Dorothy
Dorothy offers a step inside another world complete with cozy furniture, a custom-built bed lounge, a photobooth and a unique space in which to gather. Operating publicly as a cocktail lounge, the drinks selection and menu are creative and intentional while proudly also offering a variety of spirit-free options.
About this venue
About the business
Dorothy is a 70s style, speakeasy type subterranean cocktail lounge in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Led by Zoe Schor and Whitney LaMora, publicly we are one of Chicago's only lesbian bars. Our staff is comprised of talented and passionate bar talent who also happen to be of the queer community. Our staff is deeply dedicated to hospitality and lead from an empathetic lens of which they employ frequently and without question throughout nights of service and every private event.
Origin story
Zoe Schor opened Dorothy on Valentine's Day 2020 - envisioned to be a 70s style speakeasy cocktail lounge built for the West Town neighborhood, nestled underneath her restaurant, Split-Rail. After closing one month later due to the pandemic, she reopened Dorothy in July of 2022 with her wife and business partner Whitney LaMora as one of Chicago's only lesbian bars. Now four years later, Dorothy is known for its aesthetic, its vibrant events programming and its creative and complex cocktail menu. Jazzy, quiet and soft during weeknights, you can dance the night away every single weekend.
Why families choose us
Families choose Dorothy because it feels like a step outside of reality. Our windowless, speakeasy style basement bar allows a sense of escape which families find comforting and much-needed respite. Our space is divided into a series of seating and lounging areas that are good for every member of the family. Families choose us as well because we are fully accessible for all family members and our unique decor is a uniting "wow" factor for all.
Ownership
Meet the team
Whitney LaMora
Co-Owner / Creative Director
As someone who experienced a lot of loss growing up as well as losing a parent when I was in my 20s, I understand the importance of memorial services that feel true to the family and to the departed. The opportunity that we have to offer a nontraditional space as part of a memorial service is a great honor. Hospitality is our work for our guests' best and worst days and if we, along with our empathetic and passionate team members, can bring some relief and support to the efforts of a memorial service, we promise we will rise to the occasion.
Zoe Schor
Co-Owner / Operator
Who they serve
Community served
What they offer
Also offers
Spaces & pricing
Space
Capacity
Starting price
Your event at Dorothy encapsulates the entire venue. Dorothy's center space is around the bar where guests will find multiple bar stools for easy, central seating. We have a variety of plush and vintage furniture making small group seating easy, comfortable and charming. Our custom-built bed lounge is available for all and a particular hit with young people. It is a place you can literally kick off your shoes and lie back - all with a cocktail (or not). We have a photobooth in the space that is customizable and you also have full control over any music selections you'd like to play during your event. Dorothy is equipped with four ADA restrooms. Our main entrance has a set of stairs leading down into the venue, but we also have a fully operational elevator for any guest needing ADA entry.
150
Contact for pricing
Common questions
Can our family work with Dorothy if we don't identify as LGBTQIA+?
Of course. While we publicly operate as a lesbian-centered space, we are ultimately a home for all to enjoy and experience who are allies to our community and our team. We ask that families are aware that they are coming into a traditionally LGBTQIA+ space, especially when working with our team members, but otherwise we are honored to have the chance to work with any and all families during these memorial events.
I see that Dorothy is 21+. Can we bring kids?
Dorothy is 21+ when operating publicly. During private events Dorothy may have guests of any age. If you will be having alcohol present at your event, all guests must provide physical or mobile ID in order to be served.
Does your basement bar have an ADA entrance?
We do! Our elevator is located on Campbell Ave behind a black door with our logo and phone number in the window. Our staff simply needs to be called and they can come up and assist anyone in and out of the building who requires it.
Service area
Address
2500 W Chicago Ave, Lower Level, Chicago, IL 60622
We do not have private parking for our venue, but free street parking can be found next to the building on Campbell Ave, on Chicago Avenue directly in front of us and throughout the neighborhood streets. Please be aware that some areas are under permits so all signage should be read before fully parking vehicles around the neighborhood.
Location
2500 W Chicago Ave, Lower Level, Chicago, IL 60622
Get directions ↗