Rainbow paraphernalia heralds “alternative lifestyles” (i.e., a queer crowd) at this bar serving a mostly working-class mix of Latino and white (and mostly lesbian) patrons. Still, diva-driven tunes prove this is definitely a gay bar, and if you’re looking for a hangout that serves cheap hooch and has managed to stay off the Yelp crowd’s radar, this is your place. A digital jukebox looked promising until we realized it was broken, and the bathroom door was missing (although with only six patrons on a Friday, does it even matter?). Vaguely nautical in theme-think fish netting adorned with seashells, life preservers and a fake parrot-Escapades has seen better days. This divey joint resembles Margaritaville-if a giant hurricane blew through it. One devotee informed us the club is popular with the south suburban crowd, has a core following of white dudes, and is especially popular on Friday and Sunday nights. The drinks are cheap and stiff, the genders are evenly mixed, and the live acts are off the charts. Ruff ’n’ Stuff, this club wins the blue ribbon among South Side queer bars. Thanks in part to an ebullient drag show hosted every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday by the legendary Mz.
