Lisa Shames 2026-01-21 11:11:01
Check out some of the city’s popular LGBTQ+-owned neighborhood places, ranging from welcoming shops to craveworthy eateries and lively nightspots.
Along a half-mile stretch of North Halsted Street, The Legacy Walk honors noteworthy LGBTQ+ figures with memorial markers displayed on rainbow pylons.
Fashion-savvy shoppers know to stop in CRAM Fashion often for its always-changing selection of men’s clothing and accessories.
Jenni Vee proudly bakes Filipino ingredients into her colorful cakes and sweet treats at Jennivee’s Bakery, which celebrates her heritage as well as fellow trans women.
Delicious contemporary American fare, a huge selection of martinis, and some of the city’s top drag queens make for a fun night at the Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club.
Celebrating underrepresented voices since 1979, indiefocused Women & Children First offers books by and about women, LGBTQ+ literature, and children’s books.
Knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers have a friend in The Dropped Stitch, a cozy boutique featuring colorful yarns, crochet needles, and more.
At chef Paul Fehribach’s Big Jones you’ll find coastal Southern dishes (some made with heirloom ingredients), whiskey galore, and heartfelt hospitality.
Black- and queer-owned Nobody’s Darling has redefined what it means to be an LGBTQ+ bar, with a sophisticated cocktail program that earned it a James Beard Award nomination.
Inspired by his mother’s cooking, chef-owner Eric Roldan of Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar creates modern Puerto Rican dishes at his charming eatery.
Located in a funky art-filled space, Tweet serves up classic bites like fluffy pancakes, eggs Benedict, and quiche for breakfast, lunch, and brunch.
Sister to neighboring Tweet, the laid-back Big Chicks consistently tops best LGBTQ+ bar lists for good reason — friendly prices and an even friendlier crowd.
Since 1969, The Baton Show Lounge has been delighting audiences with its drag showcase of glittering divas and electrifying all-male revues.
New in the South Loop, upscale Southern Chicago features flame-grilled steaks, fresh seafood platters, and Southern sides like Cajun collard greens and fondant sweet potatoes.
Located near the historic Motor Row District, Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar offers Chicago-style deep dish and thin crust pizzas, along with an extensive selection of cocktails.
At Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Pullman, award-winning chef Dominique Leach serves a BBQ feast of rib tips, pulled pork, and sweet banana pudding for dessert.
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST & PRIDE PARADE
June brings the lively Pride Fest, followed by the iconic Pride Parade that turns the streets of Northalsted into an over-the-top party.
The Andersonville neighborhood kicks off summer with music on the Pride Stage featuring drag, house, and disco, plus local foods and artisans.
er Chicagoans are celebrated at this joyous Washington Park event.
There’s nonstop live music and dancing at one of the biggest street fests in the country, held every August.
REELING: THE CHICAGO LGBTQ+ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Queer movies from around the globe are screened during this annual autumn fest.
Scan here to discover more LGBTQ+-friendly Chicago spots.
©Chicago. View All Articles.
CHICAGO PRIDE
https://digital.milespartnership.com/article/CHICAGO+PRIDE/5098164/859708/article.html