Fathom, a new queer-focused cocktail lounge from Whitney LaMora and Zoe Schor, opened in Lakeview on April 9. The owners, who also run the popular lesbian bar Dorothy in Ukrainian Village, said Fathom builds on their experience running destination-style lounges but offers a more central and accessible location at 1622 W. Belmont Ave.
The opening of Fathom highlights the continued importance of dedicated spaces for Chicago’s queer community. Bars like these have long served as gathering places for connection and support.
LaMora and Schor said they designed Fathom to be an intentional yet easygoing neighborhood bar where customers can relax after work or stay late into the night. “We really wanted to make a comfortable neighborhood bar first,” Schor said. “It’s a neighborhood bar, but the aesthetic feels more coastal than Chicago. You get to walk in and be removed from your immediate day-to-day, from whatever work troubles you have or things that are bothering you, and just transport yourself into this coastal environment.”
The lounge features nautically inspired design elements tied to its name and theme of escape. “‘Fathom’ is a nautical unit of measurement, but it also refers to the average wingspan — like an open-armed environment,” LaMora said. “With our intention of building safe and beautiful spaces for the queer community, that really hit for both of us.” Inside are booth seats, a garage door opening onto the sidewalk, and a restored photo booth previously housed at Berlin Nightclub.
LaMora brings experience in theater and event production while Schor is known as a chef with several city restaurants behind her; together they reopened Dorothy in 2022 as not just a nightlife spot but also one hosting immersive theater productions and monthly silent book clubs. They’ve partnered with local organizations to provide free emergency contraceptives and other resources through vending machines inside their bars.
Schor reflected on how ownership opportunities are changing: “These spaces have always been important. What’s changing now is access,” she said. “More queer people and women are getting access to capital and opportunities that weren’t there before, and that leads to more spaces.”
As they expand with Fathom while maintaining Dorothy’s spirit of inclusivity beyond nightlife events alone, both owners say what matters most is who fills these venues over time: “One thing I’ve learned from Dorothy is that people make the business,” Schor said. LaMora added: “Zoe and I want to be leaders in the hospitality industry in showing that queer spaces can be beautiful, high-level and exceptional… Women are really leading the charge.”
