here .

Eat and Drink

Queer bars in chicago.

Lesbian Bars

• Dorothy (lesbian bar with specialty cocktails and events)
• The Closet (lesbian-owned queer late night dive bar)
• Nobody’s Darling (Black queer women-owned lesbian neighborhood bar)
• Whiskey Girl Tavern (lesbian-owned sports bar)

@courtneytheexplorer ♬ Choking on Flowers – Fox Academy

• 2Bears Tavern Uptown (neighborhood, dog-friendly, late night BYOfood gay bar)
• Atmosphere (gay bar located in Andersonville with tons of events, including stripper bingo)
• Big Chicks (cozy, laid-back gay bar with a beer garden and small dance floor)
• Bobby Love’s (friendly neighborhood gay bar with good karaoke)
• Cell Block Chicago (kink-friendly leather bar)
• Charlie’s Chicago (queer line dancing!)
• La Cuerva (Chicago’s oldest latino drag bar in Little Village)
• Elixir Lounge (cocktails + conversations gay bar)
• Jackhammer (kink-friendly leather bar)
• Jeffery Pub (Black-owned, late night gay bar)
• Lucky Horseshoe Lounge (laid-back gay bar with male dancers 7 days a week)
• Marty’s (upscale martini bar)
• Meeting House Tavern (2-story gay bar with darts, pool and board games)
• The North End (gay sports bar)
• Progress Bar (dance club with DJs)
• Roscoe’s (lively gay bar with full kitchen and tons of events)
• Second Story Bar (tiny downtown gay bar)
• Scarlet Bar (gay club with great dancing)
• Sidetrack (rated one of the best gay bars in the US)
• The SoFo Tap (nighborhood gay bar with games and themed-nights)
• Splash Chicago (gay bar with drag and DJs)
• Touché (kink-friendly bar)

LGBTQ+ Nightclubs

• Club Escape
• Fantasy Nightclub
• Hydrate Nightlcub

LGBTQ-owned Restaurants

• The Bagel (Jewish bagel shop and breakfast restaurant)
• The Lunchroom at SPACE 519 (upscale breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner spot in Gold Coast)
• Tweet (queer-owned casual neighborhood diner)

@courtneytheexplorer 🛍️🍴🏳️‍🌈 #lgbtchicago #lgbtqchicago #chicagorestaurants ♬ Calm Dooowwnnn Lalalaaa (Remix) – FAITAH NADA

Lunch/Dinner

• Crispy Chicks (late night chicken)
• Drew’s on Halsted (American bistro fare)
• The Dearborn (stylish American)
• Kale My Name (vegan casual restaurant)
• Lady Gregory’s Irish Bar & Restaurant (upscale Irish restaurant)
• Proxi (lesbian-owned small plates)
• R Public House (neighborhood pub with pizza and bar food)
• Sfera Sicilian Street Food
• South of the Border (Mexican cuisine)
• Taylor’s Tacos (Black lesbian-owned taco joint)
• Wilde Bar & Restaurant (literary-themed upscale Irish pub)
• Wood (great upscale date night spot)

Bakeries + Desserts

• Chicago Sugar Daddy Patisserie
• Jennivee’s Bakery
• Willie’s ‘n Waffles

@courtneytheexplorer After headlines of bakeries refusing LGBTQ+ couples for wedding cakes, Jenne Vailoces opened up her own bakery in 2016, Jennivee’s Bakery. Her mission was (and is) to provide visibility and employment for the LGBTQ+ and Filipino communities. Jennivee’s Bakery is best known for its delicious cakes and cupcakes. My favorites are the cookies and cream, purple red velvet, and chobeh. 10/10 ❤️‍🔥🧁🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 ♬ Oh Simple Things Where Have You Gone (Remix) – Nikolazz & Keane

Coffee Shops

• Two-Hearted Queen (lesbian-owned coffee shop)
• Understudy Coffee and Books (queer-friendly coffee shop + library with queer events)

Also check out Best Vegan Restaurants in Chicago and Best Vegan Desserts in Chicago

Drag Brunch in Chicago

• The Baton Show Lounge
• Furama (“Dim Sum & Drag”)
• Kit Kat Lounge
• Lips Drag Queen Show Palace (blogger’s choice)

@courtneytheexplorer Blessed be thy queens of drag and unlimited mimosas. Amen. 🏳️‍🌈⛪️ #dragbrunch #chicagotravel #chicagobrunch #chicagobrunchspot #lgbttraveler ♬ How I Got Over – Vickie Winans

Gay Happy Hours

• Every day – $8.95 martinis at Kit Kat Lounge (5-7pm, M-F)
• Monday – half off bottles of wine at Lark (with purchase of entree, 5-9pm)
• Tuesday – $2 tacos, 1/2 off bottles of wine, and $5 sangria at Houndstooth
• Wednesday – line dancing at Charlies (7-10pm)
• Thursday – $4 premium well cocktails + tall boys and free darts at The Sofo Tap
• Friday – $25 weekend buckets at Replay Lakeview

Sober Queer Spaces in Chicago

• Bendición Dry Bar & Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop
• Eli Tea Bar (dry bar and tea shop with frequent queer events and meet-ups)

Gay Things to Do in Chicago

Lgbtq-owned businesses.

• Andersonville Galleria
• The Brown Elephant
• Barks N’ Rec
• CRAM Fashion
• Chicago Upholstery and Drapery
• Cowboys and Astronauts
• Early to Bed
• Edgewater Candles
• ENJOY Andersonville
• ENJOY Lincoln Square
• Foursided Card + Gift
• Here Here Market
• Humboldt House
• James Loves Danger
• Knee Deep Vintage
• Kone Ranger Clothing
• Leather 64TEN
• Men’s Room Chicago
• Paper & Pencil
• Provisions Uptown
• Rattleback Records
• Roger Park Provisions
• The Scent Queens Candle Co. & Apothecary Shoppe
• Taste Food & Wine
• Unbridged Books
• Wall to Wall Framing
• Women and Children First Bookstore

LGBTQ+ Landmarks and Museums in Chicago

• AIDS Garden Chicago
• The Legacy Walk
• Leather Archives and Museum
• Gerber/Hart Library
• Hollywood Beach (gay beach)
• Jane Adams Hull-House Museum

@courtneytheexplorer Qu33r people have and always will exist. This is one of my favorite g@y things to do in Chicago. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 #lgbtchicago #lgbtqchicago #northalsted #legacywalk ♬ New Abundance – Omar Enfedaque

LGBTQ+ Art Galleries

• Patron Gallery
• Wrightwood 659

@courtneytheexplorer ad | Founded in 2018 by Whitney LaMora, The Martin is an artist-first, full service gallery and creative space located in Chicago’s West Town. Check out their newest exhibition, Mirror Mirror which explores the theme of reflection, all physically mirrored or having a reflective element to them. It’s two rooms (technically three, make sure to explore the gallery’s bathroom which has a mini art show, The Robin). 📍 The Martin, West Town 🗓️ Mirror Mirror exhibition is open until September 30 ⏰ Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm (staffed gallery hours), also available to see during Split Rail’s hours every day 💡 Makes for a fun queer date night; first see the art show, go for dinner at Split Rail, then go for a cocktail at Dorothy. Check out their website for queer events. Follow @courtneytheexplorer for more LGBTQ+ Chicago 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #themartin #westtown #chicaGOandKnow #chicagoneighborhoodgems @themartinchicago ♬ Synchronize (Instrumental) – Milky Chance

Queer Theater + Comedy + Things to Do

• Chopping Block (queer-owned specialty shop with cooking + wine classes)
• Get in the Kitchen (drag queen hosted cooking classes)
• PrideArts (local queer theater)
• The Den (theater that often features queer plays + comedians)
• The Lincoln Lodge (comedy club that hosts a monthly lesbian comedy show called “The Lesbian Lodge”)
• Trickery (magic show)

@courtneytheexplorer @thelesbianlodge aka “The funniest d*kes in Chicago” was 10/10. To live, laugh, lesbian, you can find tickets to their next show on @eventbrite. #ad #eventbritepartner #youvegotplans 📍 The Lincoln Lodge, Logan Square, Chicago 🎙️ Hosted by Emma Day. Produced by Christian Borkey and Sarah Whitcomb. ⭐️ Comedians shown: Jane Peterson, KJ Whitehead, Farai Gotora, Denae Wilkins, Courtney Tua, and Jordan Hayes ♬ original sound – Courtney | LGBTQ Travel

Annual LGBTQ+ Events

• Market Days
• Pride Parade
• Reeling LGBTQ+ Film Festival
• Southside Pride

@courtneytheexplorer Market Gaaays is here. [LOCAL GUIDE TO 2023 MARKET DAYS] 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️👩‍🏫 If you’re a Market Days first-timer or new to Chicago OR love a detailed guide, this post is for you. 🏳️‍🌈 Northalsted Market Days is a weekend long, live music street festival celebrating community. It’s ranked one of the top festivals in Chicago and it’s the largest in the Midwest. Includes 250+ vendors, food and drinks, live music, drag, and lots of fun. 📍Northalsted neighborhood (America’s first recognized gayborhood 🤩), located on Halsted St. from Belmont to Addison (entrances on both ends) 🚊 take the redline and get off at Belmont or Addison stop. Or, take the bus. You can tap your debit or credit card to pay. Or, use Apply Pay. 🚘 Parking isn’t always easy but street parking is available. I recommend using “ParkChicago” app to extend easily. 🚲 Divvy there. I recommend renting an e-bike Divvy so you can dock anymore. Divvy stations fill up fast near events. Use Lyft app to rent. 🗓️ August 12-13, Saturday-Sunday ⏰ 11am to 10pm 🎟️ $20 suggested donation ⭐️ VIP passes are $50 donation (included entrance access to all 7 gates and express lanes at Belmont&Addison) 💛 festival is open to all ages 🎶 Musical performances include Betty Who, Shea Couleé, Drama, Pu$$y Riot, Cupcakke, and more. 🕺 There are a ton of after parties at Northalsted bars (not affiliated with the festival), many sell out so buy tickets earlier than later. 💡 to avoid big crowds, I recommend going early as possible. Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and take breaks as needed! ℹ️ more info, maps, line-up, see l!Nk in my b!0. Are you going this year? Have you ever been to Market Days? 🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🕺 #wlwchicago #lgbtqchicago #marketdays2023 #marketdays ♬ Barbie World (with Aqua) [From Barbie The Album] [Extended] – Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua

LGBTQ+ Parties, Sports Clubs, and Social Gatherings

Sapphic Spaces, Parties, and Producers

• Flannel Friday (last event ever is set to be hosted June 2024)
• Smallworld Collective
• Hoochie Hotspot
• Double Dutch
• Peach Presents
• Party Noire
• Back Lot Bash
• Lover’s and Friends

@courtneytheexplorer AD | I went to a Slo ‘Mo party (queer Chicago party) at Sleeping Village and fell in love with the venue. Located in Avondale, Sleeping Village is a swanky live music venue with excellent craft cocktails, big outdoor area, pop-up food, dance floor, two bars, a photo booth and groovy vibes. The next Slo ‘Mo party at Sleeping Village is 10/16 @ 9PM. Check out their website for more upcoming events and shows. #sleepingvillage #avondale #chicaGOandKnow #chicagoneighborhoodgems #wlwchicago #lesbianchicago #lesbiannightlifechicago @Choose Chicago ♬ original sound – Courtney | LGBTQ Travel

Sober get-togethers

• Lez Get Together
• Queer Sober Social

Local’s Gay Guide to Chicago

• Steamworks Baths Chicago
• Brush Park Gymnasium
• Han Training

Queer Hair Salon’s and Barber Shops

• Alex Oh My (cool cuts + color, neurodivergent-friendly, use code “a friend of Courtney” for $20 off any service)
• Barbara&Barbara
• Chicago Male Salon
• Fern and Moody Salon
• Handsome Bastard Barber Shop
• Salon Glow Chicago
• Twisted Scissors

Queer-Owned Med Spa

• Enfuse Medical Spa & Hair Restoration (gender-affirming services + botox/injectibles)
• Ginger Slam

Home Services

• Avenir Creative
• Christy Webber Landscapes

Legal Assistance

• Lambda Legal
• Metz + Jones
• Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois

LGBTQ-Friendly Medical

• Howard Brown

Queer Photographer

• Tawny Ballard Photography

Queer Therapists

• Inclusive Insight
• Mental health services at Center on Halsted

Queer Resource Centers

• AIDS Foundation of Chicago
• Brave Space Alliance
• Center on Halsted, Chicago’s LGBTQ Center (good place to start for Chicago LGBTQIA resources)

Queer Sports Leagues , Clubs, and Activities

• Center on Halsted Open Gym Volleyball
• Chicago Dragon’s Rugby
• Chicago Gay Hockey Association
• Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
• Chicago Rowing Union
• Second City Tennis
• Stonewall Sports (bocce, bowling, dodgeball, kickball)
• Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (largest LGBTQ+ sports league in the Midwest)
• Queer Kickboxing Club Chicago
• Windy City Cycling Club

Where to Find Events, Things to Do, and Queer Friends in Chicago

• GRAB Magazine
• LGBTQ+ Chicago Map

Top 25 Gay Things to Do in Chicago

• Touch the Bean (aka Cloud Gate)
• Go Thrifting + Vintage Shopping in Wicker Park
• Queer Theater at PrideArts
• Go to the queer comedy show Baby Wine at the Annoyance Theater
• Stroll around Garfield Park Conservatory
• Eat the rainbow at The Original Rainbow Cone
• Have a drink at Chicago’s lesbian bar, Dorothy
• Go to a queer event at Eli Tea Bar
• See a broadway show downtown
• Check out Sidetrack’s monthly story-telling event, Outspoken
• Go to Gerber/Hart Library, Chicago’s gay library
• Do the self-guided Legacy Walk tour
• Go to the Leather Archives and Museum
• Celebrate Pride at Chicago’s Pride Parade
• Head to LGBTQ+ street festival, Market Days
• Stop by Unabridged Bookstore
• Go for drag brunch at Lips Drag Queen Show Palace
• Go to date night at Wood
• Do a beach day at Hollywood Beach
• Picnic at AIDS Garden Chicago
• Get breakfast at Tweet
• Take photos with the rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted
• Shop til’ you drop at local shops in Andersonville
• Get cocktails and sit on the patio at Nobody’s Darling
• Go to a queer party or concert at Sleeping Village

What’s your favorite gay thing to do in Chicago? Did I miss anything? Comment below!

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100+ Gayborhoods, Gay Villages, and Gaycation Destinations in the USA

How to find a long-term rental in puerto vallarta.

LGBTQ+ Chicago tours and attractions

Chicago is one of the most inclusive cities in the country, with a long and vibrant LGBTQ+ history. Come explore the local museums, tours, and landmarks that celebrate our Chicago’s LGBTQ+ heroes, history, and culture.

The Legacy Walk

Chicago’s Northalsted (also known as Boystown) neighborhood is where you’ll find the only outdoor LGBTQ+ history museum in the world.

The Legacy Walk features 35 (and counting) rainbow memorial markers, commemorating the life and work of notable lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender heroes. The markers, which are fixed to 25-foot rainbow monuments, bring the city’s rich LGBTQ+ legacy to life on the streets of historic Boystown.

Take a private tour of the Legacy Walk to hear anecdotes about the inductees, not to mention the fascinating story behind this unique attraction. Learn more about the Legacy Walk .

Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Grace Street

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Jane Addams was a social justice pioneer, author, and champion for those who lived on the margins of society. She was also a feminist and suffragette who brought attention to poverty, child labor, public health, race relations, adverse working conditions, and many other important social issues. In 1931, she won the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the second woman to receive that honor.

A National Historic Landmark, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum remains dedicated to peace advocacy and social justice, while also featuring an impressive display of furniture, photographs, and artwork from the period. Explore with a guided or self-guided tour.

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Illinois at Chicago, 800 S. Halsted St., Little Italy . Free admission.

The Leather Archives & Museum

The Leather Archives & Museum is nestled on a quiet street in residential Rogers Park . Founded in 1991, the museum celebrates the history of fetish culture and the queer community, and remains the only institution in the country dedicated to the compilation, preservation, and maintenance of alternative sex culture.

Take a self-guided tour through eight fascinating exhibition galleries, including the Dungeon, featuring S&M and bondage equipment, a leather bar diorama, a leather history timeline, a guest artist gallery, and 20 murals by the celebrated erotic artist Etienne.

Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview Ave. Rogers Park , Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets: $10 general admission; $5 students, seniors, and military personnel. Visitors must be 18 years or older. 

Gerber/Hart Library and Archives

Gerber/Hart Library and Archives was founded in 1981 as a depository for the records of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified individuals and organizations. Today, it’s the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ+ circulating library, with over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections.

The library’s progressive exhibits cover everything from Chicago’s drag revolutionaries to a collection of Pride memorabilia. Guided tours of the library also are available during open hours.

Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N. Clark St., Rogers Park . Wednesday and Thursday 6 – 9 p.m., Friday noon – 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission, $5 suggested donation

Free Chicago Greeter tours

See LGBTQ+ Chicago like a local, with a local, with free Chicago Greeter walking tours. Led by the people who know the city inside and out, you’ll explore authentic Chicago — its fascinating histories, diverse cultural traditions, iconic landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path gems.

A recipient of TripAdvisor’ s Certificate of Excellence, awarded in recognition of consistently great reviews from travelers, these 2 – 4 hour insider tours are conducted in over a dozen languages and can be customized to focus on special-interest areas such as architecture, foodie culture, and, of course, LGBTQ+ Chicago.

From this article

Little Italy / University Village

Leather Archives & Museum

Rogers Park

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DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT

Top 10 Things To See And Do In Chicago

• Walk, run, or cycle the Lakefront Trail - Hire Lyft's Divvy bikes, which can be found all over the city, and enjoy the city views and people watching along this 18.5-mile shared path.
• Visit the Art Institute of Chicago - Enjoy one of the world's best collections of Impressionist Art. We rank this museum's collection up there with Paris' Orsay Museum and New York's MET.
• Take a selfie at The Bean - Snap the requisite photo for the 'Gram here in Millennium Park or head up to the nature boardwalk and pavilion in Lincoln Park for an iconic skyline shot!
• Relax on the beach - You heard that right! Chicago has 24 beaches along freshwater Lake Michigan. Our favorite is Kathy Osterman (aka Hollywood Beach) which is also the gay beach. And for gay dog dads, head to Montrose Beach.
• Eat deep dish pizza at Pequod's - Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza, and the best of the best is local favorite and super popular Pequod's.
• Explore Andersonville - Head up to Andersonville, Chicago's shop local capital and one of the largest LGBT+ communities in the city, for brunch, shopping, gay bars, and more!
• Watch sunset from LH Rooftop - Make a reservation and head up to the rooftop at LondonHouse for the best sunset in the city!
• Listen to live jazz at Green Mill - A nod to Paris' Moulin Rouge (Red Mill), this entertainment venue in Uptown was a favorite of Al Capone. We love Friday nights here (early!) to listen to jazz on the organ.
• Bar hop in Boystown - Arrive early to avoid lines and bar hop down busy Halsted Street! We love Sidetrack with their indoor and outdoor space and frozen cocktails.
• Head to Riverwalk - Take a stroll on Chicago's Riverwalk with gelato...or stop for wine? Or both? Before leaving Chicago, it's a 'must do' to walk this park on the Chicago River along with taking an Architecture Cruise!

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Chicago Gay Nightlife Guide: Downtown & South Side

Although Chicago has among the greatest selection of gay nightspots in the country, the majority of these hangouts - from bars and discos to LGBT-popular restaurants - are in popular mixed residential-commercial neighborhoods on the north side of the city. You can find extensive lists of establishments in the Chicago Lakeview Gay Nightlife Guide and the Chicago Andersonville Gay Nightlife Guide.​ These neighborhoods are a lot of fun, but they're also a bit of a haul - by cab or public transit - from downtown Chicago, which is where most of the city's hotels are. 

Fortunately, there are a couple of very fun gay nightspots right in the heart of downtown, not to mention an almost endless supply of terrific restaurants, many of them with mixed gay/straight followings. Additionally, on the city's South Side, you'll find a pair of gay bars that cater predominantly to African-American patrons, Club Escape and Jeffery Pub. It's also a bit of a distance to reach these bars, but they're both legendary nightspots that are well-worth checking out, especially given that many of the nation's gay African-American hangouts have steadily disappeared over the years.

Here's a more in-depth look at these Downtown and South Side Chicago gay social establishments. Also take a look at the Chicago Gay Bathhouse and Sex Club Guide , which has plenty of advice on where to meet guys looking to hookup around Chicago.

Club Escape, South Side - gay bar

Andrew Collins

Set behind its restored art deco facade,  Club Escape  (1530 E. 75th St., 773-667-6454) is one of two long-running gay bars on Chicago's Southside, catering largely to the city's sizable African-American GLBT crowd (the other is the Jeffrey Pub). Escape is most popular on weekends, when it hosts some of the top drag acts in town. Thursday's "Ladies Night" is also well-attended. During the week it's a mellow scene, but $10 pitchers of beer and a friendly staff keep keep regulars coming back.

Jeffery Pub, South Side - gay bar

One of the most historic gay bars in Chicago,  Jeffery Pub  (7041 S. Jeffery Blvd., 773-363-8555) opened on this city's South Shore more than 40 years ago and has been ground zero for the city's African-American gay community ever since. The venerable bar hosts drag shows and has dancing throughout the weekend - there's a somewhat cramped dance floor, but the music's great and the energy high.

Baton Show Lounge, Downtown - gay bar

One of the longest-running gay clubs in the Midwest, the quite fabulous  Baton Show Lounge  is also one of the country's most illustrious female impersonation cabarets. It's also one of only a few Chicago gay establishments downtown (in the Near North neighborhood, at  436 N. Clark St. , 312-644-5269). The dishy, diva-packed drag shows are held Wednesday through Sunday, three times nightly, beginning at 8:30 pm - it's a good idea, especially on weekends, to make a reservation.

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The country's third-largest city, Chicago has a totally different vibe from the big cities on either coast. Nicknamed "Paris on the Prairie" because of its wide boulevards and tree-shaded parks, Chicago has a lot in common with that European capital. It has world-class museums, a breathtaking array of restaurants and gay nightlife that rivals any of its neighbors. This sophisticated city was home to the world's first skyscraper, (the Home Insurance Building in 1885, at just nine stories tall). Since then, the city has attracted famous architects like Louis Sullivan and Mies van der Rohe. The skyline's main feature these days is the iconic Willis Tower , the former Sears Tower completed in 1973, the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years. Its observation deck is one of Chicago's most popular tourist destinations.  

Getting here From O'Hare International Airport , take the Chicago Transit Authority's 'L" train heading east for $5. Change at Addison for a bus over to Lakeview, or go all the way into the Loop (about 45 minutes) for downtown destinations, and connections to other lines.  For information see CTA . For taxis see the airport sites.

Midway International Airport , on the southwest side, eight miles from the Loop, also offers air connections to cities all over North America and the Carribean -- dominated by low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines , with around 100 destinations. The CTA train fare to the Loop or Lakeview costs $2.50.

Chicago, the hub of the Amtrak national rail system, has trains coming into Union Station (225 South Canal St) from all regions of North America.

Greyhound has service to 2,400 locations in North America, with several Chicago stations. Their main terminus, at 630 Harrison St, is just west of the Loop, where I290 intersects with I90/94. MegaBus has low-cost intercity express bus service between Chicago and over 100 other US cities, coast to coast, plus Toronto, Canada.  

Getting around The Windy City is a breeze to get around, and a car is not only unnecessary, but often difficult to park. Bus routes 22 along Clark, and 36 on Broadway and the CTA Red Line EL will get you most anywhere in gay Chicago, and taxis are easy to find. Night services operate every 30 minutes on the Red and Blue lines, and the N22 bus runs on Clark from Andersonville, through Boystown, to the Loop.

CTA full fares are $2.50 per trip. Pass cards for unlimited rides of one ($10), three ($20) or seven days ($28), may be purchased online , from station vending machines , or or at retail locations around town, including CVS and Walgreens drug stores. Visit the TransitChicago.com or RTA websites to plan your route.

Metra , the Chicago area commuter rail system, has 11 lines with 241 stations radiating from downtown Chicago (LaSalle St Station, Millennium Station, Ogilvie Center, or Union Station), to the six-county area of northeast Illinois. Ravenswood and Clybourn have stations, but there are no stops in Boystown or Andersonville

With more than 170 miles of on-street protected, buffered and shared bike lanes, along with off street paths such as the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail, Chicago is getting more bike-friendly every year. See BikesWays for maps and information. Divvy Bikes is Chicago’s bike sharing system, with almost 6,000 bikes at 580 stations across the city. Bikes are accessible 24 hours every day with membership (sign up online) or with a 24-hour pass from any Divvy station. BikeChicago has the largest bike selection in town, and helmet, lock and a free map are included with rental. They also offer Segway city tours.  

Neighborhoods Boystown: Chicago's biggest concentration of gays is in the high- energy neighborhood of Lakeview East , perhaps better known as Boystown or Northalsted . It's a triangle between Belmont Avenue, Broadway and Halsted Street, the site of Chicago Pride Fest in June, Northalsted Market Days in August, and the Northalsted Halloween Parade in late October. Andersonville: The mellower Andersonville district stretches into Edgewater and includes many bars and restaurant of interest. Midsommarfest is the annual summer street festival in June, when people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, entertainment, and food.

Small town, big backyard With their long-running Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind , the Neo-Futurists zipped through 30 original plays in 60 minutes. Never the same show twice, the lightening-fast performances were hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking. After a successful 20-year run at the renowned theater troupe's home base, the Neo-Futurarium in Andersonville, they launched The Infinite Wrench in 2017. A barrage of two-minute plays for a live audience, each play offers something different, funny or profound, elegant, disgusting, topical, irreverent, terrifying, or put to song. See their website for upcoming shows in 2019.

Other theater and musical troupes in the neighborhood present everything from live-action gay soap operas to a tribute to The Carpenters. There's also a bi-monthly queer showcase called Homolatte - a twice-a-month, all-ages, queer music and spoken word series on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month at Tweet/ Big Chicks , 5024 N Sheridan.

Pride Films and Plays creates powerful theatrics and films that speak for the community using stories with LGBT characters or themes, with performances and screenings at their new home at Pride Arts Center .

More local queer theater productions can be seen at the Apollo Studio Theater , Mary's Attic , Stage773 , the Steppenwolf Theatre , Theater Wit , and others among the four dozen theaters and performance venues we list in our Chicago maps & listings pages.

Art House cinemas, your best bet for seeing international LGBTQ film screenings, include: The Gene Siskel Film Center ; Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema ; Logan Theatre ; and the Music Box Theatre . The Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival takes place in September. The Chicago Filmmakers presents new media arts works, and the Chicago Film Society screens 35mm and 16mm film prints from studio vaults, film archives, and private collections throughout the year.

Shopping The Magnificent Mile is a high-end shopping district on Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Oak Street. Department stores Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom , and Saks are all here, along with the Apple Store . Up-market brands include Armani, Burberry, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Ermenegildo Zegna . The 900 North Michigan Shops, The Shops at North Bridge , and Water Tower Place are local retail and dining centers.

The Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods, off North Milwaukee Avenue, are also full of boutiques, galleries, theaters, eateries and nightclubs, but with a more artsy/alternative vibe than in downtown.  

Media and resources Windy City Times is the city's gay newspaper. Boi Magazine covers gay entertainment and clubbing. Grab Magazine is Chicago's gay bi-weekly magazine, with business listings, bar events and maps, plus local color . ChicagoGoPride is another LGBT resource.

Chicago Events has gay and general events listings, along with many of the city's ethnic, street, food and music festivals.

The  Leather Archives and Museum documents leather/fetish community history with artifacts, photographs, exhibitions, a library, film screenings and special events - here in the home city of the International Mr Leather contest each Memorial Day Weekend.

For Chicago Bearfest events in late May see their facebook calendar.

The Grabbys , the porn movie awards events over the Memorial Day Weekend, bring the stars and the fans to Chicago from far and wide. 

Mr International Rubber contests take place in November, along with a Rubber Dress Code Party and events at clubs around town.

Asians & Friends Chicago has events each month throughout the year, with website links to other events and resources.

The  Reeling: Chicago LGBT International Film Festival takes place in mid-September.

The Center on Halsted is one of the world's best LGBT community centers with services, activities and special events -- and its construction was financed without any government money.

Area LGBT+friends sports associations include: the Athletic Alliance of Chicago ; the Chicago Gay Hockey Association ; the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ; the Chicago Rowing Union ; and Front Runners Chicago / Proud to Run ; and Second City Tennis .

The Chicago Reader is a great alternative paper for general listings, reviews, and events around town. Newcity is another general online resource.

Choose Chicago , the city's  " official destination marketing organization," has a thousand ideas for places go and things to do. Consult them online, or at one of their visitor centers.

See the website of  Enjoy Illinois for Chicago listings, but also for when you venture further into the Prairie State. Events12 has a full list of upcoming Chicago events for the year.

For a city map and website links to businesses and entertainment venues, see our gay Chicago listings tab. See events for what's happening around town, and for several years of photos from around town, see our gallery pages.

Accommodations

Ace Hotel Chicago (311 N Morgan St, West Loop; 312-548-1177), casual, gay-friendly vibe national chain, rooms, suite and loft, rooftop bar/lounge; City Mouse Restaurant and bar, 7am-11pm meals, everyday brunch.

Acme Hotel Company (15 E Ohio; 312-894-0800), newly remodled downtown boutique hotel, hardwood floors, all modern amenities.

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace (3434 N Broadway; 773-244-3434), Boystown location between lake and N Halsted scene, rooms/suites, fitness center, free breakfast, premium cable TV, internet access.

City Suites Hotel (933 W Belmont; 773-404-3400), art deco-style building, Boystown location at Belmont El station, gym pass, breakfast, Wi-Fi.

Chicago Getaway Hostel (616 West Arlington Pl; 773-929-5380), hostel with style, comfort and service of boutique hotel, spacious, modern common areas, gourmet kitchen, outdoor patio; inexpensive dorm beds or private rooms.

Dana Hotel (660 N State; 312-202-6000), luxury boutique hotel and spa, big windows overlooking State Street, up to 3 bedroom suites, 24-hour gym, private wine reserves.

HI Chicago (24 E Congress Pkwy; 312-360-0300), downtown, all ages welcome, no curfew, 500 inexpensive dorm beds, free breakfast,free WiFi, shared kitchen, laundry, TV lounges.

Hilton Chicago (720 S Michigan; 312-922-4400), over 1,500 rooms, Lake Michigan/ Grant Park views, heated indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and seasonal sundeck; hosts International Mr Leather competition.

Hotel Allegro (171 W Randolph St; 312-236-0123), 483 luxury guestrooms and suites downtown, 4-star services and amenities, 312 Chicago Restaurant, wine hour.

Hotel Burnham (1 W Washington St; 312-782-1111), Condé Nast Gold List landmark, luxury boutique hotel, Eco-friendly services and amenities, Michelin-rated Atwood Café restaurant

Hotel Indigo (1244 N Dearborn Pkwy; 312-787-4980), stylish, deluxe amenities, Gold Coast between Downtown and Boystown, Golden Bean restaurant.

Hotel Monaco Chicago (225 N Wabash; 866-610-0081), downtown boutique hotel, luxurious French decor, South Water Kitchen restaurant, fitness center, business center; part of Kimpton chain.

Hotel Versey (644 West Diversey Pkwy; 773-525-7010), 133 rooms/suites, full-service alternative to expensive downtown hotels; WiFi/T1, satellite TV, business extras. Formerly Days Inn .

House 5863 (5863 N Glenwood Ave; 773-944-5555), gay-friendly B&B between lake & North Clark nightlife, flex-time breakfast, garden and deck areas.

Kinzie Hotel (20 W Kinzie; 312-395-9095) in River North, contemporary luxury boutique hotel, near Magnificent Mile shops, 24-hour business and fitness centers.

Majestic Hotel (528 W Brompton; 773-404-3499), "shabby chic" alternative boutique hotel, cozy rooms, closest to the lake rooms in Lakeview; breakfast, gym access, WiFi.

Villa Toscana Guest House (3447 N Halsted; 773-404-2643), small gay-friendly Boystown central guesthouse, landscaped front yard, broadband wireless, self-serve continental breakfast.

Willows Hotel (555 West Surf St; 773-528-8400), Lincoln Park location two blocks from lake, breakfast, WiFi, gym access.

See over a dozen more Chicago lodgings suggestions on our map and listings pages.

Bars & clubs: Boystown/ Lakeview area

Berlin (954 W Belmont) acclaimed multicultural alternative and queer dance club, late-night crowd, performance artists, live music, comedy, drag shows, guest DJs, dancing until 4-5am. Just-released cutting-edge nuggets mix with classics in hands  of Chicago's freshest generation of DJ talent.

Bobby Love's (3729 N Halsted) tiny neighborhood bar at the top of Boystown where karaoke rules.

Cell Block (3702 N Halsted), men's cruise, video and dance bar, games, bear nights, IML and Mr. International Rubber events & special parties.

Charlie's (3726 N Broadway) rollicking country-western bar, morphs into high-energy dance club after 2am Thursdays - Sundays when other Boystown bars have closed. Saturday karoake, drag shows, and late night after-hours until 5am.

Circuit "On Tour" at various clubs around town; drag, hip-hop nights, go-go dancers, and Noche Vaquera/ Latinx parties .

Closet (3325 N Broadway), lesbian owned, friendly-to-all neighborhood bar, games, free WiFi, special theme parties.

DS Tequila Co (3352 N Halsted), tequila bar, beer/ cocktails/ bar food, Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Elixir Lounge (3452 N Halsted), specialty cocktails, prohibition-era classics, tastings, special events, next to Hydrate.

Fantasy Nightclub (3641 N Halsted), Latin, Urban and special event dance club nights, erotic go-go dancers, drag shows, Black Pride events. They also host some of the Neverland parties several times each year.

Hydrate (3458 N Halsted) crushingly packed, cruisy dance club, young, fashionable, attractive crowd and staff, hot dancers, male revues and contests, blackout parties, drag shows, cabaret, theme nights, and Manhole special events.

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club (3700 N Halsted St),  diva martini and cocktail lounge, starters, dinner entrees, champagne brunch.

Little Jim's (3501 N Halsted) early or late-nights, after all the others have closed, men's drinking and cruising bar, cheap drinks.

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge (3169 N Halsted), Chicago's only every-night rotation of erotic male dancers, on stage, on bars, and mingling. Holidays always celebrated in style, and if porn stars are in town they usually show up here.

Manhandler (1948 N Halsted) men's cruise bar halfway from Boystown to Downtown, very active patio and backroom, especially in the later hours.

Metro  (3730 N Clark), live concert and party venue, special gay events and performances; cocktail lounge. They also host some of the Neverland parties several times each year.

North End (3733 N Halsted) Chicago's original gay sports bar, neighborhood tavern, ports video and TV games, pool tables, dart boards, athletic crowd. Bar-sponsored football, water polo, darts, bowling, softball, and volleyball teams, porn stars headline special events.

Progress Bar (3359 N Halsted), new concept design lounge, nightly themes, weekend DJs, mixed crowd, craft beers/ales, impressive liquor/cocktails selection, drag; great window on Halsted. Former Cocktail  site.

Replay (3439 N Halsted), arcade bar with retro video games and pinball machines, 25-tap local draft and craft beers, country music nights, drag shows, sports on TV. Was Bucks.

Roscoe's (3356 N Halsted) popular Boystown center video bar complex, intense dance area, fireplace lounge and pub, drag shows, karaoke, patio and sidewalk restaurant, constant stream of events.

Scarlet (3320 N Halsted) rich decor, small, pleasant escape from Boystown crush. Rotating events include local artists, independent film, top name DJs, comedy and theme parties.

Shakers on Clark (3160 N Clark) small neighborhood cocktail bar with karaoke nights, darts tournaments, WiFi access, mixed gay-friendly crowd. Formerly the 3160/ Annex .

Sidetrack (3349 N Halsted) spacious video bar compex, many rooms and ambiences, inside and out. Central big-screen video bar, laughing and singing crowd, queer and eclectic fare from amazing archives. Show tunes Sunday, Monday favorites, Thursdayscomedy. Special events, biggest, most diverse crowd in Chicago. Valet parking too.

Smart Bar (3730 N Clark St), small mixed late-hour weekend dance club, at concert venue Metro.

SX Chicago , (738 N Clark; Near North), last Saturdays monthly urban, HipHop dance parties, Blatino, Urbano and Black Pride events, sexy go-go dancers and guest porn stars.

Wangs (3317 N. Broadway), mixed crowd, low lights, martinis, DJs, "temple to music" live music and performances, dance floor.

CLOSED: Circuit (3641 N Halsted), dance club; Halsted's Bar & Grill + Lark (3441 N Halsted St), gay bar & grill; Spin (800 W Belmont), dance club, amateur strip; Manhole (3210 N Halsted), men's fetish dance club; Minibar (3341 N Halsted), gay lounge, dance club; Seven  (3206 N Halsted St), dancing/ drag, Latin nights, go-gos, porn stars.

Bars & clubs: Northside to Andersonville & Westside

Andersonville Brewing (5402 N Clark St), sports bar/ brew pub, the big games, on-site beer brews, 40 more bottled/ draft beers and ciders. Hamburger Mary’s kitchen big burgers, salads, sandwiches, snacks, entrees and deserts.

Atmosphere (5355 N Clark), cocktail bar, cabaret shows, theme parties, Thursday to Saturday male strippers.

Big Chicks (5024 N Sheridan), local bar and restaurant for all, patio, trivia games, theme nights, Sunday buffets, guest DJs. Bear Den at Big Chicks every Thursday night.

The Call (1547 W Bryn Mawr), nightly video, dance and party bar, pop and retro music; home-inspired entertainment, drag shows, country dance nights, happy hour movie Mondays, TV events, performances, singer tributes.

Davenport's Piano Bar (1383 N Milwaukee, Wicker Park), mostly straight but gay-friendly piano and cabaret bar with student discounts.

Granville Anvil (1137 W Granville), men's dive bar, opens early at 9am for the dedicated regulars.

Hamburger Mary's / Mary's Attic (5400 N Clark), street-level restaurant/ gay bar, Wednesday and Sunday MaryOke , weekend DJs, theatre productions, musical acts, special events; private parties.

Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark), mosly straigh but gay-friendly bar with kitchen, known for their Belgian ale selection.

In Fine Spirits   (5420 N Clark), wine bar, mostly straight but diverse and gay-friendly crowd.

Jackhammer (6406 N Clark), diverse crowd upper bar for gay men and women, dance floor, patio. Downstairs basement Levi-leather/fetish and sex-charged Hole . Bear events, strippers, theme parties. Open to 4am nightly, 5am Saturdays.

Joie De Vine (1744 Balmoral), wine bar, arts crowd, mostly women.

Le Nocturn (4810 N Broadway), gay/mixed cocktail bar/lounge; American Food cafe, patio seating; events include Grizzly and Make Out parties.

Marty's (1511 W Balmoral Ave), often crowded chic gay martini bar, back patio relieves the crush. Martinis include: Pineapple-Upside-Down, Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Chocolate Mint.

Meeting House Tavern (5025 N Clark), Tuesday-Sunday gay/ mixed cocktail/ video bar, games, karaoke, theme nights; Hutch American Kitchen food orders.

Ravenwood Tavern (1829 W Montrose), mixed gay-friendly neighborhood/ sports bar near Montrose CTA stop; darts, jukebox, all are welcome. The former Scot's Bar .

Sofo Tap (4923 N Clark). neighborhood gay bar, pool table, movie nights and videos, DILF Nights for older guys and those who like them, bears, large dog-friendly beer garden/ patio.

Touché (6412 N Clark) leather/rubber/fetish men's bar with cheap beer, bear nights, fun contests and porn star events, dress-code and very active cruisy back rooms. Onyx Midwest leather events.

CLOSED: Crew Bar and Grill (4804 N Broadway), music and sports video bar/sidewalk cafe.

Bars & clubs: Downtown, Southside, Suburbs & Beyond

Baton Show Lounge (436 N Clark), first-rate drag shows for a mostly straight crowd. After 49 years, celebrating their last New Year's Eve on Clark St, December 31st, 2018.

La Cueva (4153 W 26th St, West Side), oldest USA Latino drag bar, macho vaqueros.

Club Krave (13126 Western Ave, Blue Island), mostly gay crowd in southern suburbs with male dancers, plus karaoke, bingo, pool games, bear nights, monthly drag shows, and other parties.

Club Escape (1530 E 75th St; Soutside), Friday, Saturday, Sunday, "Chicago's number one black alternative nightclub," low-price drinks.

Dick's R U Crazy (1221 E 150th St, Hammond IN), neighborhood gay and lesbian party bar, bingo, pool, free hot dogs Sundays.

InnExile (5758 W 65th) sociable neighborhood video bar in the Southwest, near Midway Airport, with free parking and Chicago Beef dancers on Fridays.

Maneuvers (118 E Jefferson St, Joliet), LGBT/ everyone welcome neighborhood bar for 33 years, weekend DJs, Latin nights, chili cook-offs. (Off our map).

Phoenix (1932 E. Higgins Rd, Elk Grove Village), gay/mixed suburban dance club, hot male go-go hunks Thursdays through Sundays, plus Latin Sundays .

Second Story Bar (157 E Ohio, Downtown), long-time downtown gay bar in area convenient to Magnificent Mile shoppers.

Saunas & sex spaces

Banana Video (4923 N Clark) adult gay video store with screening rooms and accessories.

Ram Bookstore (3511 N Halsted), adult magazines and DVDs, cruise maze, video booths with 'ventilation' -also with late night dance and play floor, with music DJs and light show.

Steamworks (3246 N Halsted), modern gay gym and sauna with all bathhouse amenities, video, internet and playspace facilities, live DJs. Guest porn star events, monthly Lights Out , Bear Hump, Bears, Baths and Beyond , events, plus CumUnion sex parties, second Mondays.

Two long-time gay Chicago institutions CLOSED recently.

Bijiou Theater (1349 Wells), the 24/7 men's porn heaven cinema, strip shows and action-filled garden closed after 45 years. Their website continues with online streams and vintage gay porn.

Man's Country (5017 N Clark), 24/7 grand old-style 1973-2017 gay bathhouse, famous for nude stripper/ porn star shows. Opened by local gay/ leather icon Chuck Renslow of Gold Coast , Chicago Eagle and IML fame, who died in June 2017. IML gatherings continue each Memorial Day Weekend.

Restaurants For a list of 80 suggestions, see our restaurant listings section.

Restaurants: Lakeview

Ann Sather Restaurant (909 W Belmont), grand Swedish diner serving superb breakfast varieties of Eggs Benedict, omelets, wraps, pancakes and waffles; also lunch soups, salads and sandwiches plus justly famous cinnamon rolls. Additional locations: 1147 W Granville; 3415 N Broadway.

Bar Pastoral (2947 N Broadway St), relaxed neighborhood bistro and gourmet retail store, artisan cheeses, charcuterie meats, bakery, wines; Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Bistro 750 (750 W Cornelia), Mediterranean and global sharing plates, Saturday and Sunday brunch, bar with craft cocktails, wines; patio tables. Old Taverna and Cornelia's location.

Chicago Diner (3411 N Halsted) award-winning, mostly vegan meat-free meals, sandwiches, brunch, bakery; plus organic wines and beer, juice bar, margaritas and shakes.

Drew's on Halsted , formerly Jack's (3201 N Halsted), American contemporary bistro, burgers, gourmet pizzas, open seven nights for dinner with patio; Saturday and Sunday brunch with Mimosas and Bloody Mary specials.

Lark (3441 N Halsted), gay/mixed pub/video bar DJs, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wraps; brunch benedicts, omelets, pancakes. Former Halsted’s Bar + Grill site.

Melrose Diner (3233 N Broadway), casual vibe, expansive menu, 24-hours/ always open, all-American diner, breakfast all the time; after bar closings rush.

Nookies Tree (3334 N Halsted), casual American no-nonsense/wholesome food, 7am-midnight Boystown restaurant/bar, 24-hour weekends. Before/ after-bars meeting place, quiet afternoons, hearty Sunday brunch. Also: Nookies Too , (2114 N Halsted); Old Town, 1746 N Wells; and Edgewater, 1100 W Bryn Mawr.

Orange (2413 N Clark + 2011 W Roscoe), fresh juice bar, breakfast, brunch and sandwich fare until 3pm every day. Orange flavored infused coffee specialities.

Stella's Diner (3042 N Broadway), good American no-frills diner food, soup, salads, sandwiches, milk shakes and more from a big menu, 7am to 10pm.

Whole Foods (3640 N Halsted), freshly prepared takeout meals and self-serve salads, at the Center on Halsted.

Restaurants: Uptown

Crew Bar and Grill (4804 N Broadway) - CLOSED ( "looking for a new home" - for some time now) - gay sports bar/ grill, weekend brunches with bloodies and bubbles, all-American burgers, wraps/ sandwiches, soups and salads.

Hamburger Mary's (5400 N Clark), 11:30am-11pm gay diner burgers/sandwiches and entrees, weekend brunch 10:30am-3pm. Sports on TV, trivia games, gong shows, karaoke, cabaret and live soaps, theater productions, music acts and special events in Mary's Attic.

Indie Cafe (5951 N Broadway, Edgewater), stellar restaurant and sushi bar serving spice authentic savory Thai soups and curries, simple Japanese cuisine, grilled meats, seafood, maki, teriyaki, noodles and rice; lunch specials.

M Henry (5707 N Clark), globally-inspired New American restaurant and bakery with healthy cuisine for breakfast from 7am, (8 on weekends) and lunch. Famous for blackberry bliss cakes.

Tweet (5020 N Sheridan), at Big Chick's , fresh, organic breakfast/lunch omelets, benedicts, pancakes, sandwiches, Saturday/Sunday brunch until 3pm; full bar, Monday-Friday grill menu, gluten-free options. Free WiFi.

Restaurants: Downtown

Pizzeria Uno (29 E Ohio), Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza, since 1943. A classic, pleasantly different from the multitude it spawned. Pizzaria Due (619 N Wabash Ave) is just around the corner.

Shopping & services:

Brown Elephant Resale (3020 N Lincoln + 5404 N Clark), the Howard Brown Health Center second-hand shop with clothing, books, household goods, music; benefits gay and AIDS groups. Formerly on N Halsted.

Chicago Male (3418 N Halsted), salon and spa, haircuts, color and styling services for men and women; skin care, facials, waxing and body hair removal.

The Chicago Tattooing and Piercing Company (1017 W Belmont), gay-friendly, safe tattoo and body piercing studio.

Dude Undies (online store), designer brand men's underwear, thongs, boxers, singlets, jocks, swimwear, thermal undies, long and short sleeve T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and socks.

Leather 6410 (6410 N Clark), uptown leather and fetish boutique between Jackhammer and Touché , clothing and accessories, toys and gear, for men and women.

Tulip (3459 N Halsted), all-gender/ sexualities adult/ sex toy shop, BDSM gear, books and porn, intimate apparel,parties and workshops.

Unabridged Books (3251 N Broadway) has focused on gay and lesbian titles since 1980 with good general public selections too. From the latest issues of gay magazines to Children's classics they cover the spectrum.

Women and Children First (5233 N Clark), feminist/LGBT indie bookstore, knowledgeable staff, author readings.

CLOSED : The Alley (3221 N Clark), long-time Chicago institution, gifts/ oddities emporium and head shop, closed after Halloween 2018. Their online store now has discount-priced teeshirts, leather jackets, hoodies, jewelry and accessories.

Cheetah Gym (5248 N Clark), Andersonville's gay choice for workouts, strength and cardio, steamroom, internet café.

Fitness Formula Club (3228 N Halsted) gayest outpost in Lakeview with personal trainers, Bootcamp programs, aquatics, massage services, facials, martial arts, yoga and more.

Quads (3727 N Broadway), cheapest gay-friendly gym in Lakeview, cardio, strength and fitness, personal trainers.

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Chicago's LGBTQ Neighborhoods: Uptown & Edgewater

Where to eat, stay, shop, and play in two LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods on Chicago's north side.

by Amber Holst in Chicago June 12, 2018

Home You are in… Get Inspired » LGBTQ Chicago: Uptown & Edgewater

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Located on the north side of Chicago, the neighborhoods of Uptown & Edgewater contain some of the city's best hidden gems. From jazz clubs and beaches to gay bars adjacent to weekend brunch spots, these neighborhood make for a relaxing day among the LGBTQ-friendly locals.

Located on the north side of Chicago, the neighborhoods of Uptown & Edgewater contain some of the city's best hidden gems. From jazz clubs and beaches to gay bars adjacent to weekend brunch spots, these neighborhood make for a relaxing day among the LGBTQ-friendly locals.

Kathy Osterman Beach (a.k.a. Hollywood Beach)

It is apt that the gay beach in Chicago, popularly called Hollywood Beach, is officially named after Kathy Osterman, the Chicago politician who fought for gay rights in the 1980s. The beach is full of sandy stretches that, on a sunny Midwest day, makes you feel as if you are in Florida rather than Illinois. You’ll also find a friendly, down-to-earth crowd with a lot less attitude than other Chicago area beaches.

Edgewater Theater District

Chicago is known nationwide for its iconic storefront theatre scene–it’s the kind of theatre where you’ll experience knock-your-socks off acting and innovative, jaw-dropping productions from intimate 50-100 seat theaters. With over fifteen theater companies based in Edgewater, the neighborhood is a hotbed for the kind of theatre that’s put Chicago on the map and helped make Edgewater the vibrant, exciting community that it is. Our favorites include The Raven Theater on Clark Street, the Rivendell and Steep Theatre companies, and the NeoFuturists on Ashland Avenue

Where to Eat

Gino’s north.

Not to be confused with Chicago’s famous Gino’s East pizzeria known for their deep dish pizza, this Edgewater gem is a family-run neighborhood institution that does cracker-thin pizza right. Best described as a “time warp”, this old-school joint is located underneath the Granville Red Line L stop and boasts a delightfully retro decor, complete with horseshoe-shaped leather booths and a curvy, back-light bar. Added bonus? Owner Peggy, who turns 86 this August, hand-makes the pies and the bartenders here are known for their filled-to-the-brim $5 pours.

Where to Brunch

A favorite in the community, this colorful and cozy Uptown spot known for its fresh and organic breakfast options and the charming, eccentric, décor. The menu here consists of creative Benedicts, breakfast burritos, corn arepas, and has a plethora of veggie and gluten-free friendly options. Insider tip: It is cash only and if you’re looking to “drunch” definitely opt for the Bloody Mary (hello garnishes!).

Where to Kick Back

Big Chicks in Uptown, Tweet’s boozy sibling, has an amazing back patio, fun atmosphere, and well-priced drinks. If that’s not a winning combination we don’t know what is, which is why this place is a sure-fire favorite of locals. Don’t miss the free summer BBQ on Sundays and their oh-so-delicious vodka lemonades! This LGBTQ staple also features DJs and dancing after dark in the adjoining Tweet space.

The Granville Anvil

Located half a block west from Gino’s North, this no-frills gay bar is worth popping into if only to marvel at the low set circular bar that sometimes doubles as—much to the bartender’s dismay—a catwalk for those looking to strut their stuff once a quarter’s dropped in the jukebox. While it’s a tad divey, the clientele here is as friendly and diverse as they come and the patio out back is a great place to kick back when the weather allows.

The Green Mill

This retro cocktail lounge is one of the city's most famous music venues—and for good reason. S ome of the best jazz and cabaret music takes the stage most nights, and on Saturday afternoons, an array of local (and, occasionally, famous acts) comedians, musicians, and storytellers perform at The Paper Machete , a free "live magazine" that embraces diverse, original voices.

by Amber Holst of Concierge Preferred

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A Queer Guide to Chicago Gayborhoods

Spend the day exploring the Windy City's LGBTQ+ neighborhoods of Andersonville and Boystown.

The city of Chicago was founded in the heart of Potawatomi traditional territory by the Black trader Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, who established a settlement here in the 1780s. Over the ensuing centuries, the metropolis was built up, burnt down, and built again, coalescing into a series of neighborhoods, each with its own personality and ethnocentric flavor, including Chinatown, Greektown, and Little Lithuania. 

But far from fragmented, Chicagoans are drawn together, unified particularly in their love of the city’s unique culture. This makes the Art Institute of Chicago , with its wide range of works from ancient to modern, a great place to start a day in the Windy City. From there, walk the few blocks to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as The Bean , the public artwork meant to mimic an enormous drop of mercury. It’s the perfect place to take amazing pictures and enjoy the adjacent Millennium Park.

Next, stop at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry with its hands-on experiential exhibits. There, you can go underground in a coal mine or imagine 

life underwater in the only German WWII submarine displayed in the U.S.

Continue to the Shedd Aquarium where you can get your hands on a beluga whale. Seriously, you put on a pair of waders, stand on a ledge in chest deep water, touch the whale and say, “Hello!”

Take the “El,” the elevated trains are worth a ride simply for the view. Or grab a cab to see the boys, grrlz, and cute queers of all sorts in the city’s two LGBTQ + neighborhoods. The Lakeview neighborhood Boystown has hosted the annual Pride parade since 1971.

The gayborhood — recently renamed Northalsted to be more inclusive (but locals don’t call it that) — has something for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ resource space, the Center on Halsted .

Indulge your need to express your sexiness and snark in pins, posters, plants, and more at Foursided Card & Gift . Stroll down the Legacy Walk , America’s first outdoor LGBTQ+ museum, and read plaques honoring queer heroes such as Harvey Milk and Frida Kahlo — then stop at Chicago Diner , which boasts an array of vegetarian and vegan options. While famous for their Radical Ruben, their gyros deserve a shout out and the vegan milkshakes are amazing.

Stop, shop, and stroll, in the city’s other queer neighborhood, Andersonville , the “coolest neighborhood in the U.S.,” and second in the world to Copenhagen’s Nørrebro, according to Time Out . Home to the Swedish American Museum and the famous water tower painted with the Swedish flag, Andersonville has everything from fine dining to comic books ( Alley Cat Comics , across the street from the famously feminist Women & Children First independent bookstore, and the nearby Graham Cracker Comics ). Traveling kinksters will also be pleased to find tons of sexy supplies for consenting adult fun at Full Kit Gear , aka FKG.

Along this strip you’ll find another Foursided store, as well as Kopi Cafe , the evergreen lesbian meeting place with a lounging space that’s made for sitting cross-legged on pillows.

A few blocks south is Urban Vegan , which makes such tasty Thai cuisine you’ll forget that it’s all plant based. Or go a little farther to Budacki’s Drive In in nearby Ravenswood. This classic, cash-only hot dog stand serves fries so good the late Anthony Bourdain was a fan. Eat like a local and ask for your dog “dragged through the garden,” which means smothered in relish, pickles, onions, tomato, celery salt, mustard, and sport peppers. The celery salt is key, and there is no ketchup. Ever.

Walk down the block from Budacki’s to Rock N Roll Vintage & Synth City , where you can explore, indulge, and encourage the rock star in your life. Round off your night with a trip to the truly all-embracing Black and queer-owned bar, Nobody’s Darling . 

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Gay Illinois Travel Guide | USA

You cannot imagine how excited we are to finally share the highlights of our first-ever trip to Illinois and, of course, to Chicago with you. The city of wind by the great Lake Michigan was already for so long on our gay travel bucket list. But first things first! We started our Illinois adventure for our Gay Illinois Travel Guide with a road trip visiting Galena, one of TripAdvisor’s top ten “Charming Small Towns” in the US right at the northwest border of the US states of Iowa and Wisconsin. Known and loved for its mid-century architecture, Galena is becoming more and more popular among the LGBTQ+ community of Chicago and beyond.

– in paid collaboration with Visit Illinois –

On our way back, we put a one-day stop in Rockford on our list. Visiting the Murals in the city enter as well as the Japanese Garden and the Laurent House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright made this stop worthwhile. Before finally arriving in Chicago, we spent a night in Geneva, another beautiful community just a one-hour train ride from Chicago. Next time when visiting Illinois, we want to explore the highlights of the famous Route 66, Illinois’ capital city Springfield and, of course, see more of Chicago. For now, we collected the most important information for your Illinois travels in our Gay Illinois Travel Guide from our first trip. Read more about our Road Trip to Galena here >

Gay Illinois Travel Guide

Known for its unparalleled architecture with countless bridges over the north and south branch of the Chicago River and hundreds of spectacular skyscrapers, Chicago as the third-biggest city of the United States of America has been on our bucket list for ages! Back in Chicago, after our road trip to Galena, we were so excited to be able to attend the 50th edition of the Chicago Pride Parade, exploring the gay neighborhoods Boystown and Andersonville and their famous nightlife.

Chicago is located right at the shore of Lake Michigan which means, LGBTQ+ tourists actually can combine a city trip to Chicago with some relaxed days at the beach, experiencing the diversity and freshness of great culinary highlights of Illinois while exploring the urban city life. And to be completely honest, one of the reasons Karl is so excited about visiting Chicago is the US TV series ER (Emergency Room) he grew up with and telling the story of an ER in Chicago. This brings us back to the architecture and the Chicago River.

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Of course, we jumped on a Shoreline Architecture Cruise boat to join one of the best architecture tours in the world. The view from a river perspective was spectacular and could only be topped by the view of Chicago by night from the 360 Chicago Observation deck and its thrilling experience TILT. Don’t miss the view of the unique Chicago skyline from the Navy Pier , the world’s biggest rooftop bar.

Were you aware that Illinois is known for its Frank Lloyd Wright trail ? This unique route makes it possible for fans of his modern architecture to actually see some of the buildings he designed from inside and outside. We spent a whole day in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, some other houses designed by him across the street as well as the Unity Temple. We aimed to see as much as possible of his work, especially after having a private tour at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House in Rockford. Read more about Chicago’s Gay Life here >

How to get to Illinois and the northern USA?

How to get to Illinois and Chicago? We found some great flight opportunities with flights from Europe and Amsterdam with KLM with some pretty good deals starting from 500 Euro return. There are plenty of direct connections from Amsterdam to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) including KLM partner airline DELTA. Click here for  Amsterdam- Chicago – Amsterdam > with KLM and Delta.

Gay-friendly Hotels in Illinois & Chicago

Lesbian, gay, and queer travelers from all over the world can find LGBTQ+ and gay-friendly accommodations not only in the gay neighborhoods of Chicago but also across the Illinois state. In our Gay Travel Guide Illinois we are focussing on the hotels we have actually stayed at and the ones known to be run or owned by gay couples. Let us start in Galena where we, unfortunately, did not stay in one of the gay run bed&breakfasts in a historic mansion. But we visited some really cool ones and connected to them via Instagram.

First on our list is the Jail Hill Inn , a 135-year-old, 4-story high brick building operated and owned by local gay man Matthew Carol. He turned the former jail into an Inn with six private suites. Second on our list: The Felt Manor Guest House overlooking the city of Galena, run by the new innkeepers, gay couple Geoff and Alex. The third gay-friendly accommodation on our list is the Aldrich Guest House, with the innkeepers, Douglas and Robert. On our way to Chicago, we stayed at The Herrington Inn in Geneva, with a distinguished European popular for honeymoons. In Chicago, we spend our first night at the Hilton Orrington/Evanston before actually traveling to Chicago.

If you want to explore the gay neighborhoods Boystown and Andersonville, we can recommend the comfortable, spacious suites at the BW Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel on Broadway. In Downtown Chicago, we spent some nights at the 4 Diamond Kimpton Gray Hotel on West Monroe Street.

How gay-friendly is Illinois and the USA?

Generally speaking, the United States of America is considered to be frankly LGBTQ+ and gay-friendly including equal marriage since 2015. Especially in the bigger cities such as Chicago or the LGBTQ+ getaways like Galena, are places in the US and Illinois that can be considered safe and secure for lesbian, gay, and queer travelers in general. Nevertheless, we genuinely hope that the current US administration will continue supporting lesbian, gay, trans, and queer people and see LGBTQ+ rights as what they really are, human rights. If you are traveling to Chicago, don’t forget to check our Chicago Gay City Life article!

Spartacus Gay Travel Guide:   Rank 31 for the USA (in 2020) Wikipedia Gay USA:   LGBT rights in the United States of America Highlights Pride Events: 50th Chicago Pride 2019

Gay Travel Guide Illinois: Please consider our tips as suggestions with no guarantee that it still will be like that when you are traveling there. Though we did our research and all our opinions written in this article are honest, authentic, and true. We would like to thank Illinois Tourism for their invitation, support, and the possibility to experience the gay-friendly side of Illinois and Chicago in a special way. For any clarifications about your plans for traveling to Illinois and the USA , follow us and email us or drop us a line on Facebook , Twitter , YouTube , and Instagram . See you around the world and the next time in Galena, Chicago, Illinois, and the United States of America!

  Karl & Daan.

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Gay and Gay-friendly Hotels in Chicago

The gay community in Chicago has a lot of options when it comes to hotels in the city. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for gay travelers include Boystown, Lakeview, and Andersonville.

One of the top-rated hotels in the city is the 4-star Hilton Chicago. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and a full-service bar and restaurant. Guests rave about the friendly staff and comfortable rooms at this hotel.

Another popular option is the 5-star The Langham, Chicago. Located in the heart of the city, this luxurious hotel offers a spa, rooftop pool, and free Wi-Fi for all guests. The hotel's convenient location makes it easy to explore the city, and guests love the modern rooms and attentive staff.

For a more boutique experience, the The Guesthouse Hotel is a great choice. This 4-star hotel offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. Located in the trendy Boystown neighborhood, the hotel features a fitness center, rooftop bar, and free breakfast for all guests.

No matter which hotel you choose, you'll be within walking distance of the city's top attractions. Chicago is home to a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium. The city is also known for its vibrant food and entertainment scene, and its iconic architecture.

When planning your trip to Chicago, be sure to check out misterb&b, the best website and app for the LGBTQ+ community to find the perfect hotel. With misterb&b, you can choose from the most booked hotels by the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago, and find the best neighborhoods to stay in, including Boystown, Lakeview, and Andersonville.

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With misterb&b, experience a more welcoming world. From private rooms and apartments to LGBTQ-friendly hotels, you have the option to stay in the heart of gay districts as well as other neighborhoods in the places you visit. A loft in Soho , a shared room in Barcelona or in the Castro , a gay-friendly hotel in Le Marais or in Chelsea , experience misterb&b in all gay travel destinations ! Activate the connection option on your profile and connect with other misterb&b travelers at your destination city or hotel! Problems with misterb&b ? Please refer to our Help Center. misterb&b is not affiliated, endorsed, or otherwise associated with Airbnb .

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7 TOUR Companies that are Proud to specialize IN LGBTQ+ TRAVEL

Affinity Travel , Online Exclusives

THESE TOUR companies are designed TO provide support for and celebrate LGBTQ+ friendly TRAVEL AND are ready to help you see the world the way you want.

For travelers in the LGBTQ+ community one key aspect of a successful trip is an atmosphere of acceptance. The tour operators listed below specialize in lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender travel and will work with you and your group to assemble vacations to the best LGBT-friendly locations. Each of these companies pay close attention to the up-and-coming locations for LGBTQ+ travel as well as keeping an ear out for the safest destinations for anyone in the community. Feeling comfortable to be who you are while traveling is the top priority at each of these companies and they all have something unique to offer in the business of vacationing within your community.

OLIVIA TRAVEL

Leading lesbian tour operator, Olivia Travel, began as a record label in 1973 before transforming into an international tour outlet in 1990. Today the company, has planned trips for over 350,000 women and has a program designed for every kind of woman. There are programs for women over 40 and under 40, women of color, and even women in uniform. Whether you prefer to bring all your best gals on a trip or find adventure solo, there is a trip by Olivia that is a perfect fit for you. Their travel coordinators will work with you, or your entire group, to plan your next fantastic vacation.

Olivia Travel goes all out to deliver world-class travel experiences to women, their vacations span from full cruise trips to renting out hotels for a vacation full of girl power. The company even offers safari trips full of gorgeous landscapes and rare animal experiences. No matter which route you chose, all adventures through Olivia Travel are created to foster authenticity, a welcoming community of LGBTQ+ women, and a space that allows you to come exactly as you are. Groups, or solo travelers, may book online, visit the San Francisco office or call Olivia’s travel consultants. ( olivia.com )

OWLs: We celebrate our elders by creating special events so that you can connect, share stories, and forge new friendships. (photo courtesy of https://olivia.com/our-programs)

ZOOM VACATIONS

Based in Chicago, this prestigious travel planner won the 2016 Travvy Award’s gold prize for Best Escorted Tour Operator in the LGBT category and the 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Awards, among many other accolades. From their start Zoom has been all about diversity, inclusion, and comradery. All their destinations have been vetted as being gay-friendly and welcoming to people in all walks of life.

Zoom Vacations believes that successful gay travel, and travel in general, relies on the close attention to detail. Travel coordinators at Zoom strive to personalize the trip to the traveler, getting to know you, your preferences, and the vision you have for your vacation. The company provides two ways to travel, with their pre-planned vacation itineraries or by helping you plan your own private trip catered to your ideas.

Zoom’s unique tours can take you anywhere from Morocco or Egypt, and even to the Maldives. Their planned get aways offered each year include luxury hotel stays, tour guides throughout all the trip’s outings, as well as incredible cuisine both at your hotel and at hand-picked locations around your destination. If you want to go the independent travel route, a travel expert will work with you throughout each step of the planning process. They will consider the destination you have in mind along with your budget and hand craft a vacation specific to you. Pricing for solo trips and the schedule for upcoming tours, as well as testimonial from several previous Zoom travelers can be found on their website ( zoomvacations.com ).

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah to serve as a beacon of hope to the large population of young LGBTQ+ individuals, HE Travel is one of the leading companies in inclusive travel. They have received the Editor’s Choice from Out & About, the popular gay travel newsletter, and was named Gay Tour Operator of the Year by OutTraveler Magazine.

HE Travel specializes in active outdoor travel with trips that feature hiking, rafting, and biking. While all their trips have a varying levels of outdoor activity, they do not all center around these activities. There are also trips that feature island hopping, safaris and even cultural tours.

If outdoor adventure amongst a welcoming and inclusive community sounds like the right kind of trip for you, you can visit HE Travel’s website to see their full calendar of trips. ( tototours.com )

OUT ADVENTURES

Based in Canada, Out Adventures takes LGBTQ+ groups interests into consideration when planning a variety of trips around the world. Since 2009 Out Adventures has been prioritizing the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in their travel itineraries. Their crew has explored over a hundred countries, making them well versed about customs and feelings towards the community. This allows them to plan trip for you centered around places that you will feel safe and welcomed. Out Adventures are not only curated to make you feel welcomed wherever your travels may take you, but also to support the LGBTQ+ community in the countries their tours visit. Tours are organized on their site according to themes such as active, cruise, culture, and flex, making it easy to find a trip that feels right for your interests.

Out Adventures guided trips and tours lean more towards the small size hosting sixteen travelers for land excursions and not more than forty on a cruise. This allows you and your fellow vacationers to build a sense of comradery and foster an even greater community feel on your trip. If one of their tours does not stick out to you, they always have agents that are happy to help you plan something that is more your style or speed. ( outadventures.com )

(Photo courtesy of https://www.outadventures.com/)

(Photo courtesy of https://www.outadventures.com/ )

DETOURS GAY TRAVEL

Founded in 2012, Detours home base is also located in Canada. The company is run by a group of family and friends that pride themselves on putting together relaxing and unhurried vacations. Their travel initiative is to allow guests on their trips to be travelers, not tourists, immersing them in a locations culture rather than only seeing bug ticket attractions. Detours travel concept revolves around you the traveler, steering away from “cookie cutter” itineraries and following a plan as we go mindset. If you would rather lay on the beach while the rest of the group goes zip lining or want to try out a weaving class instead of snorkeling, Detours encourages you to choose your own adventure along the way.

They have a calendar full of trips that can take you and your friends to Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and Africa. Whatever you’re looking for, Detours can help book your group on a pre-scheduled trip or customize one based on your interests. ( detourstravel.com )

Pink VIbgyor

This travel agency in Sydney, Australia specializes in tailor made LGBTQ+ vacations with a heart for providing you with the most immersive and relaxing stays. While Pink Vibgyor also offers specific preplanned gay tours, their shining aspect is their attention to your preferences when helping you plan your dream vacation. They heavily research all their package trips as well as any trip they may be assisting you with, to bring you closer to the LGBTQ+ culture and lifestyle around your location.

One of their features that set them apart from other LGBTQ+ travel companies is their section on culinary tours. These special tours feature meals with local families, getting a front row seat to their coking styles and recipes, and experiencing the best traditional cuisine your destination has to offer.

You can see all their exciting featured planned tours or fill out a form to begin crafting your personal tailor-made tour with a staff member on their website. ( pinkvibgyor.com/ ).

Oscar Wilde Tours

Gay Pride is more and more important in the world today—and Oscar Wilde Tours lets you explore it more deeply than ever. As heirs to a tradition that is central to civilization, LGBTQ+ people can truly take pride in their forebears, who count among their number such greats as Sappho and Socrates, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky and Virginia Woolf, the genius dancer Nijinsky, the literary revolutionary Thomas Mann, and of course, the sublime Oscar Wilde himself.

Oscar Wilde Tours offers guided tours to destinations such as Europe and the United States, focusing on the cultural and historical significance of LGBTQ+ communities in each location. ( oscarwildetours.com/ )

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Why Caleb Williams continues to check the ‘person’ boxes for the Bears

After USC’s pro day, Caleb Williams had high-fives, handshakes, hugs and daps seemingly for everyone, from his teammates to NFL scouts to NFL assistant coaches to USC staff members to his marketing team to those who want to draft him.

In order, that included Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. It was all captured by NFL Network’s broadcast.

But then Williams went back to his teammates for more handshakes and hugs. One lineman jumped on his back and embraced him. Center Justin Dedich wrestled with Williams and took him to the ground. There was more, too.

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All of those interactions with his USC teammates were arguably more important than what Williams did with his 50 throws during his pro day .

NFL Network analysts Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah, two former scouts, watched it all live from the studio.

“It’s significant,” Brooks said in a phone interview. “The quarterback position is not just one of talent, but it’s one of communication and connectivity. The person who is QB1, he has to be able to bring all different types of people on the team together and normally is a unifier. Because when the quarterback is the leader, they all kind of follow his direction.

“Well, what you saw with his interactions with his teammates from USC is that he was beloved by his teammates. You saw everyone genuinely happy to see him, genuinely happy to see him have the big stage — and succeed on the big stage. And so that’s important.”

Extremely important.

When you’re the Bears, it’s something you continuously take notes on, whether you’re an area scout watching him live early in the season, the cross-check scout who visits USC’s campus later in the year or if you’re Eberflus, who was standing not far behind Williams as he went through his pro day with his teammates.

Everything a quarterback does and doesn’t do is important to a team’s evaluation of him, especially when he’s being considered for the first pick. As Poles has promised, the Bears are in the middle of evaluating “the person.”

“I’ve seen (quarterbacks) in these settings and they kind of have their team of people, their own private team, not their college team that they kind of stay with, and they don’t really mix and interact as much with their college teammates — and that’s not what you want to see,” Jeremiah said.

“Especially coming into a situation like the one they have in Chicago, where you had a quarterback leave who was incredibly popular with his teammates, I think I would find comfort if you’re the Bears in watching how well he was liked and received by his USC teammates.”

Inside Caleb Williams' USC pro day: A fitting spectacle but little No. 1 pick drama

On the field, everything looked effortless for Williams during his pro day.

That seemed to be the point.

“It wasn’t a show-off pro day,” Jeremiah said. “Some guys go out there and really try and show off. I don’t think he felt like he needed to do that.”

Williams’ game film shows you more than enough. But Jeremiah said you want to see “how the ball comes off their hand” at pro days for quarterbacks. You want to get another feel for his footwork, touch and velocity on throws.

“Everything looks smooth and free and easy,” Jeremiah said. “He’s just a natural thrower.”

“He’s an easy thrower,” Brooks said. “He has a nice motion and delivery.”

Pro days, though, are another opportunity for questions and answers. The Bears did exactly that, having dinner with Williams on Monday night and then visiting with him and others on campus Tuesday. They’re still trying to figure out the person.

“It’s really important in regards to the quarterback but all guys,” said Brooks, who played five years in the NFL before becoming a scout for the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers . “You try to get a feel for like: ‘Hey, who is this guy really? What is he like in the huddle? What is he like in tough moments? Who does he hang with around the building? Who are his closest friends on the team?’ You’re trying to compile kind of like a background: ‘OK, this is who he is. This is who he could be when he comes to our city. These are the people that he’s more likely to hang with. These are the things that he’s into, his hobbies and interests.’ All of that.”

. @CALEBcsw signing off from @uscfb 's Pro Day ✌️ pic.twitter.com/oP6fkfwhRu — NFL (@NFL) March 20, 2024

It all becomes part of the team’s projection.

“It really, really matters because you’re talking about a significant financial investment, but more importantly, you’re talking about a major responsibility,” Brooks said. “Because outside of the owner, the general manager, the head coach, the face of the franchise is the quarterback.”

When Jeremiah was a scout, his goal was to learn about a player’s routine.

“Not only your football routines, but your life routines,” said Jeremiah, who was the West Coast scout for the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens and a national scout for the Cleveland Browns . “I think that discipline is a big part of success really in anything, but especially in playing that position at a high level.”

Jeremiah wanted prospects to walk him through the routines of their week, hour by hour.

“You can learn a lot about someone, not only the preparation they put in, but you can learn about the other priorities they have in their life, which can be beneficial information,” Jeremiah said.

Scouts have their go-to questions, while some teams instruct them to ask certain questions. One of Jeremiah’s favorites was asking prospects what a successful first season looks like for them.

“You’ll get a variety of answers to that,” he said. “I always liked when guys said: ‘Hey, I want to be a part of a Super Bowl-winning team. My rookie year I want to win the Super Bowl. I want to be on a team that gets into the postseason that hasn’t been there in a few years.’ Versus, ‘I want to go to the Pro Bowl.’ ‘I want to throw for 4,000 yards.’ I want to do this, that or the other individually. You kind of get a glimpse into how they think. Are they outside-in? Or are they inside-out?”

With Keenan Allen, the fast-improving Bears roster is set up for a rookie QB

The Bears’ work on Williams hasn’t concluded. Their draft card isn’t pre-written. The team still requires a full medical evaluation of him. There will be more staff members for him to meet, including some in one-on-one meetings on the second floor of Halas Hall.

“The more times you’re around somebody, the more comfortable you’ll get, the more comfortable they’ll get,” Jeremiah said. “And I think that’s kind of where we are in the process. It feels like this is where this is all headed. But let’s use all the opportunities and all the time you’ve got left between now and the draft.”

What you’re looking for is more validation. You want confirmation. The same applies to the pro day. The information gathered there by the Bears’ large traveling party is hopefully similar to what the scouts garnered for years on Williams.

“It’s never really the on-field stuff, it’s the off-field stuff that you want to make sure that you’re buttoned up on when you make a decision to take Caleb Williams early in the draft,” Brooks said. “Because so much of being the quarterback is really him being presidential. Does he have the personality to handle being the face of the franchise? And by the way that it looked, him interacting with his teammates, he appears to have all the stuff that you were looking for to carry that responsibility.”

Jeremiah added what he saw at the end of Williams’ pro day to his checklist of sorts. He referenced what he saw Williams do at the Holiday Bowl as quarterback Miller Moss led the Trojans to a 42-28 win against Louisville.

“Miller Moss went out there and threw for over 300 yards and tore it up,” Jeremiah said. “Caleb was there on the sideline, and he was hooting and hollering and cheering him on and high-fiving everybody.

“A, he didn’t really need to be there. And then B, to be that engaged I thought was a good sign.”

The same happened at the NFL Scouting Combine, even though Williams didn’t participate in anything in Indianapolis. Williams’ interactions mattered.

“He was very engaged with everybody in his group,” Jeremiah said. “When (Texas receiver Xavier) Worthy ran that ridiculous 40 time, he was celebrating with him.

“The words ‘aloof,’ ‘loner,’ ‘to himself,’ those would never even enter into your mind. This guy, he’s energetic, charismatic. And he seems to be well-received and well-liked by his team.”

Everything you do is magnified when you’re a quarterback.

Everyone is watching, on TV, in person and beyond.

“It’s the most important position in sports,” Jeremiah said. “It’s not just a cliche, you literally are going to be the face and the voice of this entire organization. There’s a lot of people’s jobs that are going to lie in your hands. So I want that person to have discipline. I want that person to be responsible. I want that person to be aware. I want that person to be someone who gets the best out of others and is not someone that people try to avoid when they see him walking down the hallway. There’s a lot of different layers to playing that position in this game.”

Greenberg: Caleb Williams mania is afoot in Chicago, and he's everywhere you look

(Top photo of Caleb Williams with USC teammates: Ryan Sun / Associated Press)

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Adam L. Jahns covers the Chicago Bears as a senior writer for The Athletic. He previously worked at the Chicago Sun-Times, where he started in 2005 and covered the Blackhawks (2009-12) and Bears (2012-19). He co-hosts the "Hoge & Jahns" podcast. Follow Adam on Twitter @ adamjahns

Dear Abby: When BFF visits family, I miss watching football with him

Nfl fans is hurt that friend’s travel is disrupting a long tradition of sunday bonding..

DEAR ABBY: My best friend since the 9th grade and I have always watched NFL football on Sundays. We have watched through the births of my children (he is the godfather to both; they are now adults), deaths in the family — everything. He has never married or had a significant other. He is very family-oriented, though. He has two sisters and two brothers.

Two years ago, his siblings moved to other states. It was a very sad time for him. The bond I thought would never be broken now has been. I completely understand his visiting them during Thanksgiving, Christmas and any special event, but my view is, besides those visits, he could see them at any time during the entire six-month offseason from football.

When I said this, he told me things have changed, and although he has been back both summers, he tells me it's cooler and more pleasant to visit them in autumn. Of course, I am the one who drives him to the airport every time. I truly miss my best friend on those Sundays. I'm hurt and would like your advice on what I can do. — LONELY SPORTS FAN OUT WEST

DEAR SPORTS FAN: I understand your sadness and hurt feelings, but it's time to start accepting reality. Your friend has explained that his family circumstances have changed, and you must accept it. The changes in his circumstances have nothing to do with you and everything to do with his desire to stay connected to his siblings.

It's time to become proactive. Your next step should be to find ANOTHER sports fan who can watch (or attend) these sporting events with you, which will help to fill the void that now exists on football Sundays.

DEAR ABBY: My friends of 20-plus years bought their "dream home," and they're now 90 miles away. They have not cleaned the place even once since they moved in. Ten years ago, I lived with the wife and her parents for six months. I quickly realized that she and her family never cleaned their home.

I understand she had an injury from an accident several years ago, but I have chronic pain from arthritis and still find a way to clean my apartment. Her husband was enabled by his mother for the first 35 years of his life, so he never learned to do anything except pay bills and save money.

The moment you walk into their home, you are hit with a smell. And forget using the bathroom — the toilets have brown rings, and their shower is so cruddy I wait to return home to shower. I can hardly eat there because of the smell and the dirty tables and kitchen. Would it be awkward to send them a gift card for house cleaning? Also, how do I decline an overnighter? — METICULOUS HOUSEGUEST

DEAR HOUSEGUEST: Why this couple hasn't thought of hiring a cleaning service is anybody's guess — unless the husband is so intent on saving money that he's too cheap to spend it. By all means, send them the certificate, and after you do, postpone any return visits until you know it has been used.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby's most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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Asian Grocery Behemoth Ranch 99 Market and Eight More Upcoming Restaurants

A regularly updated list of forthcoming restaurants and bars

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Wondering what’s in the works in the Chicago area for restaurants, bars, and cafes? Look no further than Eater Chicago’s guide to spring 2024’s coming attractions for dining. Did we miss something? Send Eater Chicago a tip at [email protected] .

Jefferson Park: Family-friendly coffee shop and indoor play space Sunny Village Cafe will open in June at 5918 W. Lawrence Avenue, owner Georgena Hurst tells Block Club Chicago . The idea stemmed from a trip that Hurst, her husband Seokhee Burningham, and their two sons took in 2023 to South Korea, where they encountered numerous “kid cafes.” The genre has grown so popular that the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to open 400 city-run “kid cafes” by the end of 2026. Sunny Village Cafe will include an area for stroller parking, as well as a counter serving coffee, tea, baked goods, and more.

Jefferson Park: Prohibition-era nostalgia is likely to reach new heights with the debut of Vito’s Vault, a speakeasy-style dinner theater spot that’s aiming for an April debut at 5901 W. Lawrence Avenue, according to Block Club . Owner Mark Forrest Virkler spent nearly two decades working at Tommy Gun’s Garage, a 1920s-themed spot in South Loop. After it closed in the early years of the pandemic, Virkler set out to spin off his iteration in the hope of reviving the popularity that dinner theater once enjoyed. Vito’s patrons can expect a three-course meal (options will include steak, chicken, fish, and pasta) and a 90-minute stage show featuring comedy, songs, and interactive “police raids” that bring the audience into the production.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beity (@beitychicago)

Fulton Market: Long-awaited French-Lebanese restaurant Beity, the debut project from chef Ryan Fakih, has applied for a liquor license at 813 W. Fulton Market. Fakih says he’s aiming to open in early summer. First announced in March 2023, Beity was originally slated to open in River North, but plans have changed and it will now replace shuttered wine bar Joe’s Imports.

Pilsen: Local craft beer maker Monochrome Brewing has applied for a liquor license at 2101 S. Carpenter Street, a space that was once home to shuttered brewery and taproom Lo Rez .

Streeterville: Chapel Street Cafe, a new Australian restaurant specializing in Aussie staples like Lamington cake, flat whites, and toast with Vegemite, is slated for a November debut at 198 E. Delaware Place on the ground floor of the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites, according to Crain’s . Owner Shawn Uldridge, an Australian who moved to Chicago in 2014, is also behind West Loop’s Publishing House Bed & Breakfast and opened wine bar The Press Room , though he’s no longer involved in the latter.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Cosey (@david.cosey_chi)

Uptown: Chicago Pickle Eatery , an Avondale deli that’s garnered a following with enormous New York City bodega-style sandwiches, is aiming to expand in March into a sister location at 4515 N. Sheridan Road, owner Mohamad Atieh announced on Instagram . Atieh moved to Chicago from New York City three years ago and tells reporters that he observed a gap in his new city’s corner store offerings. He’s working to fill that chasm with a menu of hefty sandwiches like the eponymous Chicago Pickle (pastrami, corned beef, pickles, coleslaw, Swiss, Russian dressing) and the steak and cheese, a riff on famed regional delicacies like Philly cheesesteaks and New York chopped cheese.

Wicker Park: Trattoria RnB, a new Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta, is working toward a debut at 2101 W. North Avenue, the former home of indie pizzeria Knead, according to its website . An opening date is not yet available.

Evanston: Nearly a year after its closure, Irish pub The Celtic Knot has announced plans to reopen in the former home of Lush restaurant at 2022 Central Street in suburban Evanston, according to Evanston Round Table . Owners Liz and Patrick Breslin say fans can expect a smaller, cozier space and a slimmed-down menu, but promise they hope to recreate the pub’s lively atmosphere with live music and a crew of regulars.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Celtic Knot Public House (@celticknotevanston)

Naperville: California-born brand Ranch 99 Market , said to be the largest Asian grocery chain in the country, is poised to take over a former Dominick’s grocery store at 1555 N. Aurora Road in suburban Naperville, according to the Tribune . It’s pegged to debut in 2025 and will include a food court called Eat Up. The chain, also called Tawa Supermarket, was founded in 1984 by Roger Chen, a Taiwanese immigrant, and currently operates 54 stores across 10 states . The Naperville location is part of the area’s Riverbrook Shopping Center, which is now owned by Texas-based developer NewQuest Asia-Pacific Retail. In early January, NewQuest reps told reporters that the company plans to transform the center into a hub for Asian restaurants and businesses.

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Politics | New ordinance would rename ‘Columbus Drive’ to…

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Politics | New ordinance would rename ‘Columbus Drive’ to ‘Barack Obama Drive’

The downtown Chicago street Columbus Drive could be renamed Barack Obama Drive in a new City Council effort.

Ald. Lamont Robinson, 4th, introduced an ordinance Wednesday to rename the roadway. The move to honor Obama, a former 4th Ward resident, would further cement Chicago as a tourist destination for Black history, Robinson said in a statement.

“This is our opportunity as a city to give him his flowers while he’s still alive and recognize his journey that has inspired millions, including myself, to believe that anything is possible,” Robinson said.

The affected roadway stretches just north of the Chicago River in Streeterville through Grant Park and past the field where Obama gave his historic acceptance speech on the night of the 2008 presidential election. Meanwhile, the debut of Obama’s namesake presidential center in Jackson Park was pushed from late 2025 to mid-2026 earlier this month .

Honorifics commemorating Christopher Columbus sparked protests in 2020, leading former Mayor Lori Lightfoot to order a review of city monuments after her administration removed a statue of Columbus in Grant Park .

For the name change to occur, the ordinance needs to pass through the council’s Transportation Committee before a full City Council vote.

“We need to honor more Black men, and this is one small way we can do that,” Robinson said. “As the saying goes, ‘If you can see it, you can be it,’ and Chicago’s children deserve to see that they too can become Black history.”

Aldermen also approved several key appointments made by Mayor Brandon Johnson during Wednesday’s meeting of the full City Council, including Tom Carney as commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Jose Tirado as executive director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

The council also passed a $45 million settlement for Nathen Jones, the 15-year-old boy left unable to walk, talk or care for himself after he was injured in an April 2021 police chase car crash. Aldermen approved two additional settlements involving police misconduct totaling $7.75 million.

Aldermen also introduced legislation to block the city from evicting migrants from shelters after 60 days and allow the Cubs to place large advertisements on rooftops near Wrigley Field.

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