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 most likely in need of a nightlife facelift with a trip to Wicker Park. Every third Monday at Subterranean in Wicker Park (2011 W. North Ave. | 773.278.6799 | www.subt.net), Chances Dances hosts a monthly residency that is sure to offer a fresh alternative to Boystown. With a mission to bring together the varied LGBTIQ communities of Chicago, Chances Dances hopes to dilute the often homogenous gay nightlife scene. [BTW, the "I" and "Q" in LGBTIQ means "intersex" and "queer" in case you didn't know.] "We're all about bringing together people of all gender expressions. We hope to provide a safe place for people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages. It really started off as a response to the Boystown scene. There's a market for people who don't feel comfortable or look like the people in Boystown," says Jacqueline Boyd, one of the organizers. The party almost always features multiple DJs that spin music - a diverse range from some 70s soul to current day electronica - that sends the crowd in crazy jolts of excitement and dance. Such musical freedom reflects the sexually liberated and comfortable Chances Dances crowd that frequents Subterranean, a crowd that definitely seems much more approachable than those that are found in Boystown. People at Chances Dances seem to be more focused on the music and genuine conversation rather then their outfits and who they're taking home with them that night. "It's an eccentric crowd fitting for Wicker Park. It's overflowing with Chicago's LGBT scene, one that is different from Boystown, but a safe space where everyone feels welcome to party. There's a dance party downstairs with awesome DJs and a more laid back vibe upstairs," said Logan Square resident Jackie Potoczek. Chances Dances is spearheaded by a group of organizers who work to provide themed parties for Chicago's gay population that take place outside Boystown and Andersonville. The group also works to give back to the community by providing support to grassroots organization such as Dyke March and Small Happy. Chances Dances has also expanded its reach and is now associated with other events such as "Formerly Known As " every first Thursday at Big Chicks and LGBTIQish gatherings at the Bijou and Danny's. For information about Chances Dances, visit their website at www.chancesdances.org. If you can't make it out to Chances Dance at Subterramean, no worries. Wicker Park has a number of venues that are sure to remedy your nightlife fix as you go cold turkey from Halsted Street.   The Place: Funkshion Where: 2121 W. Division St. 773.697.4119 www.funkshionclothing.com What To Expect: Although Funkshion 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 house music or some Brazilian samba as customers shop and sip complimentary drinks. Feel free to chill out in the lounge area that features a flat screen that plays music videos and couture fashion shows. Whether for the clothes, the music or free drinks, Funkshion is a stylish way of gaining a head start on your evening while brushing up on the latest high fashion designs from the runways of Milan, Paris and New York. Boystown Comparison: Think of Minibar with clothes. The Crowd: Funkshion doesn't seem to have an exclusively gay clientele like seemingly 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.   The Place: Empire Liquors Where: 1566 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773.278.1600 | www.empireliquors.com 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 from 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 and dimly lit, makes for that ideal opportunity to "bump" into the cutie you were checking out earlier in the night as an assortment of DJs spin Disco, House, Rock and Hip-Hop. However, while the lack of lighting lends to an attractive and even steamy darkroom vibe, be aware of anyone who you have on your radar: once they step into the light they may not seem, or even be, who you thought they were. Boystown 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 creepy Boystown has-beens. Mix in Hydrate's dangerously dark atmosphere and a more varied mix of music. The Crowd: Everyone seems to either be a college student or a recent graduate that has 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.   The Place: Debonair Social Club Where: 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773.227.7990 | www.debonairsocialclub.com 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 you 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. Boystown 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 they only 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.