Lakeview East Guide to Eat, Drink, Party, and Shop.
Happy Pride Month! In June, everything is a little more colorful, music and life fill the streets and we honor our neighborhood and all of our vibrant LGBTQ+ businesses. We are proud to support our local neighborhood businesses that contribute so much to the LGBTQ+ community, and we’ve compiled a list of all the amazing specials to help you celebrate Pride Month locally.
PRIDE PARADE AND PRIDE FEST
The 52nd annual Chicago Pride Parade steps off at noon on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from Montrose and Broadway in the Uptown neighborhood. The parade treks (map) through the city’s north side, ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
Date: June 25th, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm
Photo Courtesy @gopride
Pride Fest is always one of the most exciting weekends of the year! The 2-day street festival in the Northalsted neighborhood features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performance, Proud Pet Parade, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, high heel race for prizes, guest speakers and over 150 food and merchandise vendors.
This year’s headliners are Heather Small, Slayyyter, Meet Me @ The Alter, Jordy, and Eureka O’Hara
Click here to view the whole lineup!
Date: Saturday, June 17th, and Sunday, June 18th
Hours: 11 am to 10 pm
Northalsted is home to the best LGBTQ+ bars in the city. Sing karaoke, catch a drag show, play bar games, or just relax before at these community staples!
The North End | 3733 N Halsted
Chicago’s neighborhood gay sports bar since 1983! Offering cold drinks, a great beer selection, pool, darts, and all the games on TV.
Charlie’s Chicago | 3726 N Broadway
Charlie’s offers the best variety in entertainment 7 days a week. From its award-winning country programming, and best after-hours dance party, to its Bingo, and Karaoke, even free Dancing Lessons
Scarlet | 3320 N Halsted
Open Thursday – Sunday, Scarlet is a PARTY! With listening parties, drag shows, and drink specials, you can always expect a good time at Scarlet (and a late night).
The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge | 3169 N Halsted
This lounge at the corner of Halsted and Belmont is the city’s only bar featuring a daily lineup of male dancers. The Lucky Horseshoe is an icon of North Halsted. Bring some cash to tip the talent!
Kit Kat Lounge | 3700 N Halsted
The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club is a premier destination venue for every type of occasion and every demographic. With an innovative martini and cocktail list of more than 200 offerings, upscale contemporary cuisine, entertainment by the world famous Kit Kat Divas and sleek “South Beach meets Hollywood” inspired décor, Kit Kat is truly a world-class entertainment hotspot.
Replay Lakeview |3439 N. Halsted St.
Your neighborhood hangout with free vintage arcade games, an extensive rotating craft beer list with 26 beers on tap, and live DJs.
Lark | 3441 N Halsted St.
Lark is a friendly and fun restaurant perfect for date night, groups, weekday dinner or weekend brunch. At Lark, everyone is welcome. During the weekend, join Lark for their lively drag shows and rotating weekly entertainment
D.S Tequila | 3552 N. Halsted
D.S. Tequila Co. is a contemporary casual, full service, tex-mex restaurant and bar in the heart of Lakeview, Chicago. Their menu features gourmet à la carte tacos, cooked to order burgers, quesadillas, giant salads, and more! With trivia nights, drag shows, and viewing parties, there’s always something exciting going on at D.S Tequila.
Roscoe’s |3356 N Halsted St
Roscoe’s is an entertaining gay bar and restaurant with a welcoming environment for anyone and everyone. Whether you come to get a drink, dance all night or grab a bite there’s something for everyone.
Sidetrack | 3349 N Halsted St
Sidetrack is dedicated to providing entertainment and hospitality in a respectful, safe, and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ communities. Sidetrack was named the Most Visited Bar in Chicago by LYFT, the Best Gay Bar in Chicago by TimeOut and the #1 Gay Bar in the U.S. by Yelp in 2021.
Hydrate | 3458 N Halsted St
Hydrate is a Chicago destination for shows, music, dancing, and the best late-night party in the city. Plus, they’ve got a national and international reputation for bringing the best the best DJ’s to Chicago.
Restaurants Benefitting LGBTQ+ Non-Profits During June
Head over to Cesar’s Killer Margarita and order a Pride-rita! Order this delicious and colorful margarita, and proceeds will be donated to Howard Brown Health, who provide expert care to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, regardless of your ability to pay.
Throw some sprinkles on it! During the entire month of June, you can add sprinkles to any milkshake for just .50¢. Proceeds will go towards PFLAG National. “Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.”
A black-led, trans-led, LGBTQ+ Center on the South Side of Chicago.
Check out the new bar inside Hotel Zachary, Alma! Sit on the upper deck patio and treat yourself to a Love In The Sky Cocktail. Made with vanilla-infused rum haven, vanilla liqueur, sherry, and orange bitters. 25% of proceeds from Love In The Sky will be donated to The Center on Halsted!
Shots for a good cause! Graystone is selling a round of rainbow shots for $35, with a portion going toward The Center on Halsted!
Where to Shop
CRAM is a proud LGBTQ+ owned store! Shop Since 2009, CRAM Fashion has been Chicago’s number one men’s boutique in Chicago and a destination store for thousands who visit the city each and every year.
Shop local LGBTQ+ owned with us this Pride month! Not only is Foursided LGBTQ+ owned and operated, but their merchandise is also stocked with work from Queer artists and creatives. Stop by for gifts, pride gear, and so much more!
Lovers to enemies? Enemies to lovers? Unabridged has curated a Pride themed reading list for your enjoyment.
Shop now at The Alley Chicago, your go-to destination for the largest selection of leathers in town! Enjoy massive discounts of 30-70% off on an extensive range of leather products. Serving Chicago’s vibrant Leather Community for an impressive 47 years, they pride themselves on providing top-notch quality and style.
Sugar Daddy is serving up ALL the rainbows this Pride month! Get rainbow cupcakes, cake slices, and get pride flag and trans flag cookies! “The Daddies will stand with our LGBTQIA+ community, always and forever.”
