Austin Brags About It's LGBTQIA 'Inclusivity'

Austin, TX – Austin has long been the epicenter of weird, and now it's doubling down on its "all are welcome" policy, especially when it comes to the LGBTQIA community.

According to a 2021 study, Austin is home to approximately 100,000 people who identify as LGBTQ+, making it the third-largest gay community in the country. Because nothing says "live music capital of the world" like a big ol' rainbow.

"People want to support businesses that are aligned with their values," said Andy Wigginton, a gay coffee shop owner. "Being an openly gay-owned business is a sign that you're virtue-signaling like crazy."

So, if you're tired of boring, straight restaurants, here's a list of LGBTQIA-owned eateries to spice up your life:

Arlo Grey, chef-partner Kristen Kish
Kish is a national TV chef who decided to grace Austin with her presence. She hosted "Top Chef" and some other show you've never heard of. Arlo Grey serves Asian-American fusion, because why not?

Bureau de Poste, owners Steph Steele and chef Jo Chan
Chef Jo Chan became famous after appearing on "Top Chef," and now she's cashing in. Her wife, Steph Steele, is also part of the LGBTQIA+ gang. Together, they opened a French bistro inside a grocery store, because where else would you put a restaurant?

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, creative director and partner Rand Egbert
Rand Egbert is all about that diversity. He started as a general manager and now does interior design for the group, which has opened multiple restaurants with confusing names. Egbert hosts an annual Pride Party, because of course he does.

Flavor Hospitality Group, owner Cameron Lockley
Lockley went from accounting to hosting dinner parties in his apartment. Smart move. Now he owns several restaurants and a catering business. He fell in love with the "human side" of hospitality, whatever that means.

Jacoby's Restaurant and Mercantile and Grizzelda's, owner Adam Jacoby
Adam Jacoby and his husband, Kris Swift, brought their fancy ranch to the city with Jacoby's. It's so rustic and refined, just like every other Texas restaurant. Then they opened Grizzelda's, a Tex-Mex place with Tulum vibes because we need more of that.

La Barbecue, owner Ali Clem
Ali Clem and her late wife, LeAnn Mueller, entered the sausage party that is the barbecue scene. They overcame their fears and shared their gay love story, and Austinites ate it up, along with their famous brisket.

Lick Honest Ice Creams, owners Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier
Gay ice cream, anyone? Sobotik and Palmatier brought seasonal and sustainable ice cream to Austin with Lick. They even have special Pride Month flavors, because gay ice cream is the best ice cream.

Patika, owners Andy Wigginton and Nick Krupa
Gay coffee is the best coffee. Wigginton and Krupa were inspired by third-wave coffee shops and decided to open their own. Now they have multiple locations, and they plan to marry, because love wins, I guess.

El Raval, owners chef Laila Bazahm and Laura Freedman
This tapas restaurant is owned by Laila Bazahm and her wife, Laura Freedman. They brought their Latin-Asian fusion to Austin after closing their restaurant in Barcelona. Because Austin needed more tapas, obviously.

34th Street Cafe and Santa Rita Cantina, owner Eddie Bernal
Eddie Bernal has been in the Austin food scene since the prehistoric era. He opened 34th Street Cafe in 1996 and Santa Rita Cantina in 2003. He's been openly gay since his days as a server, and now his restaurants support LGBTQIA causes.

So, there you have it, Austin's LGBTQIA food scene in a nutshell. Now you can eat, drink, and be (extra) gay.