More Than 20 Chicago Restaurants & Bars Support ‘Day Without A Woman’ Protests

Today, women’s groups protest across the country as they observe International Women’s Day, and Chicago’s restaurant community is participating in a similar manner to last month’s day without immigrants. Some restaurants, including Eater 38’s Lula Cafe in Logan Square, are closed, while others host events to bring attention to issues including the gender-wage gap, the Trump administration’s threats to restrict health care for women, and to highlight contributions women make to the food industry that some perceive as overlooked.

Many women workers have elected to stay home from work today to demonstrate their value. It’s a coordinated labor action, and hopefully managers spoke with their workers to address the strike, unlike in some cases. Thus, some restaurants could be short-staffed today, including Boka Restaurant Group spots, the Tribune reports.

Although Paul McGee is the face of Lost Lake, eight of the highly-acclaimed Logan Square tiki bar’s 11 bartenders are women. Keeping with those numbers, Lost Lake will host a celebration starting at 6 p.m. tonight. They’ll blast music from an all-female musician playlist and an all-woman team will be working. They’re donating proceeds to the Transformative Justice Law Project.

Over in Edgewater, there’s a sold-out food crawl to women-run businesses hosted by the neighborhood’s chamber. A diverse bill of restaurants including Herb, Growling Rabbit, and Mango Pickle are participating in tonight’s event, according to DNAinfo.

In Wicker Park, The Handlebar—no stranger to social issues—is donating 20 percent of its sales to Girls Rock Chicago, a charity that encourages girls to be musicians. Music, just like the culinary world, is a way those who are suppressed can express themselves.

Here’s a rundown on some of the other bars and restaurants that are celebrating the day. Check back later for updates, and let us know of any events omitted in the comments.

AJ Hudson’s Public House

Hosting a fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to benefit Sarah’s Circle and I Will Help.

Baderbräu

The brewery is encouraging discussion on gender quality by offering $3 pints.

Palermo Bakery

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Palermo is offering a free dessert to women at the bakery.

Froyo Chicago Cafe

Offering 50-percent off orders to women after mentioning the above Facebook post.

Flaco’s Tacos

All three locations are donating 10 percent of sales to Sarah’s Circle in Uptown.

Early Society

The cafe is hosting a networking event at 8 p.m. Wednesday organized by a few Latina groups, including Mujeres de Hace and HispanicPro.

Blue Sky Bakery & Cafe

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blue Sky is encouraging visitors to drop by and write postcards, which will be sent to government reps, explaining why guests participated in the strike.

Long Room

Until 5 p.m., The Long Room is donating 25 percent of coffee and bar sales on Wednesday to the National Organization For Women. Also, 100 percent of coffee bar tips will go to Chicago Books To Women in Prison.

Furama

This event isn’t until 11 a.m. on Sunday, but the Chicago International Women’s Day group is holding a brunch at Furama in Uptown.