Chicago gay bars
Chicago could open the country's first airport gay bar at O’Hare
- A Chicago restauranteur has proposed opening a branch of the well-liked gay bar Sidetrack at O'Hare International Airport.
- If successful, this would be the first airport male lover bar in the United States.
- Sidetrack's owners believe an airport location would increase LGBTQ+ visibility and representation.
If a Chicago restaurateur's plans work out, the city could soon be home to the country's first airport gay bar.
The Chicago Department of Aviation, which operates O'Hare International Airport, is looking for vendors to pack open concession spaces in the terminal. Among the recent bidders is Germán González, a managing partner of Somos Hospitality Community (Tzuco, Ummo), who wants to open a satellite of Sidetrack – arguably the Windy City's most popular gay bar – at O'Hare.
The Chicago Tribune was the first to report on González's bid, and it said it would likely take months before the airport operator decided who should fill the space.
Still, the owners of Sidetrack's main location in Boystown/Northalsted, Chicago's
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: lgbtq+ and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of amusement. Our gay and woman loving woman bars have a tiny bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and flamboyant shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own unusual history and vibe.
Check out some of the optimal gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s lgbtq+ nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest same-sex attracted bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live amusement, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintin
Chicago impressed us on so many levels. It is a beautiful Midwestern municipality, with super approachable people, lots to keep you occupied and an incredibly diverse and thriving gay scene.
Gay Chicago has a lot to offer and from our exposure, the whole capital appears to adopt and support its LGBTQ+ community.
We felt very safe, at ease, and welcome in Chicago as a gay couple. We never felt like we needed to look over our shoulder, terror holding hands or showing affection: just as its should be!
Our first attend was over the Chicago Pride Fest weekend and was hosted by Opt Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!
In our Queer Chicago Guide, we will cover the gay neighbourhoods of Chicago, gay bars, Gay Pride Fest as well as what activities we did, where we stayed and ate so you will have all the information you necessitate to plan your own visit!
Let’s fetch started!
Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago has two very distinct male lover neighbourhoods, Northalsted (previous known as Boystown) and Andersonville (affectionately known as MANdersonville).
Northalsted (aka B
The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but superb gay bars are all over the city.
Chicago has always been a trailblazing city when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ community. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the Community for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in , more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in
These days, while a night out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city. From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer bar to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about flamboyant brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town.
RECOMMENDED: Cocktail at the best bars in Chicago
Been there, done that? Think again, m
The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but superb gay bars are all over the city.
Chicago has always been a trailblazing city when it comes to spaces for the LGBTQ community. One of the first American LGBT rights organizations, the Community for Human Rights, was founded in Chicago in , more than 40 years before Stonewall. And Northalsted, the gay nightlife hub also known as "Boystown," became the first officially-designated gay village in a major city in
These days, while a night out on Northalsted is still a joyful blur of boozy slushies and death drops, queer nightlife in Chicago is expansive, creative and thriving all over the city. From Rogers Park to South Shore, from James Beard-nominated cocktail bars to beloved, homey dives, there's a queer bar to fit your vibe. Oh, and don't forget about flamboyant brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town.
RECOMMENDED: Cocktail at the best bars in Chicago
Been there, done that? Think again, m