Big Chicks

Gay bar · Chicago Uptown

Art by Diane Arbus on the walls, barbecue on Sundays and guests of every gender and age: since 1986, Big Chicks has been Uptown’s warm queer neighbourhood bar.

• ★ 4.6 on Google (833)
• Since 1986
• Art collection
• Free BBQ on Sundays

Address

5024 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours

Mon–Fri 4 pm–2 am
Sat/Sun 9 am–2 am

Crowd

mixed, all genders and ages, many regulars from the neighbourhood

Flirt factor

medium

Programme

free barbecue every Sunday (for over 30 years)

Getting there

“L” Argyle (Red Line), about 8 minutes’ walk

What makes Big Chicks special

Michelle Fire opened Big Chicks in 1986 in Uptown, a little north of Northalsted. The bar is famous for its art collection: the walls are hung with works by Diane Arbus, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Leon Golub, Tony Fitzpatrick and Hollis Sigler. In 2016 Big Chicks was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, and the street corner now carries an honorary name.

For more than 30 years there has been a free barbecue for guests every Sunday. Next door is the sister restaurant Tweet, also full of art and known for its breakfast. At weekends the bar opens as early as 9 am, and there is dancing in the evening too.

Atmosphere and crowd

Big Chicks is a true neighbourhood bar: relaxed, warm and mixed, with men and women, young and old, queers and allies. Many guests have been coming for decades, and newcomers are quickly drawn in.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Out x Out, Wikipedia, Time Out Chicago, Google reviews (4.6 stars, 833 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.