You don't need to be big to come to Big Chicks, nor do you need to be a chick. On the contrary, this gay men's bar caters to anyone willing to stray north of the Boystown scene, and boy, will you be rewarded for your travels.

Owner Michelle Fire has outfitted the place with artwork from her private collection, paired with on-display homoerotic videos that certainly help establish Big Chicks as a popular gay bar. But the "popular" part owes itself to the complimentary fun: Catch the free barbecue every Sunday 4:30 p.m. Buy a drink (like the on-special $2.50 vodka lemonade) and then enjoy something a little more gourmet than the BBQs I'm used to, like gyros, fries, an organic salad, fresh fruit and dessert.

If you miss the free food, paying for it's not too bad (especially with $1 burger night on Mondays), and Big Chicks stocks homemade potato chips and jalapeno poppers. If wings aren't high-brow enough for you, you can order from the next-door Tweet.

The two large rooms do a Jekyll & Hyde: During the week there's plenty of space to grab a margarita and chat at the large antique bar; Thursday through Saturday, DJs spin dance and house music, and dancing takes over half the space. A beer garden is popular during warm-weather months.

Centerstage Reviewer: Stephanie Sims