The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Boystown

May 11, 2017

Brought to you by Chicago’s Best Boystown Movers

One of the first official LGBT neighborhoods in the US, Boystown never takes a break from being lively, bright and unique. It offers solid neighborhood amenities, shops and restaurants unlike anything else in Chicago, and streets full of nightlife that rarely sleep. As you’re moving to Boystown, you may head to a renovated historic home on a quiet side road or settle somewhere closer to the action. Wherever you go, you can rely on New City Moving to be the best Boystown movers.

When you live in Boystown, you’ll join about 16,500 diversely-oriented residents. There are a few more men than women, and a significant number of families with children. People in Boystown generally earn over $60k a year, and have at least a Bachelor’s degree.

Through the early 20th century, when it was more commonly known as East Lakeview, the neighborhood was home to large German and Scandinavian communities. The area became known for being gay-friendly in the mid century, and hosted its first Gay Pride Parade in 1970. The nickname Boystown followed shortly after. In the late 1990s, it was officially designated a gay village. Art deco style rainbow monuments were installed throughout the neighborhood around that time. They remain to commemorate Boystown’s history.

Now you’ve got the gist, here are some highlights—and basics—we found to help you start your Boystown life.

Things to Do in Boystown

• Space Park on Roscoe: Community garden.
• Martin Playlot Park: Playground.
• Northalsted Market Days: Massive annual festival.
• Chicago Pride: Annual, in June.
• Center on Halsted: Brand new space for LGBT community resources.
• Laugh Factory: Famous mainstream comedy venue.
• Annoyance Theatre & Bar: Decidedly non-mainstream improv and sketch comedy.
• The Leigh Gallery: Art for every taste and budget.
• Beatnix: Shop for costumes, wigs, vintage and more.
• Ragstock: New and recycled clothes, good quality and low cost.
• The Gallery Bookstore: Decades’ worth of classic reads and hidden gems.

Best Restaurants in Boystown

• Pizza: Lark. TVs, board games, DJ. Open late.
  3441 N Halsted St. | (773) 799-8968
• Tacos: D.S Tequila Company. Burgers, too. Patio.
  3352 N Halsted St. | (773) 697-9127
• Sushi: Rollapalooza. BYOB, no hard stuff.
  3344 N Halsted St. |  (773) 281-6400
• Vegan Brunch: Chicago Diner. Delivers.
  3411 N Halsted St. | (773) 935-6696
• Omnivore Brunch: Drew’s on Halsted. Great for families.
  3201 N Halsted St. | (773) 244-9191
• Michelin Favorite: Wood. High value, high class.
  3335 N Halsted St. | (773) 935-9663 (WOOD)
• Shows: Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. Drag performances at dinner and brunch.
  3700 N Halsted St. | (773) 525-1111
• Late Night:  Lots of options after last call.
  Taco & Burrito Palace. Two of them.
  North: 3507 N Halsted St. | (773) 929-4040
  South: 2459 N Halsted St. | (773) 248-0740
  Tasty Asian Restaurant. Delivers.
  3500 N Broadway St. | (773) 666-5820
  Nookie’s Tree. Classic American diner, 24-hr weekends.
  3334 N Halsted St. | (773) 248-9888

Best Bars in Boystown

• Community: Roscoe’s Tavern. Neighborhood’s flagship gay and lesbian bar.
  3356 N Halsted St. | (773) 281-3355
• Rooftop: Sidetrack. Multi levels, including open deck.
  3349 N Halsted St. | (773) 477-9189
• Game Watch: North End. Low key sports bar with specials.
  3733 N Halsted St. | (773) 477-7999
• Game Play: Replay. Arcade bar.
  3439 N Halsted St. |  (773) 661-9632
• Local: Little Jim’s. Since 1975. Open late all week.
• Starting the Night: Dive Bar. 20+ daiquiri flavors, plus seafood menu.
  3445 N Halsted St. | (773) 770-4618 
• Dancing Late: Here are just a few.
  Hydrate.  Theme nights and programs.
  3458 N Halsted St. | (773) 975-9244
  Charlie’s. Western themed.
  3726 N Broadway St. | (773) 871-8887
  Berlin. Attracts all orientations.
  

  954 W Belmont Ave. | (773) 348-4975

Grocery Stores in Boystown

• Jewel Osco: Full sized, open 24/7.
  3531 N Broadway | (773) 871-1054
• Whole Foods: Almost full sized.
  3640 N Halsted St. |  (773) 472-0400
• Treasure Island Foods: Local “European-style” chain.
  3460 N Broadway | (773) 327-3880
• Mariano’s: Local chain with prepared foods.
  3030 N Broadway #100 |  (773) 935-0294

Coffee Shops in Boystown

• Starbucks: A few nearby.
• Intelligentsia: Original location.
  3123 N Broadway | (773) 348-8058
• Peet’s Coffee: Chain with signature drinks.
  3500 N Halsted St. | (773) 360-5280
• Coffee and Tea Leaves Company: Sell beans and teas.
  3311 N Broadway | (773) 528-2241
• Next Door: Free meeting space sponsored by State Farm.
  659 W Diversey Pkwy. | (773) 472-3667

Gyms in Boystown

• Lakeview Athletic Club: Rooftop pool.
  3212 N Broadway | (773) 529-2024
• X Sport Fitness: Full amenities.
  3030 N Broadway | (773) 634-7333
• FFC Halsted: Full equipment and spa.
  3228 N Halsted St. | (773) 755-3232

Pet Parks in Boystown

• Belmont Harbor Dog Beach: A walk that’s worth it.
  N Lake Shore Dr. & Lake Shore Dr. | 24/7

Boystown Local Post Office and Delivery

• US Post Office
  3024 N Ashland Ave. | M-F 8:30am-7pm, Sat. 9am-3pm, Sun. 11am-2pm
• Postal Place
  3304 N Broadway | M-F 9am-7pm, Sat. 10am-5pm
• UPS Stores
  North: 3712 N Broadway |M-F 8am-7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm
  South: 5315 N Clark St. | M-F 8:30am-7pm, Sat. 10am-5pm. Sun. 12-4

Dry Cleaners in Boystown

• Platinum Dry Cleaners

  3707 N Broadway | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-6pm
• Eve’s Cleaners
  3345 N Broadway | M-F 7am-7pm, Sat. 8am-6pm
• Barry-Regent Cleaners, Inc.
  3000 N Broadway | M-F 7:30am-6:30pm, Sat. 7:30am-6pm

Parking in Boystown

• Ward 44 resident parking information

This has been a tiny sampling of the great things you’ll experience at your new Boystown home. As a seasoned Boystown moving company, we’ve learned all about the staples and cool places in the area. We’re happy to share more!

As you’re planning your big move, cross one major thing off your to-do list, and book Boystown movers who’ll a take load of stress off your mind. Call us at New City Moving, and we’ll help you move safely, smoothly, and on-schedule, so you can settle right in and start living your greatest Boystown life.

Learn More About Moving in Chicago

• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Bridgeport
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Bronzeville
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Bucktown
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Buena Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into Chinatown

Page Updated on November 16, 2018