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Chicago's leather bar scene has long been a vibrant and robust one, adding richness and vitality to the city's nightlife since the mid-1970s. From the first leather hangout downtown at Gold Coast Show Lounge to long-closed venues such as AA Meat Market and Deeks, Chicago's leather community has been well-served and taken care of by various bars. The current crop of leather bars in the city includes the Chicago Eagle, Cell Block, Touche and Jackhammer. Chicago
Eagle A Chicago leather man's institution and home of International Mr. Leather, the Chicago Eagle is owned by Chuck Renslow and is the successor to the legendary Gold Coast. Located on the City's northside in the Andersonville neighborhood, the Eagle has a front bar that is open to everyone and a ClubRoom with a stringently enforced leather dress code: a major article of leather clothing such as a jacket, vest, chaps, or pants is required. With lots of special events on tap, the Eagle will be one of the most popular destinations in the city during IML. The Eagle is open late until 4am each night (5am on Saturdays). Touche The oldest leather bar in the city, Touche is located in the Rogers Park neighborhood and has a large and diverse base of customers that reflects both the surrounding area and the changing demographics of the leather community. As testament to its wide-ranging popularity, several clubs meet at Touche including Onyx (leathermen of color), the fisting club MAFIA, the Rodeo Riders, and a foot fetish club. Within its space you'll find a pool table, darts, pinball machine, a front and back bar, but no dress code. During IML weekend, Touche will be hosting several special events and parties. Of special note is the Colt Studios After-IML Bash on Sunday. Touche is open nightly until 4am (5am on Saturdays). Cell Block Opened in 1995, Cell Block is the only leather bar located in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. Formerly a dance bar called Loading Dock, the venue currently has a front bar, a back bar, and the newly opened and popular CB's in the rear. Despite changes in ownership the bar is currently owned by Frank Blondale, who also owns the Detroit Eagle - Cell Block has remained committed to the leather community and is still a popular gathering place. During IML they will be hosting special events by Raging Stallion Studios, Recon, and Hot House. Additionally, they'll be throwing a Cigar Smoker Party on Sunday and a Hot Dog & Beer Bust Party on Memorial Day Monday. Cell Block is open until 2am each night (3am on Saturdays). Jackhammer Jackhammer has expanded and is better than ever. There are four
distinct environments. The main room at entry is dominated by
a dance floor, behind which is a large sports bar, with adjacent
beer garden. "The Hole," separate from the rest, and
located below ground, is open with a "secret entrance"
at the back and with a strict leather/fetish dress code in effect,
Friday and Saturday nights. Jackhammer is open late, 4am daily,
and until 5am Saturday. The crowd is a great mix of guys in jeans,
military, leather and fetish gear. |
