The Chicago Traveler

Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

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If you think all gay men are lisping, fashion-conscious, and limp-wristed, you’d be sorely mistaken. There are entire subcultures dedicated to expressions of masculinity and the body “anti-image.” Take, for example, the leather culture. If you’re unfamiliar with this scene, think of the stereotypical biker bar. (In fact, many conjecture that the leather world emerged from the biker culture in the late 1940s.) There are no Harleys involved here though. Just leather in all shapes and sizes: everything from a simple leather jacket to a full-on leather outfit.
One of Chicago’s well-known leather bars is the Cell Block. With its dark …read more

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In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that it has been a long, long time since I’ve been to Hydrate on a weekend evening. That’s because the lines are long, the drinks are small and expensive, and the dance club is wall-to-wall crowded. But in spite of all that, this place can still be fun. You just have to know when to go.
Chic 20-somethings hypnotized by the deep bass emerging from Hydrate (just north of Beatnix) enter via the “blue room,” where a bar island sits in the middle of an aquamarine-colored room. There are only about …read more

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If you’re young, fun, and like to shake your bum, you’ll probably find yourself dancing the night away at Roscoe’s.
Once you get past the occasionally haughty bouncer at the door, you’ll be greeted by a labyrinth of a bar and, on the weekends, wall-to-wall crowds. The front section contains a bar island which fills the room, surrounded by a few stools where you can sit, chat, and watch music videos. If you can, grab a stool in the side bar’s front window, where you can do some prime Halsted-Street-people watching. A crowded hallway leads to the washrooms (which could use …read more

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If you are a woman who has made the courageous step of Coming Out of the closet, congratulations! You’ll be getting a pamphlet and key chain in just a few weeks. And now, one Chicago bar (just north of Joy’s Noodles) invites you to go right back in, as it is oddly named The Closet.
The first thing you’ll notice about this (cash only) lesbian dive bar is its size. “The Closet” may be the perfect name for this place, considering it’s about the size of a closet. And yet, the place still manages to have a dance floor! A …read more

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Despite what the name might suggest, Big Chicks is a north side bar that mostly caters to gay men and is miles away from the Boystown scene, both literally and figuratively. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, the bar features plenty of unique artwork and often has a crowd as mixed as its drinks. From preppy boys and jocks to blue collars and “bears,” everyone is laid back and attitude-free.
This watering hole is more than just a few bartenders slinging drinks. Big Chicks often hosts community events, raffles, and free Sunday barbecues. This small bar gets crowded on the weekends, …read more

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There’s something about a man in tight jeans and a cowboy hat that makes many ladies swoon. But if you’re a cowpoke looking for the company of other men, put on your big belt buckle and head on over to Charlie’s.
This predominantly gay establishment on the north end of Boystown (right next to Kreative Soul) features country-western music and plenty of room to dance. The bar itself may not be much to look at (and those bathrooms, eek!), but both the patrons and staff are usually friendly with that good ol’ cowboy charm. But the dance floor is where it’s …read more

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Chicago has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife, but if you ever find yourself in a club rut, it’s time to throw your evening into a Spin.
While located at the south end of Boystown, Chicago’s GLBT nightlife neighborhood, the club caters to a diverse clientele. No matter what your label or orientation, Spin provides plenty to look forward to. Just around the corner from Orange, there are weekly promotions, the most popular of which may be the midnight shower contest on Friday nights. Men and women get wet and wild every week, bearing nothing but a tiny towel …read more

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• The 11th annual Taste of Randolph Street stretches from Peoria Street to Racine Avenue and features food from local restaurants, a wine garden, chef demos, and art vendors. (June 20-22)
• At the Daley Plaza, the Thai Festival Chicago 2008 presents dance performances, Thai boxing demonstrations, food, fashion, and more. (June 19-20)
• Watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the Crosstown Classic. (June 27-29)
• Beverly Arts Center dance instructor Chris Nasadowski hosts Bringin’ It from the Streets III, a showcase of amateur and professional tap, hip-hop, and modern dance troupes. (June 20)
• Tracy …read more

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I am a child of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, so I have been a fan of Madonna’s music nearly all my life. The Queen of Pop will be performing at Chicago’s United Center on October 26-27. The show on Sunday (26th) is already sold out. If you missed your chance, set your alarm clocks now: tickets for the Oct 27 performance will go on sale to the general public tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. CDT.
Photo credit: Wikipedia

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