I was at big chicks multiple times this evening. The first time that I was there everything was fine and then I went downtown to explore some other options. When I came back I was reasonably intoxicated but still of sound body and mind. When I found a wallet on the floor and I returned it into the bar I felt like I was not reasonably acknowledged for my actions. When I stated as such they said I was too drunk and I needed to leave. I could have taken the wallet and the money inside but I didn't. when I stood up for what I thought was a reasonable appreciation for what I had done I was thrown out. So I guess you can be too drunk and too nice and still be kicked out of an establishment. Yay Big Chicks. read more

If you're looking for something more and just as fun as boystown this is your place. Truly a gem of the Chicago gay community! Great food, drinks, and service. read more

First, some words of warning: no, not hold on to your junk; instead, hold on to your drink. After an unintended few years' hiatus, I finally returned to Big Chicks to check out the infamous free Sunday buffet. What a bargain and great food! On my visit, it was meatball sandwiches and organic chili. Yes, ORGANIC chili. Pairing perfectly with a nice beer, as well as one of my secret weaknesses, I opted for the meatball sandwich. No second-rate ingredients went into that bad boy. I added a bit of side salad made with mixed greens to my plate and I had one of the best quality "cheap" meals I've enjoyed out in quite some time. Check it out and be sure to add a generous donation to the bucket before indulging. Drink specials were available, though, again, it was a beer day for me. The prices are reasonable enough, even without a special. I saved some pennies by eating the buffet, so it all evened out. Getting to the bar was a bit tricky because of the crowd, which isn't the bar's fault. That is, unless you blame the attraction of the buffet. When I finally got to the bar, the bartender was a bit curt, but otherwise friendly enough and got my drinks quickly. On a busy night, I can dig it. Overall, the food and the bartenders get 4 stars. Now, back to the warning... There was an overzealous employee that snatched my plate right out of my hand just as I was finishing my last bite. Literally, I was putting my last bite in my mouth when my plate was suddenly gone! I understand trying to keep the place tidy, but...wow. He then swooped back by a few minutes later and took my not even half-empty glass of beer while I was engaged in conversation. No asking if it belonged to anyone, just grabbed it and was off. Stealing my drink is just bad news and that knocks this place down a star. I'd like to think that this incident is not representative of a typical night. Since there were two other unattended glasses sitting nearby that were still there when we left makes me wonder what was up. Big Chicks, I'll return soon enough to give you another chance. There's only one kind of grabbyhands I like, and that's not one that steals drinks. Please keep your version away from me. Otherwise, there'll be trouble and I'll head somewhere where I can buy more than one drink without worrying about its unnecessary departure from my possession. read more

If I were a Homer (Matthew's term), this song might pop into my head. OMG, I just said "head" and "pop into my"... Oh my god Matthew, look at his butt Its so big He looks like one of those interior designers guys boyfriends Who understands those interior designer guys They only talk to him because he looks like a total prostitute I mean his butt It's just so big I can't believe it's so round It's just out there I mean, it's gross (well maybe not) Look, he's just so... I like Big Chicks and I can not lie You other brothers can't deny That when a boy walks in with an itty bitty waist And a round thing in your face You get sprung Wanna pull up tough Cuz you notice that butt was stuffed Deep in the jeans he's wearing I'm hooked and I can't stop staring Oh, dude I wanna get with ya And take your picture My homeboys tried to warn me But that butt you got Make Me so horney Ooh, rump of smooth skin You say you wanna get in my benz Well use me use me cuz you aint that average queeny I've seen them dancin' To hell with romancin' He's Sweat,Wet, got it goin like a turbo vette Ok, I'll just stop there. Big Chicks is a great hangout bar. Staff and customers are extremely friendly no matter what sex you are and what your preferences might be. They love all shapes, sizes, and ages here. Drinks are stiff (no comment) and there is a dance floor to shake it. You will always have a good time! Nuff said! No, I didn't say Muff Matthew. read more

Like Damian C., I've never seen any big chicks here. However, there are plentiful of big tits. Yup, that's right. Photos of big busted, naked women adorn the walls of Big Chicks. And to be honest, as I was eating my $1 burger, I could only hope that the additional weight would go somewhere north of my waist. My roommates and I ventured out to Big Chicks on a Monday night to fill ourselves with burgers and veggie dogs (carbs) and beer (and more carbs) for less than $5 a person. Yup, that's right, you're practically stealing from this establishment. But don't worry, since you're not actually you can still fulfill that New Year's resolution of yours to be a good Samaritan. Big Chicks has a special what seems like every night of the week, which is pretty awesome. On Monday's, it's $1 burgers and veggie dogs with the purchase of a drink at the bar. The bar has a pretty decent selection - about 7 beers on tap, even more bottles to choose from, and my favorite, $3 Pabsties. The burgers and veggie dogs were fine, and are pretty much what you should expect from a buck. However, they do come with a side of fries or chips (and for $1 more you can substitute it for onion rings), so I was definitely full after my burger. But even if you need another burger or veggie dog, IT'S ONLY TWO DOLLARS. WHAT CAN YOU ACTUALLY GET FOR $2 ANYMORE? Even a CTA ride costs more than that. The place was cool, but also fills up quickly. My two roommates and I definitely had trouble finding a place to sit for a while. I think the atmosphere was interesting, and the daily specials are awesome, but not sure if I'd become a regular or even go back again since the food is pretty average. Maybe I'll return if it changes the posters on the walls to men...kidding, i promise. read more

For a straight chick in a gay bar, I felt very welcomed. Especially when the line for the men's room was 15 gay men deep, and there was no line for the women's room - and the men were using the women's room, and the men happily told me "ladies first." It's nice to be a lady. read more

Do you enjoy eccentric naked photography? secluded patios where you can drink and smoke cigarettes at the same time? awesome hits from the 90's? euchre??? if you answered yes to any or all of the above, you should get yourself to big chicks immediately! an awesome bar staff, reasonably priced drinks, delicious food, and a laid back atmosphere are what this place is all about. every wednesday and saturday, this is the home of the euchre club of chicago. see you tonight, BC! read more

I come here to dance. The drinks are stiff, the bartenders etc friendly, and the clientele is cool (actual real person cool, not the awkward hipster cool that makes me feel like I'm somehow lacking and that I should therefore be deeply concerned). They play good music (with the occasional awful song thrown in for good measure, 'cause we all sometimes need 4 minutes to shift gently from right to left while catching our breath) and the coat check guy is always the Nicest Person Ever. But this could be a shithole in the seventh circle of hell and I would still come here. Because I love to dance. And even better, I love to dance without fear of judgement (everyone's too busy having their own good time to judge how you have yours), and without fear of some creep-o guy trying to rub his business all up in my rear end's business. This is a place where you can let your hair down, take your shirt off, and get sweaty without a care in the world. I'll dance anywhere. By myself in my apartment, at work, a dive bar where I'm "that girl" or at some shitty club that thinks that all rap is fun to dance to (it's not). But when I want to dance like no one is watching, I come to Big Chicks and let it all just float away. read more

One of the best breakfast places ever! Super cozy and cute vibes.. just wish they took card

Came here after attending my first Pride parade and had a great time with out of town friends. Good cheese curds and wings. What not to like! read more

I love to be happily surprised by a business. Yesterday, I was happily surprised by Big Chicks. I can't say anything but good things about this place, and I was very happy to spend a Sunday afternoon here with some fellow Yelpers. The inside was a tad small but nicely decorated, with very interesting artwork on the walls. There was one piece that really intrigued me and ask one of the employees for an art tour later in the night. It was a photograph that I still can not get out of my mind...the expression on this woman's face was just...well any woman who worries over the state of her relationship knows the emotions this woman was feeling. It touched my soul and that is something that I did not expect. Ok, more about the bar... The staff and clientele were nice, friendly, and very welcoming. The vodka lemonade special was great. The pitchers of beer were reasonable. The beer garden was small but nice. The barbecue was phenomenal!!! I would go back every Sunday for the free barbecue. I had expected this free barbecue to just be some hot dogs and potato chips. Nope! It was just like being at a friends house for a barbecue. Cheeseburgers and hot dogs with any topping imaginable, salad, brownies, and the most delicious potato salad. I asked the guy dishing out the potato salad for just a little scoop. I'm not a big potato salad fan. He said "Are you sure? You'll be sorry! I make it myself and it's really good." Yeah, whatever...I'm not a fan of potato salad. I'm just taking it to be polite. Boy, was I wrong!! I got a chance to talk to Mr. Potato Salad Maker and he gave up his recipe!! :) I would be happy to spend another Sunday afternoon at Big Chicks. read more

Such a horrible experience. Went here early on a Friday evening for food and a couple of drinks. No one had any interest in serving us. I stood at the bar waiting for 10 minutes with two bartenders behind the bar never acknowledging me. Got yelled at for having an empty water bottle outside on the patio and saw a server curse out a homeless man. Ended up leaving without ever being helped. read more

Big Chicks bills itself as a neighborhood bar, but really it's a community bar. Queers and friends, artists, jocks... Michelle loves 'em and they love the bar. The servers and bouncers are friendly, the crowd is mostly relaxed, the prices are reasonable, the food is good, the art crowding the walls is super. It's just a great place to go for a couple drinks. DJs play on Friday and Saturday nights, and they are generally quality. The sound system is not club-caliber, but you're here to dance and have fun and maybe make-out. It's like dancing at your college buddy's house party, so you can leave the see-and-be-seen in Btown for the night. FKA: the ferociously crowded, every-spectrum-of-trans-and-queer, monthly dance party. Boys bois boyz! The first Thursday of the month, and there's usually a theme (very sporadically adhered to, except for Hankie Code night, which is anticipated like it's freaking queer prom). Monday cheap date night: 2 veggie dogs with fries/salad: $2. Pitcher of Leinies: $10. Tips: $3 Free shot at midnight: free. Grand total for two: $15. read more

I love this place! My favorite bartenders are Stuart and Keith. *(Mostly just because I know them the best and they are great to me. I don't know the other bartenders well, but they are nice folks.) $1 Burger Night (Monday Night)- Check it out! I bring groups of friends there, and we love it. Michelle is the owner of Big Chicks and Tweet, and she will come chat you up if she is around. I heart her too! They have different specials every night! The crowds are non pretentious, all ages, all types. It's a great neighborhood bar. read more

"Big Chicks is not a lesbian bar, as its name might suggest." - Dan S. I think what I love most about Big Chicks is its identity factor. From the offset, "The Uptown Bar" is such a sensational stand-out from the like-minded bars due south 1) because it's in Uptown, not Lakeview; thus, refreshingly lacking in irregular levels of vapid testosterone, and 2) because it is so unimposing. Before the days of insulated strips of bars, masquerading around as neighborhoods-inside-neighborhoods (i.e. Boystown of Lakeview), where the world is your gay oyster, this is how our gay and lesbian merchant predecessors did it. Men and women, just like every other merchant and craftsman on their street; in their particular American city, town, or neighborhood; trying to make a profit and remember the regulars; trying to reach out to their constituency in the area... Big Chicks is a bar, not an amusement park. It is not insulated. When you want a drink or a bite to eat in the area, you go. It is not an evening, or an excuse to reincarnate Mardi Gras. It is simply a business, on a street, in a neighborhood, where people of all varieties -- dykes, daddies, twinks, heteros, and so on -- go for some conversation and a diversion from life. This is a really well-run business, all around. I give them props. I've never seen people tumbling out of this bar making a ruckus, although I'm sure it happens. There is not a ton of space here. But what space there is, they use well. I think one of the reasons I love this bar so much is because, aesthetically, it reminds me of New York: very long and slender. You can tell that the folks who run this place are queer, through and through. Not gay, queer. The artwork covering the walls provides something of a living museum on gender, sex, and human anatomy. They always have a campy flick playing on the t.v. and a fun variety of music. The space is just well put together, and really fun to be inside. There is a pool table in the back. The drinks are great. Bartenders are phenomenal. Specials are awesome. Surprisingly wonderful food of good quality, always. Monday night Buck-a-Burger is my all-time fav, cuz I love drinking even more when I'm also eating at the same time. I love Big Chicks! read more

Let's start by saying, great neighborhood bar. However, today not so good. The door was very erratic and uncontrolled. Service once seated was non existent. Beer was not cold. The fish and chips or rather the chips and fish was a joke, barely edible; not served w/ tartar or vinegar or silverware. Maybe an off day, but get it together!! The fish needs to be fresh not frozen!! read more

I attended our Yelp Beer Garden meeting here a few weeks ago. The staff and the crowd here did not contain an ounce of pretension. Just a bunch of folks looking to spend a fun Sunday afternoon downing some cold ones. The bar has some very cool artwork on the walls but it is a little on the small side. It got rather uncomfortable with the hot weather and the large crowd. On Sunday they have free food on Sundays. I am not talking about just little finger food either. I am talking about burgers, dogs, potato salad (which was probably some of the best I have had) and all of the fixin's! I definitely had a good time! read more

Completely unpretentious digs, no obnoxiously loud music, handfuls of interesting art and photography on the walls. Friendly, prompt service and plenty of seating. VERY good and huge side portions of potato salad and a huge salad with BUCK BURGERS that were not just passable but also very good. At $2 bucks this was one excellent dinner bargain. Only drawback: spoofy gay porn on the TV. Can't bring the kids. Oh, well. So, what. I'll be back. It's the neighborhood bar I've been looking for since I moved to this neck of the woods. read more

I pretty much only come here on Mondays. Yes, for those dollar burgers. They are so tasty and you get a lot of food (fries or salad with the burger) for $1. I don't quite get why cheese costs a whole extra dollar, but whatever. Oh, try the brie cheese on your burger...it's excellent. Like I said, I've only been on Mondays, but I can tell this bar would be cool to hang at pretty much any night. From the looks of it there is some sort of special every night of the week. All the staff are very friendly and laid back and the service is prompt. read more

A great place on its own for brunch or later night drinking and dancing in uptown. I've come for brunch at Tweet, card night, and last night for the first time, the FKA which occurs the first Thursday of every month. The only thing I don't like is the location, however, it does make for easy parking most of the time. The brunch is one of the best on the north side and certainly the best in uptown. Great food, solid bloody mary's, and friendly and efficient service. I'm not sure if they are still doing card night, but it drew an older crowd, and I think they do better on their regular bar nights to get mostly younger and hipper folks in... Which brings me to FKA. The crowd was obviously queer-friendly but there were plenty of traditional heteros (myself included) and everyone was very friendly with each other. Sometimes hip crowds, even in the LGBT community, can be less welcoming to squares, such as myself, but the staff and patrons alike were great. My party was older, a couple of them over 50, but we were welcomed with open arms and treated warmly by all. With 3 dollar bourbons and 2.50 pbrs, the party got started quickly once the music started and the place was bumping by 11:00. I will definitely try to time my next foray for Vietnamese on Argyle with an after event at Big Chicks. It's cash only, but the cheap prices (1 dollar coat check) make twenty bucks go pretty far for the night. read more

Great bar with amazing food! Everyone is super friendly! I love going to Stew-pendous trivia on Tuesdays!! The trivia is fun, challenging, and diverse (no sports questions though!)! The food is absoydelicious, and their cake is a must have-- I've had their carrot, re velvet, and chocolate and it's all amazing. The service is fast and efficient. I do think they need more bathrooms (stalls instead of individual rooms), but that's not something anybody can likely change anytime soon. It's also cash only, so keep that in mind. They do have an ATM inside which is super helpful though. One of my all time favorite dishes is their vegetarian Ruben-- it is sooooo good and you can't even tell it's vegetarian! Check out their specials every day- they usually have really good "deals of the day". The only thing that I've noticed that does not merit 5 stars is that the bar will give glasses of water sometimes to some people, and other times they will charge people for a bottle. It is inconsistent and the inconsistency can happen in the same night. Not sure how they choose who gets glasses of water and who pays for bottles. Besides that, this place is an all time favorite for me. Great ambiance, welcoming environment, delicious food, fantastic music, and Stew-pendous trivia! read more

Big Chicks - Big chicks! Wednesday trivia with Stew!! - Gay Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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If you identify on the queer spectrum you have to check out FKA on the first Thursday of each month. It's the best queer party if you like to have a wild time, and sometimes we could all use some of that. Don't go to FKA if your looking to chill, you won't have fun. It's great to have an lgbtq friendly bar in uptown. The food here is always good as well. Downside is its a cash only bar. They do have an ATM, but don't always count on it. Also if you go any other night than FKA the bar is mostly male and of the bear variety, but it still maintains a welcoming environment for the entire lgbtq crowd. read more

OMFG... I absolutely love BIG CHICKS... from the shabby decor to cheap drinks and always a welcoming atmosphere. It is the alternative guy's gay bar. The clientele can be a little older from time to time, but never overpowering... An added bonus is the food! Brinches and bar fare are all above par! Story time: My second time here (less drunk) a man obviously off his gord totally dropped his drawers and ran around the bar, but I will say it was an attribute to the chill nature of this crowd... Head north! read more

BIG CHICKS BIG FOOD BIG SECTION = ALWAYS GREAT! Everything is very tasty - in 5 years, NEVER had a bad dish. Service is usually always great. breakfast, lunch, dinner or just drinks - a fantastic neighborhood spot! Even late night dancing and special parties are fun. A true treasure in the neighborhood! Breakfast Burritos as big as your head, lots of healthy choices, Tuna Melt is one of the BEST I have ever had, great burgers, weekly specials and deals. If you have to save room for a BITE of desert. The cake slices are MASSIVE. To share for sure! read more

My love affair with Big Chicks began in a different time. It was a warm, breezy Monday in the summer of 07. My stomach yearned to digest masticated bovine covered in dairy by-product. But in a midwestern city of millions there were too many possibilities for my ostrich-sized brain to conceive! My head spinning at the choices, I stumbled down a shady tree-lined street. A kindly gentleman, dressed in his best evening gown and marilyn monroe hair beckoned me for a drink. I entered a smoky room and followed a lengthy hall, first passing a well-stocked bar, then a pool table, before finally spilling out onto a patio; bustling with townsfolk of all ages, races, genders, and sexualities. Okay so perhaps I exaggerated with the story a bit but Big Chicks is worth it. You will find all kinds of people drinking, eating and dancing there. The burgers on Mondays are delicious and cheep. You won't find another dollar burger like it. Don't restrict yourself to Monday though. This place is fun any day of the week. read more

I have been coming here since 2010 when I lived a block away. Sorry but the bartender tonight had no focus on anything but the speed bar....I sat at the end of the bar for 27 minutes and not when eye contact. I am a bartender and I get it!!!! But to not even make eye contact ......so bad I did get eye contact when I was walking out with no drink. I will only go when stuard is working for now on. Sorry But I have told 1000's of people this is my go to but no more. read more

I went here exactly once, exactly three years ago, but I still count it among my best bar experiences in Chicago. Super crowded, which usually puts me off. But SO friendly, SO down to earth, SO much fun, and SO affordable. I don't think I saw anyone who didn't leave in good, comfortable spirits. Why can't the rest of the world be more like Big Chicks? read more

Unimpressive. Lame vibe Bad service on a Saturday. Not many people there and definitely not many gays. read more

My lesbian friends Tiffany and Beth told me about this bar. Beth was visiting from Cleveland and wanted to go to a gay bar in Tiffany's neighborhood, Edgewater, so they Googled and came up with the idea of going to Big Chicks. They got all dolled up and strolled over-- to be greeted with a hundred gay men and not a female in sight. I enjoyed quite the belly laugh over this and went down to check it out for myself. And I love Big Chicks! They have specials everyday. Tuesdays they feature veggie burgers and 2.50 beers, that's my favorite time to go. Leinenkugel pitchers are only 7 dollars on Wednesdays. Monday is dollar burger night (not veggie burgers, though), etc. There is always an interesting crowd and an available dance floor for when you're feeling saucy! read more

Suzanna is a great bartender, really friendly and gave me some recs for places to check out while I'm in town for the week!

Came here with my hindude friend for the Monday night specials. I admit I'd been afraid to come here, because I am afraid of big girls; they are always after me, and I didn't want to repeat one of those scenarios like when they chase me down and make me dance with them at a wedding reception. But alas, there were none there! Instead, there were LOT's of people. The atmosphere was festive. Everyone was friendly, especially the staff. They have $1.00 burgers or veggie dogs which come with a salad or fries. We each ordered two and had dinner for 4 bucks. Drinks were cheap, too. Easy to make this a Monday night habit. Fridays and Saturdays you can dine and dance. The floor opens around 10PM. read more

I love this place. The staff, the clientel, the food, the drinks all are great. And the owner Michelle (Big Chick) is wonderful too. I feel like I"ve been coming here for years even though I just discovered it two years ago. Monday night $1 burgers are the best. weekly specials every night and Sat/Sun brunch with sister restaurant Tweets are truly a unique Chicago experience. Oh yeah, and the Sunday free BBQ is a great place to meet new friends and see old ones too. read more

I haven't even had their food yet, but the bar service was the best I've ever had. Everyone was nice. Chatty. Friendly. Laughed a lot. Everyone talked to everyone. As an extrovert alone in a big city for the first time, it was exactly what I needed. They have the best clientele, too. We don't have bars like this where I'm from. This didn't feel like a gay bar because it was so open and accepting. You can bring all of your fabulous self to this bar and have a great time, no matter how you identify, without having to check yourself against the standards of media-driven conformity and stereotypes. This is the bar I'll tell my friends about for sure! Beautiful artwork on all the walls, too. I'll be back for sure! read more

I've been here twice - and I've never seen any big chicks. Actually, I've really never seen any chicks at all. And I may not frequent this neighborhood that much but it was much different than any of the bars in Boystown - it was totally chill and the decor was sans seizure-inducing multicolored strobe lights. Plus, the waitress with the cackle-y laugh and the funky flowery outfit who served us our food - just adorable! read more

A truly excellent local gay bar. In a neighborhood that is seriously lacking in nightlife, these guys are by far in a way as good as it gets. Be sure to check out regular events and excellent daily specials. Mondays are dollar burgers and veggie dogs to give you a taste of how good these specials are. The staff is nothing short of superb. Friendly, happy, helpful... you get the idea. It is cash only but there is an ATM on site. read more

I moved to this area recently. I decided to go in a few times on my own and try out Big Chicks. Normally I'm apprehensive to go to a gay bar by myself, sometimes guys can be a little standoffish. Not at Big Chicks -- this has got to be the friendliest bar I've found in the city, if not the gay scene across the US. Bartenders Stu and Keith, David and Sarah all introduced themselves to me promptly on various visits, and if I was by myself there, it was mere minutes until I met new people, sometimes courtesy of them helping to start conversations and arrange introductions. They are also quite friendly themselves! The drink specials are decent, the layout is versatile for chatting, dancing, drinking, eating. The crowd is laid back and there is very little pretense here. Everyone feels welcome in this place, which is a contrast from some of the bars down in boystown. I even met guys from my building -- in Big Chicks! It was more conducive to meet them there than even in the lobby of my friendly building. I will warn that Thursday nights it gets packed - totally packed, with bears. You should know that and decide accordingly if you like that crowd. Now I know people every time I go in. It only took a few times to get to that point. A perfect end of day spot. I'll be bringing my rather large crew of boys here regularly. read more

Great local bar!!! A friend recommended it to me, so I stopped in. The energy and vibes you get just walking in make you want to stay all night. Classy, yet tacky dive bar with lots of selection. I had a blast, and my bartender (Jennifer) was super fun and sweet, plus she made great drinks. What more could one ask!? Thanks, Big Chicks, I will definitely be back. read more

Unlike most people who've reviewed-I've only come to Big Chicks for FKA night. One of my good friends has been searching for a new ladyfriend and I've played wing a couple of times. But since she hasnt met anyone yet- I'm probably not the best wing. The drinks are cheapy and pretty decent, the crowd is always nice and I love how the dance floor gets bumpin'. Overall seems like a great place. My boyfriend came with us last month and since he is sick, and unable to drink he still got to look "cool" by having an non-alcoholic becks (too bad it costs more then alcoholic beer) but he had a great time too anyways. read more

I was initially slightly turned off when I realized the kitchen didn't open until 6pm and we had come at 3 to watch a game. They had a free buffet at 4, though, and this time it was gyros, fries, and falafel...all of which were superb! The drinks were inexpensive and strong (without tasting too strong) and the bartenders were so friendly and helpful. I'd definitely recommend this place. Very chill vibe, decent music, great people! read more

Cash only bar. Lame. This is Chicago. If you don't know your clients or want customers don't be in business