The Essential Queer-Owned Bars, Restaurants, and Cafes in Philly (2024)

In such a varied and diverse city, it’s no surprise that Philly is home to a long-thriving queer community. At a time where bars and restaurants are still struggling, it’s more important than ever to support queer-owned businesses in our community, especially as those that have been forced to close their doors have left neighborhoods without some long-time favorites. Whether you’re looking for a quiet cup of coffee, a killer lunch, or a wild night out, here are the queer-owned Philly mainstays to suit every need.

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Safran Turney Hospitality

Gayborhood

Owned by Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, this couple have revitalized the Gayborhood with legendary restaurants such as Bud & Marilyn’s, Barbuzzo, Little Nonna’s, and their new hotspot, Darling Jack’s Tavern. There’s always a tasty special, fun-themed dining experience, and more at these inventive restaurants.

Level Up Bar & Lounge

1330 Walnut Street, Gayborhood

The Black queer-owned bar by Ken Lowe Jr. is a place for diverse performances and lively vibes. Come for the flirty co*cktails and wings in over a dozen flavors — and stay for the hookah and late night hip-hop dance parties.

co*ckatoo

208 S. 13th Street, Gayborhood

Owned by Ram Krishnan and Akshay Kamath, who also run the eclectic Writer’s Block Rehab, co*ckatoo is one of the most swankiest Gayborhood. It’s a Miami-style co*cktail bar that’s stylishly decked out with a grand rooftop, fruity martinis, and two floors of lively entertainment.

Winkel

1119 Locust Street, Gayborhood

Owned by JonCarl Lachman, the chef behind the East Passyunk favorite (and sadly now-closed) Noord, Winkel is a destination brunch spot in the Gayborhood. Come for the famous Jonnathan bread and Dutch specialties like the herring on rye, and stay for the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.

Mission Taqueria

1516 Sansom Street, 2nd Floor, Center City

Neal Santos

Daniel McLaughlin’s vibe-heavy taco joint above another Center City mainstay, Oyster House, is known for its tacos, margaritas, and more recently, its fair work environment. McLaughlin implemented a 20 percent service fee on all checks to pay for health benefits for all workers, as well as a 401(k) matching program, a rare find in most traditional restaurant environments.

Hardena

1754 S Hicks Street, #2217, South Philly

This neighborhood gem in South Philly, run by Diana Widjojo and her sister Maylia, serves up Indonesian comfort food that will bring you back for more again and again. A favorite of carnivores and vegans alike, the menu is all hits and no misses. Do not skimp on any of the homemade sambals or you’ll definitely regret it later.

Cake Life

1306 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown

Right off Frankford Avenue in the heart of Fishtown is arguably the best queer-owned bake shop in the city. If you have a sweet tooth (and honestly, even if you don’t), Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi’s Cake Life is unmissable. The Instagram-worthy cakes and cupcakes are top tier and don’t disappoint in the flavor department either.

Bake’n Bacon

1148 S 11th Street, South Philly

Black queer owners Justin Coleman and Kelvin Alexander have taken their passion for bacon to the next level with this emerging restaurant in the city. From their signature pork board, various loaded mac dishes, and bacon-centric entrées (such as their viral hang’n bacon, bacon brisket burger, and pound cake with bacon caramel sauce) to their chicken bowtie pasta and brisket burnt ends — there is something for every carnivore to love here.

Gass & Main

7 Kings Court, Haddonfield, NJ

James Beard award semifinalist Dane DeMarco continues to expand their culinary excellence with a new restaurant that merges New American cooking with rustic inspiration. With a tasty menu that includes succulent chicken a la king with white wine gravy, a 12 ounce Montreal crusted ribeye with whipped feta cheese, and wagyu hot dog served on a brown butter brioche bun — there’s no denying the sheer flavor and fullness of this New Jersey spot.

Menagerie Coffee

18 S. 3rd Street, Old City

Ryan Strand Greenberg

An Old City favorite, April Nett’s Menagerie Coffee is a cozy cafe serving up Elixr coffee (in the absolute cutest cups) and an array of pastries and small bites. The soda bread is the unsung hero in the pastry case; pair it with a cup of tea from the wide tea selection.

Bike Stop

206 Quince Street, Center City

Philly’s oldest gay bar has been an icon for the leather community since 1982 and is home to the Mx. Philadelphia Leather contest. Now, not just a leather bar, Robert Porter welcomes all with four levels, including dancing, sports viewing, and often events and fundraisers.

Oyster House

1516 Sansom Street, Center City

Oyster House

Now at the helm of a fixture of Philly’s restaurant scene for the last 40 years, Sam Mink took over the family business and continued the legacy of fresh seafood in Center City. Fresh oysters are obviously the move here, complemented by the thoughtful co*cktails and wide array of wines and beers.

Darnel’s Cakes

444 N. 3rd Street Lobby, Northern Liberties

Kyle Cuffie-Scott and Joe Loupe bake and sell giant brownies as well as breakfast, brunch, and lunch specialties like buttery biscuits and drool-worthy baked mac and cheese in Northern Liberties. And while being a one-stop-shop for some of the best baked goods and breakfast in the area is enough to make a community staple, Cuffie-Scott and Loupe didn’t stop there. The mission for Darnel’s is to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and support organizations that are working to fight the virus, so you know your money is going to a worthy cause in the community.