Gay Chicago
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Gay 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: Northalsted (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 2 am (3 am on Saturdays) and a few stay open after-hours until 4 am (5 am on Saturdays). If you're up for a late night, you'll find the after-hours bars packed after the other bars close.

Explore what Chicago has to offer

Catch the game on Super Bowl Sunday at these gay sports bars

game day

Catch the game on Super Bowl Sunday at these gay sports bars

Why this Midwest city is the perfect gay winter wonderland

snow day

Why this Midwest city is the perfect gay winter wonderland

PHOTOS: Speedo-clad Santas made Chicago’s yuletide gay

holiday hunks

PHOTOS: Speedo-clad Santas made Chicago’s yuletide gay

These one-of-a-kind accommodations will make you feel like royalty

Best of GayCities

These one-of-a-kind accommodations will make you feel like royalty

Top 20 events in December for you and your chosen family

gay agenda

Top 20 events in December for you and your chosen family

Staying at this hotel will make you feel like you’re in ‘The Gilded Age’

vintage vacation

Staying at this hotel will make you feel like you’re in ‘The Gilded Age’

This Chicago hotel is a legendary launch pad for downtown fun

Millennium Park merriment

This Chicago hotel is a legendary launch pad for downtown fun

14 Chicago experiences, from custom-made leather to a soaking tub with skyline views

Windy City wonderland

14 Chicago experiences, from custom-made leather to a soaking tub with skyline views

All Chicago Articles

Upcoming Events

International Mr. Leather

World famous leather lovers

The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center

May 25 - 29

Chicago Pride Fest

Party in Northalsted!

Northalsted

June 15 - 23

Market Days

One of Chicago's greatest summer festivals

Northalsted

August 10 - 11

Bars & Clubs

Sidetrack

Where bigger is always better
Northalsted

Roscoe's Tavern

Iconic drag, bingo, booze & babes
Northalsted

Hydrate Nightclub

Energetic & entertaining dance club
Northalsted

Jackhammer

A place to wear Levis
Rogers Park

Cell Block

Notorious leather bar
Northalsted

Lucky Horseshoe Lounge

Getting lucky since 1989
Northalsted

Touché

Cruise in leather
Rogers Park

Big Chicks

Vibrant, colorful & amazing food!
Uptown
All Chicago Bars & Clubs

Restaurants

Wood

Romantic & stylish Boystown bistro
Northalsted

Las Mananitas

Exemplary service & the best margs in town
Northalsted

Kit Kat Lounge

World-famous divas put on quite a show
Northalsted

Nookies Too

Classic American comfort food
Northalsted

Ann Sather Restaurant & Catering

Trusted Chicago institution
Northalsted

Angelina Ristorante

Authentic, romantic & intimate Italian bistro
Northalsted

Joy's Noodles & Rice

Casual atmosphere serving classic Thai favorites
Northalsted

Drew's on Halsted

Fresh American bistro fare
Northalsted
All Chicago Restaurants

Hotels

The Villa Toscana Guest House

Elegant & unique accommodations
Northalsted

Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace

A Boystown secret
Northalsted

City Suites Hotel

Art Deco boutique hotel
Lakeview

Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago

Casual stay near all the sights
Lakeview

Hyatt Regency Chicago

Modern refinement with killer views
North Loop

Majestic Hotel

Stay in a modernized English estate
Lakeview

The Allegro Royal Sonesta Hotel Chicago Loop

Chic accomodations in Chicago's theater district
North Loop

Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park

Bright, sophisticated and funky downtown hotel
Downtown
All Chicago Hotels

Gay Chicago
Bars & Clubs
Restaurants
Bathhouses
Hotels
Shops
Arts
Gyms
Beaches
History
Articles
Events