Closed gay bars chicago
Spin Nightclub Closed: Beloved Boystown Gay Bar 'Officially' Shuttered
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
CHICAGO — Spin, a longtime staple of Chicago's gay scene, is "officially closed."
The club, at W. Belmont Ave., said goodbye on its Facebook page Monday.
"SPIN is officially closed," the send reads. "We would prefer to thank all of our customers for their support these many years and wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day! Endure tuned for what happens next "
Spin, which has been owned by local businessman David Gassman for more than 15 years, went up for sale in February.
The 9,square-foot club at the high-traffic corner of Belmont Avenue and Halsted Street was acknowledged for its big sway floor, amateur drag shows and Friday night shower contests.
reports that employees were notified of the "sudden" closure early Monday, and that the lock is "under new ownership with plans to reopen around pride weekend."
Gassman owns several properties in the neighborhood, including buildings in the block of North Broadway that he plans to redevelop.
Broker Mike Costanzo told DNAinfo in February that Gassman did no
Chicago LGBTQ+ and gay bars declining in number, research shows; trend holds nationwide as well
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The number of LBGTQ+ and gay bars in Chicago and nationwide is declining, data shows. Experts say that could denote fewer spaces for some of the community, especially those with diverse backgrounds.
"We have had the exposure of going into bars in you know, in our community, and not necessarily feeling welcome," said Angela Barne.
Barnes and Renauda Riddle opened Nobody's Darling in Andersonville in Nobody's Darling is a ebony, queer, and women owned and "women forward" bar.
"People are so excited that we own this lock because they can notice themselves in us folks, queer women of color," Riddle said.
Their community-based exclude has thrived during the pandemic and even earned a coveted James Beard Award nomination.
"We fill a niche that most bars in the city perform not," Riddle said.
In the two years since Nobody's Darling opened, more and more LGBTQ+ bars own closed.
Greggor Mattson, professor of Sociology at Oberlin College, is researching this troubling trend,
"% of gay lock listings disappeared between and S
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: male lover and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot like the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of playfulness. Our gay and dyke bars have a short-lived bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and kingly shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the city. And each comes with their own singular history and vibe.
Check out some of the foremost gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s gay nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest lgbtq+ bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned gay bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live fun, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t consider for a second that makes the pla
Gone but not forgotten: bars and clubs
The lore surrounding some erstwhile Chicago bars and clubs is more compelling than the place itself ever was. There may be a minuscule of that going on with these now-closed spots, but for the most part they live on in our hazy, booze-addled brains exactly as they were: Places that were exceptional at something, be it cocktails or, in the case of many dive bars, being endearingly, hopelessly dingy. Will there ever be anything prefer them? In most cases, we think we've initiate somewhat comparable spots to quench your thirst.
RECOMMENDED: Chicago businesses we miss
The Artful Dodger
What it was: Divey and dodgey in all the best ways, this Bucktown corner bar in a residential area featured a small dance floor in the back where ill-advised moves were busted to ‘80s favorites. Many of the sugary drinks contained glow sticks. Despite efforts to save the turn-of-the-century building, the Dodger closed in after more than 20 years to make way for condos.
What’s taken its place: Slippery Slope is no dive, but it’s one of the few places you can dance in the city without paying the crazy covers at a nightclub. Late Bar in Avondale
.