Chicago is the nation’s third largest city and boasts a large gay community. Like New York or Atlanta in their regions, Chicago serves as the Midwest’s cosmopolitan hub and attracts young and old alike–all looking to escape to the freedoms and opportunities of the big city. Gay life (and gay bars) in Chicago is mostly concentrated in two areas: Boystown (really “East Lakeview”) and Andersonville which is farther up the city’s north side. Bars and clubs have one of two licenses: most close at 2am (3am on Saturdays) and a few stay open after-hours until 4am (5am on Saturdays). If you’re up for a late night, you’ll find theafter-hours bars packed after the other bars close.
Steamworks – Best Bathhouse in Chicago
Where else can you go 24 hours a day, seven days a week and walk around with nothing more than a towel? Get into the huge hot tub, take a steam, watch porn, jump into a sling or get lost in the maze.
Bijou Theater & Sex Club – Oldest gay theater/sex club in the US
The theater and sex club have been around since 1969. On the first floor is a theater, lounge, and cruising garden. On the second floor are booths, glory holes, dungeon with slings, Saint Andrews cross.
Man’s Country – Midwest’s largest steam room
The Man’s Country has a JO video room, dance floor, juice bar, and TV lounge. Regularly features male film stars, and live nude strippers on stage every Friday & Saturday.
Paradise Sauna – A bathhouse without a frisky following
To mix it up a bit, Paradise is an–get this–ACTUAL bathhouse. There are facilities for men and women, and if you’re looking for frisky antics, look elsewhere. Most here just want to relax.
If we missed anything be sure to bring it up in the comments section below. As well as recommendations for the next city we dive deep into.
The JackHammer Bar has a no-clothing mazed basement.