Boystown

Boystown is the main gay neighbourhood in Chicago, technically sitting within the Lakeview area on North Halsted Street. The rainbow pylons that line Halsted between Belmont and Addison have been there since 1997 and they are the clearest marker that this is the gay strip. Dozens of bars, restaurants, and gay-oriented businesses are within walking distance of each other, which makes it one of the most concentrated gay scenes in any American city.

The strip is very walkable. Most of the action runs along Halsted and the surrounding blocks. Getting there is straightforward: take the CTA Brown or Red line to Belmont and you are in the middle of it. No need for a car. The neighbourhood is busy on weekends from afternoon onward and has a mix of tourists and long-term regulars.

Boystown's character is broad. Leather bars, dance clubs, dive bars, sports bars, and neighbourhood pubs are all within a few minutes walk of each other. The variety is the point. You can start the evening at a quiet bar, move to a dance floor, and end up somewhere completely different without getting in a cab.

Andersonville

Andersonville is further north along Clark Street, roughly twenty minutes on the Red line from Boystown at Berwyn station. It is a different kind of neighbourhood. Historically associated with Chicago's lesbian community, it has a calmer, more residential character than Boystown. Coffee shops and restaurants rather than clubs. Bookstores, local boutiques, a neighbourhood that feels lived-in rather than oriented toward nightlife.

Andersonville has been shifting over the years, as many historically lesbian neighbourhoods have. The character is still there but it is less exclusively so than it once was. It is worth the trip if you want a counterpoint to Boystown's energy or you are staying in the north of the city.

IML

International Mr. Leather happens on Memorial Day weekend, which falls at the end of May. It is one of the largest leather events in the world, drawing over 20,000 people to Chicago for the weekend. The contest itself is the centrepiece, but the surrounding events, parties, and vendor market that takes over the host hotel fill the entire weekend. If leather is part of your scene, this is worth planning a trip around. Accommodation books out months in advance.

Chicago Pride

Chicago Pride runs in late June. The parade goes through Boystown and draws enormous crowds, regularly one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Midwest. The route ends near Montrose, where the afterparty atmosphere continues for hours. It is a major event and the city takes it seriously.

Bars

    • Arie Crown Theater — The Arie Crown Theater was named after Lithuanian immigrant Arie Crown, who was the father of Henry Crown, the American industrialist and philanthropist. The theater is situated on Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.
    • Atmosphere (@mosphere) — Dive bar & dance spot with weekend go-gos Atmosphere's large dance floor and daily drink specials -- not to mention the nearly-nude male dancers Thursday through Saturday -- beckon North Side boys to the bar, which also offers free WiFi. Now hosting a drag show every Sunday. Located in the heart of the far north geighborhood, Andersonville.
    • Bar Allegro Chicago — Chic accommodations in Chicago's theatre district Surrounded by theatres and shopping, the Allegro offers luxurious and comfortable Art Deco rooms, a full service spa and personalized amenities. They also offer guests a yoga basket and yoga classes, and a 24-hour fitness centre. The pet-friendly package provides guests' furry friends with their own gift basket.
    • Baton Show Lounge — Known for nightly drag shows... and what? If you're going to catch some of the world famous shows, make sure to book your reservations in advance for shows Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30, 10:30, and 12:30. Reservations are taken M-F 11 am - 4 pm
    • Big Chicks — Campy and fun neighborhood bar. Michelle Fire runs one of the most successful and oldest gay bears (oops, we meant bars) in all of Chicago. Every square inch of wall space is dedicated to her extensive art and photography collection. This bar is a favorite for locals and out-of-towners alike of all ages. Big Chicks hosts a free (yes, free) BBQ every Sunday, $1 Burger nights on Mondays and Bear Den cocktail hour every Thursday. The second Friday every month is host to the trans*-inclusive queer
    • Bobby Loves — Small and sweet neighborhood bar This bar is tiny but has a loyal following, especially with people who love friendly bartenders, strong drinks, and karaoke. Typically the crowd is a bit older and more subdued. It's a great place to meet up with friends.
    • Cellblock — Notorious leather bar Casual levis/leather in front; serious leather in the back bar. For those craving visual stimuli, check out the porn video showing in the back.
    • Charlie's Chicago — Fun country western bar/after-hours disco Join a fun crowd dancing to Charlie's country western music in their wranglers, cowboy hats, and boots. (Yes, it's part of the Charlie's chain of bars.) On weekend late nights (after 1 a.m.) the music changes dramatically and Charlie's becomes an after-hours dance club with house/dance/hi-NRG music til 5 a.m. You've never seen a crowd go from Cowboys to Go-Gos so fast! Hit it on Monday nights for It's Just Bingo Bitch and Sunday and Mondays for Karaoke.
    • Chicago Symphony Center — Symphony Center is a music complex located at 220 South Michigan Avenue in the Loop area of Chicago, Illinois.
    • Circuit Nightclub 2.0 — Almost every night is a circuit party Circuit, which was completely remodeled in the mid-2000s with a brand new sound system and new layout, caters to a largely Latino crowd but boys of all races and ethnicities come to dance their asses off. Theme nights and a large dance floor are big draws. Check out circuit girls.
    • Closet — Lesbian bar with a mix of men/women Cozy bar on Broadway in Boystown near great restaurants like Ping Pong and Wakamono. Fun lively crowd that gets pretty rowdy and drunk on weekends -- especially after 2 a.m. when other bars close. Lots of lesbians but welcoming to gay boys. Small dance floor. Bingo night on Thursday.
    • Club Escape — South Side neighborhood bar This is a super friendly bar where everyone seems to know each other, featuring nightly dancing to hip hop, R&B and house. Thursdays are ladies nights.

    For the full breakdown, see the Chicago gay bars guide.

    Saunas

    Chicago has a solid gay sauna scene, concentrated in the Boystown area. The venues have been operating for years and are well-established.

    • Man's Country — Midwest's largest steam room The Man's Country has a JO video room, dance floor, juice bar, and TV lounge. Regularly features male film stars, and live nude strippers on stage every Friday & Saturday.
    • Steamworks — Best bathhouse in Chicago Where else can you go 24 hours a day, seven days a week and walk around with nothing more than a towel? Get into the huge hot tub, take a steam, watch porn, jump into a sling or get lost in the maze.
    • Steamworks Baths Chicago — STEAMWORKS Chicago is a private men's gym, sauna, bathhouse for men 18 years and older... you know, men looking for other men!

    See the Chicago gay saunas guide for details.

    Hotels

    Staying in Boystown puts you in the middle of the scene. Lakeview and the surrounding neighbourhoods are residential and well-served by the CTA. If you are visiting for IML or another specific event, the host hotel is usually in the Loop or River North area, which are more central but further from Boystown's bar strip.

    • Affinia Chicago — Customised comforts and sophisticated style Located just steps from the famed Magnificent Mile, this upscale boutique hotel is set at the epicentre of Chicago's shopping, nightlife, entertainment and business districts. Enjoy first-class food at C-House and incredible ambience at rooftop C-View lounge.
    • Ashland Arms Guest House — Leather guest house Want a little tingle with your visit? Check out Ashland's guest rooms, especially designed to bring the kink out in the comfort of your own room with swings and harnesses built in.
    • Avenue Hotel Chicago — Steps from the 'Magnificent Mile' The Avenue is a Crowne Plaza Hotel that is a step above your typical chain hotel. The location is perfect for taking in Chicago's shopping and attractions.
    • Best Western Grant Park Hotel — For a true Chicago experience, stay with The BEST WESTERN Grant Park Hotel. Located steps away from Soldier Field and also the Museum Campus that houses the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum, the hotel also overlooks Grant Park, McCormick Place, and more. Whether it's business or pleasure that brings you to Chicago, this downtown hotel will delight you with supremely comfortable lodging at affordable rates.
    • Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace — A Boys town secret It might look unassuming, but this Best Western is an affordable and comfortable choice for staying in the heart of Boys town.
    • Blackstone Rennaissance — Classic and contemporary hotel Blackstone is an incredibly stylish and elegant hotel on the outskirts of the Loop. Aside from glamorous and comfortable rooms, this hotel also features an impressive collection of pieces from local artists.
    • Chicago Getaway Hostel — Lincoln Park Hostel with University Feel Located just below Boys town, Lincoln Park houses the charming getaway Hostel. With the neighbourhood University proximity and access to culture and night-life, this is a great way to get the Chicago experience on the cheap.
    • Chicago South Loop Hotel — Quality comfort in Chicago's South Loop If you're a culture seeker, the South Loop Hotel offers close proximity to museums, theater and shopping. The hotel itself is clean, contemporary and comfortable.

    Events

    Beyond IML and Pride, Chicago has an active LGBTQ+ event calendar throughout the year. Bear events, fetish parties, and community events run across the city.

    Practical notes

    • Cost: Chicago is meaningfully cheaper than New York or San Francisco. Drinks run $7-12, food is excellent and affordable relative to other major American cities.
    • Transport: The CTA Red and Brown lines cover Boystown well. The El is slower than rideshare but reliable. Rideshare is cheap and works well for moving between neighbourhoods at night.
    • Weather: Chicago summers are warm and can be excellent. Winters are genuinely harsh. The city's reputation for cold and wind is accurate. Plan visits for May through September if you want outdoor-friendly weather.
    • Food: Chicago is a genuinely good food city. Deep dish pizza is real and worth eating once. The city also has excellent restaurants across every category and price point.
    • Safety: Boystown is safe. The CTA is generally fine. Be aware of which neighbourhoods you are moving through at night, as with any large American city.

FAQ


Where is the gay neighbourhood in Chicago?



Boystown in the Lakeview neighbourhood, centred on North Halsted Street, is Chicago's main gay area. Rainbow pylons mark the strip between Belmont and Addison. Andersonville, further north on Clark Street, is a historically lesbian-friendly neighbourhood with a quieter, more residential character.




How do I get to Boystown?



Take the CTA Red or Brown line to Belmont station. You are in the middle of Boystown when you come out. The strip runs along Halsted and the surrounding blocks within easy walking distance of the station.




What is IML Chicago?



International Mr. Leather (IML) is a major leather and fetish event held in Chicago on Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. It draws over 20,000 people and includes a competition, vendor market, and dozens of parties across the weekend. It is one of the largest leather events in the world.




When is Chicago Pride?



Chicago Pride runs in late June with the parade going through Boystown. It is one of the largest Pride events in the Midwest. The parade draws very large crowds and accommodation in the area books out early.




Is Chicago expensive for gay travellers?



No, Chicago is one of the more affordable major American cities. Drinks are cheaper than in New York or San Francisco. Food is good and reasonably priced. Accommodation can vary but is generally more accessible than on the coasts.