Chuck Inglish

Chicago

Chicago’s most famous chicken shack - you go to Sears Tower and then go to Harold's - that’s what you do. It’s a tourist moment, but ya gotta do it.

This spot is like an international food market, food court kinda thing.

This is a whole new breed of pizza spot - try the caramelised cheese crust.

Top restaurant in the city - good date spot if you’re travelling with boo. Get the oxtail egg rolls!

The experience during games is super live, dope wings and get the parmesan fries.

The buffalo wings & the sandwiches & the happy hours :)

The pasta salad, the brisket, the chicken, the selections of beers on draft, the architecture - that type of shit.

Chuck Inglish’s Top Chicago Food Spots

Hiroko Yamamura

There's plenty of amazing Korean food in Chicago, but there's only one SSGS! Currently the last of the real coal girl, this Northside staple has been an essential of regular and late night dining for years.

It might not be your traditional Chicago slice, but the Newhaven style pie is my favourite, combining the best of the cities' styles. Make sure you eat it in the shop as the box will steam all your dreams away.

People often ask me for my top ramen in every city. For the home team, I always rely on Wasabi. Their Tonkotsu (NOT TONKATSU) broth is really well developed and complex compared to other fast soups around the city. Their product is consistent in every way and adds a unique flare, not trying to chase some Hakata Ramen ideals.

Maybe my favourite Beijing duck in the United States. An insanely casual restaurant with Michelin tier product, this is where we go to eat to celebrate.

My current go to sushi place is actually in a food court of a Chinese market. Absolutely unassuming in presentation, but lovely in freshness and unique offerings. 312 puts their money in what matters, the food.

Hiroko Yamamura's Guide on What To Eat in Chicago During ARC Music Festival 

Smartbar is nothing short of an institution in Chicago.  Since opening in 1982, it has been a cornerstone of the city's nightlife, consistently hosting some of the most respected and innovative DJs from around the globe. Its intimate, unpretentious environment fosters a sense of community among diverse crowds. Smartbar's dedication to the underground music scene and its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots make it a beloved monument everything that makes the Chicago scene great.

Another Chicago mainstay that has stood the test of time is Spybar. Since its opening in 1995, Spybar has built a reputation for being a pillar in Chicago’s house and techno music scene, attracting top-tier international and local talent. Spybar offers a unique blend of exclusivity and authenticity, making it a must-visit destination for clubgoers seeking an classic night out in the River North neighbourhood.

While one of the newer venues in Chicago, Radius has made a name over the years as one of the city’s favourite music venues. Within the 55,000 square foot warehouse space, Radius transforms its state of the art lighting & sound for each show that comes through, giving a unique, once in a lifetime feel to each show.

Tucked within the Pilsen neighbourhood venue is Cermak Hall, a 10,000 square feet space of raw, industrial space that turns into an immersive soundscape.

The combination of both spaces and the crafted production takes shows within Radius to a level, unlike any ever seen in the history of Chicago.


Between shows be sure to check out Frankie Knuckles' record collection, housed at the Stony Island Arts Bank in Chicago, is a treasure trove of musical history and a testament to the legacy of the "Godfather of House Music." This extensive archive contains thousands of vinyl records, many of which were pivotal in shaping the house music genre that Knuckles pioneered in the 1980s. The collection is not just a reflection of his personal taste but also a rich cultural resource that offers insight into the evolution of dance music. Preserved at the Stony Island Arts Bank, the collection is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to connect with the music that defined an era and continues to influence artists worldwide.

4 Cultural Landmarks in Chicago, by Arc Festival Founder John Curley

Ariel Zetina

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

Ariel Zetina’s Top 10 Latin American Restaurants in Chicago

RP Boo

Madison and Kilpatrick on the west side of Chicago. This space right here was a building known as The Factory, one of the first places that birthed footwork. Early 83’ to late 85’ there were a lot of breakdancers coming in and out. I couldn’t come here as I was a small fry, not old enough. My cousins would come from the south side as they loved to party, they would have house parties and the dancers from The Factory would come, which is when I got to see the dancing. The DJs at these parties were better than the ones on the radio - and that was the birth of my passion to become the DJ.

Ghetto house heaven! This is the southside's Elk Lodge.What makes this place special is that all the kids from ‘the projects’ came down to party here from 90’-97’ - that would have been the first official generation of the dancing. From 8-2am, it was the place to be. This is actually where I met DJ Rashad for the first time. To work here at night and go to my day job in the morning - priceless.  I really miss it. 

Before it became Dolton Expo Centre, it was a grocery store - so much space. I think its a church now. This was the place where we were fuelled by the dancers, they were having fun, they inspired us to keep the tracks going. Some intense battles happened, ain't no kiddie land battles, but for the ‘Get It’ battles.  

Around 96'-98', there were no more house parties in the city of Chicago. So Malcolm Walls and Ronnie Sloan (House-O-Matics) got together to do a dance party out this way. This was a big factory, my first rave party in Chicago was here. This is where I first heard the term 'juking'. Saturday nights were hot, I’ve seen some intense [dance] battles in here. Terrasquad, Wolfpack and Creation - those are the [dance crews] that changed the style and developed it to what we see now. 

The [oldest and largest African American parade in the US] happens here once a year, the second week of August [Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic] . This is the street where the news cameras are, where the parades were. This is the starting line of the parade, you have floats coming from that way and entering from this way. I have entered from the parade in this realm into the other realm. I am the first person to have ever DJ-ed the parade on turntables, live - that was 91-92.

RP Boo's Guide to Historic Chicago Footwork Spots

DJ Lady D

Giant is a tiny restaurant on Armitage Avenue in Humboldt Park. The small open-air kitchen functions like watching an episode of "The Bear" if it were a real place. I usually try to sit at the chef's seats to watch their exquisite ballet. The food is delightful, and the flavours divine. It's well worth the trouble of getting a table here. Let your spirit run free with this menu and try a little of it all. 

Sultan's Market is a staple in Wicker Park and a tried and true friend to the community. They have two locations - another in Logan Square attached to a dance club called Masada, where they do House, Amapiano, and other music events. You can't go wrong with either for budget-friendly, home-made, Mediterranean food. The tried and true lamb, falafel, rice, and chicken shawarma do it for me every time. Lentil or chicken soup on a chilly day for just a few bucks. Salad Bar for when you're being "healthy". A familiar friend and a warm hug are what this place is to me.

Rockwell Bottles Shop & Coffee is a hybrid coffee shop selling boozy beverages in Lincoln Square. Not really a bar - but more a space where friends can hang out, or you can work from and then come home with a few bottles from the store's carefully curated selection of craft beer, wine, and sake. Aesthetically, just a gorgeous space with uniquely wonderful finds. It's pretty and perfect. Love this spot! 

Bronzeville Winery is a soulful restaurant in Bronzeville, the cultural capital of Chicago's great migration. Attention to vegan and vegetarian offerings makes this a place anyone can enjoy, whether for dinner or a quick stop during happy hour. I go time and again for the shrimp and grits, plus they serve one of the best Sunday Brunch menus anywhere. Their extensive wine list is a standout feature, but they have a full-service bar too. DJs spin mostly vinyl, setting the tone between soul, neo-soul, and chillaxing music most nights - housey, sexy, and everything in-between. BW is a regular stop, and I truly vibe with this place. 

Chengdu Bistro in Wicker Park has the best dumplings outside of SF, period. The busiest time is all the time, so getting a table here without a reservation means you have to be patient. It's so worth the wait, though. Although I enjoy the meaty dishes, the veggies are some of my favourites—string beans, bok choy, and the various mushroom dishes are all memorable. Even better: it's BYOB! My recommendation: make a reservation.

Noriko is an even tinier hand-roll sushi spot below another restaurant named Perilla. I love sushi, and this teeny-weeny spot takes the art of the hand roll to the next level. Almost impossible to get into, the best bet is the online platform OpenTable or going alone. No more than three are recommended, and two is ideal. Yup, a great date-night if you're trying to impress and want oodles of cool points. This dimly lit triangle of a restaurant will have you (and them) eating out of the palm of your hand.

DJ Lady D's Guide to Eating & Drinking in Chicago During ARC Festival

Chicago Run Collective

Stretching nearly 19 miles along Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Trail is the heart of running in Chicago. Paved and well-marked, it connects many of the city’s neighbourhoods, weaving past beaches, harbours, and skyline viewpoints. At any time of day, the views of the city and lake never disappoint. With water stations, restrooms, and plenty of scenic rest spots along the way, it’s a must for runners, bikers, and walkers alike, you simply can’t go wrong here, enter and exit as you please.

This area blends park paths, light gravel, and the Lakeshore Trail with stunning views of Lake Michigan. Heading north, you’ll pass the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course and a serene garden section before looping back along the paved lakefront path. The return takes you past tennis courts and back through the park and on the gravel path. Post-run, you can chill at the concrete steps overlooking the lake, and there are a few entry points for a refreshing dip. A balanced mix of scenery and terrain makes it a favourite starting and ending route.

Chicago’s largest park stretches for seven miles, with many paved pathways winding through it's green spaces. A run here can take you past Lincoln Park Zoo, past the Conservatory and gardens, and along spots where the city skyline peeks out in the distance. Gentle rolling hills keep things interesting without being overwhelming, giving each run a nice rhythm. With so many routes to choose from, Lincoln Park always feels alive and different. Added bonus, Farmer's markets operate on Wednesday and Saturdays mornings for a post run snack!

A few popular tracks for speed work and run workouts are scattered across the city. Montrose Beach Track sits just steps from the lakefront, surrounded by greenery and with skyline views in the distance. It’s always buzzing with energy and draws plenty of runners. Further south, Dunbar Park Track offers a great vibe as well, making it an ideal spot for intervals or adding strength work into your session. Both tracks are reliable places to push the pace and mix up your training. Downtown, surrounded by the city, Lakeshore Park Track is a hidden gem right off Michigan Avenue. Perfect if you want a quick session in the heart of it all. Together, these three tracks give runners reliable spots to push the pace and break up their usual routes.

This West Side gem is full of character, with a small pond and lagoon throughout the center and weaving pathways that keep every run interesting. On the west end, a mid-size hill rewards you with a sweeping skyline view, especially magical at sunrise as the sun peeks above the buildings. The park’s rolling paths make for a dynamic route, and if you head east down North Avenue, you can return to Wicker Park for a post-run treat at one of the many local cafés. It’s a spot that blends neighborhood charm with some of the city’s best views.

A great option if you want to head west of the lake. The 606 is an elevated, paved pathway which was a former railway, now lined with greenery and views of Chicago’s low-rise neighbourhoods. It’s especially peaceful in the mornings before more folks, bikers and strollers arrive, and golden hour brings a soft glow over the treetops and brick buildings. End your run nearby in Wicker Park or Bucktown, where you’ll have amazing choices of local coffee shops and cafés for a well-earned post-run snack.

This path is perfect if you want to be fully immersed in the city. The wide walkway hugs the south bank of the Chicago River, offering incredible views of downtown’s architecture as you run. Sunrise or golden hour are amazing times to run here, the light bouncing off the buildings is stunning, and the path is quieter before the daytime crowds arrive. Heading east, you’ll find a water station at the end of the path, where it connects seamlessly to the Lakeshore Trail if you’re in the mood to extend your miles. It’s a vibrant, urban route that makes you feel at the centre of it all.

Chicago Run Collective Pick The City's Best Running Routes 

Lawrence Agyei 

One of my absolute favourite galleries in the city. They’ve hosted incredible shows with contemporary artists from all over the world. The Gabriel Moses exhibition they did still sticks with me—it was that good.

Tucked downstairs in the Hoxton Hotel, this cocktail lounge has quickly become my Friday night go-to. Super intimate with live music Wednesday through Sunday—it feels like a hidden gem.

Hands down one of the best restaurants in the city. The soul food here is unreal. I always go for the mac and cheese, cornbread, and blackened catfish—life-changing combo. Beyond the food, the space has become a hub for creatives. There’s a powerful Dawoud Bey photograph on the wall, beautiful paintings throughout, and the music always sets the right vibe.

A cozy cocktail and record lounge that feels like home. Every first Wednesday they host a jazz night, and on Tuesdays you can bring your own vinyl to play. One of the wildest nights there was when Anderson .Paak randomly showed up and DJed the entire night.

My favourite gallery in Chicago, no question. I make it a point to attend every exhibition they put on. The team cares deeply about the artists they represent, and you can feel that love in every show.

A lounge/restaurant right in the heart of Bronzeville. The neighborhood itself carries so much history—it was once called the Black Renaissance neighbourhood, home to writers, photographers, and musicians. The food and drinks are amazing, and on certain nights they bring in DJs who spin soul, house, and jazz. I go there just to relax and vibe.

My favourite photography gallery in the city. They feature legendary photographers like Dawoud Bey, Robert Frank, and Alex Webb. Once, I even got a look at some of their archival pieces, and it left me inspired for weeks.

Feel the Love: Lawrence Agyei On Chicago's Cultural Beauty

Found near Hyde Park, a modern and flavourful to-go flexitarian and transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant you're sure to love with its whopping burgers.

Vegetarian/vegan Southern and soul food plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.

Casual spot featuring comfort Food from the mountains of Ethiopia, with both meat & vegetarian options and a full bar.

The only boutique of its kind located South of Chicago and neighboring South Suburbs. A unique shop for rare and pre-owned vinyl records and premium vintage home décor and furniture.

With Hyde Park origins, Leaders 1354 is a lifestyle sneaker shop located in downtown Chicago that sells streetwear, Adidas and Nike shoes, and apparel.

A streetwear retail destination and creative hub based in Chicago. In their own words: "The idea behind Fat Tiger is more complex than a simple retail space, FTW is a vehicle, not only for us, but for others to express their ideas and visions".

Founded in 2007, Sir & Madame is a men's and women's clothing brand and luxury lifestyle boutique. The brand is the lovechild of the creative husband and wife team, Brian and Autumn Merritt. Their passion and creativity has produced an eclectic combination of casual and elegant pieces.

Majani - Swahili for 'green'. They serve delicious vegan cuisine to food enthusiasts and health-conscious patrons in Chicagoland by utilizing the freshest ingredients from local gardens and farms.

A small fitness and dance studio located out of the recreation hall of Lincoln Church. Located out of the Pilsen community, Healthy Hood was created to provide quality fitness and dance classes at an affordable price to the underserved.

Black-Owned Businesses in Chicago

London

New York City 

Botanique in Brussels is housed in a former botanical garden with a reputation for supporting and promoting emerging talent. From exhibitions to theatre performances and music festivals, Botanique is an experience you can’t find anywhere else.

Since 1997, the intimate atmosphere of Notting Hill Arts Club has been a heart for London’s music scene, with nights thriving with up and coming talent from across the globe and huge acts giving their first live performances here.

The Sunflower Lounge brings New York to Birmingham with its half punk and half 60s psychedelic interior. A home for unsigned up and coming bands since 2002, it’s the perfect venue to gain firsthand experience of the music scene within the city.

The Ruby Sessions take place every Tuesday in Doyle’s Pub in Dublin. The event stands out within the city as a beacon for new music appreciation, offering an intimate and acoustic environment where emerging artists can showcase their talent. The Ruby Sessions is a great visit as they donate proceeds from the event every week to a selected charity.

In the heart of Bowery, Manhattan, The Bowery Electric is iconic for its music scene. Hosting multiple performance spaces (a main stage and a more intimate setting), the venue hosts an array of artists – from both local and international acts. Also, as a nightlife hub, it’s a great place to have an authentic New York experience.

Cherry Bar is known for its authentic rock ’n’ roll vibe with an unfiltered music experience. Its legacy within Melbourne is well deserved, hosting a diverse range of genres and acts. It's a consistent must-visit venue when in the city.

As one of the oldest dance halls in Europe, Sala Apolo is a gem in the heart of Barcelona, with culture stemming back to the beginning of the 20th century. Sala is unparalleled when it comes to its history.

The Empty Bottle in Chicago sets itself apart as they actively engage with the local music community, collaborating with artists, promoters and other venues to support new and independent music. Highlighting innovative and boundary-pushing music, this venue is such an exciting space to discover and experience new and unique sounds.

Opening its doors in 1991, the Night & Day Cafe is iconic within Manchester and played a pivotal role in the rise of the city's music scene. The venue has hosted influential bands in their early careers and has acted as a launch pad for local emerging artists.

If you’re looking for a venue that showcases a plethora of country, Americana, indie and rock, The Basement in Nashville is rich with emerging talents across different styles and sounds.

10 Music Venues You Should Visit Around the World, Chosen By Dirty Hit

Kevin Coval

Silver Room is one of my favourite places in the city. It’s become a  cultural institution that’s been an anchor to the revitalisation of the business district on 53rd Street in Hyde Park. The Silver Room started as a jewellery/culture space and it’s become a place where the community comes together for open mics, for storytelling events. An important place. 

A Korean fusion restaurant run by my buddy chef Won Kim who is also a graffiti writer and DJ. The most exciting cultural spaces in Chicago now is in food pop-ups run by young entrepreneurial first-second generation immigrants, fusing their country's palette into Chicago fare. Most of these younger chefs happen to be pan-Asian - Won at Kimski is the uncle of this new moment. He is one the finest chefs this city has. 

Allan - the gallerist - is really trying to work with emerging artists to further professionalise their craft and business acumen. I admire that as I think Chicago artists get overlooked, even though  they make some of the illest work on the planet. Allan is generous with his space, there is a lot that goes on outside of gallery shows - dinners, readings, gatherings. Just a cool, elevated cultural space. 

They have acted - like many street wear shops in Chicago - as a community centre that's helped to foster the local music community. They’ve probably been around going on 20 years as a streetwear brand. The sort of golden moments in Chicago hip hop music most recently was early 2010s - the sound known as drill was beginning to bubble. A lot of the crossover - listening sessions and gear - came from spaces like Jugrnaut. It continues to support the local music scene: hosting listening parties and open mics.

They have affordable vinyl both new and used - difficult to find stuff. They run a DJ program in that space and give opportunities to emerging DJs including having DJ classes. 

Hungry Brain is oftentimes a jazz bar. You will see folks like artists who are on Chicago's International Anthem label - they do a for real job of highlighting new music that is fresh. The jazz scene in Chicago is slept on in a way, Chicago has this tradition of free, experimental jazz. 

Run by folks from the neighbourhood who are trying to create a third space for everybody. Cafes in Chicago are having a renaissance as third spaces, there is a generation of young entrepreneurs excited about creating spaces for people to gather outside of work and the home, which is essential to cultural fabric of the city. They make incredible lattes while making sure that you feel welcome.

It is an active factory that has embraced the culture of graffiti art. The folklore is that the owner's son was graffiti writer, he got tired of him and knucklehead friends calling from jail so turned over their walls to graffiti writers in a decriminalised way. You can go practice as a novice and see uninterrupted masterpieces on the outside walls. In my opinion, it is one of the best public art space in the city, if not the country.

“The Country Is at Its Best in Radically Mixed Spaces”: Kevin Coval's Top Chicago Spots

Madeline

Smartbar has been around since 1982, it's a very important institution for us and has one of the best sound systems in the city. Although the venue itself is not technically a queer space, Queen! on Sundays or any nights hosted and curated by queer residents (Ariel Zetina, Shaun J Wright, Harry Cross, myself) carve out necessary space for queer bookings and dancefloors. Queen! is the iconic weekly house party that celebrates the LGBTQ roots of dance music. 

This is one of the oldest running drag establishments in Chicago. It was founded in 1969 and it's where the international drag pageant Miss Continental happens. It's a very old-Chicago type of space - a stairway down into a basement, classic stage with red velvet curtains, carpeted floors - a specific vibe that's becoming more rare in the city. It’s actually just been bought and is being turned into a leather bar but hopefully the new owners will preserve the energy of this historical space. 

Dorothy is one of the only lesbian bars in Chicago! It's only been around for a few years and filled a necessary gap. A cocktail bar with a lot of charm and character to it - very plush with cushions and vibey with mood lighting, the drinks are lovingly concocted by all- queer, trans, and femme bartenders. They have DJs and live music regularly and host a variety of events and themed nights there:  spoken word, poetry, theater, film screenings.

This is another historic establishment that's been around since 1984. It's effectively a gay dive bar, a relic from a time when the downtown "Tower Town" area was more of a queer epicenter than the contemporary Boystown. Most of the bars in Boystown are a bit more commercial and corporate, but Second Story has more of a classic dive character. Lovably tiny and a bit gritty, the drinks are really cheap and it's cash only. It's the type of place that isn't around much anymore.

This is a museum that celebrates the history of gay leather culture, fetishism, and alternative sexual practices in general. A great place to learn more about queer kink and leather history in Chicago and look at a lot of interesting leather garments, old murals from leather bars, and more. 

The gay beach in Chicago! Where "the grinder grid comes to life" as my friend Ben Trotter once said. Hollywood Beach is sort of a spiritual successor to Belmont Rocks which was one of the few places for gay men to be openly queer/cruise in public in the 70s and 80s. Hollywood is less of a cruising spot and more of a place to socialise outside of nightlife and enjoy the sun in the summer, in addition to being more gender inclusive. You can be comfortable in a thong or topless on the beach compared to most family-dominated beaches. The southern half of the beach is queerer than the northern half - look for the rainbow lighthouse on the end of the pier and follow it. Or just follow your ears because there’s usually gay music being played on like 17 different speakers.

This is one of the only Black and trans-operated spaces in the city that functions as a community resource for trans and gender-nonconforming people. It's effectively a community centre with support groups and mutual aid programs. They collect and redistribute food donations through a pantry program, offer lockers for unhoused individuals, provide free wigs and other gender-affirming beauty supplies, and have a temporary housing program. It's a great resource for folks who need some extra support or want to spend time with community in a judgment-free space.

The gay strip club in Boystown. I have many friends who have worked there over the years. It's a fun first stop on the more commercial Boystown bar circuit - a place to do a fireball shot and give the dancers some dollars before hitting the standard bar/drag institutions in the nearby area (Roscoe's, Sidetrack, Splash, Scarlet, etc - all walkable within a few minutes of each other)

Owned and operated by two Black lesbians in the lesbian-heavy neighbourhood of Andersonville, this is pretty much the only other lesbian cocktail bar besides Dorothy. It has a sleek and modern lounge vibe with trivia nights, singles mixers, music, a private events space, and many loving homages to Black femme icons like Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt, and Summer Walker.

“Gay Music Being Played on 17 Different Speakers”: Madeline’s Guide to Queer Chicago

Ravyn Lenae

My family and I have been going here since I was a little girl. I usually order the chocolate chip pancakes with a side of hashbrowns.


His place is definitely one of my favourites whenever I’m in the mood for a seafood boil. You have to make sure you get the “3 The Chi Way” sauce on whatever you order. I actually had a bottle of this shipped to LA because it’s that good.
 


I’m a regular here. When I was living in Hyde Park this became one of my favourite Caribbean spots. I order the stewed salmon with extra plantains.


This is a southside classic. I remember having my first BBQ ribs here and begging my mom to take me all the time.
 


One of the many great pizza spots we have. If you’re in the mood for heavy-handed cheesy pizza this is perfect.

Bomb. I always order their fried shrimp with fries and veggies. This was my go-to whenever I waited too long to eat dinner because they’re open until 10 PM.
