I've been coming here for years. The food is always good, the drinks are always refreshing, and the staff are always helpful. But that's not why I'm writing this today. I'm writing this because when my partner and I were there tonight, someone ripped off my partner's mask. The bartender not only kicked that person out of the bar, but they and the person managing food made sure that we were taken care of. Their commitment to safety in the community is incredible. Thank you all for your support tonight (and the drinks and food). read more

Bad vibes. The bartender seemed to have an issue with our group and harassed us all night about where we could stand in a mostly empty bar.

If you're looking for a cozy sociable, great drinks great eats big chicks. Monday through Sunday is the place to be. I am never disappointed.. I want to shout out Shannon. She is the most coolest, friendly, sweet cashier waitress that I have ever met in a very long time every single time I come, she is always pleasant and never disappoints. I highly recommend this place. read more

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Breakfast is amazing. Lunch is amazing when you can eat outside. And dinner and nightlife is really a hidden gem of the area. The mezcal Negroni and mezcal Bloody Mary are my favorites. A real cocktail lovers bar. Killer murals and art too. Good vibes read more

Fun place-GREAT STAFF!! Food was delicious too!! My kids and their in/laws took us there and it ROCKED!! read more

Big Chicks - Took bite of Ruben and fries but didn't have dip til my husband gave me his! - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had food poisoning from their corn arepas. When I reported the incident they did not have a satisfactory response and avoided any responsibility. read more

The food and atmosphere is amazing. It's a bar-restaurant and you'll enjoy every minute. Janotta (sp?) is to there in the afternoon and trust, this woman is amazing! Go as soon as possible. read more

A cute neighborhood bar open to all. A quiet place for drinks and conversation. Cash only establishment (there is an ATM inside). Drinks are good. Friendly barstaff. read more

Big Chicks - Interior - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cute little bar in a quaint neighborhood. Cash only, but the bartenders are nice and the other patrons are too. read more

Big Chicks - Lavender gin drop - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Total accident on finding this spot.. and I LOVE IT! We were out with friends and decided hey let's go here.. i swear I had the best salad I've had in a long time.. and I'm a salad lovin chick. The wine specials are unmatched and I discover my new favorite Rosé here (Hampton Water) The servers and staff are really accommodating and quite funny. I must really like the overall vibe of the bar/ restaurant.. A Pleasant surprise ! read more

Big Chicks - Hampton Water Rosé yummm - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Every time I visit Big Chicks, I get nervous. What if it's not as good as I remember? What if I'm just romanticizing my past? But Big Chicks never disappoints. It's always just as good, if not better, than I remember. My wife and I visited in November and had a fantastic time. Janada was our bartender and she took great care of us. When it wasn't too busy, we had some great conversations as well as delicious drinks! The potato skins were also the perfect bar food--they really hit the spot. We also were eying the red velvet cake behind the bar all night and Janada convinced us to take a giant slice to go. Never would have had high expectations for cake from a bar... but the cake was fresh and delicious and I don't know if I'll be able to resist it next time! Overall this visit just made me love Big Chicks even more and I can't wait to be back! read more

I'm not sure how I feel about this place. It's close by to my new place so I can easily walk here, but I feel like the server who I've had multiple times is not the most friendliest. His energy is just very whatever. I do like the atmosphere in this place and it gives an older classic bar vibe, even as an LGBTQ+ friendly space. I guess I just need to go on a different night when I'm not served by that guy. They do have patio seating though, just as an fyi! read more

Big Chicks - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

How does one review a place so part of the DNA of gay culture of Chicago? I drank the big chicks cool-aid long ago, and by that I mean the vodka lemonades I had on summer Sundays after the beach when I moved here in 2003. I remember some slimy developer trying to shut them down and people came out of the freakin' woodwork to put a stop to that nonsense. The art on the walls is curious, inspired. The drinks are fantastic. I appreciate the selection of low/no alcohol fancy drinks for those like me who don't partake too much (but still want to feel fancy). The food is several notches better than bar food needs to be. And the cake! It looks fantastic and tastes better. Prices are more than reasonable (so don't forget to tip the servers ya'll!). The staff are friendly and warm. The crowd is more mixed than your typical gay bar, which is rather welcoming. So many newer places seem like they were formulated in a lab. They're sterile, boring, untrustworthy. This place is organic, real, and charming as hell. It's "lived in" in the best possible way. read more

I was asked to leave Big Chicks before I even had a chance to order, as they accused me of asking people in the restaurant for money, which I had not done. read more

Take credit cards. I would come here much more often. If they took credit cards even debit cards would be OK. I hate that. I have to go to the bank before we come to this place read more

Great place with an amazing staff! They have the best vegan nachos I've ever eaten! The tater tots are a must. They make one of the best espresso martinis! read more

Big Chicks - Vegan Nachos - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Friendly staff who are surprisingly nice even to toddlers! Outdoor seating was a great choice for the summer. We ordered a burger, chicken fingers, chicken wings, nachos, a few drinks and lemonade. Burger and wings were pretty good. We wouldn't recommend the nachos, fake nacho cheese sauce, and lacking flavor. This place is CASH ONLY. I'm still reeling... not sure how places continue to be cash only in 2021. I thought a lot of cash only places got converted in 2020 because of all the takeout with covid. Be prepared with cash or to pay a fee with the ATM in the back. read more

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Food and desert were amazing! I had the chicken tenders and red velvet cake 10/10 would definitely do it again. Ambiance was a mostly all male and older crowd but they were cool people. Someone even bought me a drink! Only complaint is that there sadly were 0 big chicks in the room. read more

This is the place my wife and I love to go meet a friend and have good food and drink. The crowd is always a pretty good one and the staff Janada and Brian(who looks so much like my old boss) are so friendly! They share stories, appreciate us, and are attentive! I always find they are happy to see us! Now the feel of the bar is exceptional it always feels like our neighborhood bar where we feel comfortable and relaxed! I normally have trouble around a lot of people and get overwhelmed by the sounds but not here! read more

Big Chicks - Basket of Garlic-Parmesan Fries - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We went for food and drinks later one night and had a decent experience overall! The staff was not very friendly and seemed a little inconvenienced by us. We had a few cocktails, all of which were delicious. The food was pretty mediocre. It wasn't anything special, but definitely decent for a bar. It was pretty busy in here, but the crowd was pleasant. I would go back, but the service could be a deterrent. read more

Love the neons in this watering hole in Uptown Chicago. Imaginative cocktails. Nice stop before the BYOB Oaxaca restaurant a few doors down the same block. read more

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The worst restaurant experience I've ever had, and I was born here. I'm not just talking about in Chicago. The worst ever. Please don't support this restaurant. Six of us--teachers, gardeners, and artists-- were absolutely shocked by the verbally abusive, intimidating staff member, who went on a tirade while we said nothing after an hour of waiting for our food. No idea of customer service and no interest in it. Not proper conduct under any circumstances. Sadly, it seems the owner supports him, which tells you that the idea of customer service is sadly missing. Yes, I made the mistake of going around the back counter, in this very casual cash only place, rather than ringing a bell which when I was a waitress I would have found demeaning, to very politely inquire about the food we'd been waiting an hour for. I had even bought one of their regulars dinner. The counter lady said it would be right out. Then another member of the staff came charging into the patio to berate me to the astonishment of our table, and everyone else in the small patio. We were shocked. The reaction was so outsized, intimidating and verbally abusive. Quite frankly, no professional establishment would condone it, nor any business. After the tirade he said he was refunding our money (not my generous tip I had paid to the cash jar, by the way), and there would be no food at nearly 10pm! I've never heard of something like this. But the saddest part is I reached out to the owner, and after some very cordial email exchanges in which she strangely copied the abusive staff member, she took no action, and supported this behavior. Really? When someone has an anger management problem like this, my experience shows that it's rarely an isolated incident. As an owner I would have been mortified if my clients were treated like this. The fact that this is supported means the philosophy of this restaurant is not in service of its customers at all, and totally unconcerned with their service or their staff. If you look at the reviews there are other posts about staff not being ideal, but this is above and beyond. It is such a shame, and frankly I'm embarrassed that my city supports this long standing restaurant. Just say no. read more

What a great place! The bartender, Janata, can make one Helluva drink and has a way of making you feel so appreciated. Good bar food that you can order at the window. The crowd is very diverse. The original art work is a complete trip! There are board games waiting to be played. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. The restrooms are nice and clean. I hope they bring back dancing soon! read more

I have been coming to Big Chicks and their sister restaurant Tweet for over 15 years. I've never had a bad experience there. Always a smile. Always good drinks and good food. The bar tenders always find time for a bit of chat. Post COVID the staff is stretched a bit thin. They are working hard to manage a long bar of customers. Give them a chance to get to you and they will take good care of you. One of the most relaxed and welcoming atmospheres in Chicago. Gay, Lesbian, trans, the full LGBTQ+ spectrum plus straight people are all welcome. Big, tall, short, fat, thin, quiet, extroverted... you'll always feel welcome. I'm looking forward to business picking up after COVID so that this established and iconic business can continue to serve the neighborhood for a very long time. Drinks... food... welcoming... go there. read more

Big Chicks - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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No matter who is bartending (Joey, Brian, Fernando, Michael, Mony, Janada, Mauricio), I always know I will have the best time at Big Chicks. We always leave feeling better than when we came in and I can't recommend this place enough. Five star service, five star food, five star drinks, five star home away from home. read more

Bartender here serves all the men twice before taking any orders from women. Will ignore entire areas of the bar if men aren't sitting there. read more

Love love love Big Chicks - the only problem? I'm there too much. Great staff, great food, Gluten Free Options (THANK YOU) and loads of new friends waiting to say hey. It's so special to have a local neighborhood bar that I feel so welcomed in. Huzzah to my second home! read more

Actually Tweets Is restaurant's name. Big Chicks is bar in next room. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options, great and friendly service, conversation friendly. Portion size is enough for two meals. Or split. Nice touch with coffee cake slices at table as a greeting. read more

I'll always love Big Chicks, and its sister restaurant Tweet. Having survived the pandemic, they're still struggling, which makes me sad. But it means bar stools are available at 10pm on a Friday night, which is a good thing, I guess. And now I live four blocks away, which is even better. I've read a couple of reviews in which people complain about the service. I've never had an issue here. I'm sure some of the bartenders are less attentive than others. But there are only two bartenders serving a looong bar, so hold your horses. On the other hand, if you crack a smile, or maybe even a joke, you'll get better service. I ended up here recently because all the other restaurants in the neighborhood stop service by 10 o'clock on a Friday night. I'll blame the pandemic -- why not? BC serves food until 10:45, which is a nice perk. And it's good. You're not likely to find a friendlier bar, gay or straight, in the neighborhood. Give 'em a try! read more

Felt comfortable first time there. Prices fair, strong drinks Good service, old style bar with artisan upgrades.

Great bar atmosphere! It's a small place but tons of cute sitting areas! It's an awesome local neighborhood bar with great quality fresh food clean bar also and fast service! If you're looking for a real bar with great crafted drinks and fresh garnishes, this is your place! The operations of this place is perfection! From the server, to the food runner, bartender to the Barback you will be able to tell this place is well ran. By the high quality professional customer service, fast food and how the staff is quickly able to handle tactics was so efficient I felt compelled to write a review & share a great organic experience! I can't express enough how clean the bar was! Again the food was well prepared. I order the Walter and replaced my organic greens for spinach ! Absolutely tasty ! I also had the Buffalo wings they were well prepared and ranch sauce was also good. this place deserves 5 stars and is officially considered a slot on Gilly's hidden gem list! read more

Chicago restaurants can learn from this one. Fresh, good food at a reasonable price. No extra service fees. This place gives you the respect you would give any stranger on the street. The server let us know well ahead of time the wait, the reason and more then made up for it with courtesy and friendliness. read more

My waiter was so sweet. Everyone here made me feel welcome as an out of town-er. This bar itself made me want to move here. It feels like a dive bar but has awesome food. read more

I STILL come here for $1 burgers and drink specials, and everything. I'm updating this review, and including it in my "Bars With No TVs" list, even though they do have TVs. However . . . no sporting events are on the screen. There is usually some fabulous, retro movie or weird foreign film. Or . . . GAY MALE PORN. And there's a lot for a straight girl to look at with that selection as well. So, the TVs here are all right with me. I think of the BC TVs as art that moves. read more

The bartenders here are beyond amazing. They are attentive and knowledgeable. I came in for a celebration not knowing what we wanted to drink. Our bartenders offered us a creation of their own and it's my new and forever favorite cocktail. Food was delicious and the whole place had such a good vibe. Definitely coming back 10/10 read more

Fun neighborhood bar, hit or miss with how crowded it is, diverse crowd. Good drinks, great design and vibe. Social crowd at bar. Not a pick up place. read more

I havE to sAy it had been AGGEESS since I've been in here but once I was back I forgot how quirky and wonderful this bar is. Diverse, fun...with and edge of dive yet also a twist of upscale and A DANCE FLOOR w/ DJ... it's got a LOT going on. It's gay but inclusive with a very mixed crowd. They actually have a wine list and it's not yellowtail so yah that raises the bar not to mention the bartenders are fun and funny...yah they get busy but do their best to accommodate. And the music is legit... time fo me to get my butt back in this joint on the regular. read more

I loved seeing vegan and ovo-lacto vegetarian options on the menu, and the dishes I sampled were full of flavor. (Portions were large, too -- a rarity in the U.S.) The customer service was VERY friendly and efficient, and I really liked that. (I often feel like a pariah in women's bars, but never got this feeling here at Big Chicks.) I want to leave a five star review; I really do. That said, the sheer filthiness of the restroom prevents me from doing so. C'mon, gals -- Clorox is cheap and abundant. (The only other thing needed? Some elbow grease.) Clean up the head and I'll give you another shot and raise those stars in my next review. P.S.: To the asshole who wrote the review lambasting "flagrant homosexuality" and a supposed anti-Trump bias: You're in a dyke bar, you prick. Did you expect "flagrant heterosexuality?" As for Trump, well, that asshole's treatment of the LGBT community is no secret. (Did you honestly expect a PRO-Trump environment here?) Please take this opportunity to go fuck yourself silly. read more

This place needs to be shut down. Never have I have experience such least of hospitality. To the owner-Michelle- shame on you for having such bad service representatives. read more

Totally wonderful place where the vibe is chill and drinks well priced. The Kitchen is great and the bartenders sweet and kind. Drink a little or a lot- no problems and no judgement. I have enjoyed many nights in this great north side bar where you can dance or drink your cares away if you want. And you know me, I am a boozer and their drinks are made they way YOU want and now how they want. Keep up the great work big chicks! From One booze-hilda to another. :) read more