Jeffrey Pub also hosts electrifying drag shows on weekends for its patrons to celebrate diversity and demonstrate inclusivity. The ambiance at this monumental nightspot is always super lively, thanks to the upbeat music played for the crowds to dance to on the cramped dance floor. Built 40 years ago, Jeffrey Pub was one of the first places where gays and lesbians could get together and not be shamed or harassed for their choices. It is often regarded as a historical spot for the city’s LGBTQ community. Jeffrey’s is the other gay bar in the south of Chicago that caters to African Americans. But during the week, Escape’s affordable yet refreshing drinks keep the customers coming. The popular LGBTQ hangout is located on the south side and is particularly packed to the gills on the weekends because of its engaging drag shows. EscapeĮscape is one of the two gay bars in town that are predominantly frequented by Afro-Americans however, it’s equally friendly and welcoming to anyone who wants to have fun.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best LGBTQ friendly places in downtown Chicago. Who would want to sit behind the wheel for 1/3rd of an hour after a tiring day at work just to grab a drink? You guessed it right, nobody! So what does one do if they want to enjoy a minute of leisure at an LGBTQ-centric nightspot without having to make a haul for it? Well, then they go to the buzzing bars in downtown! Although the city center doesn’t offer a lot of hangouts, the ones it does are unapologetically entertaining and inclusive. That said, the northern part of the city is the wealthiest in terms of having gay-friendly bars and clubs getting to those places necessitates unnecessarily long drives from the inner city, and that can be too much on a weekday. Hence, the LGBTQ community owes a lot of its success in gaining rights to the Windy City.īeing such a sanctuary for the queer community, naturally, Chicago houses many great LGBTQ hangouts all over town. Though the city itself barely survived a calamitous fire in 1871, it has always given refuge to people looking for acceptance. Gassman could not be reached for comment.Witness to illustrious LGBTQ history, Chicago is undoubtedly among the most LGBTQ-friendly towns in America. "I'm sending prayers and good wishes to the staff who are suddenly without a job. "Spin was our Cheers, our Lobo, Chubbie's Famous and The Max all rolled into one," Kalminski said in a Facebook farewell to the bar. Shane Kalminski, aka Shanté D é Troit, is a member of Chicago's "Drag Mafia" and said Spin is where he met the "people who've changed my life." I'm really going to miss seeing everyone's face on a weekly basis." "I've met most of the RuPaul girls, a few Real House Wife gals worked with an amazing staff that I'll never forget. "The past 3 ½ years, have gave me the friends and drag family that I have today," bar manager Thomas Andrews said in a Facebook post. "He knows he can get top dollar for it because that area is on fire."Īlready, longtime club patrons and employees were mourning the loss of the Boystown hangout. " He’s been owning the business for 15 years, and he wants to sell it," Costanzo said. Gassman owns several properties in the neighborhood, including buildings in the 3800 block of North Broadway that he plans to redevelop.īroker Mike Costanzo told DNAinfo in February that Gassman did not want to run the club anymore. The 9,000-square-foot club at the high-traffic corner of Belmont Avenue and Halsted Street was known for its big dance floor, amateur drag shows and Friday night shower contests.Ĭ reports that employees were notified of the "sudden" closure early Monday, and that the bar is "under new ownership with plans to reopen around pride weekend." Spin, which has been owned by local businessman David Gassman for more than 15 years, went up for sale in February. "We would like to thank all of our customers for their support these many years and wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day! Stay tuned for what happens next. "SPIN is officially closed," the post reads. Belmont Ave., said goodbye on its Facebook page Monday. CHICAGO - Spin, a longtime staple of Chicago's gay scene, is "officially closed."