Pride 25

This Pride Month, we’re calling out six incredible LGBTQ-owned-and-operated establishments around the United States for locals and visitors to support all year long.

Bake Me Happy

Columbus, OH

Owner of Bake Me Happy, Wendy and Letha Pugh.
Owners of Bake Me Happy, Wendy Miller Pugh and Letha Pugh.

Established in 2014, Bake Me Happy is an LGBTQ+, women, and Black-owned bakery that serves the best in gluten-free desserts. The secret behind their mouth-watering flavors and textures: research and experimentation. The team creates unique, individualized flour blends for each item, then performs extensive taste testing to ensure their new recipe delivers.

Gluten free chocolate snack cakes. I'm actually drooling.
Hostess-inspired gluten-free snack cakes!

Owners Letha Pugh and Wendy Miller Pugh do not allow any gluten-containing ingredients in their kitchen, so people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance can enjoy their treats truly free from concerns about cross-contamination. Guests feel very welcomed and well taken care of at Bake Me Happy for a very simple reason: for Letha and Wendy, food is love.

la Barbecue

Austin, TX

Two burgers that look really good.
Yes, please! Tasty offerings at la Barbecue.

Austin’s celebrated pit stop is disrupting the male-dominated world of ‘cue. Co-founded by the late LeAnn Mueller (from the legendary Mueller BBQ family) and her wife, Ali Clem, la Barbecue proudly stands as a woman and LGBTQ+ owned institution, and most recently, a Michelin Star awarded establishment.

A man using bbq equipment.
Real Texas barbeque at la Barbecue.

Under chef-owner Ali Clem’s continued leadership, this joint is serving brisket, ribs, and house-made sausage prepared in a custom pit built to capture the real savory, smoky flavors of true Texas barbecue.

A bbq feast.
Time to break out the stretchy pants.

Laziz Kitchen

Salt Lake City, UT

People.
Derek Kitchen, Moudi Sbeity, and colleague.

Laziz Kitchen offers a taste of modern Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant, which translates from Lebanese to “tasty and lighthearted,” is known for its handmade hummus, falafel, and a variety of mezze. Beyond the fresh flavors and savory spices, Laziz Kitchen holds a significant place in Utah’s LGBTQ+ history.

A lovely bowl of hummus.
It all started with garbanzo beans, a vision and two partners in life and business.

Derek Kitchen and Moudi Sbeity were central to the landmark court case Kitchen v. Herbert in 2013, which challenged Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage. Their legal battle played a direct role in delivering marriage equality to Utah and helped lay the groundwork for nationwide marriage rights. Laziz Kitchen, therefore, is a place for delicious food as well as a symbol of resilience and progress within the LGBTQ+ community.

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar

Atlanta, GA

Bartender at Virgil's.
Don’t miss out on the fun, now with locations in Conyers, College Park, and West Midtown.

Co-owned by married couple Gee and Juan Smalls, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar is a LGBTQ+, Black-owned establishment that brings the authentic flavors of Gullah Geechee culture to the forefront. Diners can expect a soulful journey through dishes inspired by Gee’s family recipes.

Meals on Wheels advertisement.
The men behind the magic, Juan and Gee, recently lent their talents to TASTE 2025, a Meals on Wheels Atlanta Fundraiser.

Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar also holds a special place in the LGBTQ+ community. The Smalls created the restaurant to be a safe and affirming space for Black queer individuals in the Atlanta area. Their story, intertwined with Gee’s personal memoir “Black Enough Man Enough,” reveals how a passion for food and culture can make a meaningful impact on local communities.

Okra gumbo
Okra gumbo at Virgil’s. Savory. Comforting. Unapologetically Gullah.

Her Diner

Washington, DC

Inside of Her Diner.
Owners Kelly and Kethida Laczko enjoy the colorful, welcoming space they’ve created.

Her Diner is an LGBTQ+ and women-owned restaurant that has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot since opening approximately six months ago. Owners Kelly and Kethida Laczko have cultivated a welcoming, safe environment for all who walk through their doors, especially women, BIPOC, and queer individuals.

Waffles and bacon.
Come for the classics! Stay for the Squeezes!

Her Diner offers casual American diner fare, featuring comforting classics with a modern twist. Complementing the food are inventive cocktails, all served in an atmosphere designed for good food, fun, and conversation.

Water Bear Bar

Boise, Idaho

Water bear bar cocktail
Expect attention to detail and thoughtfully prepared cocktails at Water Bear Bar!

Water Bear Bar, a cocktail and oyster lounge in Boise, Idaho, is a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in a state with a conservative political climate. Founded by partners Kylie North and Laura Keeler, the bar was designed to be a “radically accessible” and affirming space for marginalized groups. Thus, they built a bar that provides a consistently welcoming environment where individuals can gather, connect, and feel celebrated without harassment or judgement.

A customer playing music on Wednesdays.
Bring your vinyls and DJ, every Wednesday night!

Kylie and Laura also stand for quality food. Water Bear Bar’s oysters are sourced from Hama Hama Oysters, an ethical and sustainable oyster farm in Lilliwaup, WA. The small plates and beverages are composed of fresh, beautiful ingredients, as the team prioritizes strong technique and engages in ongoing education. Others have noticed Water Bear’s commitment to quality, attention to detail, and welcoming environment, as reflected in the many awards they’ve won including a 2023 Queer to Stay Award by the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime. 

Water Bear Bar interior.
Cozy-classy vibes at Water Bear.

In a state where being different can still be dangerous, Water Bear Bar stands proudly as a sanctuary for the marginalized. It’s about protecting joy, identity, and community in a place that desperately needs it. But they need your help. To support their cause and save their bar, please donate here.

Pride Month Favorites

Do you have a favorite LGBTQ+ establishment that deserves a big shout out or that you would like us to cover? Please share your favorites in the comment section!

Next Up: How to Make Your Restaurant an Inclusive Space

Comments

  1. Perry Hacker

    Poi Dog Deli in Kailua-Kona Hawaii. Check them out

    • Wasserstrom Author

      Thank you! We will absolutely check them out.

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