Austin’s Notable LGBTQIA-Owned Restaurants & Cafes

Austin boasts the third-largest LGBTQIA community in the US, with approx. 100,000 LGBTQIA+ residents. The city's restaurants and cafes have long been safe spaces for the community, offering support to local nonprofits and arts orgs.

"People want to support businesses that are aligned with their values...If you value inclusivity and openness, people still choose places based on that." - Andy Wigginton, owner of Patika

A List of LGBTQIA-Owned Eateries:

• Arlo Grey, Chef-Partner Kristen Kish: Kish hosted Top Chef and Nat Geo's Restaurants at the End of the World. Arlo Grey, opened in 2018, fuses Asian and American flavors.

• Bureau de Poste, Owners Steph Steele and Chef Jo Chan: Chan, a Top Chef alum, and her wife Steele, own this classic French bistro inside Tiny Grocer in Hyde Park.

"Austin rallied around me and really supported me; and I was really proud to call myself an Austin chef...I felt I’ve got to give back to the community and really be a part of this." - Jo Chan

• Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group (Multiple Concepts), Creative Director and Partner Rand Egbert: Egbert has focused on interior design, branding, and creative development for the group, while actively supporting local LGBTQIA+ charities.

• Flavor Hospitality Group (Multiple Concepts), Owner Cameron Lockley: With an accounting background, Lockley brings a unique perspective to hospitality. He has supported various local charities, including AIDS Services of Austin and Equality Texas.

• Jacoby's Restaurant and Mercantile and Grizzelda's, Owner Adam Jacoby: Jacoby and his husband, Kris Swift, run these two restaurants showcasing Texan cuisine with a twist.

• La Barbecue, Owner Ali Clem: Taking over after her late wife, LeAnn Mueller, Clem continues to serve top-notch barbecue in an inclusive space, celebrating individual expression and diversity.

• Lick Honest Ice Creams, Owners Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier: With imaginative, sustainable ice cream flavors, Lick has multiple locations in Texas. They roll out special Pride flavors each June.

• Patika, Owners Andy Wigginton and Nick Krupa: Inspired by third-wave coffee shops, this couple opened Patika in 2010, offering a space particularly welcoming to the gay, lesbian, and queer community.

• El Raval, Owners Chef Laila Bazahm and Laura Freedman: Bazahm, former exec chef of Eberly, and her wife Freedman own this Latin-Asian tapas spot, named after their fave Barcelona neighborhood.

• 34th Street Cafe and Santa Rita Cantina, Owner Eddie Bernal: With over 25 years in Austin's restaurant scene, Bernal has supported events like the AIDS Services of Austin’s Red Ribbon Dinners. He came out as a server during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the '80s.