Gay shopping chicago
Northalsted (Boystown)
Why we devotion it
Northalsted (also established as Boystown) is one of the most country’s inclusive LGBTQ+ communities and the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the Combined States. It’s recognizable for its welcoming vibe, nonstop nightlife, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and excellent dining options. It’s also the center of some of Chicago’s most popular events and festivals.
Explore like a local
Insider tips
Stroll the award-winning Legacy Walk, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ history museum. Located on Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Grace Street, the Legacy Walk commemorates LGBTQ+ heroes and historical events with colorful monuments.
Along the way, stop into funky boutiques, fresh vintage clothing stores, and independent shops that capture the casual, funky liveliness of the neighborhood — CRAM Fashion, Unabridged Bookstore, Ragstock, and Reckless Records are just a few.
Enjoy a meal at one of the many charming neighborhood restaurants: Drew’s on Halsted has American bistro fare and a trendy patio, The Chicago Diner has been serving vegetarian cuisine since 1983, Ann Sather is a cozy Swedish brunch
The ultimate LGBTQ+ neighborhood guide to Chicago
No matter how you spot, you’ll feel right at dwelling in Chicago. Our city is known for embracing diversity and inclusion, from our world-famous Event celebrations to establishing the country’s first official LGBTQ+ neighborhood. And while the whole city 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 known as Boystown, is the oldest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in the country. The area’s proud history is on present 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 stop into the many great eateries, friendly bars, vintage stores, and unique boutiques along the way.
Come June, you’ll spot Northalsted at the heart of the city’s annual Pride Month celebrations, which include two days of music, drag shows, dancing, and more at Chicago Lgbtq+ fest Fest, and culminates with the famed Chicago Pride Parade, a spectacular procession held on the last Sunday of June.
A couple of the many s
ANDERSONVILLE — A LGBTQ+-owned stationery shop stocked with everything you need to pen and send old-fashioned letters is now open in Andersonville.
Paper & Pencil, 1480 W. Berwyn Ave., held its grand opening May 20. The store, owned by Andersonville couple Eric Campbell and Tyler McCall, sells writing utensils, journals, notebooks, notecards, washi tape, paperclips, page flags, glue and more.
Most of the products are American-made and sourced from women- or LGBTQ+-owned brands.
“We’re focusing on a few of our favorite things,” McCall said. “So, gay things, Chicago things and cannabis things.”
You’re not likely to find Paper & Pencil’s products anywhere else in the neighborhood. McCall and Campbell have worked difficult to curate a selection that’s different from stores like Foursided and Savor . The two don’t desire to step on any toes or take business from those already established — and “incredible” — shops, they said.
The community has already shown “much back and excitement,” said Campbell, sharing a story of a woman who walked in to browse before the store had even opened.
Opening a stationery shop has been a lifelong
Andersonville, a Neighborhood for Everyone
Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, acknowledged for its Swedish roots, historic architecture, and bustling urban main street, has one of the city's largest male lover and lesbian communities, second only to Boystown.
The welcoming North Side neighborhood stretches from Foster Ave. to the south, Victoria St. to the north, Ravenswood Ave. to the west and Magnolia Ave. to the east.
Recognized as the “shop local capital of Chicago”, Andersonville’s commercial district and main shopping highway, Clark St., features primarily independent, locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores.
In addition, the area features a number of queer and lesbian bars, nightclubs and some of Chicago’s leading restaurants.
Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s most legendary avenue festivals, in premature June. The annual event kicks off the summer neighborhood street festival season.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to equality, making Andersonville a neighborhood for everyone.
Explore Chicago’s Andersonville, a neighborhood for ev