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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 and fetish-oriented hangouts in the city includes the Chicago Eagle, Cell Block, Touché 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, rubber, or uniform clothing such as a jacket, vest, chaps, or pants is required. The Eagle will be one of the most popular destinations in the city during IML. It's open late until 4am (5am on Saturdays). Touché The oldest leather bar in the city, Touché 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 Touché 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,
Touché will be host a "Spank Me Daddy" party
on Saturday at noon, the Colt Studios After-IML Bash on Sunday
night and the "Bruised & Used Survivor Party" on
Monday night. Touché is open until 4am (5am on Saturdays). 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 popular CB's in the rear. After several changes in ownership in recent years (current owner Frank Blondale also owns the Detroit Eagle), the bar remains committed to the leather community and is still a popular gathering place. Cell Block is open until 2am (3am on Saturdays) and will be hosting several special events throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Jackhammer Located on the
far north side of the city, Jackhammer is a diverse and very
popular nightclub with very distinct environments. The main room
is dominated by a dance floor and a stage area while the upper
level features a sports bar and a beer garden. "The Hole"
is a separate party space located below ground, with a "secret
entrance" at the back and a strict leather/fetish dress
code in effect on Friday and Saturday nights. Jackhammer is open
late until 4am (5am on Saturday) and has an overall great mix
of guys in jeans, military, leather and fetish gear. |
