Gay restaurant denver
3 Queer-Owned Food and Drink Spaces Serving Denver’s LGBTQ+ Community
The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to animation in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
A restaurant sparked the modern queer liberation movement, and it wasn’t even Stonewall. In August of 1966, three years before the historical riot in Fresh York City, homosexual and trans patrons of Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco fought against police harassment with 60 cent coffee cups, handbags, and tall heels. It was the United States’ first recorded behave of militant homosexual resistance, and subsequent history of activism starting in lgbtq+ spaces like the Stonewall Inn and Black Cat Tavern in Los Angeles—which were both gathering places and spots for eating and drinking—has precipitated significant progress in Queer activism and acceptance.
Queer food and liquid establishments are never as important as now, though. With the proliferation of pride celebrations (including one in Aspen for the first time this year) and greater gay representation in media and advertising, it can be simple to forget that safe havens are still needed, with over 450 anti-LGBTQ+ bills recently passed or currently moving forward in the Combined States
Denver’s Queer-Run Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries to Check Out Right Now
There are safe places and then, there are spots that proudly affirm and celebrate the Gay community. Queer-run restaurants, bars, and breweries offer just that all year long. Make a concentrated effort to stop in during Pride Month and show your support, all while eating excellent food and drinking amazing beverages.
For more queer-owned local businesses beyond the dining scene, be sure to bookmark the directory from Queer Denver Living and download the Everywhere Is Queer app. Both are valuable resources for finding community and showing up as an ally.
But back to what you’re here for — fabulous drag brunches, food hall finds, late-night venues, and more spots championing visibility. Here are 18 queer-run places to brew and dine in Denver.
Queer-Owned Denver Restaurants
Champagne Tiger
Since its debut last summer, Champagne Tiger has change into a beloved establishment on East Colfax Avenue. Queer-owned drinking spots including Buddies and X Prevent also appear on the block, but the “gayborhood” was prolonged missing a restaurant. With his new French-American diner, owner Chris Donato has fulfi
Let us host your special event!
Review by - Yelp
Tomas R:
Had the chance to examine Tight End Sports Bar (love a good play on words moment) to catch the game and had a great time. This spot is very laidback and relaxed, so it's fantastic if you wish to be in a queer and inclusive..
Review by - Yelp
Isaiah C:
Looooovd this prevent, such a chill environment. People are nice, pizza is good, drinks are good. Jus a nice chill place to be
Review by - Yelp
Efren R:
I was in town for a few days for work. I wasn't sure which gay bar to go to so I just chose one and I'm glad I chose Tight End Sports Bar. I met very cool people. Huge shoutout to the bartender. He was amazing. You..
Review by - Yelp
Adam B:
Came here on a Saturday mid-day. Lots of beautiful people. It has a lot of TV's and a amazing sports bar. Plus they have a great selection of draft beer and strong pours. Super friendly vibe and great staff...
Review by - Yelp
Chris S:
Great Sports B
Although any bar in Denver are accepting, there’s something special about visiting a local LGBTQ+ bar or club and diving into The Mile High City’s queer community. They are the spots where you know you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, fun and eccentric people. And luckily for us, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ nightlife options to choose from, no matter your taste.
Dancing Queens (and Kings) - Dance Bars and Clubs
For those who want to bust out their dancing shoes and cut a rug to remixes of today’s top hits, you’ll want to hit one of the top move bars in the city—X Bar, Tracks, Blush & Blu, or Charlie’s.
X Prevent is a staple for Denver LGBTQ+ folks. Recognizable for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Lock has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long.
“X Bar is well known for the pink flamingos during celebration, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Exclude. “We also give them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. We have a very exceptional float this year, so we are looking forward to the