THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CHICAGO Vol. 8
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
04
ABOUT CHICAGO
06
RESTAURANT GUIDE
08
EVENTS SCHEDULE
14
BAR GUIDE
26
LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT CHICAGO LGBTQ Chicago Chicago is the nation’s third largest city and boasts a large gay community. Like New York or Atlanta in their regions, Chicago serves as the Midwest’s cosmopolitan hub and attracts young and old alike--all looking to escape to the freedoms and opportunities of the big city. Gay life (and gay bars) in Chicago is mostly concentrated in two areas: Boystown (really “East Lakeview”) and Andersonville which is farther up the city’s north side. Bars and clubs have one of two licenses: most close at 2am (3am on Saturdays) and a few stay open after-hours until 4am (5am on Saturdays). If you’re up for a late night, you’ll find the afterhours bars packed after the other bars close. 4
RESTAURANT GUI DE Artango Bar & Steakhouse
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
Hamburger Mary’s Chicago
Mellow Yellow Restaurant
Argentinean fare, classic cocktails & tango dancing in a swanky, 1920s-inspired setting. 4767 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Que pasa? Lakeview - 3906 N Broadway Street Chicago, IL
Great juicy burgers, margaritas, 5400 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL
Casual spot featuring American fare, crêpes & a full bar in nostalgic ‘70s wood & brick digs. South Side - 1508 E 53rd Street, Chicago, IL
Wood
American bistro in a romantic setting in Boystown - 3335 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
Giordano’s Famous Chicago Style Pizza Deep dish recipe passed down from their Piedmontese roots. 730 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL
Las Mananitas
Margaritas that will knock you on your rump Boystown - 3523 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
The Purple Pig
Adventurous small plates with a lengthy wine list in small, lively quarters. 500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Drag-queen divas perform nightly at this upscale American restaurant with a lengthy cocktail menu. Boystown - 3700 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
Smoque BBQ
Popular BBQ spot slinging ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more. 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL
Ann Sather Cafe
Amazing Swedish breakfast 3411 N. Broadway Chicago, IL
Girl & The Goat
Hot spot serving up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen. 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Angelina Ristorante
Great date restaurant 3561 N Broadway Street, Chicago, IL
Boka
Joy’s Noodles & Rice
Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candlelit back garden patio. 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Focus on Food Boystown - 3257 North Broadway, Chicago, IL
Tweet
Great hangover breakfast spot 5024 N Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL
Avec Restaurant
Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space with communal seating. 615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Sheffield’s Beer & Wine Garden
Neighborhood bar serving BBQ, bar food & craft beers inside or in the large beer garden. 3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL
Tanta Chicago
Inventive Peruvian fare served in a stylish Peru-inspired space; known for its pisco sour cocktail. 118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Drew’s on Halsted
Cozy, laid-back mainstay featuring American bistro fare with global accents plus a full bar & patio. Boystown - 3201 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
Upscale steakhouse with an American menu in an ornate, dimly lit wood & brick setting. 218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL
HB Home Bistro
Cozy cafe focusing on French and Dutch low-country cuisine Boystown - 3404 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
The Gage
Inventive American eats, long list of beers and a lively space with Millennium Park views. 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Suburbs - 6649 N. Lincoln Avenue Lincolnwood, IL
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE FEBRUARY
FEB 24
ADULTS NIGHT AT THE TRAMPOLINE PARK
FEB 06
A BRUNCH OF DRAG
21+ only. Remember all the fun you had jumping on a trampoline as a kid? Who says you can’t do that as an adult?!...oh yeah and it includes a beer! www.adultsnightjump.com
Join us every first Sunday of the month for “A Brunch of Drag” hosted by Jasmine Phoenix! Each Brunch seating includes 3 performers w/ one solo and a closing group performance. Learn more at www.bit.ly/3fClznH.
MARCH
FEB 10
MAR 05
AFROFUSION THURSDAYS AT UPTOWN!
BREWSOLOGY BEER FESTIVAL
The Chicago Beer Festival presents the Brewsology Beer Festival, taking place at the Museum of Science and Industry for a one of a kind experience -- a night at the museum! www.bit.ly/3rxwMeO
The Most Diverse International Party In Chicago - Afrobeats, Hiphop, Dancehall, Soca. Tickets ONLY event! Learn more at www.bit.ly/3IBVLVh.
FEB 17 - 20
MAR 05
TRICKERY CHICAGO MAGIC SHOW
LOCAL VIBE: AN ART EVENT
Join us at The Pilsen Art House for LOCAL VIBE! We have artists, vendors, food and some form of music at every event! FREE TO ENTER! @ thepilsenarthouse on IG!
Chicago’s most entertaining magic show! Fun, intimate, sometimes outrageous, and always hilarious! Learn more at www.bit.ly/3GJUY40.
FEB 19 - 20
MAR 12
CHICAGO TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW 2022
CHICAGO SHAMROCK CRAWL
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl in Wrigleyville! Tix get you admission and a free crawl t-shirt, breakfast, a gift card to use on the crawl and more! Chicago’s BIGGEST St. Pat’s party! Visit us at www.chicagoshamrockcrawl.com
America’s Favorite Travel Show is back in Chicago, with exclusive information, travel deals and celebrity programming you can’t find anywhere else. Learn more at www.TravelShows.com.
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE MAR 18 - 20
jewelry makers, apparel, something for everyone! @thepilsenarthouse on IG!
UNLADYLIKE PRESENTS: PUFF, PAINT, PASS!
APR 09
Come elevate and create some dope art! Follow instruction, or create whatever you want. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon. No experience necessary! This event is strictly 21+ and is BYOB/BYOW (NO TOBACCO, SORRY). @unladylikechi on IG!
WABASH YMCA HISTORIC TOUR: BIRTHPLACE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Wabash Y was the heart of cultural and economic progress for African Americans in the Bronzeville region of Chicago for over half a century and is hailed as the birthplace of Black History Month. The tours will be held on the second Saturdays of each month at 10:30 am CT. at 3763 S. Wabash Ave. The tours are free, but a donation of $20 to TRC is suggested.
MAR 27
SPIRITS & SPICE WINE TASTING
Each week we’ll pop the cork on another beautiful wine and help you get to know it and love it. Come enjoy wine with us every Sunday at 4pm....because Why-ne Not?! Learn more online at www.bit.ly/3tHeOZS.
APR 14
CHICAGO SALSA & BACHATA FESTIVAL 2022
APRIL
In the heart of the midwest, the Chicago Salsa & Bachata Festival is a diverse group of dancers coming together to party hard. With international instructors, performers, and DJs hosted by Touch Events; you are sure to have an amazing time. Visit us online to learn more at www.bit.ly/33QYYku.
APR 02
REIGN SUPREME DRAG SHOW COMPETITION
“Reign Supreme” is My Buddy’s Newest Drag Show! This is a competition where YOU PICK THE WINNER! Join us as Entertainers Strut Their Stuff and Compete for the Title of the Night: SUPREME! Learn more at www.bit.ly/3IjwQoZ or visit us at www.mybuddyschicago.com.
APR 17
HENRY ROLLINS: GOOD TO SEE YOU 2022
In describing Henry Rollins, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence, but if Henry Rollins could be reduced to a single word, that word would
APR 03
PILSEN VENDOR MARKET
Join us for a socially distanced mini handmade market! We’ve got artists,
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BAR GU ID E Sidetrack
Wang’s
Behomoth gay club drawing a diverse crowd, serving up slushy drinks & known for showtune nights. Boystown - 3349 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Quiet little hideaway Boystown - 3317 N Broadway Street Chicago, IL
The North End
Gay sports bar Boystown - 3733 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Roscoe’s
Neighborhood gay & lesbian bar dating back to 1987 with a dance floor, pool table & outdoor spaces. Boystown - 3356 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Atmosphere (@mosphere)
Neon-filled gay bar offering male go-go dancers, drag shows, DJs, stripper bingo & other events. Andersonville - 5355 N Clark Street Chicago, IL
Hydrate
Energetic gay dance club with theme nights & open very late. Boystown - 3458 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Second Story Bar
Small, old-school, cash-only local gay bar tucked away in low-lit digs above Sayat Nova restaurant. 157 E Ohio St #2, Chicago, IL
Berlin
Cavernous nightlife mainstay with a diverse, no-attitude, all-orientations crowd on the dance floor. Boystown - 954 W Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL
Progress Bar Chicago
Hip nightclub offering craft brews, DJs & dancing in flashy digs with a huge lightbulb sculpture. 3359 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Touche
Neighborhood gay leather bar open since 1977 offering draft brews, a pool table & darts. Rogers Park - 6412 N Clark Street Chicago, IL
Charlie’s Chicago
Western-themed Boystown bar & dance club with drag shows, karaoke, bingo & late-night hours. 3726 North Broadway, Chicago, IL
Big Chicks
Splash Chicago
Upbeat, colorful LGBT-friendly bar with basic eats & weekend DJs amid art-lined walls. Uptown - 5024 N Sheridan Road Chicago, IL
Narrow, dimly lit gay bar with a diverse crowd open late & serving mixed cocktails & dancing. 3339 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Cellblock
Jeffery Pub
Laid-back gay bar with billiards, Wii & darts, plus theme nights & drink specials. Boystown - 3702 N Halsted Sreet Chicago, IL
Black owned neighborhood stalwart since the 1960s. 7041 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge
Pop in to this male dancer bar Boystown - 3169 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
Scarlet
DJs & drink specials fuel the early bar & latenight lounge scenes at this vintage-inspired gay bar. Boystown - 3320 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL
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2020 EVENT SCH E DULE MAY 12
undoubtedly be “workaholic.” Doors: 7PM | Show: 8PM @ Thalia Hall. Learn more at www.thaliahallchicago.com.
UNCONTROLLED VARIABLES: A SCIENCE & COMEDY SHOW
Comedians will attempt to present scientific data, then the scientists who conducted the research tell us what the data actually means. Come hear comedians rethink their career aspirations and you might even learn something new! Visit www.bit.ly/3IiPxt9.
MAY
MAY 01
BOOZY BBQ DRAG BRUNCH!
The Grand Cabaret & Honey Hive Productions presents a Boozy BBQ DRAG Brunch at PorkChop West Loop! Every Sunday, get your boozy brunch on and enjoy watching Chicago’s most electric Drag performers light up the stage! Learn more at www.facebook. com/thegrandcabaret.
MAY 19
DRAG BINGO @ MY BUDDY’S!
Join us for Drag Bingo hosted by Aurora Divine & Giselle Brooks every Thursday Night! A Raucous Raunchy Time Had by All!! www.mybuddyschicago.com
MAY 05
TIGHT SHIP COMEDY! A LIVE SHOW
JUNE JUN 01
Tight Ship is Chicago’s best stand-up comedy show! Every Thursday in the Speakeasy Room at Half Sour Bar. Doors at 7:30, show at 8:00! Learn more at www.halfsourchicago.com.
HEART & SOUL ART SHOW
A monthly art show featuring local Chicago artists. Artists rotate every month! Located at The Pilsen Art House, hosted by KIITTY. To learn more, visit @thepilsenarthouse on IG!
MAY 07
TACOS N’ TEQUILA BAR CRAWL
JUN 06 - 09
Chicago , let’s Taco bout sipping margs, eating tacos , getting taco’d & dancing our tacos off at the 6th annual Tacos N’ Tequila Crawl coming to #RiverNorth! www.bit.ly/3nJ47Ch
CHICAGO WHISEY EXPERIENCE @ SPIRITS & SPICE Sample some of the finest whiskeys on a 20 minute guided taste tour every
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EVENT SCH ED ULE Wednesday and Thursday at 5pm, at Water Tower Place, 7th floor. Get $5 off your purchase at the time of your event! Yay! Visit ww.bit.ly/3tEN6wZ.
JUN 12
PASSPORT VIBES: AFROBEAT STREET FESTIVAL 2022
The Vibes: Passport Vibes started in April 2018 as a way to join the party goers of Chicago together by picking 3 popular DJs from different genres and bringing them together to play to one diverse crowd. Expanding that initial experience, this street festival is an Afrobeats playground. Learn more at www.bit.ly/33CDurL.
JUN 18
HAUS OF TOWERS @ MY BUDDY’S Come watch the Fabulous Haus of Towers Drag Show at My Buddy’s! Limited Seating RSVP Early! Visit www.mybuddyschicago.com.
JUN 24 - 25
ILLUSIONS THE DRAG QUEEN SHOW & DINNER
The perfect combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy performances by the industry’s best celebrity impersonators and the funniest Chicago drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering. www.illusionsthedragqueenshow.com
we come! Mark your calendar for a weekend packed with live shooting, intensive learning, and networking with photographers and content creators just like you. www.clickawayconference.com
JUL 19
TACO & TRIVIA TUESDAYS @ MATILDA
Join us every Tuesday, as we’re rocking $3 tacos, Mexican brews, shots, & Margaritas!! Free trivia kicks off at 7:30 Prizes for Top 3 teams! Visit us online at www.matilda-babyatlas.com.
JUL 23
A WIZARD’S CHRISTMAS DINNER & MARKETPLACE A Wizard’s Christmas invites you to attend its annual holiday event, with an upcoming look into the new North American Wizarding School. Learn more at www.bit.ly/33N6v3Q.
JUL 23
CHICAGO’S BACHATA YACHT PARTY
One Of The Best Latin Dance Cruises In The City Of Chicago. Featuring 3 Floors, 6 AMAZING Latin DJ’s, view of the Chicago City Skyline, and Fireworks! You Dont Want To Miss This! Learn more at www.bit.ly/3KkIYbc.
JULY JUL 06
DIVA HOUR @ MY BUDDY’S
The Diva Hour is a showcase of performances by “Divas” ranging from Stand-Up Comedy to Drag to Burlesque to Sketch Comedy + Much More! Visit us at www.mybuddyschicago.com.
JUL 08 - 10
CLICK AWAY 2022: CHICAGO
A photography experience that changes everything. Windy City, here
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Howard Brown Health Center The ultimate queer health clinic Lakeview - 4025 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL Center on Halsted The first stop in Gay Chicago Boystown - 3656 North Halsted Chicago, IL Gerber/Hart Library The Midwest’s largest LGBT library Edgewater - 1127 W Granville Avenue Chicago, IL AIDS Foundation of Chicago Founded in 1985 200 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL Equality Illinois Promotes gay-friendly legislation Boystown - 3318 N Halsted Street Chicago, IL El Rincon Community Clinic Humboldt Park clinic Wicker Park - 3809 W Grand Avenue Chicago, IL Brave Space Alliance All programming, services, and resources are intended for BIPOC trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. 1515 E 52nd Place Chicago, IL (872) 333-5199 Web: bravespacealliance.org TransLife Center The TLC provides comprehensive programming and support to transgender individuals. 1925 N. Clybourn St., Ste. 401, Chicago, IL info@chicagohouse.org (773) 248-5200 ext. 333 Web: www.chicagohouse.org
Chicago Women’s Health Center We facilitate and support all stages of this process with consultation, fertility awareness education, and insemination services. 1025 W. Sunnyside St., Ste. 201, Chicago, IL 60640 Web: chicagowomenshealthcenter.org SAGEWorks The SAGEWorks program is a work readiness program for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender mature workers (40+) who need or want to return to the work place. 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 472-6469 ext. 445 Web: www.centeronhalsted.org
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BAR GU ID E The SoFo Tap
Bobby Love’s
Neighborhood gay bar with games & theme nights in laid-back surrounds with a patio. 4923 N Clark St 1st floor, Chicago, IL
A neighborhood gay karaoke bar located in the northern Boystown neighborhood of Chicago. 3729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Granville Anvil
Glenwood
Unpretentious gay bar offering beer, cocktails & patio seating in a warm atmosphere. 1137 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL
Classic neighborhood gay tavern with a jukebox, bar games, theme nights & dogfriendly hours. 6962 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL
The Baton Show Lounge
Drag queens take the stage at this longstanding nightclub popular for bachelorette parties. 4713 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 4713 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Marty’s
Chic, low-lit lounge serving classic cocktails amid Toulouse-Lautrec-inspired decor. 1511 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL
Big Chicks
Elixir Lounge
Upbeat, colorful LGBT-friendly bar with basic eats & weekend DJs amid art-lined walls. 5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL
Classic & modern craft cocktails are handshaken in this small, stylish lounge with low lighting. 3452 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
2Bears Tavern Uptown
New upcoming LGBTQIA+ Tavern and neighborhood bar neighborhood bar from the owners of SoFo Tap. 1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL
Fantasy Nightclub
The Closet
Replay Lakeview
Meeting House Tavern
Shakers on Clark
Hopping, gay-friendly nightspot with DJs & a cocktail bar for late-night dance parties. 3641 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Opened in 1978, this tiny, unpretentious lesbian & gay bar features dancing, games & karaoke. 3325 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Vintage video games entertain patrons of this funky arcade bar with beer, bourbon & cocktails. 3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
LGBTQIA+, one-of-a-kind gathering space! 5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Gay-friendly bar with piano players, cabaret acts, open mic nights & more. 3160 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
The Call
Jackhammer (Temporarily Closed)
Lively GLBTQA bar offering cocktails & pub grub, plus theme nights with music videos & dancing. 1547 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL
Multilevel gay club with dance floor & many bars offers darts, adult entertainment & everything between. Rogers Park - 6406 N Clark Street Chicago, IL
Club Krave
Playful LGBT nightspot offering DJs, dancing, karaoke, game nights, drag shows & more. 13126 S Western Ave, Blue Island, IL
Club Escape
This energetic, gay-friendly venue offers dancing, DJs, drink specials & live hosts & performers. 1530 E 75th St, Chicago, IL
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ARCHITECTS Eckenhoff Saunders Architects................................ 21
MEDIATION The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt............................ 19
AUTO DEALERSHIP Hawk VW of Joliet................................................... 13 Weck, Elgin Kia & Weck VW of Mount Prospect...............back inside cover
MORTGAGES Get Approved Mortgage, Inc.................................... 1 NON PROFIT The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division............. 15
BLINDS & SHUTTERS Budget Blinds......................................................... 18
PAIN MANAGEMENT Pain Specialists of Greater Chicago.......................... 5
CLEANING SERVICE Molly Maid of the Gold Coast................................. 25
POWDER COATING Powder Coating Specialists.................................... 25
COLLABORATIVE LAW The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt............................ 19
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Tawani Enterprises.................................................. 16
CONTRACTOR Finishing Chicago................................................... 10
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Tawani Enterprises.................................................. 16
CUSTOM TAILOR Richard Bennett Custom Tailors.............................. 23
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Plymouth Place Senior Living................................. 11
DIVORCE STG Divorce Law................................. back outside cover
SECURE SELF STORAGE The Lock Up Self Storage.......................................... 7
FAMILY LAW STG Divorce Law................................. back outside cover
SENIOR LIVING Plymouth Place Senior Living................................. 11
FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS SOS Children’s Village Illinois................................ 20
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division............. 15
HOME & COMMERCIAL STORAGE The Lock Up Self Storage.......................................... 7
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Ford Wealth Management LLC............................... 10
HOME AUTO LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE Seibt Insurance Agency...................... front inside cover
WIGS Second Act Cancer Recovery Boutique..................... 3
HOSPITALITY Lang House Chicago & The Emil Bach House......... 17
WINDOW TREATMENTS Budget Blinds......................................................... 18
INSURANCE Humana.................................................................... 9 Seibt Insurance Agency...................... front inside cover MASTECTOMY PRODUCTS Second Act Cancer Recovery Boutique..................... 3
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