misterb&b logo
Icon symbolizing the community
Community
icon symbolizing "Become a host"Become a host
PrideGay Hotels
Bears,  Cubs & Admirers all Clothing Optional at The Polished Knob!
Bears,  Cubs & Admirers all Clothing Optional at The Polished Knob!
Gerard
Response rate: 93% • Response time: < 1h
Happy to share local tips

Bears, Cubs & Admirers all Clothing Optional at The Polished Knob!

Chicago, IL, United StatesLGBTQ+ venues nearbyMap
Exceptional5.0(26)Booked 33 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-Fi

The Reveal

Near LGBTQ+ SceneInsta-WorthyRelaxing

Your room has a queen bed, large TV, ceiling fan and air conditioner. The spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, plush towels and heated slate floor is just off the hall. Clothing is always optional!

We are located on a quiet tree-lined street near gay bars, restaurants, a dispensary, Leather archives museum, antique & thrift shops and Andersonville shops & bars. The gay beach is just a few blocks away.

Free street parking is readily available on our block or nearby. If you would like more information just ask!

------------------------ Security cameras are only outside for the perimeter of the property.

There are 4 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
Air conditioning
Heating
TV
Essentials
The Classics
Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
TV
Essentials
Hair dryer
Heating
Netflix
LGBTQ+ Favorites
LGBTQ+ venues nearby
Happy to share local tips
Adult Only
Gym nearby or in the property
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
LGBTQ+ Kinky Amenities

Meet Your Proud Host

Gerard5.0(74 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

Protect your payments: never communicate outside of misterb&b (website or app) and never transfer money outside our secure system.

Select the dates of your stay

No dates selected yet.

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
Your invoice and bank statement never show misterb&b.On your statement:PinkLab
Every stay gives back to the community
This booking will contribute to our Mister for Good program, helping LGBTQ+ NGOs around the world.
Built by and for the LGBTQ+ community
We're an LGBTQ+-owned platform. Your support directly funds jobs and livelihoods for our LGBTQ+ team.
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 26 local misterb&b members

Your Queer Map: Nearby Gay Hotspots

Full gay city guide for Chicago »
Gay BeachesKathy Osterman Beachat Hollywood & Sheridan Sts
760 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 RestaurantsDeluxe Diner/ Maria’s6349 N Clark Street (at Devon)
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.

Add dates to get the cancellation details

ReviewsExceptional5(26)

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:

SaadStayed in August 2026
Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2026

Amazing host, very informative of the area, easy to talk to and helped make my first ******** visit great.

PaulStayed in June 2026
Reviewed on July 02, 2026

I had such a pleasant experience staying with Gerard & Ernie. As a Chicago native myself, I wanted a location that was close to all the gay Chicago spots in Andersonville, as well as an easy Uber, Bike or Train to boystown. But I was looking for something a little less chaotic & low-key. This is exactly what The Polished Knob offered. I was welcomed as soon as I walked in and the space is beautifully decorated. There's a gay touch to the space and design in the best ways, that you really have to experience yourself, to know what I'm talking about. If you're looking for a clean, serene, lgbtq safe space to rest your head while in the windy city then you should really consider spending a couple days here!

DenzelStayed in June 2026
Reviewed on July 02, 2026

Gerald was amazing from the second I booked this place. He stayed in touch and when I arrived I felt like I was at home. Him and Ernie made me feel sooo welcomed. They gave me some great recommendations on places to eat and check out while I was there. I definitely will have to come back and stay longer then a day. The shower was nice, the bed was comfortable.

BillStayed in April 2026
Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2026

Perfect place for my Chicago getaway. Only 2 blocks from the L train, lots of convenient things around, and only a few blocks to the lakefront trails. Gerard and Ernie were great hosts and the bed was very very comfortable. I'll be back!

JakeStayed in April 2026
Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2026

This was my third time staying at Gerard and Ernie's place and it was just as lovely as ever. Whenever I'm staying in Chicago, I always check if they have a room available, and I highly recommend you do, too!

Response from Gerard
Apr. 26, 2026

Thanks Jake! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

NghiaStayed in August 2025
Reviewed on Aug. 29, 2025

So I stayed the weekend Market days was happening and the hosts were very communicative and hospitable! I was doing quite a bit of travel, but Gerard did check in to make sure I was coming along okay. When I arrived, he was also there to greet me and show me around. The entire space is well decorated and had everything I needed. He provided a quick tour and had drinks available the entirety of the stay. They were lovely to chat with and had all sorts of recommendations for a night out.

TannerStayed in August 2025
Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

I had such a lovely stay at Gerard and Ernie's place. They go above and beyond in making sure your stay is comfortable and that you have everything you might need. Five stars across the board. I would definitely stay here again.

AaronStayed in July 2025
Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Gerard and Ernie were amazing hosts and their place is a perfect home base for exploring Chicago. Very comfortable, well appointed, and they couldn't be nicer guys. Definitely looking forward to a return trip!

KyleStayed in July 2025
Reviewed on July 27, 2025

Awesome. Absolutely awesome. Gerard and Ernie were great hosts. The house and the room and the bathroom were spotless. Was my first stay in the Andersonville area of Chicago, and their house is perfectly situated. And also, they let me hand-feed the koi!

AdamStayed in June 2025
Reviewed on July 05, 2025

The neighborhood is cute, and convenient to transport. The house is charming and comfortable. The hosts are incredibly friendly, helpful and attentive. Great stay! Thank you!

Gerard's other accommodations

More gay B&Bs in Chicago

Exceptional5.0(26)