Craving comfort food? Upscale Mediterranean cuisine? What about Asian fusion? If you’re looking for good eats in a welcoming environment, unleash your inner foodie at these queer-owned restaurants!
Boichik Bagels (Berkeley)
Get your East Coast bagel fix in Berkeley at Emily Winston’s charming NYC-inspired cafe, serving a range of traditional bagels and seasonal cream cheese spreads. Bite into a Pumperthingle bagel loaded with sun-dried tomato and basil cream cheese, or opt for a classic Nova Lox sandwich stacked with smoked salmon and all the fixings. Wash it down with a Choco Malt iced coffee and grab a Pride flag black-and-white cookie to go!
FOB Kitchen (Oakland)
Stop by FOB Kitchen in Oakland’s Temescal District for a taste of traditional Filipino cuisine. Using family recipes handed down by owner Janice Dulce’s mother and grandmother, this restaurant will have you coming back for more. Watch chefs in the open kitchen while you enjoy veggie lumpia stuffed with sweet potato. Drool over pork adobo and kabocha squash in a creamy coconut-based sauce. Try a Palawan Sunrise, an island-style twist on the tequila sunrise with hibiscus and Thai chili.
Temescal Brewing (Oakland)
Great craft beer in a friendly, inclusive environment is what you’ll get at Temescal Brewing in Oakland. Sample a peachy No Jerks Lager on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy Tex-Mex eats from their daily rotating roster of food trucks. Grab a Barleywine Slim with notes of gooseberry and stop by for their monthly LGBTQ dance party, Queer Magic Night. Or, attend Yoga + Beer night to sip a Panic hard seltzer while you stretch. Other fun events include trivia and bingo nights!
Shakewell (Oakland)
Prepare for a flavor explosion at Shakewell in Oakland, where Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine is served in a rustic yet chic atmosphere. Start with tapas—the coca bread with za’atar and olive oil will have you praising the culinary gods. Order shareable plates like baked black cod with crispy plantains or vegan paella loaded with zucchini, baby carrots, and eggplant. Of course, the cocktails are a must. Try the Pisco Punch, a blend of pineapple gomme syrup, lime, bitters and red wine.
Orphan Andy’s (San Francisco)
Indulge in classic American diner grub at the neon-lit counter of Orphan Andy’s in the Castro District. Open 24/7, this popular neighborhood spot is all about good vibes and delicious comfort food. Grab a booth under the stained-glass light fixtures and nosh on chocolate chip pancakes. Need a midnight snack? The cheesy, crispy turkey melt with deep-fried onion rings is sure to hit the spot. Bring some change with you to shuffle through tunes on the mini jukeboxes.
Brenda’s Meat & Three (San Francisco)
This New Orleans-inspired joint offers elevated Southern comfort food from the mind of self-proclaimed “Filipina Yat,” owner Brenda Buenviaje. Savor cheesy shrimp and grits or bayou-inspired crawfish beignets. Keep it vegan with a plant-based ‘Que Po’ Boy featuring smoked tofu on a French roll instead of seafood. Stop by for brunch with your friends (the chicken and waffles are a must), or grab some blackened catfish at the bar paired with a mimosa.
Canela Bistro & Wine Bar (San Francisco)
Enjoy a taste of Spain at Canela Bistro & Wine Bar! Owned and operated by chef Mat Schuster, this LGBTQ+-friendly bistro serves traditional tapas and an extensive selection of Spanish wines. Order delicious small plates like Iberico ham, croquetas and bacon-wrapped dates. Hit up happy hour and try a specialty cocktail—the Transcendent Pride is a citrusy burst of flavor made with orange wine-based gin. Try the “Porrón pour” – AKA wine poured straight from the decanter into your mouth!
Kitchen Story (San Francisco)
Get your brunch on at Kitchen Story in San Francisco’s Castro district. Serving up traditional breakfast with an Asian twist, this popular spot lures in guests with its famous Millionaire’s Bacon (bacon baked with brown sugar and cayenne) and bottomless mimosas! Dig into fluffy omelets, poached eggs and unique benedicts topped with crab or salmon. Craving something sweet? The mascarpone-stuffed french toast is a palette pleaser (it’s also deep fried)!
