Nights of dancing, drag shows, drinks, game nights and more await you at these Chicago sapphic bars and parties.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of sapphic spaces in Chicago. If you know of more drag brunches to be included in future roundups, please email events@chisocialbutterflies.com with information.
Bars
Nobody’s Darling
1744 W. Balmoral Ave.
Darling, it’s happy hour three times a week at this laid-back lounge. Take your pick of Wine Down Wednesday for $7 glasses and $20 bottles, $2 off spirits and cocktails for all women and POC at Thursday’s happy hour, and/or $8 mimosas at Saturday’s happy hour. Check the bar’s website for times and more events.
Whiskey Girl Tavern
6318 N Clark St.
Whiskey Girl Tavern is the place for leagues, watching the game, trivia nights, karaoke nights, speed friending events, monologue slams, lip sync battles and so many other events. Some events are free while some have a cost, but you just have to go to their site to reserve your spot.
Dorothy
2500 West Chicago Ave.
Every friend of Dorothy is welcome to this neighborhood lesbian cocktail lounge. The ‘70s inspired subterranean lounge’s regular programming includes everything from a monthly queer open mic night to a community of readers and introverts who gather together to read in quiet camaraderie. Visit Dorothy’s website for all the programming details and other special events.
The Closet
3325 N. Broadway
This small neighborhood bar offers video bowling, darts, bingo, karaoke nights, and other assorted games. There’s always something to do even if it’s enjoying a drink, dancing, and picking up someone who catches your eye. Check out their website to pick up more on this bar.
Parties
Strapped
1035 North Western Ave.
Strapped is a sapphic dance party featuring drag shows for and by the lesbian, lesbian-adjacent, and drag community. Besides the main party, you can have fun at other Strapped events like its Sappho Bingo series.
Sapphic Saturday at Sidetrack
3349 N. Halsted
Mark the last Saturday of every month because Sidetrack is hosting Sapphic Saturday, ‘A Celebration of Girls’ Love.’ Lesbians, lesbian-adjacent, and allies are welcome to enjoy an early evening of dancing to queer women’s anthems, drag performances, games, and more.
Slo ‘Mo
3734 W Belmont Ave.
Club nights, concerts, and comedy, Slo ‘Mo creates affirming and intergenerational spaces that uplift local queer creatives and community. Its soundtrack elevates past and present R&B, house, disco and funk with a strong focus on women artists. Slo ‘Mo works to give its partiers a sense of nostalgia and honor its musical and queer roots. You can dance the night away and find events across Chicago.
Eden
2918 N Central Park Ave
Friends, lovers, and crushes can experience collective pleasure with no inhibition in this space. Eden has thrown parties around the city, including a recent boat party to celebrate the tail-end of summer. Follow Eden organizer Jenny Fox for updates on the next party.
Lesbian Social Club
632 N Dearborn St.
Lesbian Social Club aims to redefine the landscape of the lesbian social scene. While there’s a number of sold out parties, there are still more games and parties to join in on. Subscribe to stay informed about upcoming events and become part of the thriving collective.