Take a deep dive into Chicago’s newest gay bar: Fathom

Fathom comes from the same team behind the Chicago lesbian bar, Dorothy.

Apr 22, 2026 - 20:00

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Take a deep dive into Chicago’s newest gay bar: Fathom

Fathom in Chicago — (Photo: Moll Jean Nye)

Chicago has a brand new queer bar. Fathom can be found at 1622 W. Belmont Avenue in Lakeview – in the venue formerly known as the Flagship Tavern.

Wives Whitney Lamora and Zoe Schor own the business. The women already have great experience in running gay bars, as they also own the lesbian venue, Dorothy, which launched in 2022.

Fathom gay bar in Chicago — (Photo: Whitney LaMora)

Fathom opened last week with a couple of private parties for friends and supporters. This was followed by a public launch.

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The venue has been fully refurbished, and, as per its name, boasts something of a nautical theme. It proudly calls itself ‘A queer dive’ bar, as emblazoned on a mirror behind the bar – although for a dive bar, we think it’s pretty chic. It also offers a great menu of cocktails and will soon open its kitchen for food options.

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Spreading their wings

Whereas Dorothy is aimed at women, Fathom is aimed at the whole LGBTQ+ community and beyond. They want everyone to feel welcome to drop by for a drink, after work or later in the evenings.

“You’re welcome here as long as you’re an ally, but that doesn’t just mean that you think being gay is okay,” Schor told Windy City Times. “It’s about actively centering the experience of queer people in the space, not presuming people’s genders and just generally being respectful. Hopefully we’ll become a cool bar in Lakeview where everyone wants to come, but we want everyone to focus on respecting the things our community cares about.”

Fathom queer bar in Chicago — (Photo: Whitney LaMora)

“‘Fathom’ is a nautical unit of measurement, but it also refers to the average wingspan — like an open-armed environment,” LaMora told Block Club Chicago. “With our intention of building safe and beautiful spaces for the queer community, that really hit for both of us.”

The couple plan to introduce nightly events, such as quizzes and karaoke. They have some culinary pop-ups on the way, and, yesterday, announced via Instagram the launch of their darts area.

“Free darts offered Sunday – Thursdays – just ask your bartenders for a set to get started or get yourself in line for the next play.”