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Celebrate Chicago Pride And Support LGBTQ+ Restaurants
Some ways to celebrate Chicago Pride this year.
photo credit: Richie Diesterheft
Even though Chicago’s Pride parade is canceled, there are still lots of ways to celebrate and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. For starters, consider donating to local organizations like Brave Space Alliance, Howard Brown Health, Chicago House, the LGBTQ Immigration Rights Project, and national organizations like The Okra Project, The Transgender Law Center, and G.L.I.T.S.
One more way to support? Order something delicious from one of the following LGBTQ+ owned spots this weekend. For even more ideas, check out this list of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
The Spots
Hamburger Mary's
Thanks to Chicago’s “Make Way” program, Hamburger Mary’s has been able to extend its front patio out into the street. Which is great, because that gives Mary’s drag queens more space to perform while you eat. If you prefer carry out, their Drag Queen Drive Thru is still open, and one of their queens will deliver food straight to your car.
Jennivee's Bakery
First off, Jenivee’s is amazing. Their ube layer cake is one of the best desserts in Chicago, period. And right now, they have a special trans pride rainbow cake dedicated to the black trans lives who have been victims to bigotry and racism.
Split Rail, a LGBTQ-owned fried chicken spot in Humboldt Park, is donating 1% of all their sales to the Brave Space Alliance. They’re also acting as a donation spot for the organization.
Tweet, and their next-door LGBTQ+ bar Big Chicks, are now serving dinner and weekend brunch out on their cute-yet-still-socially-distanced back patio. They have touchless menus you access through a QR code and have transitioned Big Chicks from counter to table-service. And, if you want, you can get your food and cocktails to-go.
Avenue Tavern
Thanks to the “Make Way” program, this Boystown bar has a large outdoor cafe. And this weekend, they have their “Who Said Pride Is Cancelled” event, with live DJ’s and other performers. To keep things safe, there will be touchless menus and every table is limited to two-hour seatings.
During June, DS Tequila has a special burger: the LGBTQ (lettuce, guacamole, bacon, tomato, and queso). And a portion of its proceeds goes towards the charity Affinity, which supports the Black LGBTQ+ community. You can order the burger for carryout and delivery, or eat in out on their patio.