First Gay Bar in a U.S. Airport Could Soon Open at Chicago O’Hare

In June 2025, Chicago's long-running LGBTQ+ bar Sidetrack was part of a concessions proposal for a new bar in Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport. Contemporary reports described it as a potential first for a major U.S. airport.

The bid was submitted by restaurateur Germán González, with Sidetrack co-owners Art Johnston and José “Pepe” Peña involved as brand partners and investors. The proposed airport venue would have licensed the Sidetrack name while the hospitality operator handled day-to-day operations.

Sidetrack's original North Halsted venue has operated in Chicago since 1982 and remains one of the city's best-known LGBTQ+ nightlife venues. The airport proposal was reported while O'Hare was seeking new concessions as part of its Terminal 1 redevelopment.

This page is retained as an archive of the 2025 proposal. As of this archive update, WhereIs.Gay has not found an official announcement confirming that the O'Hare Sidetrack location has opened.