Gay bars south side chicago
The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but amazing 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 Society 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 drag brunch. You'll need it after a late hours out on the town.
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The Baton in Uptown is one of Chicago's oldest gay bars, famed for its drag shows
CHICAGO -- The history of LGBTQ+ bars is rich. They're much more than places to earn a drink. For many years, they were the only spaces some could go to join other members of their communities.
One of Chicago's oldest LGBTQ+ bars, The Baton, first opened in While it struggled at first, it then became a celebrity hotspot.
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Music and makeup energizes the room at The Baton in Uptown to this day. The bar is widely known for its female impersonator shows, but it was ahead of its time.
"I was working at another bar, and then I decided it was time to open a bar," co-owner James Flint recalled.
Flint moved to Chicago from Peoria in The Baton first opened six years later in the River North neighborhood, when Chicago was a very different place.
"There was payoffs, there was the Outfit and there was the police . And trying to get people to come into an area like River North," he said.
Despite a once-dangerous neighborh
Exploring LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Chicago’s south and west neighborhoods
I&#;m Channyn Lynne Parker, CEO of Bold Space Alliance, and I&#;m thrilled to partner with Choose Chicago to highlight some of the incredible LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Chicago’s vibrant south and west neighborhoods. At Brave Space Alliance, our mission is to authorize and uplift the TLBGQ+ community, and part of that involves showcasing spaces where our community can feel welcome and celebrated.
Whether you&#;re a local or a traveler, I hope this guide helps you explore and appreciate the inclusivity and diversity of our beautiful city.
La Cueva
Located in the South Lawndale neighborhood, La Cueva is a beloved LGBTQ+ bar that has been a cornerstone of the community for years. Known for its lively drag shows and welcoming atmosphere, La Cueva offers a protected and entertaining space for everyone. The bar’s history is adj with stories of community and resilience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the authentic spirit of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Boxville
Boxville, located i
South Side gay bars
CLUB ESCAPE
Thanks in part to an ebullient drag show hosted every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday by the legendary Mz. Ruff ’n’ Stuff, this club wins the blue ribbon among South Side queer bars. The drinks are cheap and stiff, the genders are evenly mixed, and the live acts are off the charts. One devotee informed us the club is popular with the south suburban crowd, has a core following of white dudes, and is especially popular on Friday and Sunday nights. E 75th St ().
ESCAPADES
This divey joint resembles Margaritaville—if a adj hurricane blew through it. Vaguely nautical in theme—think fish netting adorned with seashells, life preservers and a fake parrot—Escapades has seen better days. A digital jukebox looked promising until we realized it was broken, and the bathroom door was missing (although with only six patrons on a Friday, does it even matter?). Still, diva-driven tunes prove this is definitely a gay bar, and if you’re looking for a hangout that serves cheap hooch and has managed to stay off the Yelp crowd&