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The bar only has one single stall restroom and women take priority. I must say that I’ve had so many bathroom mishaps at Chicago’s best and worst LGBTQ+ friendly bars, but things are a little different at Big Chicks and this review would not be complete without mentioning this fact. It’s a chance for local LGBTQ+ friendly musicians perform. Also a monthly event at Big Chicks is Homolatte performances, which are every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm at Big Chicks & Tweet.
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But hey, I’m impressed with any man who looks better as a woman then I do. I admit I could not stop gawking and my partner was slightly embarrassed to be seen with me. I’ve only had the privilege to visit Big Chicks on one Thursday night and was not disappointed. It is usually super packed on those Thursdays so best to arrive early to get a front seat to check out the women who used to be men and who look damn good doing it. FKA (formerly known as) Thursday takes place the first Thursday of every month, also known as the night when a surplus of transgendered men and women make appearances at the bar. Tweet offers a nice variety, including the typical brunch items aside sandwiches, fish, burgers, and greasy but delicious appetizers.Īmongst all of the dinner & drink specials there are events going on every month at Big Chicks. Alternatively, Tweet offers brunch all week long and offers quite the menu options for lunch and dinner but consider yourself forewarned: you may wait over an hour and (gasp) sometimes two for a table but you won’t be disappointed with the food.
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Water price-gouging aside, every night of the week Big Chicks offers irresistible deals on drinks and food-see the specials above and note the free buffet on Sundays. If you’re really thirsty stick to beer or cocktails because they are a way better deal then the almost $3 they make you pay for water. – excerpt from Blair Kamin’s article “Art Deco Darlings” in the Chicago Tribune (January 18, 2009)Ĭheap drinks are one of the biggest draws to Big Chicks. Michelle Fire stripped off signs and ironwork that obscured the building’s ornament.” Its asymmetrical facade, clearly influenced by the 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago, features dazzling decoration, with yellow vertical piers on a backdrop of cobalt blue, as well as splashes of aqua. “For the past 23 years, has been the guardian of this little gem, designed in 1937 by architect Charles Kristen.
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Tweet, the sister establishment to Big Chicks and also owned by Michelle “Big Chick” Fire, is located next door and offers really good organic comfort food with an eclectic feel. There’s a small dance floor that is almost always in use, a convenient coat check, a small pool table, and benches along the wall for all the non-dancers and cool artwork on the walls.
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There are enough little spots to sit or hang out in that you won’t be annoyed if you find yourself rubbing up against strangers. It’s one of the few LGBTQ+ friendly bars in the uptown neighborhood and one of the few offering cheap drinks, free food and a beer garden.īig Chicks is a small and sometimes crowded bar but it’s laid out really well. It’s a cozy bar with a club-like feel that can be best explained by just going there and checking it out for yourself. Big Chicks also isn’t strictly a lesbian bar like it’s often thought to be. Rather the place is named for the nickname of owner Michelle Fire, who happens to be a sizeable woman who has embraced her stature. Don’t let the name fool you: Big Chicks is not a bar for big women and those that admire them, although it wouldn’t be unheard of to see a few here and there.