Chicago’s thriving gay neighborhoods offer everything you could ever need
By Joshua Haigh
Sponsored
Chicago has quickly become a go-to destination for the gay community, and it’s at the forefront of a new era of LGBT+ travel spots around the U.S.
While we’ve always had places like San Francisco and Fire Island, Chicago’s two iconic iconic gay neighbourhoods, Andersonville and Boystown, are attracting a wealth of visitors from around the world who want something a bit different.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night in with a loved one or a wild night out in with your pals, there’s a bar or club to cater for every need in Boystown. Halsted St offers an array of hot-spots for those wanting a cheeky tipple or two, with over 30 different gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
For a cosier vibe, try Bar Pastoral, where you can accompany a velvety bottle of red with a selection of sumptuous cheeses. When you’re done there, you can grab a cocktail at high-end cocktail bar Elixer just down the road.
When you’re ready to hit the dancefloor, there’s nowhere better to head than Sidetrack, which remains Chicago’s most popular LGBT+ clubbing venue. There’s six huge rooms that cater to every music taste imaginable and even a lush rooftop deck for when you need to grab a well-deserved rest after dancing a little too passionately to Britney’s back catalog.
If you’re looking to step inside Chicago’s drag culture, then make sure to pay a visit to Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, which regularly hosts performances by female impersonators for a mixed crowd of both gay and straight patrons.
Don’t worry if you prefer a quiet night in, because Boystown has plenty to offer during the day too.
We all love to catch some rays while on holiday, and there’s no better place to do that than Hollywood Beach, it’s an absolute paradise in the height of summer.
You can rent paddleboards and head out onto the lake, hire some beach chairs to get that golden glow before you head home, or even rent a bike and experience the stunning views along the shore – and we’re not just talking about the shirtless men.
For history buffs, you can also soak up some of Chicago’s rich LGBT+ history by taking the Legacy Tour, or enjoy a night of colourful techno antics from the legendary Blue Man Group at Briar Street Theatre.
For a quainter experience, there’s also nearby Andersonville. One of city’s most charming neighbourhoods, there’s a vast cornucopia of quirky vintage shops that will make souvenir shopping a breeze.
If you want to take home a one-of-a-kind custom shirt then check out the T-shirt Deli, or if you’d prefer a more traditional gift to bring home then make sure to have a browse at alcohol store, In Fine Spirits.
There’s also a wealth of culinary delights to experience, which include the likes of Bar Pastoral in Andersonville, Hamburger Mary’s, Michelin’s Bib Gourmand HopLeaf and the Koval Distillery.
But that’s not all! If you’re lucky enough to visit Chicago during Pride Week, then you simply have to check out the popular Backlot Bash, which is an annual celebration of the the city’s lesbian community jam-packed full of incredible music, tasty food, and party-loving revelers.
Together, Boystown and Andersonville offer up a unique LGBT+ experience in Chicago that is just begging to be discovered, and with daily flights back and forth from London’s main airports, there’s no better time than now to check it out for yourself.
Plan your trip at www.enjoyillinois.co.uk and join in the celebration on social media with “amaizingILmoments.