Gay guide in chicago
The 34 best LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago
Photograph: Courtesy Sidetrack
Northalsted, aka "Boystown," is the historical center of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ scene, but superb 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 World 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 flamboyant brunch. You'll need it after a night out on the town.
RECOMMENDED: Swallow at the best bars in Chicago
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LGBTQ+ Chicago weekend itinerary
You&#;ll desire more than two days to hit all of Chicago&#;s LGBTQ+ hotspots — but a weekend here is a good open. Whether you love the nonstop party vibe or a little Midwestern charm, Chicago’s inclusive neighborhoods propose something for everyone. Here&#;s how to spend a weekend exploring Chicago&#;s Diverse communities.
Saturday
Morning
Home to boutique shopping, vibrant nightlife, and one of the oldest LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, the East Lakeview neighborhood of Northalsted (aka Boystown) has an energy all its own.
Stroll along North Halsted Lane — lined with fabulous shopping, trendy restaurants, lively bars, and energetic gyrate clubs — and catch some brunch at laidback mainstay Drew&#;s on Halsted. Fill up the recover of your morning with a self-guided tour of The Legacy Walk, a one-of-a-kind outdoor museum step that celebrates LGBTQ+ history and heroes.
Afternoon
Enjoy elevated pub fare in cozy surroundings at Wilde (grab a leather booth or a spot by the fireplace). Then do a little neighborhood shopping at the spots like Foursided, where unusual gifts and chic decor stack the shelves.
Evening
Head to th
The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood mentor to Chicago
No matter how you identify, you’ll undergo right at home in Chicago. Our city is known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Pride celebrations to establishing the country&#;s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole urban area exudes a welcoming vibe, there are a couple of neighborhoods and places you shouldn’t miss.
LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Chicago
Make a beeline for Northalsted
Northalsted, also acknowledged as Boystown, is the oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. The area&#;s proud history is on display with the Legacy Walk, which commemorates notable LGBTQ+ heroes and historic events. The walk is a great way to tour the community — make sure to terminate into the many superb eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and unique boutiques along the way.
Come June, you’ll find Northalsted at the heart of the city&#;s annual Pride Month celebrations, which include two days of music, kingly shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Pride Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spectacular procession held on the last Sunday of June.
A couple of the many spots that ca
Chicago impressed us on so many levels. It is a beautiful Midwestern municipality, with super friendly people, lots to keep you busy and an incredibly diverse and thriving same-sex attracted scene.
Gay Chicago has a lot to offer and from our experience, the whole city appears to embrace 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, fear holding hands or showing affection: just as its should be!
Our first visit was over the Chicago Celebration Fest weekend and was hosted by Choose Chicago so we really got to see just how gay Chicago can be!
In our Gay Chicago Manual, we will cover the gay neighbourhoods of Chicago, gay bars, Gay Celebration Fest as well as what activities we did, where we stayed and ate so you will have all the communication you need to prepare your own visit!
Let’s receive started!
Gay Neighbourhoods in Chicago
Chicago has two very unique gay neighbourhoods, Northalsted (previous known as Boystown) and Andersonville (affectionately known as MANdersonville).
Northalsted (aka Boystown)
When you are looking into same-sex attracted Chicago, Northalsted will and should be, right at the top of
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