If you have a sweet tooth (and honestly, even if you don’t), Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi’s Cake Life is unmissable. Right off Frankford Avenue in the heart of Fishtown is arguably the best queer-owned bake shop in the city. Cake Lifeġ306 Frankford Avenue, Fishtown Cake Life Bake Shop Carly Fuller
Do not skimp on any of the homemade sambals or you’ll definitely regret it later. A favorite of carnivores and vegans alike, the menu is all hits and no misses. 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. 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. Mission Taqueriaġ516 Sansom Street, 2nd Floor, Center City Mission Taqueria Neal Santosĭaniel 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. Come for the famous Jonnathan bread and Dutch specialties like the herring on rye, and stay for the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
Owned by JonCarl Lachman, the chef behind the East Passyunk favorite (and sadly soon-to-be-closed) Noord, Winkel is a destination brunch spot in the Gayborhood. 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. 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. “Representation across all areas of public accommodation - including our vibrant social spaces - is critical to ensure our diverse LGBTQ+ communities feel seen, heard and respected.In such a varied and diverse city, it’s no surprise that Philly is home to a long-thriving queer community. “While these new openings represent a small but meaningful level of progress, the fight for a more inclusive and equitable city is something we’ll continue driving long into the future,” Morrison said. “You wouldn’t believe the number of people who are shocked.”Ĭould the diversifying nightlife scene help rid the Gayborhood of racism? Director of Philly’s Office of LGBT Affairs Celena Morrison thinks it’s a step. “It’s like, ‘Guess what, this is brown-owned,’ ” Krishnan said. That way, people stopping by for the bar’s fruity drinks, Latin-inspired food and regular drag performances can tell that it’s run by people of color. Krishnan purposely stations either himself or his husband, general manager Kamath, at the entrance of Cockatoo. “But we’re like, ‘Hey, we’ve got this.’ ” “Everybody says 13th Street is not gay anymore,” said Cockatoo owner Krishnan. “You literally pick your day and you’re able to have a place to go that you can identify with.” She hopes this is just the start of a diversifying Gayborhood. “I do appreciate the inclusivity and just the variety,” Evans said.
Level Up regular Shonda Evans said she makes the trip from her North Philly home to the Center City bar two or three times every week. “Thick and Sexy Night” is centered around body positivity.Ĭustomers have noticed. There are regular parties for lesbians, and shows designed to welcome trans people.
The Walnut Street club hosts events most nights of the week - each one geared toward a different demographic from the LGBTQ community.