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Big Chicks
Bar

Big Chicks

A colourful, community-minded Uptown LGBTQ+ bar known for art, dancing, food and an exceptionally mixed queer crowd.

Chicago, USA

Neighbourhood

Chicago

Category

Bar

Vibe

LGBTQ+ bar, Queer bar +11

Official website

About Big Chicks

Big Chicks is a long-running LGBTQ+ neighbourhood bar on North Sheridan Road in Chicago’s Uptown area. Owner Michelle Fire took over the venue in 1986 and gradually transformed it into an inclusive queer gathering place known for its unusually broad and diverse crowd. The interior is filled with paintings, photography and other pieces from Fire’s extensive art collection, giving the bar the character of an informal gallery as well as a nightlife venue. Depending on the day and time, visitors may find a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere, food and conversation, or a busier evening with music and dancing. Big Chicks welcomes people across genders, sexualities, ages and backgrounds and has often been described as an informal LGBTQ+ community centre. The adjoining restaurant, Tweet, serves breakfast, brunch and lunch during the daytime, while the Big Chicks kitchen opens in the evening. The venue is cash only, so visitors should arrive prepared. Check the official website or social channels for current events and any changes to opening hours.

What to expect

A friendly, unpretentious LGBTQ+ bar with an eclectic art collection, affordable drinks, food and a genuinely mixed queer crowd. The atmosphere ranges from relaxed neighbourhood tavern to lively late-night dancing.

Vibes

Good to know

Practical tips before you visit

Operating since 1986
Big Chicks serves evening food until approximately 10:30pm
Cash only
Takeaway food is available
Check Instagram for current events and entertainment

Gallery

Location

Big Chicks

5024 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60640

Get directions

Always travel safely and be aware of your surroundings.

WhereIs.Gay rating

4.6

821 reviews

Overall rating across WhereIs.Gay and Google Maps.

Rating by source

  • WhereIs.Gay
    5.0
  • Google Maps
    4.6

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Featured Google Maps reviews

Selected by Google Maps. Read more reviews on Google Maps.

ericka arreola
ericka arreola

4 months ago

I just love this place for brunch. We've been numerous times and the staff is always welcoming, cheery, and accommodating. Their French toast is a treat! I had the lox platter this time which was HUGE. You can easily share it with 3-4 people. Thank you to the staff for accommodating our large group with enthusiasm. 🙏 **CASH ONLY**

Review from Google Maps

Liz Monk
Liz Monk

3 weeks ago

The bar staff is incredible. Easily my favorite bar in the neighborhood! It’s welcoming, comfortable, and genuinely women and queer friendly. The atmosphere always feels warm and inviting, whether you’re stopping in for one drink or staying awhile. Mony, Brian, Shan are absolutely the best and are a huge part of what makes this place so special. Highly recommend!

Review from Google Maps

Nétra Faeborn
Nétra Faeborn

2 weeks ago

The patrons were pretty cool. The aesthetic was really fun and nice. I liked it. It reminded me of some of the places I've been back where I grew up. The bartender very much made us feel like we weren't welcome, especially when I started off with, "Hey, this is our first time here. We thought we would check it out." And the bartender's response was, "We're cash only, and the kitchen is closed," and then he immediately walked away from us. We proceeded to wait another 20 minutes before the bartender would even recognize or acknowledge that we were even sitting there. The drinks were like $17. The tip would have been like $3 in cash. I wanted to tip him via Cash App so he would have a decent tip, because I don't do small tips. LWe tried to give him a better tip by seeing if he would be okay with us Cash apping him for like $15, and he said he has cashapp but doesn't really want to do that. Then walked away for a 3rd time as he was finishing his sentence. I'm not sure if we caught this bartender on a bad day or what. I feel like I should go back and give this bartender another chance because I really want to like big chicks, but this guy definitely did not seem like he wanted to be there that day.

Review from Google Maps

Borja Gonzalez
Borja Gonzalez

a month ago

I wish this place had better breakfast burritos, especially for the price. I ordered one with steak this morning and it was very disappointing - all I tasted was flour tortilla. The staff was nice though.

Review from Google Maps

Timothy Wilson
Timothy Wilson

a year ago

Found this place by accident (tourist who got lost). Best happy little accident ever! Walked in and was greeted by several staff members. I was promptly sat and taken care of. The iced coffee here is to die for and the ambiance is amazing. Several seating options, including outdoor. The food is so good and carefully put together. I got a chicken club and could tell it was freshly cooked and not frozen. The bacon was perfect. It wasn't burnt or soggy. The sweet potato fries were crispy on the outside and smooth on the insides. I dipped them in their house ranch, and it was so good. My server was super polite as well as the host. If you're in the area, it's totally worth a stop inside.

Review from Google Maps

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Listing details

Last updated
22 July 2026
Listed in
Chicago › United States
Data from
WhereIs.Gay community, the venue and Google