Additionally, Chicago has lately been at a medium-risk level for COVID-19 transmission. Staffing remains an issue, and there’s the ever-fickle Chicago weather that threatens to put a damper on celebrations. Supply chain issues and inflation have driven drink prices higher at some establishments, and certain basic bar necessities-from tonic water to tequila-are hard to come by. Liberson, who also owns gay bars Replay and Elixir Lounge, which both have locations in Northalsted and Andersonville, said his businesses “lost a fortune” during the pandemic.Īnd challenges remain, even as the city’s gay bars welcome back Pride crowds. “There is pent-up demand and eagerness certainly for the return of the Pride Parade.” “There’s going to be a very large turnout for the festival this year,” said Mark Liberson, owner of gay nightclub Hydrate, which is in a part of the Lakeview neighborhood formerly known as Boystown (now called Northalsted).
