What's Happening to Restaurants and Nightclubs in America's Oldest Gayborhood - Boystown

In Eater's first-ever documentary, 'Boystown', writer and editor Zach Stafford explores the changing identity of America's oldest gayborhood through its bars, restaurants, and bakeries. A confluence of factors - including gentrification and the commodification of the queer lifestyle - has led to the disappearances of queer-centric spaces across the country, and Zach's investigation of this one neighborhood sheds a light on much broader trends.
Eater is the one-stop-shop for food and restaurant obsessives across the country. With features, explainers, animations, recipes, and more - it’s the most indulgent food content around. So get hungry.
Subscribe to our KZbin Channel now! goo.gl/hGwtF0
Our Video Crew: www.eater.com/...

[@itcamefromabox]

YESSSSS, LONG FORM CONTENT

[@brentduanefoster]

San Diego's gayborhood, Hillcrest, is heading in this direction. Little by little, it's happening.

[@jblackinc]

agree I live in fashion valley while living in San Diego and within my short time of living there I did notice the change happening over time

[@gapg1]

The same thing is happening here in London. The gentrification of gay areas is sucking the soul out of the city. The internet generation don’t appear to need gay spaces. I’ve been in bars where rather than converse and interact the patron are starring down at their phones looking at images and profiles on a screen. The early 1990’s London I came to had an edge and energy that is hard to find today.

[@cpunching]

I think it's also because a lot of those gay spaces are outdated. I worked in a gay club and there were so many reasons why the younger people wouldn't come in - there was too much drug use or people openly on something, the space was cramped and geared towards anonymous hookups (like gloryholes), there wasn't any theme nights, the music was bad, the facilities were not well kept, there were bans on specific groups of LGBT people (you can guess which ones)... It would have been an amazing place in the 80s but we are far past that point now. The gay spaces that are doing well in my area are ones like a Sports bar where everyone is gay in little hooter type uniforms that's open to everyone who likes sports, or the queer cafes that push the tables together into the back and open up a small dancefloor for weekend nights or Rupaul viewings. It's the bars and clubs stuck trying to relive it's glory(-hole) days that are failing imo.

[@dpfabie]

What used to be "Soho" has now migrated more towards Earls Court/Bayswater. Just as what I knew as "boystown" has moved north into Andersonville and beyond.

[@JoeC_Esthetics]

Great piece Zach! This is definitely a very interesting subject matter. I think boystown will always be boystown but we are also spreading to other neighborhoods like Andersonville which is quickly becoming the second Boystown more focused on restaurants and lounges rather than late night dance clubs. I also feel that being gay is becoming more acceptable, there was a point in my life that I would only ever go to gay bars but now I can go with my partner anywhere in Chicago without feeling uncomfortable.

[@shawlenox]

Thanks for making this. It feels like the exact same thing is the Castro district in San Fransisco and it makes me sad.

[@feelingpaulie3943]

same with Oxford Street in Sydney, Australia..........all the original flavour has gone, and everyone else is cashing in. >sigh!

[@1hoseeman]

The neighborhood is changing because of the uber gentrification of Wrigley Field a few blocks to the west, which will drive up all rents and real estate prices. This film also ignores the street crime problem that occurs 24/7 in this nabe, which becomes way worse between 10 pm and 4 am. The Belmont el is a no-go zone after 9 pm

[@brb588]

The neighborhood was changing way before the uber gentrification you speak of. In addition, Belmont is not a "no-go" after 9 pm.

[@spevman]

1hoseeman Amen, sistah. The crime is getting out of control, and it's why the restaurant they showed, Nookies, is still open but no longer overnights on weekends and now only for lunch and breakfast when it is open. As for the Belmont L being a no-go at night, I totally agree and the one other response so far who said that that is not accurate either hasn't gone there a lot or doesn't read the Crime in Wrigleyville Boystown weblog enough to know that that is exactly correct

[@1hoseeman]

Kevin...My optimistic guess...police attention and protection will only improve when all the Wrigley related retrofitting is completed and even more wealthy people move here or visit overnight at the new hotel.

[@brb588]

Been to Berlin many a time... YMMV.

[@ohheyalan123]

It’s sad that Illinois won’t let it’s citizens easily and lawfully arm themselves for their own protection. It’s a proven fact that criminals prefer unarmed victims.

[@waltersmith3267]

Interesting documentary, I love Chicago and boystown gave me the courage to come out and be me. I hope the neighborhood continues on with its culture and inspiration that it mostly likely gave others.

[@mrfunky1768]

the only real representation of different types of men (primarily black) was Mans Country bath house ...RIP to raunchy realness

[@Shteeeeeeeve]

Why so many dislikes? The host is very likeable and the video was educational and enjoyable.

[@buckybone89]

Crap like the Furious Spoon can be found anywhere (hell, I've been to their Logan Square location, wasn't anything special), the gayborhood's just becoming another River North douchespot.

[@christinedixon325]

Lived next to the Kit Kat Club for over a year. Loved the neighborhood and incredible people of Boystown.

[@kerrywhitemd]

this was really well done.. Im an almost 50 year old who lives in California.. In the 80s in Boston and the 90s here.. Gay clubs were a friendly and fun.... space for some of us.. BUt..I get this.. I get that the concerns.. losing the identity of an area.. homogenizing the cultures.. and.. i am a bit concerned about the straight world.. "consuming" gay culture just for fun..That bachelorette party atmosphere freaked me out.. It seemed nuts..like.. the women were having fun.. but it made me uncomfortable.. Like they said..Lets go out for a freak show? Or is that me? . Over the years.. the 10 gay clubs we may have had here.. dwindled to almost none..Maybe one night a week at one club..Because of patrons? Because of.... hmmm.. I have a lot of thoughts after this

[@Troycoalman]

Brilliant piece thank you. As our neighborhoods change it is hard, but we must remain as a strong community. Seattle and my prior my prior home San Francisco are seeing radical changes to our gayborhoods, but i still love them. I agree wirh his assessment we "will always find home for our glitter"...i know my husband and I have in the heart of chinatown.

[@smgisbjs1fan]

Great video. It's sad to watch I lived in Boystown for close to a decade. The change in the last few years started happening more quickly and the area had lost that spark. I hope they can retain some of the charm and sparkle it has.

[@kenalexandremeridi]

Sean Guerrero I just started going to boystown, and it's pretty crazy to think it was gayer at one point. I wish I knew that spark you were talking about

[@traciechakraborty3829]

Jenne, you're sooo beautiful. I'm sure you're mom's very proud of you. I can tell you, as a mom, that sometimes you love your kid so much, your concern for their future happiness & safety makes it hard to think about anything else.

[@yourfuneraldirector6432]

Sooooo sad. It was THE area I found my life. Forever Boystown

[@nancycalderon2332]

Yesss 💙 alot of people dont understand and dont want to take responsibility for going into an area that is so heavily influenced by a culture and all of the sudden changing it

[@fredricardo3272]

That was very well done. Good insightful piece of journalism.

[@lance5271]

I moved to Edgewater a few months ago and this explains a lot of what I've seen and experienced. Thanks for making this 💚

[@NDGOCHYLD]

oh and I miss the Pink Elephant. they had the best clothes....lol

[@3506Dodge]

America's first gayborhood was Greenwich Village in NYC.

[@BootsTrains]

This totally sucks. It's happening in so many other cities also. It really makes me wonder why they want to change an area that doesnt need it; instead of fixing blight and decay.

[@Penguin619]

Very interesting documentary, and from reading the comments it seems like every gay neighborhood (or "gayborhood" as the narrator describes), I can attest that Houston's Montrose district been going through the same process; originally a gay district that's getting "gentrified" by the non-gay/LGBT community. I, personally, don't think it's a negative idea that it's gentrifying (and yes, I understand that it absolutely sucks that people are getting pushed out of their homes) I think of it as the step for inclusion of everyone when at a time where y'all were forced into your own segregation and it was wonderful that y'all were able to find a hubble for being able to find refuge but this is what happens when you tear down the wall and bring everyone than having a concentrated community walled off. Again, amazing documentary.

[@davejohnson7432]

I'm straight but have respect for the gay community, and have been to 'Boystown' many times. I even wanted to see what a 'bath house' was all about when I was there, and stopped off at 'Steamworks'. You may lose some well established places who will sell out to typically 'straight' establishments but I don't think much will change

[@kevberry1649]

lmao bruh

[@echoinfinitydream7762]

Did you had a nice time at steamworks?😁

[@asby11]

I lived in Boystown over 10 years until about 3 years ago when we moved to San Francisco .... We left because of the crime that was taking the redline up to the Belmont stop... What used to be a safe hood for the gays was becoming very unsafe... Also taste change and if bars can not keep up with that taste they loose money... Also what about all the horrible owners of these clubs/bars that didn't pay their taxes?... There was more than one club on Halsted that had some shady money issues... It also doesn't help when it seems like 2 groups own all the bars...

[@MattLadner]

This is so good.

[@methakumapan7172]

great piece of evidence , rich and colorful cultures merging together with food and one of the most amazing cultures of all time , the lgbtq community. awesome and educational video.

[@seaguy]

This is happening to Capitol Hill in Seattle as well.

[@marcmoosethedjmoder1434]

Great job, Zach.

[@NDGOCHYLD]

Back in the early 2000s my friends and I used to hang out in Boystown. we were too young to go to the clubs but we went to the sex shops and Beatniks. So sad to see that Spin is gone. I miss Hydrates and $1 drinks too. The Circuit....ugh now I'm depressed.

[@nathanielthompson4389]

Luckey F. Starr I felt the same way, I never get the chance to go into Circuit.😑😑😣😣

[@nathanielthompson4389]

Luckey F. Starr Gentrification Sux!!!!!😣👿💣💥

[@RileyRemix]

I love how all the attacks and robberies are not mentioned or shown. Maybe that counselor guy can explain to us how to start a conversation with the black and brown youth when they are robbing you or standing in the group of 20 making the sidewalk impossible to cross. Why wasn't anybody from establishments that have been here for 30+ years interviewed ? Seems like a one sided view.

[@spevman]

RileyRemix Amen. I'm so tired of people that are anti-gentrification for its own sake. Neighborhoods are always going to be changing, but you have to acknowledge why that is and the Uber gentrification of Wrigleyville just a few blocks to the West is a big part of why rents and the rest of Boystown is changing the way it is. I love how when they mentioned business is being pushed out they showed little Jim's as if it was closing but it was just under construction and they also showed a shot of milkies which of course is had to sees having overnight hours on the weekend and now only be open for breakfast and lunch due to the crime you mention. This video seemed very young, one sided, and somewhat ignorant. They didn't talk to anyone as you said in many of the spaces that have been open for years like Roscoe's or side track. And he failed to acknowledge that the reason spin closed was because the owner retired and the people who bought it had no idea how to run a bar even when an experienced management team that's responsible for other bars on the Strip were brought in.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

I'M STRAIGHT AND I SAY BOY'S TOWN IN CHICAGO IS THE BEST MY FRIENDS AND I LOVE THE PEOPLE THE ATMOSPHERE STRAIGHT PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE NOTE ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR COMMUNITY FULL OF LOVE AND HOPE AND LESS VIOLENCE 😐

[@davebowker1113]

We need a bakery to call our own……. WHAT????? Lol

[@tosht2515]

Mmmm. Chicken and Waffles.

[@pepper1188]

Was great in the 80s and 90s..too much crime now.

[@jblackinc]

crime is everywhere now days rather it be Chicago, or other cities .that's just facts . there is more crime in other parts of Chicago ( north Chicago at that ) Rogers park, uptown . crime does not have anything to do with boystown change . it's more political then anything

[@rainwhen]

i love this 💕

[@LIFEinMOLLYWOOD]

That's sad to see!

[@cafezo87934]

why does this deserve twenty minutes of fame and Lucas #diningonadime gets under ten 😐

[@nocando17]

Ana Carolina cause a food review should only be that long lol

[@Jake_Karfield]

Because Dining On a Dime is (at the moment of writing this) a series of 112 food review episodes with an average runtime of 6-8 minutes per episodes, whereas this is more of a documentary. You're basically comparing Food, Inc. with Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

[@teardeem]

Because dining on a dime is a food review series. And this is a one off mini documentary

[@cafezo87934]

Donnie R if only I'm that lucky!

[@mrcanoodles]

Because gay people took over Eater and we've decided that Lucas is so handsome, we need to spread out his airtime over the month.

[@davebowker1113]

Be careful……. What you ask for…….

[@pjobpjobpjob]

Very poor first-ever documentary. This is very shallow and pandering. I'm a NYC/Westchester Co. raised kid who completed degrees and made a career in Albany, NY. I'm three hours away from my 'hometown gayborhoods' where I came out in 96. Those businesses are now replaced by more expensive real estate ventures. And I'm still here. I can't imagine being mournfully reminiscent of a NYC club bathroom I visited by learning it is being turned into a restaurant prep kitchen. And I'm still here. Take a breath and try again. Here's an idea for a Boystown documentary. Find out when, how and why Boystown was a beacon. Talk to those who in their youth thought that way, those that did and made it there, folks who did not make it to Boystown, and those who left better or worse off. See a difference? I didn't even study film or journalism. Cheers.

[@themopar426]

wheres bathouse barry????????????

[@gaybrotha9872]

Hi.

[@wallfly0131]

Hello thailors!

[@Igneelimmortal]

WHERE DID NICK SOLARES GO

[@cafezo87934]

ShittyKazoo ODed on meat.

[@zh363hz]

This is a different kind of meat show.

[@cornelioatmeal]

Being dry aged

[@eileene22]

Is it wrong for me to think the repeated references to the bathroom were crass, unnecessary, and off-putting? We get it. A bathroom known for sexual escapades and drugs has been remodeled into a prep-kitchen and you think that's hilarious. Except, it's not that remarkable of an event, and the fact you think it is, calls your judgement into question.

[@CoolBeans193]

Actually, I think it's pretty remarkable. I think the bathroom really highlights the point of the video - a once popular meeting spot for LGBTQ folks being converted to something more palatable to straight tastes. Also, that is definitely something I would want to know about a place I was eating in.

[@VaqueroVegano]

Yo vegang foreva JUU HURRRRRRD

[@jackjewell7946]

1st after 2nd hell yes! Way to start my day.

[@dangelot1522]

Not a fan of this interview.

[@adrianmathew6337]

1st !!!😘😘😘😘😘

[@Gravy_Master]

adrian mathew Nobody gives a shit

[@turkish8969]

Literall soddom an gamorrah.

[@rch6650]

Never liked chicago.

[@loreticopaleta1998]

Gimme a goo reason y u said that

[@victorgamez8885]

@@loreticopaleta1998 you know why

[@killianjudemisagal9754]

gayborhood lol...

[@dektran4843]

gentrification brings safety and security.

[@everycoLor_312]

DEK TRAN *yawn&false*

[@jdrobin1]

False

[@traciechakraborty3829]

For people w money. Those just scraping by are left out in the cold.

[@everycoLor_312]

DEK TRAN 1) *no where* in Chicago is safe! 2) *"This Just In"* ... chicago.everyblock.com/news-articles/jan14-two-men-charged-with-burglarizing-cars-near-wrigleyville-8467790/?redirect

[@everycoLor_312]

chicago.everyblock.com/news-articles/jan14-gps-leads-cops-to-boystown-bank-robber-on-8467766/?redirect

[@sebastiaanvalkenhoff9817]

Second

[@Whodunit1234]

We want to see vids about food you dweebs. Not politics.

[@ero5896]

cboyles82 this just in, acknowledging the existence of gay people qualifies as "politics" now. also maybe just watch their food stuff then, ya dweeb.

[@JoeyComedian240]

cboyles82 Us: We would like to get our message across about how we’re being outnumbered in our first cultural neighborhood in the country. You: Stop talking about politics, dweebs. Y’all heard it here first!

[@Whodunit1234]

Uh huh. How is this about food? I don't see any recipes here. If I opened up a kale smoothie stand in the hood of West Baltimore I might meet some resistance! But that's not a food related focus is it?

[@JoeyComedian240]

cboyles82 Because this is about what’s happening to the restaurants in Boystown.

[@guyeddy4633]

i dont understand the point of pushing the LBGT acronym soup instead of just saying "gay men"... the movements are each unique and don't have to be all mixed together in every instance

[@stephen_sezs]

Guy Eddy smh

[@JoeyComedian240]

Guy Eddy No need. If there are women who like women, let them run with the men who like men. If there are people who like two genders, let them join in, too. And this is partially about gender, after all, so there’s a space for the T.

[@guyeddy4633]

And what about this: LGBTTQQIAAP

[@JoeyComedian240]

Guy Eddy What do you mean? A lot of us just say LGBT/Q/I+.

[@guyeddy4633]

And at 18:00 we learn we get a firsthand lesson in how Communism doesn't work