THE PREMIER L G B T Q + BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Vol. 9 CHICAGO
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESTAURANT GUIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE BAR GUIDE LGBTQ+ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTORY ABOUT04 10 16 24 30 34
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 after hours bars packed after the other bars close.
4 ABOUT
Alinea
Chef Grant Achatz draws foodies with New American tasting menus featuring creative plates.
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Angelina Ristorante
Longtime neighborhood standby for classic Italian dining.
3561 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL
Ann Sather Restaurant
Easygoing mainstay offering SwedishAmerican breakfast & lunch standards.
3415 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Artango Bar & Steakhouse
Argentinian fare, classic cocktails & tango dancing in a swanky, 1920s-inspired setting.
4767 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Avec Restaurant
Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space.
615 W Randolph St, 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
Boka
Creative American cuisine in a stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candlelit back garden patio.
1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Drew’s on Halsted Cozy, laid-back mainstay featuring American bistro fare with global accents plus a full bar & patio.
3201 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
A huge tequila menu paired with Mexican standards including tableside guacamole in a casual setting.
3906 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Classic fare at the original location of the chophouse chain.
1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL
Giordano’s Famous Chicago Style Pizza
Deep dish recipe passed down from their Piedmontese roots.
730 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL
Girl & The Goat
Hot spot serving up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen.
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Italian Village
Romantic Italian restaurant serving classic dishes & has an extensive wine list.
71 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Steak & seafood fare with signature stone crab claws, served by a tuxedoclad staff.
60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Joy’s Noodles & Rice
Neighborhood spot serving Thai classics. 3257 North Broadway, Chicago, IL
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Drag-queen divas perform nightly at this upscale American restaurant.
3700 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Las Mañanitas
Standard Mexican favorites & margaritas.
3523 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Chicago-style deep dish pizza. 6649 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL
Mi Tocaya Antojería
Colorful, laid-back spot serving multiregional Mexican small plates, desserts & cocktails.
2800 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL
10 RESTAURANT GUIDE
(. . .continued on page 12)
RESTAURANT
Osteria Langhe
Italian joint serving Piemontese fare in casual digs with bare wood tables & a rustic bar.
2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL
Parachute
Funky-chic place serving modern, creative Korean-American fare plus wine & cocktails.
3500 N Elston Ave, 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
Smoque BBQ
Popular BBQ spot slinging ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more.
3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL
The Gage
Inventive American eats, a long list of beers and a lively space with Millennium Park views.
24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
The Publican
A creative seafood & pork-focused menu with global brews in a hip setting.
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL
The Purple Pig
Adventurous small plates with a lengthy wine list in small, lively quarters.
444 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Topolobampo
Rick Bayless’ innovative, refined Mexican cuisine served in an art-filled space.
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
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GUIDE
NOV 27
THE NUTCRACKER
This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, and exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes. Journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and visit the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is one holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. For more info visit: rialtosquare.com/event/the-nutcracker
from Purple Rain, operate the mixing board in Prince’s studio, get down to an audiovisual dance party, and much more! Prince: The Immersive Experience is a celebration of this once-in-ageneration musical genius. You’ll leave entertained, educated, and inspired by his dedication to his craft and his incomparable cultural legacy. For more info visit: princetheexperience.com
DEC 16-30
ELECTRIC ILLUMINATION
DEC 1-4
WICKED
The Broadway smash hit Wicked arrives in Chicago for an extended stint at the James M. Nederlander Theatre as part of its North American tour, chronicling the unlikely friendship of the greenskinned outcast Elphaba and popular blonde Glinda (who would go on to become the “wicked” and “good”
Electric Illumination is a late-night experience for adults 18 and older with a curated mix of trance and progressive house music, synchronized to the breathtaking light displays. Be the first to be part of this exciting, limited run: 9:30-11:00 p.m., December 16, 23, and 30! Electric Illumination guests will also have exclusive access to a special colorchanging cup with a drink purchase at the concession stands. For more info visit: bit.ly/3rTg6Ps
DECEMBER
16 EVENTS SCHEDULE (. . .continued on page 21)
a reimagined fire garden. Celebrate outside with friends and family at Lightscape, the brightest spot for holiday cheer.
For more info visit: chicagobotanic.org/lightscape
JAN 29
CHINATOWN PARADE
Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, January 22, 2023 (Year of the Rabbit, 4721), and the Lunar New Year parade will take place on Sunday, January 29. The parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and travel north on Wentworth towards the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. The parade will feature traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and more. For more info visit: bit.ly/3T4S8MT
JAN 31
MANIA – THE ABBA TRIBUTE
MANIA (formerly ABBA MANIA) formed in 1999 and the show has been
A deeply personal call to action, one in two shines a light on the people behind a statistic and the strength of the community they make up.
For more info visit: goelevent.com/pridearts/e/oneintwo
MARCH
MAR 11
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The Irish holiday brings multiple weekends of revelry to Chicago, from shamrock-covered pop-up bars and classic fish fries to all the local breweries offering beer specials. Embrace the luck of the Irish and prepare for a party!
For more info visit: chicagostpatricksdayparade.org
APRIL
APR 8
HANDMADE MARKET CHICAGO
Add some shopping to your Saturday morning brunch routine. You can sip a
21 EVENTS SCHEDULE
2Bears Tavern Uptown
LGBTQIA+ Tavern
1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL
Atmosphere
Neon-filled gay bar offering male go-go dancers & fun events
5355 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Berlin
Cavernous nightlife mainstay with a diverse crowd
954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL
Big Chicks
Upbeat, colorful LGBT-friendly bar 5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL
Bobby Love’s
A neighborhood gay karaoke bar 3729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Cell Block
Gay bar with billiards, Wii & darts
3702 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Charlie’s Chicago
Western-themed bar & dance club 3726 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Club Krave
Playful LGBT nightspot
13126 S Western Ave, Blue Island, IL
Club Escape
Energetic, gay-friendly venue 1530 E 75th St, Chicago, IL
Elixir Lounge
Stylish lounge with hand-shaken cocktails
3452 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Fantasy Nightclub
Hopping, gay-friendly nightspot
3641 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Granville Anvil
Unpretentious gay bar
1137 W Granville Ave, Chicago, IL
Hydrate Nightclub
Energetic gay dance club
3458 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Jeffery Pub
Black owned neighborhood stalwart 7041 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge
Pop in to this male dancer bar 3169 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Marty’s Chic, low-lit lounge 1511 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL
Meeting House Tavern
LGBTQIA+, one-of-a-kind gathering space!
5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Progress Bar Chicago
Hip nightclub offering craft brews, DJs & dancing
3359 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Replay Lakeview
Funky arcade bar 3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Roscoe’s
Neighborhood gay & lesbian bar 3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Second Story Bar
Old-school, cash-only local gay bar 157 E Ohio St #2, Chicago, IL
Scarlet Bar
Vintage-inspired gay bar 3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Sidetrack
Gay club drawing a diverse crowd 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Shakers on Clark
Gay-friendly bar with piano players 3160 N Clark St, Chicago, IL (.
24 BAR GUIDE
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Splash Chicago
Narrow, dimly lit gay bar
3339 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
The Baton Show Lounge
Drag queens take the stage at this longstanding nightclub 4713 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
The North End
Low-key gay sports bar 3733 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
The SoFo Tap
Neighborhood gay bar with games & theme nights 4923 N Clark St 1st Floor, Chicago, IL
26 BAR GUIDE
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. aidschicago.org 200 West Monroe Street #1150, Chicago, IL
Brave Space Alliance
The first black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ center located on the south side of chicago, and designed to create and provide affirming and culturally competent services for the entire LGBTQ+ community of chicago. bravespacealliance.org 1515 E 52nd Pl 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL
Center on Halsted the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to
& ATTRACTIONS
Equality Illinois
Building a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. equalityillinois.us
Gerber/Hart Library & Archives
The Midwest’s largest LGBT library. gerberhart.org 6500 N Clark St 2nd Fl, Chicago, IL
Howard Brown Health Center
Access LGBTQ affirming primary care, STI/STD testing, HIV/AIDS services, TGNC healthcare, and women’s health services at clinics across Chicago. howardbrown.org 4025 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL
Rincon Family Services
Providing counseling, case management, prevention, and
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LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
34 BUSINESS DIRECTORY 401K PLANNING Insight Financial Partners .................... 31 AUTO DEALERSHIP City Auto Group .............................. 14-15 AUTO REPAIR SHOP Chicago Car Care Inc. .......................... 29 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Budget Blinds........................................ 35 CLEANING SERVICE Molly Maid of the Gold Coast .......... Back Inside Cover CONTRACTOR Finishing Chicago .......... Front Inside Cover COUNTER TOPS & CABINETS Kitchen Tune Up ...................... Back Cover CUSTOM TAILOR Richard Bennett Custom Tailors ........... 3 ELECTRICIAN Oakwood Electric & Generator .......... 33 ESTATE PLANNING John R. Russell Ltd................................ 17 Sharon L. Sweeney, Attorney at Law ..................................... 35 FINANCIAL ADVISOR Dan Fiarito - Edward Jones ................. 28 Jack Reiff - Edward Jones ................... 33 FINANCIAL PLANNING James IrwinNorthwestern Mutual ........................... 11 PWA - Professional Wealth Advisors ................... Front Cover, 5 GENERAL CONTRACTOR Cicero Construction Group ................. 12 GOLF CLUB Arrowhead Golf Club ........................... 32 GOLF COURSE Arrowhead Golf Club ........................... 32 HOME & COMMERCIAL STORAGE The Lock Up Self Storage ...................... 6 INSURANCE Maks Andronenkov - State Farm ........ 30 KITCHEN CABINETS Chicago Kitchen Concepts............ 18-19 KITCHEN REMODELING Kitchen Tune Up ...................... Back Cover MORTGAGES Perry Farella - Prime Lending ............. 8-9 Gina Persiani - Town Center Bank ...... 20 John Graziani - Regions ....................... 35 PAINTING Titan Painting .................................. 22-23 (. . .continued on page 36)
36 BUSINESS DIRECTORY PERSONAL & BUSINESS BANKRUPTCY LAW David P. Lloyd - Attorney at Law ......... 27 PERSONAL INJURY TorHoerman Law .................................. 32 POWDER COATING SECURE SELF STORAGE The Lock Up Self Storage ...................... 6 TOURISM Naperville Development Partnership Convention ....................... 26
