Whether it’s a juicy burger at 3 a.m. in New Orleans or a desert brunch oasis under the Mojave sun, LGBTQ+ owned diners are dishing out way more than just eggs and hashbrowns.
This Pride Month, we’re raising a coffee mug to the queer pioneers keeping diner culture fabulously alive—complete with hubcap-cooked burgers, bottomless mimosas, and all the drag brunches your heart (and stomach) can handle.
🌈 Orphan Andy’s – Castro District, San Francisco, CA
Open since 1977, Orphan Andy’s is the kind of place where time stands still—in the best way. Nestled in the heart of the Castro, this rainbow-hued 24/7 diner has been run for nearly five decades by married couple Bill Pung and Dennis Ziebell. With pink booths, Tiffany lamps, and a soundtrack of sass, it’s a local legend. Bite into classic breakfast fare like chicken fried steak and eggs or thick-cut french toast. The couple is currently looking to pass the spatula, but for now, it’s still flippin’ pancakes and hearts.
🎤 Downtown Olly’s – Indianapolis, IN
A comfort-food haven and a karaoke dive bar? Sign us up. Downtown Olly’s is the Midwest’s answer to the queer diner dream—open 24/7 and always up for a good time. Founder David Brandon has kept this LGBTQ staple singing, slinging nachos, and pouring stiff drinks for over 30 years. Hungry for breakfast? Dig into a plate of biscuits smothered in gravy with some crispy hash browns. Or, swing by for dinner – the prime rib is pan-seared and cooked to perfection.
🥂 Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar & Grill – Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs is a queer paradise, and Bongo Johnny’s is its brunchy heart. This sun-soaked eatery is officially LGBTQ-owned and unofficially where bottomless mimosas go to party. Their brunch is legendary, and their open-air patio makes every meal feel like a celebration. Order one of their decadent mac and cheese creations served in a cast iron skillet, indulge on sweet treats like lemon drop cheesecake, or sip a signature cocktail like The Dreamsicle – vanilla vodka blended with fresh orange juice.
🌵 La Copine – Flamingo Heights, CA
What happens when two queer women take over a remote roadhouse in the Mojave? Magic. Claire Wadsworth and Nikki Hill turned La Copine into a 42-seat desert sanctuary where you’ll find spicy melon gazpacho next to diner-style hatch chili sliders and a whole lot of desert charm. The “queer oasis” label? Fully earned. The menu is seasonal, so you never know what culinary delights you might find!
💄 Her Diner – Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
One of the newest neon-lit gems on this list, Her Diner is queer-owned, drag-powered, and brunch-obsessed. Run by wives Kelly and Kethida Laczko, this DC hotspot has quickly become a must-eat, serving up all-day brunch with a side of sequins and nightly drag shows. Dig into heaping plates of totchos (tater tots smothered in queso and spicy ground beef. Enjoy dishes like a classic reuben or savory burrata ravioli. And don’t skip dessert, the boozy milkshakes are a real crowd pleaser.
🍰 Se7en Bites – Orlando, FL
If Southern hospitality and vintage bakery vibes are your jam, head to Se7en Bites. Chef Trina Gregory-Propst and her wife Va serve up killer biscuits, meatloaf melts, and indulgent sweets in a retro space that’s charmed Guy Fieri and the local LGBTQ community. Order the signature chicken biscuit with red pepper jelly cream cheese. It’s comfort food, leveled up.
🧀 Poole’s Diner – Raleigh, NC
This retro-luxe counter spot isn’t just queer-owned—it’s also helmed by a James Beard Award winner. Chef Ashley Christensen and her wife Kaitlyn Goalen make magic at Poole’s, where classic Southern fare meets elevated comfort. If you leave without trying the mac and cheese, that’s on you.
🥧 Rhythm Café – West Palm Beach, FL
Old-school vibes, queer-owned pride, and a mean slice of Key lime pie. Rhythm Café is a throwback diner decked out in ‘50s flair, complete with blue-plate specials and enough character to fill your soul and your stomach. Come for the kitsch, stay for the cocktails. Don’t head home without a mason jar of their house-made sangria.
🍔 Clover Grill – Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA
The holy grail of queer diners? Quite possibly. The Clover Grill has been serving the French Quarter since 1939, and yes, the burgers are grilled under actual hubcaps. With late-night drag energy and unapologetic fabulousness, it’s been a “gayborhood” beacon long before it was cool. Insider tip – don’t skip the 24-hour breakfast for $6.29!
Know another queer-owned diner we should feature? Slide into our DMs or drop us a line—we’re hungry for more.
