One of the more bohemian bars in the city, Big Chicks is a magnet for the artsy goateed set (perhaps a bit weary of the bars on Halsted Street), some lesbians, a smattering of straights, and random locals from the surrounding rough-hewn neighborhood (the bar's motto is "Never a Cover, Never an Attitude"). They come for owner Michelle Fire's superb art collection, the midnight shots, and the free buffet on Sunday afternoon. There is also dancing on weekends. The same owner also runs the restaurant next door, Tweet, 5020 N. Sheridan Rd. (tel. 773/728-5576), which offers a menu of mostly organic American comfort food; it has become a popular gay-friendly weekend brunch spot.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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