helmsianm

This place might be interestingly tucked into a retirement home, but there's nothing dated about its menu! The cauliflower entree I got was 100% plant-based and super flavorful—I'm still thinking about the cannellini bean-carrot puree weeks after my visit. The cocktail menu was also very creative. The waitstaff and management were extremely attentive and very nice. I would absolutely recommend it!

Meeting House is one of my favorite spots to visit when I'm in Andersonville! Their daily drink specials can't be beaten, and there's plenty of space to hang on either of its two floors. I especially love to visit on Tuesdays when Sofonda Booz hosts the Big Gay Gameshow (which is basically a more fun twist on trivia). In the summertime, they open up the windows wide which transforms the vibe even more.

Coming Out is probably one of the most unique LGBTQ+ bars in the world considering it's located across the street from the Colosseum and the site of a former gladiator training facility. I'd probably consider it more of a cocktail lounge and restaurant than a traditional gay bar, but it's still a great spot to be out and proud in the heart of Rome.

Barracuda is hands down a haven for amazing drag shows. I went there twice during my last visit to NYC, and both nights were an absolute blast! But let me tell you, the highlight was Izzy Uncut—she's next-level drag royalty. From start to finish, her performance had me laughing, dancing, and feeling all the good vibes. Icon status, no doubt! On top of Izzy Uncut's incredible talent, we even had a surprise special guest appearance by Kiki Ball-Change after Queerty's Pride 50 event. It was like the cherry on top of an already fabulous evening. I'd be remiss not to mention one minor drawback—the bar seemed a bit understaffed with only one bartender. It sometimes felt like they were serving whoever was right in front of them, rather than following the order. However, I must give credit to the cocktail server in the lounge area—they were on point and provided great service.

Sofo Tap is technically a bear bar, but don't let that fool you—it's a laid-back and inclusive haven where all members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcomed with open arms. My favorite reason to go to Sofo Tap is their drink specials. They really know how to keep visitors happy with awesome daily specials and a killer happy hour. And when the weather is warm, their back patio is the place to be.

Whenever I find myself in the more north Chicago queerborhood, Andersonville, you can bet I'll be stopping by for a drink and some dancing. The bartenders here are on point—they're quick, friendly, and they serve up drinks that pack a punch. Plus, they always have some great specials that make it even more enticing. If you're lucky enough in the summertime, you can snag a spot up front by the open window. It's the perfect combination of enjoying the bar's lively atmosphere and being a part of the neighborhood's infectious energy.

The North End is a fantastic sports bar located at the top of Northalsted. It has an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that attracts people of all ages. One of the standout features of The North End is its commitment to inclusivity, evident through their gender-neutral restrooms, which make everyone feel comfortable and respected. Inside, you'll find a lively and engaging environment with pool tables and dart boards, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit. The North End's relaxed and friendly vibe creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying a beer or a cocktail with friends or engaging in some friendly competition. The diverse crowd adds to its charm, showcasing the sense of community that thrives within the bar.

The Stonewall Inn is hands down a gem that holds an irreplaceable spot in queer history and deserves no less than a five-star rating. This place is legendary, and it deserves all the praise for its iconic role. The vibe at The Stonewall Inn is just right, whether you're in the mood for a laid-back day drink or a fun night out. When the upstairs is open, you can expect an awesome drag show and dancing that'll keep you going all night long. It's the perfect spot to let loose, celebrate, and embrace the incredible history of the LGBTQ+ community. Oh, and the drinks? Strong and affordable, even by NYC standards. You won't be disappointed.

Hydrate Nightclub is an absolute blast if you're looking for a (late!) night of dancing and fabulous drag shows. The energy on the dance floor is contagious, and you can't help but lose yourself in the music. The DJs know how to keep the party going with an awesome mix. I have to say, though, my absolute favorite time to go is on Sunday mornings during the summer. They open the windows, letting in a refreshing breeze, and you'll find gogo dancers on the bar, strutting their stuff in their undies. It adds a whole new level of fun to the already lively atmosphere. One "negative" is that Hydrate can get pretty packed and the cover charge can be steep, especially during peak hours, so it can be a bit of a challenge to squeeze your way to the bar for a drink, but hey, that's part of the nightclub experience, right?

Roscoe's is my go-to for a night of dancing! I also enjoy it for a casual post-work drink. They are sort of a mullet of a bar—with more of a hang-out space up front and the party in the back room. They also serve food, which is a nice little perk if you get hungry. During the summers, Roscoe's also has a patio outside that is nice to chill at during non-party hours. Their daily specials also can't be beaten. On Thursdays right now, rail mixers are just $2, and you can often find me there on Sundays for dollar beers and Britney Spears!

Sidetrack is my go-to on the weekends or when I have friends in town. It's a spot to start the night with well-priced, strong drinks, the best music, and tons of space to spread out. It's all one place but there are at least seven or eight different bar areas where you can switch up the vibe and people-watching/connecting. There is a diverse mix of gays that hang out here, so you're almost guaranteed to find your flavor. They also NEVER have a cover (which can SOMEtimes lead to longer, but fast-moving lines). Their boozy slushies are on the sweeter side, but will definitely put you in a great mood.