Places, Firms, Vendors, etc.
in the
Greater Chicago Area

This list was last generated: May 1, 2008


This has been compiled from the collective experience of the attendees of Pinkfest over the past several years.

Updates and additional recommendations are appreciated.

Stoplights indicate the following:
Green Good service, good reports.
Yellow Mostly good reports, other factors may exist.
Red Take your business elsewhere.

"Last visit" indicates that I (Annie) visited the place personally at that time. "Last report" indicates the date of the last report from a source I consider reliable. The later of the two will be listed.

This list is automatically regenerated when an addition or change is made.

Customer ratings and comments are included. You may add additional ratings and/or comments if you desire.

Firms having no customer/user ratings are indicated "(not rated yet)" and those having less than three customer/user ratings are indicated "Ratings Pending" in the listings below.

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Category: Specialty Boutiques
Spa Skin and Style
4326 N Kostner
Chicago

773-251-8084

Last report:

2008-05-01

New address as of May 2008. Excellent makeover service, nails and manicures, lingerie, cosmetics, etc. Prices are reasonable. Open by appointment.

E-mail: clientservices@spaskinstyle.com      Web site: www.spaskinstyleboutique.com
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Transformations By Rori
110 S Arl Hts Rd
Arlington Hts

847-454-0600

Last report:

2006-10-17

Oak Park location is now closed. Arlington Heights location is open.

Transformation boutique with a mixed TG/GG clientele and a very loyal following.

Wigs, breast forms, lingerie, some outerwear. Makeovers available.

E-mail: transformMe2@transformationsbyrori.com      Web site: www.transformationsbyrori.com
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Category: Bars and Night Life     (see also: Food)
Baton Show Lounge
436 N Clark
Chicago

312-644-5269

Last visit:

2002-10-24

Full bar and showroom. Very classy FI productions. Regarded as the best FI shows in the area.

They only accept reservations for groups of 5 or more, so go early. Trying to bribe your way past the line does not work. :) Parking (paid) available in the lot toward the north of the building.

Some restroom issues have been reported, not observed personally.

Web site: www.thebatonshowlounge.com
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Berlin
954 W Belmont
Chicago

773-348-4975

Last visit:

2001-10-24

Loud dance bar, right in the heart of the Boystown (Lakeview) district.

Does not really get going until later in the evening. I've been told they check ID's, but did not get carded when I went. Of course I could not pass for under 21 if my life depended on it.

Web site: www.berlinchicago.com
Customer ratings: Rated 3 times
Satisfaction: (6.333)
Comfort: (7.333)
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Cocktail
3359 N Halsted
Chicago

773-477-1420

Last visit:

2007-10-15

Social type bar in the front, dance bar in the back.

Diverse crowd which appears to get younger as the evening gets older.
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Gentry On State
440 N State
Chicago

312-838-0933

Last visit:

2007-10-15

Combination piano bar, video bar, and bar-bar.

Tends to be lower-key and less crowded than the Halsted location, although it's hard to get a seat when some of the more popular artists are performing.

Very good service and friendly crowd.
Customer ratings: Rated 6 times
Satisfaction: (8.833)
Comfort: (9.333)
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Gentry on Halsted
3320 N Halsted
Chicago

773-348-1053

Last visit:

2007-10-15

Sister facility of Gentry On State. Can be very crowded on weekend evenings.

Piano bar up front, bar-bar in the back. Unisex restrooms.

Upbeat entertainment, good drinks, and friendly service.

Web site: www.gentryofchicago.com
Customer ratings: Rated 4 times
Satisfaction: (8)
Comfort: (9.25)
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Hunters Dance Club
1932 E Higgins
Elk Gr Vil

847-439-8840

Last visit:

2007-10-07

Only problem with this one is it's way out in the toolies and somewhat tricky to find if you don't know the area.

This is a dance bar with areas where you can actually converse. Pool room in the back. Can be very crowded on weekends. Free parking, but the lot can be full.

Friendly, mostly male crowd. Good drinks, reasonable prices, friendly service. They card regularly.

We have been warned that local police officers have been known to watch the lot for under-the-influence drivers driving away during the wee hours of the morning.
Customer ratings: Rated 6 times
Satisfaction: (5.333)
Comfort: (7.333)
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Hydrate
3458 N Halsted
Chicago

773-975-9244

Last visit:

2006-10-14

Small bar up front, larger dance bar in back.

Friendly service and good drinks.
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Nutbush
7201 Franklin
(at Harlem)
Forest Pk

708-366-5117

Last visit:

2006-10-13

Nice neighborhood bar with mostly a mixed G/L clientele and a relaxing atmosphere.

In Forest Park, south of the Green Line (Harlem) El stop.

Web site: www.nutbushcitylimits.net
Customer ratings: Rated 3 times
Satisfaction: (9.666)
Comfort: (9.666)
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Roscoes
3354 N Halsted
Chicago

773-281-3355

Last visit:

2006-10-14

Dance club, video bar, and bar-bar all in one.

Reportedly a mixed GLBT/Str8 clientele. Boystown area.
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Sidetrack
3349 N Halsted
Chicago

773-477-9189

Last visit:

2004-10-23

No real dance floor here, but continuous music and videos. Several bars in the complex, which is a maze to navigate. Can be very crowded on weekends.

Mostly men, some women, and the occasional breeder. :)

They usually card.
Customer ratings: Rated 3 times
Satisfaction: (7.666)
Comfort: (7.666)
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Spin
800 W Belmont
Chicago

773-327-7711

Last report:

2004-10-23

Loud dance bar, one of the most popular in the area. Pool room area.

Mostly men, crowded and zooey on the weekends. Theme nights on the weekdays.

Web site: www.spin-nightclub.com
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Temptations
10235 W Grand
Franklin Pk

847-455-0008

Last report:

2004-10-31

Large lesbian nightclub. It has a large dance floor, lots of pool tables, pinball games and air hockey. Plenty of parking.

Friday and Saturday nights usually good. Week nights can be quiet.

Web site: www.temptationsnightclub.com
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The Edge
13126 S Western

708-591-8379

Last report:

2004-10-28

Very TG friendly. One of the bartenders is an Island Girl and also a drag performer. The Edge has drag performances occasionally that usually pack the place and they are very well done. It is also home to The Island Girls.
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Category: Clothing     (see also: Specialty boutiques)
Tall Girls
700 N michigan
(at Superior)
Chicago

312-649-1303

Last report:

2004-10-28

Good place for find clothing for taller "girls". Friendly staff.
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Category: Food     (see also: Bars and night life)
Ann Sathers
929 W Belmont
Chicago

773-348-2378

Last visit:

2006-10-14

Several locations. This review is for the one on Belmont, right in the heart of the Lakeview (Boystown) neighborhood.

Originally a Swedish cafe, but with a new chef and an expanded menu. Great for dinner and outstanding for breakfast. A Pinkfest favorite for years. The Belmont location is BYOB.
Customer ratings: Rated 5 times
Satisfaction: (8.2)
Comfort: (9.2)
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Carsons Ribs
5970 N Ridge
(at Clark)
Chicago

773-271-4000

Last visit:

2001-10-23

This review is for the Clark & Ridge location. There's another one downtown at Wells and Ontario, but this one is less crowded and closer to the Lakeview bars.

Specialty of the house is ribs and other BBQ fare. Steaks and other entrees as well. Great service and a full bar. A couple miles up Clark from the bars and clubs.
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Chicago Chop House
60 W Ontario
Chicago

312-787-7100

Last visit:

2007-10-04

Excellent food! Excellent drinks! Excellent service too! Not cheap, but you do get what you pay for! Menu is mostly on the beef side, but they offer seafood selections as well. Portions are large to very large. I don't remember a single "petite cut" on the menu. Everything is very well prepared and very well presented in a truly classy atmosphere.

Piano bar downstairs. Reservations recommended. Unisex restrooms on upper level. "Smart casual" dress is suggested.

Web site: www.chicagochophouse.com
Customer ratings: Rated 3 times
Satisfaction: (9)
Comfort: (8.333)
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Ed Debevics
640 N Wells
(at Ontario)
Chicago

312-664-1707

Last visit:

2007-10-05

A favorite for all years of Pinkfest!

Retro diner with a fun and earthy atmosphere. Mostly burgers and blue plate specials and such. Full bar, complete with attitude. :)
Customer ratings: Rated 6 times
Satisfaction: (7.666)
Comfort: (7.833)
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Ginos East
633 N Wells
Chicago

312-943-1124

Last visit:

2006-10-12

Nice informal pizza-pasta place with a nice bar and friendly service. Right across the street (Wells) from Ed's.
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Hard Rock Cafe
63 W Ontario
Chicago

312-943-2252

Last visit:

2007-10-06

Ubiquity at its finest! :)

But seriously, it's good food and good service in a "Love All, Serve All" atmosphere as their motto (or is it their slogan?) exclaims. Menu is mostly casual American fare at somewhat upscale prices, however. Full bar, good drinks at somewhat reasonable prices.

Oh yes, memorabilia, most of it interesting, abounds. And of course, the gift shop! :)

Web site: www.hardrock.com
Customer ratings: Rated 3 times
Satisfaction: (8.666)
Comfort: (9)
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Hubcaps Diner
4663 N Ruby
Schiller Pk

847-928-0187

Last report:

2004-10-31

Reasonably priced, good basic American food. Friendly service. Very TG friendly. Hubcaps hosts Chicago Gender Society socials each month.
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Subway
226 E Ontario
Chicago

312-266-6304

Last report:

2004-10-28

For a quick lunch this is ideal. Unisex bathrooms and no comments about us eating there were heard.
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West Egg
620 N Fairbanks
(at Ontario)
Chicago

312-280-8366

Last visit:

2003-10-24

Very popular River North breakfast type place.

Can be a wait, even mid morning, but worth it.
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Winberies
151 N Oak Pk
Oak Park

708-386-2600

Last visit:

2007-10-05

Very nice restaurant in suburban Oak Park. Friendly service and reasonable prices. Modest-size menu of very well prepared entrees.

Short walk from the Green Line (Oak Park) El stop.

Full bar, reservations recommended.
Customer ratings: Rated 4 times
Satisfaction: (9.5)
Comfort: (9.75)
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Category: Hotels
BW River North
125 W Ohio
(at LaSalle)
Chicago

312-467-0800

Last visit:

2002-10-23

One of two Best Western hotels in the area. This one offers free parking, which is a rare exception in this neighborhood. Garage is convenient with 24 x 7 in/out. Rooms are spartan but clean and comfortable.

Breakfast in the cafe is good and reasonable.

Web site: www.bestwestern.com
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Days Inn OHare West
1920 E Higgins Rd.
Elk Gr Vil

847-437-1650

Last report:

2006-10-15

An older motel located adjacent to Hunter's Night Club in Elk Grove Village.

The motel's rates were reasonable and the rooms and facility were clean, but somewhat worn and run-down. The motel seemed safe.

A shuttle service was available to and from O'Hare, but advance reservations were necessary to the airport. Service to the airport ended at 12 midnight and with that run's return to the motel until 3 a. m. when it resumed.

Breakfast choices included only donuts (some with filling), muffins, coffee, and juices. The motel is also adjacent to a McDonald's Restaurant for additional breakfast fare.
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Hilton Garden
10 E Grand
(at State)
Chicago

312-595-0000

Last report:

2004-10-25

Very nice accommodations at a price that's higher than Best Western or Red Roof Inn, but still reasonable for this area of town. Red Line (State St Subway) station is right outside the door. Lakeview bars are just 5 stops uptown. Gentry On State is one block south of the hotel.

Very good breakfast buffet.

Web site: www.hiltons.com
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Red Roof Inn
162 E Ontario
(at St Clair)
Chicago

312-787-3580

Last visit:

2004-10-25

Not fancy by any means, but clean, quiet, and comfortable. One of the most reasonable in the area, price-wise. It's a restored older hotel. Rooms tend to run small and do show their age, but at these prices you can't complain!

Web site: www.redroof.com
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Category: Lingerie     (see also: Clothing, Specialty boutiques)
Sally Ann Corset Shop
10501 S. Western

773-298-1031

Last report:

2004-10-31

Large selection of products to give anyone a feminine shape. Call for a custom fitting.

TG friendly and long time supporter or TG community.

Web site: www.sallyanncorsetshop.com
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Victorias Secret
830 N Michigan
Chicago

312-664-2711

Last report:

2004-10-28

Good place to find necessary items. Friendly staff.
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Category: Makeovers     (see also: Specialty boutiques)
Jannas Place

Elmwood Pk

708-456-9056

Last visit:

2007-10-05

Local makeover artist with a very loyal clientele.

Makeovers, both transformational and instructional, are available.

In the Elmwood Park area. Phone for appointment and directions.

E-mail: jannasplace1@aol.com      Web site: www.jannasplace.com
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Category: Nails
Salon 161
161 E erie
Chicago

312-787-1778

Last report:

2004-10-28

This is a nice place to get your nails done or a polish change.
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Category: Shoes     (see also: Specialty boutiques)
Skyscraper Heels
2202 W. Belmont
Chicago

773-477-8495

Last report:

2004-10-31

As name suggests, they specialize in high heeled shoes up to 8" high. They also carry corsets, breast forms & accesseories.

CD owned & TG friendly. Twice a year they host parties for the TG community.

Web site: www.skyscraperheels.com
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Category: Wigs     (see also: Specialty boutiques)
Rachels Wigs
1833 W Irving Park
Chicago

773-528-6960

Last visit:

2007-10-06

Rachel's has wigs, breast forms, make-up, jewelry, and does nails and hair. Makeovers by appointment.

Rachel's is very popular in Chicago's TG community. Rachel and Velma really make t-girls very comfortable.
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Category: Other
Kinkos
540 N Michigan
Chicago

312-832-0090

Last report:

2004-10-28

Computer access is available to print boarding passes for SW Airlines.
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