Where your people go out
Queer bars, clubs, cabarets, cafés and community spaces in 18 cities. Find more nearby in the Waimz™ app.
Follow @waimz.socialLGBTQ+ bars, clubs and queer places in Chicago
Northalsted, long known as Boystown, is the historic heart of queer Chicago, with a dense strip of bars and clubs along Halsted Street. Andersonville, further north on Clark Street, is the quieter home of lesbian bars, bookshops and neighbourhood taverns, and the Chicago Pride Parade draws the city together each June alongside Northalsted Market Days in August.
Independent listings. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the venues. Info can change, check before you go.
10 places
Photos are illustrative, not of the venues.
Chicago for LGBTQ+ visitors
Where is the gay area in Chicago?
Northalsted, long known as Boystown, is the historic heart of queer Chicago, with a dense strip of bars and clubs along Halsted Street. Andersonville, further north on Clark Street, is the quieter home of lesbian bars, bookshops and neighbourhood taverns, and the Chicago Pride Parade draws the city together each June alongside Northalsted Market Days in August.
How can I meet LGBTQ+ people in Chicago?
Go out to the places in this guide, join a local queer community group, or use Waimz™ to find dates, friends and LGBTQ+-friendly places nearby.
Independent guide. The places listed here are not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Waimz or Humainz, Inc., and being listed does not mean a place endorses Waimz. Venue names and trademarks belong to their owners and are used only to identify each place. We list publicly available information, which can change at any time, so check with the venue before you go. Last updated October 29, 2026.
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