Have a good time Pleasure month by supporting these Seattle LGBTQ-owned eating places

In 2019, Thrillist added the Emerald City celebrations to their list of the Best Pride Parades in America, according to Drag Queens. Seattle was also featured on Pride.com’s list of the eight best Pride celebrations in the United States, landing at number seven. Additionally, an NBC study found that Seattle has the highest rate of same-sex married couples who identify with women. Jenny Durkan, the city’s first lesbian mayor, was elected in 2017 after Ed Murray, who was also gay.

While every city has its flaws, Seattle is a proud city. And while the Seattle Pride Month celebrations have gone (again) virtual this year, there are still endless ways to show your allies and support for LGBTQ + businesses. Not only does it help our economy to shop small and eat in local restaurants, it also helps local families. You also get something delicious out of it. A win-win situation for everyone.

In honor of Pride month, we’ve compiled a list – by no means exhaustive – of some of our favorite Seattle LGBTQ restaurants that are being supported this month. Scroll on.

The Appearance of Flard Tamales in August 2020, featured in Le T’s Yelp review.

The T./Yelp.com

Osbaldo and his family rule from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and immigrate to the United States in the early 2000s. Upon arrival, Osbaldo noticed a lack of authentic tamales in the Seattle area. With his husband Dennis, Osbaldo started their immigrant and gay owned family business, Flard Tamales, in 2015. Named for the corner of Seattle where Fremont and Ballard cross, this little tamale shop is known for its quality and free delivery on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Flard Tamales and Hellbent Brewing are celebrating Pride Month on Sunday June 27th from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM with live mariachi music, handmade tamales, craft beers and more. View event information here.

Pride cupcakes from Cupcake Royale

Jasmin L. about Yelp

This little cupcake shop on E. Pike St. on Capitol Hill may seem humble, but it is a leader in the business world when it comes to promoting LGBTQ rights. When it opened in 2003, it was the first cupcakery of its kind outside of New York City and has been a huge hit ever since.

To support local businesses and boost the local economy, Cupcake Royale is committed to the local: East Washington flour is made specifically for the bakery; all dairy products used in the store are local and growth hormone free; and the eggs the bakery buys are organic and cage-free. Who ever said cupcakes must be a guilty treat? This is a sweet treat that can make you feel good.

In addition to its Capitol Hill location, the LGBTQIA company has offices in West Seattle, Madrona, Ballard, and downtown Seattle. In honor of Pride month, the shop offers its gay cupcake and festive merchandise. Pre-order online or stop by a store.

I’m looking for kombucha

Damaris G. via Yelp

Founder Jeanette suffered from stomach problems at a young age. When she started drinking kombucha, she noticed that the positive bacteria were actually helping and healing her stomach. Inspired by the drink, Jeanette wanted to start brewing her own book using fresh, local ingredients. When friends and family knocked and tried to get their hands on a bottle of the lovely brew, Jeanette knew it was time to share. The duo Seeking Kombucha started with their wife Lyz, which is ironic, because you don’t have to look any further for the perfect bottle.

In addition to the new taproom at 1091 Thomas St., you’ll find the fermented drinks at the Capitol Hill, West Seattle and Proctor farmers markets.

A photo of the Aloha Frieze by Marination Ma Kai, included in Frank Es’s Yelp review.

Frank E./Yelp.com

What started as a food truck in Seattle boomed into a popular brick and mortar. While the truck, Big Blue, may be out of service for a short time, Marinan and its sister businesses have so much to offer. The Hawaiian-Korean fusion truck inspired a location in West Seattle, Marination Ma Kai, that offers delicious food and incredible water views from its patio. The downtown location offers a full menu of unique tacos, sliders, and other bites that you can’t find anywhere else in town. That is, unless you visit Super Six, located on Hudson St. in Columbia City and named after the days of the area’s auto industry in the early 20th century.

Whichever place you choose, the owners Kamala and Roz are sure to spoil you with scratch-based street food that is bursting with flavor and nothing short of exquisite.

A view of dinosaurs on the table uploaded to their Yelp page by Distant Worlds Coffeehouse.

Distant Worlds Coffee House / Yelp.com

Geeks, win! This is the place for you. Whether it’s an evening of Dungeons and Dragons or an afternoon of study, Distant Worlds welcomes groups of all sizes to Roosevelt, anytime.

Inspired by Geek-Core, the room welcomes geeks of all stripes and the staff pride themselves on being allies. Order a sandwich, homemade pastry, cup of coffee or tea from the menu and make yourself comfortable.

We hope this non-exhaustive list inspires you to check out one of these queer companies or do your own research. Seattle has a diverse selection of LGBTQ + bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops – anything you can think of. Whether you’re looking for a pastry, a cup of coffee, or just a fun game night with friends, consider sponsoring something new this month, whatever that is for you. And remember, the pride doesn’t end when July rolls around.