Nobody's Darling

"This LGBTQ cocktail bar in Andersonville puts on an impressive number of events and gatherings, including Sunday Funday game-viewing parties with happy “hour” running all day. A 2023 expansion added a slew of seats and a second bar, so there’s no reason not to bring the whole crew and watch the women’s tourney while sipping a Nina Simone (mezcal, sumac, ginger, banana, lime)." - Ashok Selvam

"A bar in Chicago hosting a cocktail party and book signing event for Spirited Women, featuring co-owners Angela Barnes and Renauda Riddle." - Ashok Selvam

"This queer cocktail spot tucked on a residential street is making major waves as Chicago’s second Black-owned LGBTQ bar. The lively spot, located in the former home of a lesbian wine bar  Joie de Vine, tends to draw one of the most diverse crowds in the neighborhood with playful drinks like the Pink Kitty and Darling Mule, delivered in cut glassware." - Eater Staff

"Two Black women own this LGBTQ-friendly bar in Edgewater, and their non-alcoholic menu is creative and fun, and completely welcoming to sober people — with the bartenders always willing to create something new for you.  The menu features two drinks, but that’s just a sample of the bar’s library. Try the Desire (Lyre’s Italian Orange, passion fruit, lime, agave, and habanero bitters), or ask if they have any ideas based on your tastes." - Nylah Iqbal Muhammad, Eater Staff

"In short notice, Nobody’s Darling has carved itself a space in Chicago’s nightlife. The tavern itself lacks modern bells and whistles, but it’s the welcoming atmosphere, one that embraces the LGBTQ community and its allies, that makes the bar special. The narrow space is often boisterous on weekends with patrons ordering cocktails and beer. The bar was a finalist for the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. In 2023, the team began work on an expansion that will nearly double its capacity." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman