Seattle is one of the most progressive cities in the nation when it comes to LGBTQ visibility. The city is home to the first-ever LGBTQ scholarship fund, the nation’s largest LGBTQ chamber of commerce, and a significant number of LGBTQ-founded and -owned businesses, bars, restaurants, and experiences.
Travel Out Seattle, a program of GSBA, helped us pick some of the best LGBTQ-aware and welcoming bars, restaurants, and destinations in the Seattle where you can be your full queer self.
A la Mode Pies
Picture this: savory and sweet pies, morning quiche, hand pies, pies by the slice, coffee, ice cream, beer, wine, and milkshakes, all in a beautifully designed, award-winning café space… that’s A la Mode Pies. LGBTQ-founded, owned, and operated. With two Seattle café locations in Phinney Ridge and West Seattle, A la Mode Pies is an easy stop on your route to or from the Woodland Park Zoo or Alki Beach. Among many accolades and satisfied pie eater reviews, A la Mode Pies was recognized as one of the largest LGBTQ-owned businesses in the Seattle area by the Puget Sound Business Journal in 2016.
The Wildrose
The Wildrose—women owned and operated since 1984 and a long-standing Seattle institution—is the only lesbian bar in the city, one of the oldest lesbian bars on the West Coast, and one of the few lesbian bars left in the United States. In a time where dedicated LGBTQ bars for women dwindle and gentrification changes Seattle’s gayborhood, Seattle’s Wildrose stands strong as a vital community institution. Taco Tuesdays with $1 tacos, $2 Tecates, and no cover.
Scout PNW @ Thompson Hotel
If you’re looking for a modern Pacific Northwest culinary experience, Scout PNW at the Thompson Seattle Hotel should high on your list. Under the helm of Thompson Seattle Executive Chef Derek Simcik, Scout PNW offers a seasonally rotating menu featuring locally grown produce, Puget Sound shellfish, Cascade-foraged mushrooms, and Eastern Washington grass-fed beef, and signature cocktails. Steps from the must-visit Pike Place Market and an ally in the fight for LGBTQ equality.
Space Needle
Seattle’s iconic landmark, the Space Needle, raises the rainbow flag high above the city annually on Pride weekend, and is an active member of the local LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce. In 2018, Space Needle underwent astonishing renovations and upgrades, and now features the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. You’re in for breathtaking views and a quintessential Seattle experience at a venue that values equality.
Connect Lounge
Connect Lounge in the heart of Belltown is a café serving simple PNW cuisine and founded on the ethos of connection through stories. On Tuesdays, get an additional $1 off happy hour craft cocktail prices if you stay away from your phone! Plus, a dog-friendly patio. Stop by on your way to the Space Needle from Pike Place Market to meet new friends, and hopefully, a dog or two.
The Cuff Complex
Serving the Seattle gay community for over 25 years, The Cuff Complex is the home bar for many of Seattle’s leather, bear, bike, and fetish groups. If you’re looking for a sprawling queer space for dancing, happy hour, karaoke, billiards, darts, and events catering to the masculine energy, the Cuff is your place. Be sure to visit their Facebook page for the ever-changing rotation of gatherings, parties, and visiting DJs. 21+.
Good Bar
No visit to Seattle is complete without a visit to the historic and ever-changing neighborhood of Pioneer Square. Set Good Bar as your destination. This straightforward and delicious restaurant + bar is located in the carefully restored Pacific Commercial Building, a beautiful brick and stone example of turn-of-the-century architecture. Allies in the work for LGBTQ equality, Good Bar is a perfect stop for happy hour or dinner on your romp through one of the most unique neighborhoods in the city.
Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails
Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails, a member of the LGBTQ chamber of commerce, is a contemporary PNW restaurant located on the fifth floor of the Motif Seattle hotel and features a spacious outdoor patio along the Seattle skyline. The outdoor space features warm spaces for gathering, fireplaces, and ping pong tables to encourage mingling and a fresh perspective. Open for brunch on the weekends and dinner every day, serving an extensive list of craft cocktails and local beers in the heart of Seattle’s action.
Queen Anne Coffee Co.
Queen Anne Coffee Co. is a proudly-gay owned coffee and breakfast café in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle. This sweet community space hosts regular open mics and live music and serves up delicious homemade baked treats like challah pretzel roles, breakfast quiches seasoned with café-grown herbs, apple and raspberry pie, and giant cinnamon rolls. The perfect spot to grab a snack after a morning in Discovery Park.
Travel Out Seattle, a program of GSBA, , promotes Seattle as a premier LGBTQ tourist destination by engaging current members and sponsors in the hospitality and tourism industries, promoting the Puget Sound region at national and international conferences, and providing tools and resources to inbound LGBTQ travelers.
Bird on a Wire in West Seattle! Lesbian owned since 2002
@ Heidi Herr – I was just going to post Bird on a Wire! I’ll add wonderful baked goods and staff reports they are treated wonderfully! 🙂