LGBT+ Friendly Destinations in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. Boystown
A vibrant neighborhood known for its large LGBTQ+ population and numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants.
- Diverse Nightlife: Offers a wide variety of nightlife options catering to different preferences
- Community Hub: Serves as a central gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago
- Safe Space: Provides a safe and accepting environment for all visitors
2. Pride Fest
A massive outdoor street festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, featuring live music, food vendors, and a parade.
- Celebration of Diversity: Brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity
- Entertainment Galore: Offers a plethora of entertainment options, including live performances and art displays
- Community Support: Raises funds for LGBTQ+ charities and organizations in Chicago
3. Center on Halsted
A community center offering resources, programs, and events for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as allies.
- Resource Center: Provides a wealth of resources, including health services, counseling, and job assistance
- Community Engagement: Offers numerous programs and events for the LGBTQ+ community to engage in and participate in
- Allies Welcome: Encourages straight allies to get involved and support the LGBTQ+ community
4. Berghoff Cafe & Restaurant
A historic restaurant with a long-standing tradition of welcoming everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.
- Historical Significance: One of Chicago's oldest and most iconic restaurants, steeped in history
- Warm Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere
- Delicious Food: Serves up traditional German cuisine in a comfortable, relaxed setting
5. Smartbar
A legendary dance club that has been a fixture of Chicago's LGBTQ+ scene for decades.
- Iconic Dance Club: One of the oldest and most famous dance clubs in the city
- Diverse Music: Plays a mix of genres, from house to indie rock
- Late-Night Fun: Stays open late and attracts a lively crowd
6. Big Chicks
A popular sports bar and restaurant with a focus on serving the LGBTQ+ community.
- Sports-Centric: Features numerous TVs showing live sports events
- Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
- Delicious Food: Offers a variety of bar food, including burgers and wings
7. Wildebar
A cozy, intimate bar with a focus on craft cocktails and an LGBTQ+ friendly environment.
- Craft Cocktails: Serves creative, expertly-made cocktails using high-quality ingredients
- Intimate Setting: Features a small, charming interior perfect for dates or quiet conversations
- LGBTQ+ Focused: Caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies
8. Leather Archives & Museum
A museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the leather, fetish, and BDSM communities.
- Historical Preservation: Works to preserve the history and culture of alternative sexualities
- Educational Resource: Provides resources for education, advocacy, and community engagement
- Unique Collection: Features a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents
9. Broadway in Chicago
A theatre company that presents a variety of Broadway shows and is committed to LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
- Broadway Shows: Presents hit Broadway shows, including musicals and plays
- Inclusive Casting: Features diverse casting, including LGBTQ+ actors and characters
- Community Engagement: Supports local LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives
10. Chicago Pride Parade
A large-scale annual parade celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.
- Celebration of Diversity: Brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity and unity
- Entertainment Galore: Offers a plethora of entertainment options, including live performances and art displays
- Community Support: Raises funds for LGBTQ+ charities and organizations in Chicago
11. The Annoyance Theatre
A comedy theatre that prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and supporting diverse comedians.
- Hilarious Comedy Shows: Presents a variety of improv and sketch comedy shows
- LGBTQ+ Focused: Caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies
- Diverse Performers: Features a diverse cast of comedians, including many who identify as LGBTQ+
12. The Nightwood Bar
A trendy bar with a focus on craft cocktails and an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.
- Craft Cocktails: Serves creative, expertly-made cocktails using high-quality ingredients
- Trendy Atmosphere: Features a stylish, modern interior perfect for a night out
- LGBTQ+ Focused: Caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies
13. The Ginger Man Tavern
A classic tavern with a long history of welcoming everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.
- Historical Significance: One of Chicago's oldest bars, with a rich history dating back to the Prohibition era
- Warm Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere
- Delicious Food: Serves a variety of pub food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads
14. The Silhouette Lounge
A lounge bar with a focus on serving the LGBTQ+ community and offering a welcoming atmosphere.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Features a laid-back, comfortable interior perfect for unwinding
- LGBTQ+ Focused: Caters specifically to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies
- Diverse Music: Plays a mix of genres, from classic hits to current favorites
15. The Northalsted Market Days
A summer street market festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and Chicago's Northalsted neighborhood.
- Community Celebration: Brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community
- Shopping Opportunities: Offers a wide variety of vendors selling unique goods and crafts
- Entertainment Galore: Features live music, performances, and entertainment throughout the festival