THE PREMIER LGBTQ+ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CHICAGO Vol. 11
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
04 ABOUT GUIDE 06 RESTAURANT SCHEDULE 08 EVENTS GUIDE 14 BAR ORGS & ATTRACTIONS 18 LGBTQ+ DIRECTORY 20 BUSINESS
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ABOUT 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. Queer life (and LGBTQ+ 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.
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RESTAURANT GUI DE Alinea Chef Grant Achatz draws foodies with New American tasting menus featuring creative plates. 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Classic fare at the original location of the chophouse chain. 1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL Giordano’s Deep dish recipe passed down from their Piedmontese roots. 730 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL
Angelina Ristorante Longtime neighborhood standby for classic Italian dining. 3561 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL
Girl & The Goat Hot spot serving up innovative small plates from a dramatic open kitchen. 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Ann Sather Restaurant Easygoing mainstay offering SwedishAmerican breakfast & lunch standards. 3415 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Italian Village Romantic Italian restaurant serving classic dishes & has an extensive wine list. 71 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL
Artango Bar & Steakhouse Argentinian fare, classic cocktails & tango dancing in a swanky, 1920s-inspired setting. 4767 N Lincoln Ave, 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
Avec Restaurant Inventive small & large plates served in a cozy, minimalist space. 615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
Joy’s Noodles & Rice Neighborhood spot serving Thai classics. 3257 N Broadway, 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
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club Drag-queen divas perform nightly at this upscale American restaurant. 3700 N Halsted 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
Las Mañanitas Restaurant Standard Mexican favorites & margaritas. 3523 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
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
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
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RESTAURANT GUI DE Osteria Langhe Italian joint serving Piemontese fare in casual digs with bare wood tables & a rustic bar. 2824 W Armitage Ave, 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
Parachute Funky-chic place serving modern, creative Korean-American fare plus wine & cocktails. 3500 N Elston 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
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
Topolobampo Rick Bayless’ innovative, refined Mexican cuisine served in an art-filled space. 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Smoque BBQ Popular BBQ spot slinging ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more. 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL
Tweet American comfort & gluten-free fare. 5020 N Sheridan Rd, 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
Wood American bistro in a romantic setting. 3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
NAVI-ARTS FESTIVAL
HAMILTON
NOV 11-12
DEC 1-30
Support our local artisans, artists, and craft makers while jumpstarting your Christmas shopping. Discover one-ofa-kind gifts that you won’t find in retail stores, all while championing small Puerto Rican/Latino-owned businesses right here in Chicago. It’s a win-win! For more info visit: nmprac.org/event/save-the-date-naviarts-festival
HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. For more info visit: broadwayinchicago.com/show/ hamilton
NOV 24-16
FANTASIA IN CONCERT
DEC 8-29
Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the CSO while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before! For more info visit: tinyurl.com/4jru9nvy
ELECTRIC ILLUMINATION
Electric Illumination is a late-night experience for adults 18 and older that brings a curated mix of dynamic and dance-worthy music synchronized to the breathtaking light displays of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. On Friday nights, December 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. you’ll experience Illumination like you never have before. A special temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug will be available for purchase during all Illumination dates. For more info visit: bit.ly/3rTg6Ps
NOV 26
THE NUTCRACKER
JANUARY
This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and sensational choreography. 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: tinyurl.com/yvd45wep
JAN 1-7
LIGHTSCAPE
Explore the whimsy of nature in winter through music, light, fire, and color. Featured artistic works will include favorites such as the luminous Winter Cathedral and 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
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EVENTS SCH E D ULE FEBRUARY
count the 32 fouettés performed by Odile and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky’s music. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. For more info visit: rialtosquare.com/ event/world-ballet-series-swan-lake
FEB 6-25
GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LAUGHS CONTINUE
Picture it. United States, 2024. GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LAUGHS CONTINUE brings Miami’s sassiest seniors to stages around the country for one more hurrah. We find Sophia out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover. GOLDEN GIRLS: THE LAUGHS CONTINUE allows audiences to relive the heartfelt hilarity of the four ladies who never stopped being best friends. For more info visit: broadwayinchicago. com/show/golden-girls
APRIL APR 13
HANDMADE MARKET CHICAGO
Add some shopping to your Saturday morning brunch routine. You can sip a mimosa while checking out the wares of local vendors selling funky jewelry, clothing, handbags and paper crafts. We are at the Empty Bottle from noon to 4:30 pm the second Saturday from October to April. For more info visit: handmadechicago.com
FEB 18
CHINATOWN PARADE
Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024 (Year of the Dragon, 4722), and the Lunar New Year parade will take place on Sunday, February 18, 2024. 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. Our parade will feature traditional dragon and lion dancing teams, colorful floats, marching bands and marching groups. For more info visit: ccc-foundation.org/ lunar-new-year-parade
APR 19
THE PRINCESS BRIDE: AN INCONCEIVABLE EVENING WITH CARY ELWES
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behindthe-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride. After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics! Journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/mt75v3c4
MARCH MAR 12
WORLD BALLET SERIES: SWAN LAKE
Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans,
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BAR GU ID E 2Bears Tavern Uptown LGBTQIA+ Tavern and neighborhood bar. 1140 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL
Club Escape Energetic, gay-friendly venue. 1530 E 75th St, Chicago, IL
Atmosphere Neon-filled gay bar offering male go-go dancers & fun events. 5355 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Elixir Lounge Stylish lounge with hand-shaken cocktails. 3452 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Berlin Cavernous nightlife mainstay with a diverse crowd. 954 W Belmont Ave, 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
Big Chicks Upbeat, colorful LGBT-friendly bar. 5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL
Hydrate Nightclub Energetic gay dance club. 3458 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Bobby Love’s A neighborhood gay karaoke bar. 3729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Jeffery Pub Black owned neighborhood stalwart. 7041 S Jeffery Blvd, Chicago, IL
Cell Block Gay bar with billiards, Wii & darts. 3702 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge Pop in to this male dancer bar. 3169 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Charlie’s Chicago Western-themed bar & dance club. 3726 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Marty’s Chic, low-lit lounge. 1511 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL
Krave Playful LGBT nightspot. 13126 S Western Ave, Blue Island, IL
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BAR GU ID E Meeting House Tavern LGBTQIA+, one-of-a-kind gathering space! 5025 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
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
Progress Bar Chicago Hip nightclub offering craft brews, DJs & dancing. 3359 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
The Closet Unpretentious lesbian & gay bar. 3325 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Replay Lakeview Funky arcade bar. 3439 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
The North End Low-key gay sports bar. 3733 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Roscoe’s Neighborhood gay & lesbian bar. 3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
The SoFo Tap Neighborhood gay bar with games & theme nights. 4923 N Clark St 1st Floor, Chicago, IL
Scarlet Bar Vintage-inspired gay bar. 3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL Second Story Bar Old-school, cash-only local gay bar. 157 E Ohio St #2, Chicago, IL
Touché Neighborhood gay leather bar, open since 1977. 6412 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Sidetrack Behemoth gay club drawing a diverse crowd. 3349 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Wang’s Gay-friendly cocktail lounge. 3317 N Broadway, Chicago, IL
Shakers on Clark Gay-friendly bar with piano players. 3160 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
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LGBTQ+ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Equality Illinois Building a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community. equalityillinois.us
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
Gerber/Hart Library & Archives The Midwest’s largest LGBT library. gerberhart.org 6500 N Clark St 2nd Fl, 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
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 treatment services. rinconfamilyservices.org 3809 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL
Center on Halsted the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ people of Chicagoland. centeronhalsted.org 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
TransLife Center Provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people. (877) 565-8860 translifeline.org
Chicago Women’s Health Center Offering consultations, fertility awareness education, and insemination services. chicagowomenshealthcenter.org 1025 W Sunnyside St #201, Chicago, IL
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY AUTO REPAIR SHOP Chicago Car Care Inc.............. Front Cover,
ENGINEERING CONSULTANT Elara Engineering.................................... 7
Back Cover
NON PROFIT Red Cross................................................ 19
BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY Lakelaw..................................................... 9
POWDER COATING Powder Coating Specialists................... 1
CONTRACTOR Finishing Chicago........... Front Inside Cover
TRANSPORTATION Pace Suburban Bus............................... 13
CUSTOM TAILOR Richard Bennett Custom Tailors............ 3
VASCULAR SURGEON Rosen Vein Care....................................... 5
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP Dine Naperville............... Back Inside Cover DINING GUIDE Dine Naperville............... Back Inside Cover
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