Solar Intentions Non-Alcoholic Beverage Shop — Local services in Lake View Township

This place isn't a bar, it's a coffee shop that sells $8 cans of seltzer and $30 handkerchiefs instead of coffee. It's not a bar-alternative social space for people trying to cut back on unhealthy drinking, it's a place for people from downtown to sit on their laptops and talk to their buddies about sobriety as if it's just another wellness brand. The owner was surprised that anyone who lives in Edgewater would visit, as if she did not consider whether the neighbors would want this business at all. This place fundraised 5x what it would cost to cover my top surgery so they could turn around and paint the interior pool-table green, smh. Rainbow gentrification at its most stereotypical, "friendly" only to its friends. I give it two years...

Solar Intentions is a much needed queer sober space and i’m so excited that they moved into the neighborhood. from dating events, to “know your rights” trainings, to queer slumber parties, this place is the hangout of my dreams. they even have all kinds of harm reduction resources available for free!!! prices are so reasonable and i’ve been having so much fun trying new bevs. i even had my birth chart read and it was such a great experience. i definitely recommend this spot for anything from a refreshing wfh spot when you need to get out of the home office to a fun night out with all your queer buds. and don’t forget to grab a few cold drinks on your way to hollywood beach...

Edgewater is lucky to have Solar Intentions blossom at a time where people benefit from sober, queer third spaces. This is one of the most unpretentious, welcoming businesses that could’ve opened up! Not to mention the owner living in the neighborhood - she’s not just some out of towner looking to make a quick investment in an unknown community. On top of being extremely familiar with organizing events of all kinds, Morgan is the perfect example of someone who breathes life into her work. It’s a win-win for the city of Chicago as an excellent example that sober spaces can (and should) thrive. All of the best wishes and excitement for the future of...