Gay chicago
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot enjoy the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and lesbian bars have a brief bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and drag shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the municipality. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.
Check out some of the leading gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned lgbtq+ bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful detect is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintin
Chicago: so nice, you’ll reflect it’s hitting on you
For a gay ol’ occasion, follow the rainbow to the Midwest. In this part of the state, Chicago is “the city,” but one that largely puts aside those big-city rules. In dating terms, Chi-Town doesn’t wait two days to call you back after a hang out. Friendly and inviting, it’s the city that forgot that big cities are supposed to have an attitude.
Architecture aficionados and novices keep their eyes facing upwards to take in the grandeur. For closer-to-the-ground fun, do your duty as a tourist and head to Millennium Park. Get out your camera because you’re about to meet “The Bean” (which sounds like a horrible come on). Officially, the stunning sculpture is called Cloud Gate, but for reals, it looks love a big shiny bean. Try as they might, no queer can resist a reflective surface. There’s lots more to spot in and around the park, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Not just for art fags, this is an era-spanning collection that will even impress those who don’t like museums.
During nice weather, can you really go by up a day at th
Chicago impressed us on so many levels. It is a beautiful Midwestern capital, with super kind people, lots to keep you hectic and an incredibly diverse and thriving gay scene.
Gay Chicago has a lot to offer and from our trial, the whole municipality appears to hug 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 go to was over the Chicago Pride Fest weekend and was hosted by Select Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!
In our Same-sex attracted 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 require to plan your own visit!
Let’s obtain 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
Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood
The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly recognized nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood established as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, double attraction and transgender community.
Northalsted, the first official gay neighborhood in the country (credit: )
Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.
The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway influence the heart of this commercial and entertainment district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest
Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood
The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly recognized nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood established as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, double attraction and transgender community.
Northalsted, the first official gay neighborhood in the country (credit: )
Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.
The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway influence the heart of this commercial and entertainment district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest