June is Pride month, the best time of year to support and celebrate the queer community. Chicago is lucky to have numerous bars in Boystown (Northalsted) that are queer-owned and operated and create a fun, welcoming space for all- especially LGBTQ+ communities. According to Choose Chicago, Boystown was the first officially recognized village in the U.S. Go out and celebrate Pride month with a great cocktail at one of the following bars, or find more Pride month events listed online from Choose Chicago here. The Chicago Pride Parade has been a tradition for over 50 years and will take place on Sunday, June 30th at Broadway and Montrose.

Photo by Riané Human

Dorothy

Dorothy is a sexy neighborhood lesbian cocktail lounge on W Chicago in West Town. The entrance has a speakeasy effect with a nondescript red door that leads guests through a hallway and down the stairs. The 70s-inspired bar is decorated with wood paneling, hanging disco balls, a vinyl soundsystem, and plush velvet couches and sofa beds that invite guests to sit and lounge together. Operating hours include every day except Tuesday and there are events listed online here. The menu offers beautiful spirit-forward cocktails and seasonal non-alcoholic drinks. Follow their Instagram here @dorothydownstairs to see more cocktails and events.

https://www.dorothydownstairs.com/hello 

Nobody’s Darling

Nobody’s Darling is a Black women-owned queer cocktail bar in Andersonville and a James Beard Award Finalist for Outstanding Bar Program in 2022. Renauda Riddle and Angela Barnes opened the bar of their dreams with a “Nina Simone-style lounge” in September of 2021. They have lots of programming and events with DJ sets, happy hours, mixers, game days, and food pop-ups. Their cocktail menu highlights high-end spirits like Suntory Toki whisky, Roku Japanese gin, and woman-owned Yola Mezcal. Follow along via Instagram @nobodysdarlingbar.

https://www.nobodysdarlingbar.com/ 

Whisky Girl Tavern 

Whisky Girl Tavern is a LGBTQ-friendly sports bar with “something for everyone” in the heart of Edgewater. The menu has a variety of wine, beer, and $12 classic cocktails as well as bar food bites like pizza, pretzel bites, and chicken tenders. Weekly events range from karaoke and open mic night to trivia and women’s sports. 

https://whiskeygirltavern.com/