| Stoplights indicate the following: | ||
| Green |
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Good service, good reports. |
| Yellow |
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Mostly good reports, other factors may exist. |
| Red |
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Take your business elsewhere. |
This list was last generated: Oct 27, 2011
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.
To suggest a new vendor or firm for this list, click HERE
Summary of recent additions, updates, and changes:
| Category: Specialty Boutiques | |||||||||||
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Janna's Studio 1039 Dunlop Forest Park 708-488-0420 |
Last report: 2010-09-01 |
New location in Forest Park, a few blocks south of the Eisenhower.
Local makeover artist with a very loyal clientele. Makeovers, both transformational and instructional, are available. Several product lines available. E-mail: jannasstudio2010@aol.com Web site: www.jannasstudio.com
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Transformations By Rori 110 S Arl Hts Rd Arlington Hts 847-454-0600 |
Last report: 2010-03-07 |
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) | |||||||||||
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Baton Show Lounge 436 N Clark Chicago 312-644-5269 |
Last report: 2004-10-30 |
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 report: 2006-10-20 |
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
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Big Chicks 5024 N Sheridan Chicago 773-728-5511 |
Last visit: 2010-10-23 |
Nice neighborhood GLBT bar and restaurant located in the Uptown
district of Chicago.
Get your order in! Food service closes at short notice. :) Web site: http://www.bigchicks.com/
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Club Krave 13126 S Western 708-591-8379 |
Last report: 2004-10-31 |
Formerly The Edge.
Very TG friendly. 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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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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Grape Street Bar 226 E Ontario Chicago 312-202-1933 |
Last report: 2010-03-09 |
Mainstream piano bar with a TG-oblivious attitude.
The piano appears to be silent on weekdays. Very friendly service and congenial crowd. Please, mainstream dress and mainstream behavior if you visit this place! :)
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Hideaway Lounge 7301 Roosevelt Forest Park 708-771-4459 |
Last report: 2010-03-09 |
Nice casual bar in the Forest Park district.
Not marked - no sign! Gotta know where it is. Two levels, lounging area, karaoke some evenings, very TG-friendly.
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Hydrate 3458 N Halsted Chicago 773-975-9244 |
Last report: 2006-10-18 |
Small bar up front, larger dance bar in back.
Friendly service and good drinks.
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Redhead Piano Bar 16 W Ontario Chicago 312-640-1000 |
Last report: 2010-03-09 |
Very classy piano bar in the River North district.
"TG oblivious" is the best way to describe their attitude. Business casual at minimum is the dress code. Coat check is required during cooler months. Web site: www.redheadpianobar.com
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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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Second Story Bar 157 E Ohio Chicago 312-923-9536 |
Last report: 2010-03-09 |
It's a dive! It's a small dive! It's a very friendly dive!
This is a downscale bar in an otherwise upscale neighborhood. It's very small and can be very crowded. Has a very friendly regular crowd.
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Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted Chicago 773-477-9189 |
Last report: 2004-10-31 |
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.
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Signature Lounge 875 N Michigan Chicago 312-787-9596 |
Last visit: 2011-10-21 |
Excellent view! On the 96th floor of the Hancock Tower. Upscale
cocktail lounge. The elevator ride (non-stop) is a thril ride
in itself!
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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: 2010-09-01 |
Listing reinstated due to erroneous report that they closed! :(
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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Velvet Rope 728 W Lake Oak Park 708-358-8840 |
Last report: 2009-10-27 |
Nice newer alternative bar in the Oak Park district. No cover,
no minimum. Reasonable drink prices. Web site says they serve food.
Comfortable lounging area upstairs. Can be quite crowded.
Web site: www.velvetropeoakpark.com
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Hunters Dance Club 1932 E Higgins Elk Gr Vil 847-439-8840 |
Last report: 2010-03-07 |
Report of being more TG-friendly lately, but still some hostility
apparently exists. Further information on this issue will be appreciated.
Main 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.
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| Category: Clothing (see also: Specialty boutiques) | |||||||||||
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Tall Girls 700 N michigan (at Superior) Chicago 312-649-1303 |
Last report: 2004-10-31 |
Good place for find clothing for taller "girls". Friendly staff.
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| Category: Food (see also: Bars and night life) | |||||||||||
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Ann Sathers 909 W Belmont Chicago 773-348-2378 |
Last report: 2009-10-27 |
New location about 1/2 block east of the former location.
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. BYOB.
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Bar Louie 1122 Lake Oak Park 708-725-3300 |
Last visit: 2011-10-23 |
The name is BAR, but they do have a full menu, and not just bar food.
In Oak Park, easy walk from the Harlem Green Line station.
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Carsons Ribs 5970 N Ridge (at Clark) Chicago 773-271-4000 |
Last report: 2004-10-27 |
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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Cheesecake Factory 875 N Michigan Chicago 312-337-1101 |
Last visit: 2011-10-20 |
On the lowest level of the Hancock Tower.
As the name implies, cheesecake is their specialty, but they have a full menu and full bar too.
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Ed Debevics 640 N Wells (at Ontario) Chicago 312-664-1707 |
Last report: 2009-10-27 |
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. :)
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Ginos East 633 N Wells Chicago 312-943-1124 |
Last report: 2008-10-28 |
Nice informal pizza-pasta place with a nice bar and friendly service.
Right across the street (Wells) from Ed's.
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Ginos East Superior 162 E Superior Chicago 312-266-3337 |
Last visit: 2011-10-20 |
On Superior just east of Michigan.
Excellent food and service. Huge portions. Great for lunch, dinner, or after-theater.
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Hamburger Mary's 5400 N Clark Chicago 60640 773-784-6969 |
Last report: 2011-10-07 |
Chicago branch of the always-GLBT-friendly chain.
Located in Andersonville in northern Chicago, north of the Boystown and Wrigley area. Enormous hamburgers, sandwiches, entrees, specialties, and full bar of course. Web site: www.hamburgermarys.com/chicago/
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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
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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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Maggianos Little Italy 516 N Clark Chicago 312-644-7700 |
Last visit: 2010-10-23 |
Several locations in the area. This report is for the one
downtown on Clark.
Italian cuisine, as the name implies. Not cheap, but not outrageously priced either. Very good food and they will treat you the way you wish to be treated. Web site: http://www.maggianos.com/
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Subway 226 E Ontario Chicago 312-266-6304 |
Last report: 2008-11-01 |
For a quick lunch this is ideal. Unisex bathrooms and no comments about
us eating there were heard.
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The Berghoff 17 W Adams Chicago 312-408-0200 |
Last visit: 2011-10-21 |
Food just like Grandma used to make, or for those who lack the Teutonic
heritage, food like other kids grandmothers used to make.
Great for lunch or dinner. Easy walk from the Adams El stop and the State/Jackson Red Line station.
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Thyme And Honey 7525 Madison Forest Park 708-771-5752 |
Last report: 2008-10-28 |
Nice casual cafe in suburban Forest Park. Does have a full bar.
Excellent food. TG-oblivious. About equally inconvenient from the Green Line Harlem station and the Blue Line Forest Park station.
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Walnut Room 111 N State 7th floor Chicago 312-781-3125 |
Last report: 2011-10-20 |
On the 7th. floor of Macy's (nee' Marshall Field's) in the heart of
the downtown Loop area. Great place for lunch, dessert, a snack while
shopping, or even dinner.
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West Egg 620 N Fairbanks (at Ontario) Chicago 312-280-8366 |
Last report: 2004-10-28 |
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 report: 2009-10-27 |
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.
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| Category: Hotels | |||||||||||
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BW River North 125 W Ohio (at LaSalle) Chicago 312-467-0800 |
Last report: 2004-10-27 |
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: 2008-10-29 |
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 report: 2008-11-01 |
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) | |||||||||||
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Sally Ann Corset Shop 10501 S. Western 773-298-1031 |
Last report: 2010-03-07 |
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: Nails | |||||||||||
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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) | |||||||||||
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Skyscraper Heels 2202 W. Belmont Chicago 773-477-8495 |
Last report: 2009-09-17 |
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) | |||||||||||
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Rachels Wigs 1833 W Irving Park Chicago 773-528-6960 |
Last report: 2010-03-09 |
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 | |||||||||||
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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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To suggest a new vendor or firm for this list, click HERE
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