Gay street chicago
Northalsted (Boystown)
Why we love it
Northalsted (also known as Boystown) is one of the most country’s inclusive Queer communities and the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the United States. It’s known for its welcoming vibe, nonstop nightlife, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and outstanding dining options. It’s also the center of some of Chicago’s most widespread events and festivals.
Explore prefer 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 Road, the Legacy Walk commemorates LGBTQ+ heroes and historical events with colorful monuments.
Along the way, stop into funky boutiques, cool vintage clothing stores, and independent shops that capture the casual, funky spirit 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 popular patio, The Chicago Diner has been serving vegetarian cuisine since 1983, Ann Sather is a cozy Swedish brunch
Northalsted, Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood
The first officially acknowledged gay village in the United States, Boystown Chicago is the commonly accepted nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood famous as Northalsted that is home to Chicago's visible and active lesbian, gay, bisexual person and transgender community.
Northalsted, the first official queer neighborhood in the country (credit: northalsted.com)
Northalsted is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Broadway Ave. on the east and Halsted St. on the west, Grace St. to the north and Belmont Ave. to the south.
The two main (north-south) avenues of Halsted St. and Broadway dominate the heart of this commercial and fun district. Broadway primarily offers a variety of themed shops and restaurants stretching throughout the neighborhood while Halsted caters to a lively nightlife with more than 30 other gay and womxn loving womxn bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s largest LGBTQ people center that welcomes over 1000 people per day. Northalsted hosts a n
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 queer 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 lane, Clark St., features primarily independent, locally-owned boutiques and specialty stores.
In addition, the area features a number of lgbtq+ and lesbian bars, nightclubs and some of Chicago’s top restaurants.
Andersonville hosts Midsommarfest, one of Chicago’s most legendary highway festivals, in adv June. The annual event kicks off the summer neighborhood street festival season.
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is involved to equality, making Andersonville a neighborhood for everyone.
Explore Chicago’s Andersonville, a neighborhood for ev
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot appreciate the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and lesbian bars have a minuscule bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and drag shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the municipality. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.
Check out some of the optimal gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned queer bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful detect is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla