Well this could get interesting…
In this post:
Sidetrack Bar may open at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) Terminal 1 is currently undergoing an expansion project, which includes opening up new concession space. Sidetrack, one of Chicago’s longest running LGBTQ+ establishments, has just put in a bid to open a bar at the airport, as flagged by PYOK, and reported by the Chicago Tribune.
If approved, Chicago O’Hare would be the first airport in the United Stats to have a gay bar. The filing emphasized that the venue would be inclusive, and that everyone would be welcome, regardless of their orientation. As it’s explained, “at the end of the day, it’s going to be a beautiful bar.”
The proposal was submitted by restaurateur Germán González, who submitted the offer on behalf of Sidetrack’s co-owners, Art Johnston and José ‘Pepe’ Peña. The current Sidetrack location has been open since 1982, and takes up eight storefronts on North Halstead, in “Boys Town.”
Here’s how Sidetrack’s co-owner describes this decision:
“Pepe and I, we’re just blown away by the notion, knowing the number of people who pass through here every day who could see that there are (gay) bars here, where the people there don’t have horns and tails, and we’re not trying to steal anybody’s children. We’re trying to live our lives and make life better for all of us. And O’Hare is, we think, a perfect next step in that direction.”
Applications for new concessions closed on June 20, 2025, but it could be several months until a selection is made, and we’ll see if this gets approved.
Hey, this is a unique concession concept!
It’s not often that we see much creativity when it comes to airport concessions, so I like the idea behind this. We’ve seen some airports increasingly try to feature local businesses, and I think this would be a cool extension of this. I guess this would be a nice alternative to Torta Frontera…
I can’t help but kind of chuckle at the thought of a gay bar at an airport. I imagine it would be a little tamer than your typical non-airport gay bar. But assuming the bar follows all the same regulations as other concessions when it comes to serving alcohol and making sure people aren’t intoxicated, I don’t see anything wrong with this.
I suppose some people might argue that airports already have gay bars, and they’re known as airport lounges. At least that’s what a story last year about “Delta gays” suggests.
Bottom line
A famous Chicago gay bar has submitted a proposal to open a location at O’Hare Terminal 1, which would make it the country’s first gay bar. While I’m not much of a bar person (gay or straight), I like the concept of highlighting unique local options with airport concessions, and I could see this being pretty popular.
What do you make of a potential gay bar at O’Hare Airport?
From a numbers standpoint can it really be successful?
I hear when they run out of seats at this place they just flip a bar stool over and add 4 more.
Yeah, you “heard” lol
Will they have a dark room or we'll still need to go to the B gates stalls?
I think it's a great idea! Northalsted (Boystown) is such a fun, vibrant neighborhood and an integral part of Chicago culture. What better way to advertise that aspect of it? None of these bars/clubs are "exclusive" to the LGBT+ community, all are welcome. The sheer number of bachelorette parties you find there on any given weekend proves it. Nothing wrong with adding a little party atmosphere to an otherwise stressful/dreadful experience of slogging through TSA,...
I think it's a great idea! Northalsted (Boystown) is such a fun, vibrant neighborhood and an integral part of Chicago culture. What better way to advertise that aspect of it? None of these bars/clubs are "exclusive" to the LGBT+ community, all are welcome. The sheer number of bachelorette parties you find there on any given weekend proves it. Nothing wrong with adding a little party atmosphere to an otherwise stressful/dreadful experience of slogging through TSA, praying a flight isn't delayed, decompressing after the drive there, etc.
Taking over the world and all the airports soon.It would appeal to you but perhaps you need to be impartial.
Yeah Ben, be impartial.
(no clue)
Is your straightness so fragile that the thought of seeing this makes you this upset?
Finally, a place to call home at ORD…
But will they have the famous sidetracks slushies?!
Well, given prevailing stereotypes (cough, cough), a gay bar at an airport would have much better decor and much better food/beverage offerings than the typical airport dreck.
And that could attract the general public as customers :)
I mean, if it were a gay person's house or sense of style, maybe. Gay bars don't really have better or worse decor in my experience. And compared to some Chicago bars in River North, Sidetracks looks positively 80s or 90s, if even that modern
Interesting!
A gay bar with cruising areas?
Not sure I see the value prop of a 'gay bar' at an airport. If it is to cater to gay people, then most people would not be the target and thus avoid it. That doesn't seem to be good business. Do gay people feel marginalized while flying? I guess, if true, it might have a better chance to survive.
Seems like it is better to open a bar that happens to be owned by owners who happen to be gay and is inclusive.
Unless a restaurant is specifically themed as "Asian," a restaurant owned by an Asian person is not an Asian restaurant. It's a restaurant that happens to be owned by an Asian.
A large percentage of men who travel every day are gay (or, in your case, DL). This place will be a smashing success.
God you are a moron.
I think you need to better understand the history of Sidetrack and what it represents in Chicago. It is the largest and most popular bar because it is inclusive. It is one of the bars frequented by LGBTQ friends and allies. Many people who do not identify as LGBTQ are there at any given moment.
It is known worldwide as being the epicenter of Chicago’s LGBTQ nightlife. They host community events. They give back. They are a model citizen.
ORD could do worse.
I don't live in Chicago nor do I know the owners of Sidetrack Bar but I have been to this bar several times while visiting Chicago. My impression is that it is one of the best-managed gay bars that I've ever been to, anywhere. It's always clean, great service and great bartenders with a very welcoming atmosphere.
@Miami305 - "Seems like it is better to open a bar that happens to be owned by owners who happen to be gay and is inclusive." I don't know of a single gay bar that isn't "inclusive" - if you've ever been to one, you will have seen plenty of straight women enjoying themselves, and probably a few straight men, too; many of the bartenders were likely straight men as well. Most LGBTQ+ establishments don't...
@Miami305 - "Seems like it is better to open a bar that happens to be owned by owners who happen to be gay and is inclusive." I don't know of a single gay bar that isn't "inclusive" - if you've ever been to one, you will have seen plenty of straight women enjoying themselves, and probably a few straight men, too; many of the bartenders were likely straight men as well. Most LGBTQ+ establishments don't have the luxury - nor the privilege - to exclude, despite their various theme nights or target audiences.