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.