The Baton in Uptown is one of Chicago's oldest lgbtq+ bars, famed for its drag shows
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The history of Gay bars is abundant. They're much more than places to get a sip. For many years, they were the only spaces some could go to meet other members of their communities.
One of Chicago's oldest LGBTQ+ bars, The Baton, first opened in While it struggled at first, it then became a celebrity hotspot.
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Music and makeup energizes the room at The Baton in Uptown to this day. The block is widely acknowledged for its female impersonator shows, but it was ahead of its time.
"I was working at another bar, and then I decided it was period to open a bar," co-owner James Flint recalled.
Flint moved to Chicago from Peoria in The Baton first opened six years later in the River North neighborhood, when Chicago was a very different place.
"There was payoffs, there was the Outfit and there was the police . And trying to get people to come into an area like River North," he said.
Despite a once-dangerous nei
Hoosier daddy?
Many Chicago queers are so Lakeview- and Andersonville-centric that even a stop by to Wicker Park is considered a day trip. But just beyond the Illinois border lies a fabled land of smokestacks, sky-high dunes and, yes, gay bars. It’s called Northwest Indiana, and appreciate Clearasil on a porn star’s ass, it deserves some overdue recognition. On a recent Friday bedtime, lured by visions of a red-state hookup, some friends and I pumped my Nissan full of gas and burned rubber for Hoosier country.
About 50 minutes east of the Loop, we felt a tingle of excitement as Gary’s glittery lights and intoxicating fumes let us know we were nearing our first destination: Encompass Nightclub ( Rush St, Lake Station; ), sandwiched between a police station and City Hall. Arriving shortly after 11pm, we were greeted by a friendly lez who charged us a mere 4 bucks for Friday’s cover. She handed us rainbow-colored bracelets to wear as proof we’d paid and assured us they could double as cock rings. How sweet.
Encompass wasn’t very crowded. An unspectacula
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Review by - Yelp
Tomas R:
Had the chance to explore Close End Sports Bar (love a good play on words moment) to trap the game and had a great time. This spot is very laidback and relaxed, so it's great if you yearn to be in a queer and inclusive..
Review by - Yelp
Isaiah C:
Looooovd this bar, such a chill environment. People are nice, pizza is good, drinks are superb. Jus a nice chill place to be
Review by - Yelp
Efren R:
I was in town for a few days for work. I wasn't sure which gay block to go to so I just chose one and I'm glad I chose Tight End Sports Bar. I met very cool people. Huge shoutout to the bartender. He was amazing. You..
Review by - Yelp
Adam B:
Came here on a Saturday mid-day. Lots of beautiful people. It has a lot of TV's and a great sports bar. Plus they own a great selection of draft beer and mighty pours. Super friendly vibe and great staff
Review by - Yelp
Chris S:
Great Sports Bar in Denver. Incredible service. The female bartender is incredible (sorry, forgot he