Part of the Gay Chicago Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Chicago, Illinois
An Uptown bar since 1986, its walls covered in the owner's art.
Big Chicks has been an Uptown institution since Michelle Fire opened it in 1986 at 5024 N. Sheridan Road (the corner now officially named in the bar's honor). The defining feature is Fire's personal art collection covering the walls — works by Diane Arbus, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Leon Golub, Tony Fitzpatrick, and Hollis Sigler, acquired over decades of involvement in Chicago's art scene. The free Sunday BBQ has run for 30+ years. The crowd spans all genders, ages, and orientations — the bar's tagline is essentially "a place for everybody." Inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2016. The adjacent Tweet restaurant is a sister business with the same art-filled character. Open Monday through Friday from 4pm.
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