Nestled between Uptown and Edgewater, Andersonville can be found on the north side of the city. Though it’s always been a diverse neighborhood, Andersonville was unofficially dubbed “Girlstown” in the 1990s due to a flourishing lesbian community. With so many options, it’s hard to choose one, and it’s not uncommon for partygoers to try out multiple establishments in one night.
A few local favorites are Sidetrack, Replay, and Progress Bar. You can’t go wrong with any of the many bars and clubs found along Halsted St. The Chicago Diner is one of the city’s oldest vegan restaurants, where you’ll find award-winning milkshakes and burgers that are so good you’ll never tell the difference.įor nightlife, Boystown is the place to be any night of the week. Novelty shop Beatnix has everything from drag costumes and vintage clothing to gag gifts and other knick-knacks. Places to visit in BoystownĪs the top visited Chicago gay neighborhood, Boystown doesn’t disappoint when it comes to things to do.
The community also hosts an annual street festival called Market Days, which features a concert lineup of prominent LGBTQ artists and booths filled with food, drinks, and crafts. It’s one of the largest pride celebrations in the world, with over a million in attendance each year. Events in Boystownīoystown is the official home of the Chicago Pride Parade.
Since the 1970s, this area has been a center of acceptance and free expression where the Chicago LGBTQ community thrives. Visitors to this vibrant, walkable neighborhood will find themselves greeted by rainbow-colored posts that line the streets. There’s no mistaking Boystown for anywhere else. The original and most frequented Chicago gay neighborhood, Boystown stretches along Halsted Street on the north side of the city. NerdWallet even lists Chicago as the 10 th most gay-friendly city in the US. But keep in mind that practically everywhere in the city is a safe bet for LGBTQ acceptance. The neighborhoods listed here are known for being the best gay areas in Chicago. Whether you’re searching for thriving nightlife or underground culture, check out the best gay neighborhoods that Chicago has to offer. 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.As the largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is a hub for people of all different backgrounds. 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.