Now, not just a leather bar, Robert Porter welcomes all with four levels, including dancing, sports viewing, and often events and fundraisers. Philly’s oldest gay bar has been an icon for the leather community since 1982 and is home to the Mx. The soda bread is the unsung hero in the pastry case pair it with a cup of tea from the wide tea selection. 3rd Street, Old City Menagerie Coffee Ryan Strand GreenbergĪn 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. If you just can’t wait to eat Chef DeMarco’s food, find them at Sunny’s Cocktail Joint and Wine Dive as the countdown till the mid-December opening ticks down. Catch Chef DeMarco popping up around the city in the meantime with their classic but perfectly executed burgers and, of course, Tater Tots. But that did not stop them from making this list. Okay, so Dane DeMarco’s new burger spot, Burgertime, is technically in New Jersey. Try the signature “pink drink,” although you really can’t go wrong with any of the high-quality coffees and teas on the menu. Owners Sonam Parikh and Kate Egghart stock the shelves with art and accessories from local makers, and snacks include to-die-for samosas and pakoras from another West Philly staple, International Foods and Spices. 52nd Street, West Philly Mina’s World Gab BonghiĪ staple of the 52nd Street corridor, Mina’s World is one of the best queer-owned cafes in the area. The Instagram-worthy cakes and cupcakes are top tier and don’t disappoint in the flavor department either. 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. In such a varied and diverse city, it’s no surprise that Philly is home to a long-thriving queer community.