Women and Children First Bookstore: lesbian founded and co owned bookstore which has lots of LGBTQ+ material.We really loved their explanation of their store to explain it as a safe space for anyone from the LGBTQ+ community, for example a newly trans person looking for their first shaving product could feel safe to have that open discussion here. Cowboys and Astronauts: a gay lifestyle shop with everything from clothing to styling products, accessories and décor.It boasts many LGBTQ+ owned businesses from trendy cafes, to independent shops and restaurants. Again, this felt like a small gay utopia within the big city. AndersonvilleĪndersonville is the second major gay neighbourhood in Chicago and has it own unique charm which is quite different to Northalsted.Īndersonville is a small gay neighbourhood, but is one of the highest populated LGBTQ areas of Chicago.
Look out for the plaques that line the streets on decorative pillars that commemorate either an LGBTQ hero or heroine from history or a significant LGBTQ historical event.Ĭheck out some of the gay bars in Northalsted.
It really feels like a little gay utopia where things have been turned on their head and its homonormative here not heteronormative! It should come as no surprise that Northalsted is the place to go for gay bars and clubs during the evening, but also for drinks and dinner during the day. It’s streets and crossings are lined with rainbows and it was named the “best gay neighbourhood in the world” by Out Traveler magazine! Northalsted was the first officially recognised gay community in the US. When you are looking into gay Chicago, Northalsted will and should be, right at the top of your list.
S ome of the best jazz and cabaret music takes the stage most nights, and on Saturday afternoons, an array of local (and, occasionally, famous acts) comedians, musicians, and storytellers perform at The Paper Machete, a free "live magazine" that embraces diverse, original voices. This retro cocktail lounge is one of the city's most famous music venues-and for good reason. While it’s a tad divey, the clientele here is as friendly and diverse as they come and the patio out back is a great place to kick back when the weather allows. Located half a block west from Gino’s North, this no-frills gay bar is worth popping into if only to marvel at the low set circular bar that sometimes doubles as-much to the bartender’s dismay-a catwalk for those looking to strut their stuff once a quarter’s dropped in the jukebox. Don’t miss the free summer BBQ on Sundays and their oh-so-delicious vodka lemonades! This LGBTQ staple also features DJs and dancing after dark in the adjoining Tweet space. If that’s not a winning combination we don’t know what is, which is why this place is a sure-fire favorite of locals. Our favorites include The Raven Theater on Clark Street, the Rivendell and Steep Theatre companies, and the NeoFuturists on Ashland Avenueīig Chicks in Uptown, Tweet’s boozy sibling, has an amazing back patio, fun atmosphere, and well-priced drinks. With over fifteen theater companies based in Edgewater, the neighborhood is a hotbed for the kind of theatre that’s put Chicago on the map and helped make Edgewater the vibrant, exciting community that it is. Edgewater Theater DistrictĬhicago is known nationwide for its iconic storefront theatre scene–it’s the kind of theatre where you’ll experience knock-your-socks off acting and innovative, jaw-dropping productions from intimate 50-100 seat theaters. You’ll also find a friendly, down-to-earth crowd with a lot less attitude than other Chicago area beaches.
The beach is full of sandy stretches that, on a sunny Midwest day, makes you feel as if you are in Florida rather than Illinois. It is apt that the gay beach in Chicago, popularly called Hollywood Beach, is officially named after Kathy Osterman, the Chicago politician who fought for gay rights in the 1980s.