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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 venues. 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 previous home of International Mr. Leather, the Chicago Eagle is the successor to the legendary Gold Coast. The bar recently moved to a new Andersonville location and has a new updated look. While the Eagle remains Chicago's original leather bar, it also recognizes the need to embrace the rapidly growing fetish community. As such, the Eagle no longer has a dress code, but does appreciate it if patrons wear some type of leather or fetish gear. The Eagle now opens at 2pm every day, staying open until 2am each night of the week and until 3am on Saturdays. See the Eagle's ad in this IML Program Guide for information on special events being held at the bar during IML weekend.
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 popular CB's in the rear. After several changes in ownership in recent years, 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 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 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 uniforms, leather and fetish gear. During Memorial Day weekend, the bar will be hosting several special events including the "Forsaken" dance party, hosted by porn star Ricky Sinz, on Saturday, May 23.
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 the changing demographics of the leather and fetish community. As testament to its wide-ranging popularity, several clubs meet at Touché including Onyx, Great Lakes Bears, 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, Touché will host several parties, including the "Post Contest Blowout" on Sunday night and the "Beer Bust & Cookout" on Monday. Touché is open until 4am (5am on Saturdays). |
