The Eagle is a Chicago leather institution. Once your eyes adjust to the dark and moody interior, you can watch as the masculine and attractive (at least they looked that way to me in the dark) men pick up each other and head to the back room. The whole place is dimly lit and atmospheric, just perfect for that anonymous liaison.

The space is also decorated well, having gotten a facelift a few years back. Part of the remodel included the attachment of a steel truck bed that you have to walk through to get into the bar. Inside, there's a huge front room, a smaller middle bar, and a very dimly lit "back room."

These three spaces are roughly divided by purpose. The front room has the largest bar and the most seating (for socializing) and has huge paintings by Etienne, a Chicago gay leather artist, whose work resembles Tom of Finland. There are also some cute touches like motorcycle boots resting on the bar for tipping the bartenders. The middle room has a smaller bar and apparently nowhere to sit, (the better to cruise you, my dear). The back room, in addition to being lit solely by red light bulbs, has furniture appropriate for more "adult" activities.

The Eagle closed The Pit a few years back, so if you're looking for hard-core leather action, you probably won't find it here. But if you're looking for a quickie with a stranger, this just might be the place. A word of forewarning to would-be tourists, though, one gets the feeling that the back room might not be for novices. Stay out there unless you want to be approached or you like to watch.