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PrideGay Hotels
Walk to Andersonville Gay Bars, Theatre & Restaurants!
Walk to Andersonville Gay Bars, Theatre & Restaurants!
Gerard
Response rate: 93% • Response time: < 1h
Happy to share local tips

Walk to Andersonville Gay Bars, Theatre & Restaurants!

Chicago, IL, United StatesLGBTQ+ venues nearbyMap
Exceptional5.0(37)Booked 47 times
Private room
2 guests
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
1 bed
Clothing optional acceptedHappy to share local tipsLGBTQ+ venues nearbyGym nearby or in the propertyWi-FiDedicated workspaceParking

The Reveal

Near LGBTQ+ SceneInsta-WorthyRelaxing

At our home The Polished Knob, we feature one large guest bedroom with a queen bed, desk and TV. Across the hall is the shared spacious bright bathroom with heated slate floor (seasonal), walk-in shower, plush towels and bathrobe. On warmer days enjoy relaxing or working on the front porch surrounded by trees. WiFi is available throughout. Clothing is always optional at The Polished Knob.

We are located on a quiet tree-lined street near gay bars, restaurants, Andersonville shops & bars, dispensary and transportation. The Red Line elevated train/subway stop is just a block away as well as Divvy bike/e-bike stations. The gay beach is just a few blocks away.

Feel free to join us in the dining room or out on the patio for a morning cup of coffee or tea. A guest refrigerator is available.

Free street parking is readily available on our block and nearby. If you would like more information about our home or the neighborhood just let us know.

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Security cameras are only outside for the perimeter of the property:

There are 9 traveler(s) looking at this listing!

How the beds work

Bedroom1 Queen Bed

Little Luxuries

Clothing optional accepted
Happy to share local tips
LGBTQ+ venues nearby
Gym nearby or in the property
Wi-Fi
Dedicated workspace
Parking
Air conditioning
Heating
The Classics
Wi-Fi
Dedicated workspace
Air conditioning
TV
Essentials
Hair dryer
Heating
Outdoor dining area
Parking
LGBTQ+ Favorites
LGBTQ+ venues nearby
Happy to share local tips
Adult Only
Gym nearby or in the property
Yoga classes nearby
I offer massage
Welcome
Clothing optional accepted
My location
Near beach
Near lake
Near cultural venues
Fire protection
Smoke alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm
Fire extinguisher

Meet Your Proud Host

Gerard
5.0(73 reviews)
E-mail verifiedPhone verifiedID verified
Member sinceJune 2015
Response rate93%
Response time< 1h
As two humorous, friendly and worldly men, we love hosting travelers and sharing our passion for travel, food and living the good life. Our hobbies include local theatre, baking, gardening and gay campgrounds. Known for our hospitality, we are always happy to help our guests experience Chicago to the fullest and make the most of their stay at our home, The Polished Knob. Gerard & Ernie
View profile
10 interests: Musicals / Sciences / TV Shows / Theatre / Cooking / Massage / Classical / Jazz / Camping / Hiking

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September 2026
SMTWTFS
October 2026
SMTWTFS

Why Book Proud with misterb&b?

Travel with purpose. Support the LGBTQ+ community with every stay.
Your discretion is guaranteed
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Every stay gives back to the community
This booking will contribute to our Mister for Good program, helping LGBTQ+ NGOs around the world.
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Unlock the local gay scene
Meet LGBTQ+ locals with weere, discover insider tips and explore beyond your hotel.

Where It's All Happening

Chicago, IL, United StatesExact location disclosed after booking only.
LGBTQ+ Safety Score: Chicago
5out of 5Very safeRated by 37 local misterb&b members

Your Queer Map: Nearby Gay Hotspots

Full gay city guide for Chicago »
Gay BeachesKathy Osterman Beachat Hollywood & Sheridan Sts
747 m16-minute walk
Gay RestaurantsFireside5739 N Ravenswood (at Rosehill)
1.1 km23-minute walk
Gay Bars & ClubsAtmosphere5355 N Clark Street
1.2 km25-minute walk
Gay RestaurantsHamburger Mary’s/ Rec Room/ Attic5400 N Clark Street (at Balmoral)
1.2 km25-minute walk

Nearby Attractions

Located in the Edgewater-Andersonville neighborhood, The Polished Knob is conveniently located to numerous gay attractions on the northside of Chicago. Lake Michigan and Hollywood Beach, Chicago’s gay beach, is about a 10 minute walk. The gay-catering Andersonville shopping & restaurant strip is about a 15 minute walk and features gay bars, restaurants, theaters and other gay-owned shops. This area also includes a dispensary selling medical and recreational cannabis products.

Gay highlights within a 10 to 30 minute walk from our home are The Granville Anvil (neighborhood bar), Touche’s (bear/leather), Jack Hammer (bear/leather), Atmosphere (shows), Marty’s (martinis), The Call (drag/dance), The Leather Archives (gay museum), Gerber Hart (gay) Library and Big Chicks (neighborhood drinks/bar food). The Northalstead (Boystown) strip and Steamworks are just about a 12 minute train/subway ride.

To the east, Lake Michigan beaches, biking paths and walking trails are a few blocks away. The Chicago Mosaic School, Whole Foods, Walgreens, CVS, laundry/dry cleaning and the Edgewater Library are a short 2 to 10 minutes walk. Numerous restaurants such as pizza, ethnic cuisine, vegan, bakeries, breakfast diners, coffee shops and quick bites are within walking distance. Downtown by train/subway is about a half hour.

House Rules & Conditions

Check-infrom 3pm to 10pm
Checkoutto 11am
Host recommendations

* Only registered guests are allowed anywhere on the property. * Smoking, vaping, candles, incense, etc. are not allowed in the house/property. * No animals allowed due to allergies. * No parties or events are allowed. * Do not use the premises for any illegal activity. * No eating or drinking (except for bottled water) in the bedroom. * Please keep music and noise level to a minimum between 10pm and 7am per the Chicago Noise Ordnance. * The property is not suitable infants or for children.

Extra per guest$25 per night after 1 guest(s)

$25 per night after 1 guest(s)

Minimum stay (nights)2 nights

2 nights

Cleaning fees$15 USD

$15 USD

DepositNot required by the Host

Not required by the Host

Registration numberR21000062555

R21000062555

Cancellation Policy

Terms of Services & Privacy Policy apply to this transaction.

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ReviewsExceptional5(37)

Reviews come from verified guests, are sorted chronologically and not subjected to prior monitoring.

Cleanliness5.0
Location5.0
Accurate description5.0
Check-in5.0
Value for money5.0

Our Community Has Spoken:

DonStayed in August 2026
Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2026

Gerard and Ernie are gracious hosts and lovely guys. The accommodations are excellent, bed is very comfortable, and the location is very handy to the L (Red Line) for getting in and out of the city. Highly recommended.

RexStayed in June 2026
Reviewed on June 21, 2026

Gerard and Ernie are warm, welcoming and communicative hosts. Their place is charming, comfortable and super clean. Their suggestions for local restaurants, bars and entertainment were really helpful. Their home is located within easy walking distance of fun spots, the beach and the subway. A simply great place to stay.

Response from Gerard
June 22, 2026

Thanks Rex! We are glad you enjoyed you stay at our home The Polished Knob.

DustinStayed in April 2026
Reviewed on May 02, 2026

Gerard and Ernie were the best hosts! Their house is so cool, easy to the L and safe neighborhood! I will always try to stay there when I'm in town! They are great to talk to and learn more about the neighborhood and where to go! You will not regret this choice at all!

Response from Gerard
May 05, 2026

Thanks Dustin! Hopefully we will host you again in Chicago or bump into you somewhere in the world! Happy Travels!

RandyStayed in April 2026
Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2026

Such an easy decision to stay here—they truly provide all the essentials and then go above and beyond. I slept like a rock, and the warm, friendly coffee chats with the hosts were the perfect touch. It felt welcoming, comfortable, and genuinely thoughtful from start to finish. I'll absolutely be back!

Response from Gerard
Apr. 26, 2026

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay again. See you next time!

DavidStayed in April 2026
Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2026

I had a great time and these two gents were perfect hosts. It was both restful and convenient to everything.

Response from Gerard
Apr. 26, 2026

Thank you for the wonderful words. It was great chatting about world travels!

RidgeStayed in June 2025
Reviewed on July 14, 2025

Such a lovely place to stay if you are visiting Chicago. Just around a 2 minute walk from a "L" stop, you can easily get around and explore other parts of the city. The house itself was very welcoming and secure. Even a koi fish pond in the backyard. Check in was super smooth, and directions/rules were very easy to follow. Gerard was super helpful in terms of recommending different restaurants, bars, and events for me to attend during Chicago pride weekend. They even have a mini website they send out to guests.

JakeStayed in October 2024
Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

This is my second time staying at Gerard and Ernie's place, and it was just as fantastic as the first. Their home is so comfortable and both Gerard and Ernie are incredibly warm and kind hosts. I will definitely be staying again

Response from Gerard
Oct. 28, 2024

Thanks Jake! You are awesome to host!

RobStayed in October 2024
Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

This is a warm, welcoming, convenient place to stay. An easy walk either over to Clark St and all the shops, restaurants, & bars of Andersonville or the other direction to the lake shore beach and park. Gerard & Ernie are fun and easygoing hosts willing to share a wealth of information about the area, things to do, places to eat. There are two rooms for rent, both very convenient to nice bathroom, kitchen, or to hanging out around the table talking with hosts & guests about the day.

Response from Gerard
Oct. 28, 2024

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

AbdulStayed in June 2024
Reviewed on July 05, 2024

Gerard and Ernie have a beautiful place. Honestly the pictures do not do it justice. I had a great time drinking coffee in the morning outside by the koi pond in the morning. They also have great recommendations of bars and restaurants around them, I'm so glad I took their recommendations otherwise my stay would have gone very differently. If anyone gets a chance to stay here I highly recommend it. I hope to be going back again sometime just to experience it again. 10/10

JohnathanStayed in May 2024
Reviewed on June 03, 2024

My husband and I, absolutely enjoyed our stay!!! The house is exquisitely decorated and located in Andersonville with tons of restaurants, bars and shops. Very short ride to boystown and a quick drive to downtown. The house is located on a beautiful street with free parking. Our room was clean and spacious with a smart TV, snacks/water and the world's most plush bath towels. The hosts were very welcoming and we chatted for a long while in the kitchen and Gerald even made us fresh cappuccinos

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