If there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do, it’s celebrate Pride Month.
In honor of Pride Month, I wanted to spotlight some of Chicago’s queer-owned restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and places worth checking out. From shots and dancing to coffee, books, tattoos, and quiet nights in, here are some top spots to support this Pride Month and beyond.
photo via Level Sporting Club
3343 N Clark St - Wrigleyville
Level Sporting Club has quickly become one of my favorite new spots. It has the Wrigleyville energy you’d expect, just with a queer twist. There was a DJ playing crowd favorites, and the food was good enough to order more than we planned. The underground speakeasy lounge feels like a totally different world from upstairs, with cocktails that were way better than I expected from a sports bar.
photo via Loaves & Witches
6034 N Broadway - Edgewater
Loaves & Witches somehow feels like fall year-round. I’ve spent plenty of time working my way through Chicago’s coffee scene, and this is one I keep coming back to. They know how to pull a good shot of espresso, and the tarot readings make the whole place feel even more special.
photo via El Taco Cart
3207 N Halsted St - Northalsted
I think we can all agree that Mexican food is the food we can live off if we had to choose one. Only starting out as a taco cart on the streets of Chicago, El Taco Cart made it big and opened up their own restaurant. The Al pastor tacos and elote fries are what I always come back for. The staff was welcoming, the vibes were immaculate, and the food is too good.
photo via Facebook.com/Babessportsbar
3017 W. Armitage Ave - Logan Square
As someone who loves a good sports bar, Babes Sports Bar stood out to me. It just felt welcoming and nice to be surrounded by people who were just as invested in the game as I was. You can’t find women's sports around most places, so it was nice to have a spot to go to and grab a drink. Everyone there was extremely friendly, and I even made a new friend who went half on getting a pizza delivered.
photo via Fathom
31622 W. Belmont Ave - Lakeview
Fathom feels like a dive bar that got a glow-up. It still has that easygoing neighborhood-bar energy, but the cocktails are surprisingly polished. Let’s just say they went down very easily.
photo via Sway
3340 N Halsted St - Northalsted
Sway has become my go-to dispensary. I remember the day they officially stole me from all the other dispo’s. I walked in and was greeted by a drag performer who was jamming out to a DJ. Every day isn’t like this. I just got lucky going on a day they launched a new line.
photo via Women & Children First
5233 N Clark St - Andersonville
This bookstore was part of the feminist movement back in the 1980s, gifting the towns with books by women authors that were hard to come by. I absolutely love this place for making it so easy to find Queer/women author books. Their story makes me proud to be part of a community like this and to continue to support them through their journey.
photo via Pixie & The Boy
2605 N Milwaukee Ave - Logan Square
This is an easy walk right off the Logan Square Blue Line. Pixie & The Boy pops out a lot with their vibrant colors. They had everything, from accessories, candles, stickers, jewelry, and a bunch more. They also host arts & craft events weekly, and everything they sell here is made by the owner or local artists.
photo via Club Escape
1530 E 75th St - South Shore
I have never had a dull day here. Club Escape is always hosting some type of event here. They have weekly drag shows, Sunday day parties, and drink pitchers for a pretty good price. This is also a safe space for the Bears of Color community.
4713 N Broadway - Uptown
Chicago Eagle recently opened in Uptown, and I’ve already been hearing great things. It’s a home bar for Chicago’s leather scene, with strobe lights, a spacious dance floor, and the kind of late-night energy that feels a little underground in the best way.
photo via Sidetrack
3349 N Halsted St - Northalsted
Sidetrack is the only place I never skip on my club hopping nights. I mean, it’s the largest queer bar in the Midwest, and they still have a line out the door. Every time I go, I discover a new room, which I do enjoy, and the maze I put myself through. The rooftop is hands down the best spot, with twinkly lights everywhere.
photo via Ophidian Tattoo Gallery
3732 N Broadway - Northalsted
When you’re getting a tattoo, comfort matters. Ophidian Tattoo Gallery gives you that feeling from the moment you book your appointment. Every artist is queer, and each one brings their own style to the space.
photo via Han Training
4649 N Broadway - Uptown
Han Training stands out for its small class sizes and supportive atmosphere. The classes usually have just a few people, which makes working out feel a lot less intimidating. It’s the kind of gym where you can actually breathe, move, and enjoy your morning workout.
photo via Whiskey Girl Tavern
6318 N Clark St - Rogers Park
I may have checked this place out because they named their business after their dog. I’m so glad I did, because we ended up staying here for hours. I love a good old-fashioned, and they know how to make them here. I may be horrible at pool, but the amount of times I come here I should be a professional by now.
photo via Solar Intentions
1056 W Bryn Mawr Ave - Edgewater
I do love a fun night out with shots and dancing, but sometimes I just need to chill. I bring my sober friends here, and they love it. They serve non-alcoholic drinks here, so every time we come, we always try a new one and play some card games.
photo via R Public House
1508 W Jarvis Ave - Rogers Park
Two words: bottomless mimosas. R Public House is an easy brunch pick, especially with great service and a patio that’s perfect for warmer days. The wild goat skillet is my comfort order, but grabbing a wood-fired pizza for dinner is just as good.
Plus so many more
1055 W Bryn Mawr Ave - Edgewater
6406 N Clark St - Rogers Park
3343 N Halsted St - Northalsted
1322 W Winona St - Uptown
1140 W Wilson Ave - Uptown
5024 N Sheridan Rd - Uptown
5355 N Clark St - Andersonville
1477 W Winnemac - Andersonville
4923 N Clark St - Andersonville
5025 N Clark St - Andersonville
1744 W Balmoral Ave - Andersonville
3255 N Broadway - Lakeview
3201 N Halsted - Northalsted
1201 W Roscoe St - Northalsted
3524 N Halsted St - Northalsted
3445 N Halsted St - Northalsted
Chicago Gayborhoods to check out!
- Northalsted
- Andersonville
- Uptown
- Rogers Park
Updated June 2026
Missing your favorite spot?
Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
