A June night in Chicago

[BuckCanucked]

In a few months I will find myself alone in Chicago on a Friday afternoon and evening.

I could hire a massage or escort, but I was thinking I'd try something new(d). I was thinking of going to Steamworks as an observer or, at best, a side.

Never been to a men's spa and it'd be idle curiosity and voyeurism. I'm a fit-ish otter but too old to be of much interest to most guys anyway. I'd get there in the late afternoon and stay for several hours, renting a room. Can I just Uber there with ID, phone, beach shoes/sandals and a bit of cash in pocket (for entry and vending? The rules I've read are very anti-drug (check) but also assume folks will carry quite a lot in. I won't have anything except shoes, the rest in pocket. If I put my clothes and phone in the room does it lock? Friday nights are reasonably busy I'd assume so I could be pretty anonymous in the corner of a room. I know after a time I'd get the lay of the land but it seems towels are worn mostly.

Is it worthwhile for an older less experienced curious guy to check off a bucket list or should I stick to massages or escorts? Or are there meet-ups or other things to consider?

[BeamerBikes]

You can also rent lockers.  I haven’t been yet myself.  I should check it out as it’s in my backyard.  You never know if someone will find you a hot dish!  I’m 48, and never thought I’d actually have dancers/escorts that genuinely want to hang out for a night out. I’ll pick up dinner/drinks, but it’s definitely not their regular rate.  

in addition there’s this event, I haven’t been yet https://www.cumunion.com/?page_id=576

This might be best moved to the travel section.  

[BeamerBikes]

@BuckCanucked if I’m in town, I’ll buy you a drink at the Lucky Horseshoe the local gogo boy bar.  It’s been a fun time lately.  Not too much fun, they don’t have private rooms or anything.  

[ceej]

I definitely wouldn't call SW a men's spa, but you should absolutely check it out if you're curious.  If you rent a room, it does lock, and you'll have the key on an elastic band you can wear on your wrist or ankle.  Or you can get just a locker, and the same key situation applies.  In addition, they have a lockbox system at the front desk when you check in, where you can store your valuables (wallet, watch, phone, etc), so you don't have to keep anything too valuable in your locker or room.

Friday evening/night will definitely be busy.  Although I haven't been in a number of years, you can be as voyeuristic or directly engaged in the action as you'd like.  Don't be so sure no one will be interested...there's someone for everyone out there, especially on a busy night.  If a guy is not interested, respect it, and move on.  Others will do the same when you are not interested in them.  It's the nature of the place.  If you do want to do just watch/look, there's plenty of opportunity to do that in the common areas...wet area on the first floor, some common play areas on the other floors.  

If you do get a room, you won't want to just be sitting in there (although some guys will wait for action by sitting face up or down on the bed and living the door open.   But you'll see more if you cruise around  and can go back to the room if you find a match (or play in public).

Feel free to message with questions, or ask publicly.  My overall experience with SW is that it can be as much or as little as you want it to be.

[BuckCanucked]

I've heard lines develop, when should I get there to get in and explore before the crowd?

[LookingAround]

Depends if it's a holiday weekend or like gay pride or a non event regular weekend. If it's gay pride it will be a long line. Like around the block. If it's a regular weekend there might just be 10 or so guys in line. Get there before midnight. 

[BuckCanucked]

34 minutes ago, LookingAround said:

Depends if it's a holiday weekend or like gay pride or a non event regular weekend. If it's gay pride it will be a long line. Like around the block. If it's a regular weekend there might just be 10 or so guys in line. Get there before midnight. 

I'm a night owl, but my man, if I'm still there at midnight, I've fallen asleep. 🤣

[BigDMike]

Probably one of my best nights in Chicago was in SW.  Agree with @ceej 100% 

[BuckCanucked]

I just checked and I'll be there on the 19th, a week before the parade but just the night before Pride Fest. Now I'm really concerned about crowds, especially at SW. Thoughts, @BeamerBikes, @ceej, anyone? Should I stick to the bars and street scene for the vibe or are bigger SW crowds better for my voyeuristic intent? When to check in to avoid lines? How busy is busy?

"I drink and (overthink) things."

Edited February 20 by BuckCanucked

[LookingAround]

Buy a VIP card online to skip the long lines. You'll be fine. Don't worry so much and just have a good time. 

[ceej]

I honestly can't say how busy it might be on a night like that, but I agree with @LookingAround, don't overthink this.  You certainly won't see what you're going to see in SW on the street.  On a Friday, the SW scene is probably more likely to pick up later at night, as people wrap up their nights.  So have a drink or 2 at Lucky Horseshoe, stuff a few dollars in a dancer's jock, then head over to SW when you're ready.  My guess is that any time before 10, you won't face too long of a line.  But have a nap during the day and plan to stay a while if you go earlier in evening.