Wicker Park - A Growing Alternative to Boystown

by Terrence 1 contributors - October 07, 2008 + Add To This Guide

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Getting tired of the haunted house Boystown dance floors on certain weeknights? Are the drunk queens in Lakeview spoiling your drink and night? Is spotting your grade school teacher cruising Halsted Street and then hitting on you getting a bit old and awkward? If any of the above applies to you, then you're in need of a nightlife facelift with a trip to Wicker Park.

Subterranean

2011 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

What to Expect: Be sure to stop at the the Suberranean every third Monday where Chances Dances hosts a monthly residency that is sure to offer a fresh alternative to Boystown. A grassroot organization, Chances Dances hopes to dilute the often homogenous gay nightlife scene.The party almost always features multiple DJs that spin music that sends the crowd into crazy jolts of excitement and dance.

Boystown Comparison: None. Completely different.

The Crowd: Expect a diverse range of music from some 70s soul and even some electronic. Such musical freedom reflects the sexual liberated and comfortable crowd that frequents Subterranean for Chances Dances.

Boystown Comparison: None. Completely different.

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Debonair Social Club

1575 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622

What To Expect: Wicker Park’s flagship club welcomes people with those familiar rainbow colors and a color-changing light box that floods the walls and elicits a retro 60s atmosphere. Take your pick between the comfy cream leather circular booths to the right of the bar or the stools and tables to the left. For you shy ones, the booths might be a better deal since you can scope out the incoming hotties and not be seen as much. For more forward individuals, step up to the stools and tables and let your hottie know you think they’re hot. Another cool hang-out is on stage with the DJs. Take a seat on the bench in the middle of all the action where music meets the dance floor. If the main floor is too much for you, go downstairs to the basement for a more chill and relaxed atmosphere.

Boys Town Comparison: None, you’re on your own with this one.

The Crowd: The crowd seems to be a mixture of hipsters and people who were a little bit too cool for high school, but only they knew it. Tends to be a younger crowd with maybe someone’s uncle who has a special love for the music planted in various parts of the bar. Definitely a come as you are place.

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Empire Liquors

1566 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

What to Expect: No, this is not the neighborhood corner liquor store; far from it. Decked out with black leather seats stretched along the side of the wall, which makes for a top cruising position, Empire Liquors has a sophisticated mobster feel to it. Positioned directly across your cruising spot, the bar serves up anything from champagne to custom ordered, alcohol infused Italian sodas. Toward the back, the dance floor, though small, makes for that idea opportunity to “bump” into the cutie you were checking out earlier in the night. However, though the lack of hardly any lighting lends to an attractive and even a steamy darkroom vibe, be aware of anyone who you have on your radar. Similar to Hydrate, they are not who they seem once they step into the light. Assortments of DJs usually come in to spin Disco, House, Rock and Hip-Hop.

Boys Town Comparison: Imagine the intimate feel of Sidetracks’ lounge area on the far left only with a few more flirty hipsters, a live DJ and minus all the creepy Boystown has beens. Mix in Hydrates dangerously dark atmosphere and throw in different music.

The Crowd: The DJs are adorably cute and seem to hang out in the booth next to the DJ’s sets, which acts as a VIP escape for performing acts. Everyone seems to either be college students or recent graduates that have moved up the social nightlife ladder of keg stands and frat parties. There’s absolutely no airs and people are laid back without trying too hard.

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Funkshion Clothing

2121 West Division Street Chicago, IL 60622

What To Expect: Although Funksion may be one of Chicago’s premier lifestyle boutiques, this is the perfect place to do some light pre-gaming while picking out some threads for your Wicker Park evening adventure. Owner Omar Hussain brings in a DJ every Saturday to spin some house or Brazilian samba as customers shop and are served complimentary drinks. Popular Djs that have performed at Funkshion have been DJ Infinity, Billy The Kid and Victor R. Feel free to chill out in the lounge area that features a flat screen that plays music videos and couture fashion shows. Rather for the clothes, the music or free drinks, Funkshion is a definite stylish way of gaining a head start on your evening while brushing up on your European and Italian designers.

Boys Town Comparison: Think of Mini Bar with clothes.

The Crowd: Funkshion doesn’t seem to have an exclusively gay clientele like our Michigan Ave. buddy H&M. However, the boutique is very gay friendly and does attract some of the city’s most influential nightlife industry folks.

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Rodan

1530 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This hipster, cocktail, $3 PBR sippin’ bar will get you hopping back for more. DJs spin most nights, especially on the weekends. Digital images are projected onto the walls that make you feel dizzy if you’re not careful. LOVE THIS PLACE!