Are There Lesbian Bars and Safe Spaces in Chicago?

At a time when dedicated lesbian bars have nearly vanished across the country (fewer than 30 remain in all of the US), Chicago stands out with two thriving lesbian bars — both opened after 2020.

Nobody's Darling

Nobody's Darling (1744 W Balmoral Ave, Andersonville) is a sleek cocktail lounge and one of the most celebrated queer women's spaces in the country. Owned by Renauda Riddle and Angela Barnes, two Black women, the bar intentionally centers femme, queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Over 90% of the spirits they stock are Black-owned, POC-owned, or women-owned. Open Wednesday through Sunday with craft cocktails, DJ nights, and gallery events.

Dorothy

Dorothy (2500 W Chicago Ave, Humboldt Park) is a neighborhood lesbian cocktail lounge named with a nod to Oz and queer culture. The intimate space hosts Enby Night (events for gender-expansive identities), open mics, live music, and TV/movie screenings. Open Monday through Sunday evenings.

Andersonville — "Lesbianville"

Beyond these two bars, Andersonville as a whole is the epicenter of Chicago's sapphic community. The neighborhood is home to LGBTQ+ families, queer-owned businesses, and spaces that cater to women and nonbinary folks. Many bars throughout the city also host sapphic-specific nights and queer women's socials.

Historically, Chicago had several iconic lesbian bars that have since closed, including Lost & Found and Star Gaze. The openings of Nobody's Darling and Dorothy represent a meaningful revival.