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June of 2021 is filled with reason for celebration, thanks to the overlap of Pride Month and the city’s delayed Fiesta revelry.
Many folks are looking to explore LGBTQ-friendly or -owned businesses right now, so we looked for local restaurants and bars that have declared their spaces as safe and inclusive to all San Antonians, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Every one of these 22 eateries and bars have either identified themselves as “Open to All” via online review platform Yelp, hosted past LGBTQ+ inclusive events onsite or are planning to hold such events in the near future. By no means is it an exhaustive list of the many welcoming spots in our city, but it should provide a good starting point.
1031 Patricia, Suite 104, (210) 753-2032, cerealkillersweets.com
While you may associate “Cereal Killer Sweets” with the phrase “rice cereal treats,” owner Megan Morales also whips up warm cookies and fudgy brownies. You’ll have to plan wisely, though, because right now she’s only opening her online shop on Tuesdays. When she’s sold out, she’s sold out til the next week!
Photo via Instagram /
texas_made_eatsLuther’s Cafe
1503 N Main Ave, (210) 223-7727, lutherscafe.com
As a staple of The Strip, Luther’s is known for its fierce backing and empowerment of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community, from its drag shows to fundraising events. Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled meal ordered from the restaurants’ all-around Texas menu.
Photo via Instagram / lutherscafeGino’s Deli @ Stop & Buy
13210 Huebner Rd, (210) 764-0602, myginosdeli.com
We might have included a number of burger and sandwich spots here, but let’s be clear that we can’t miss the opportunity to point out the greatness that is Gino’s Deli. Whether you want a burger or opt for a sandwich (hot or cold, it’s up to you), you can get some delicious AF grub for around $10. Plus, you can make it a combo – chips and a drink – for $2.49 more.
Photo via Instagram / ginosdeliThe MVP: Sichuan House
3505 Wurzbach Road #102, (210) 509-9999, facebook.com/SichuanEats
The fact that five out of 15 chefs recommended Sichuan House is all you need to know. Some dishes that were specifically called out? The cumin beef, twice cooked pork and spicy & savory jumbo shrimp.
Photo via Instagram /
s.a.foodieMax and Louie’s New York Diner
226 W Bitters Road Suite 126, (210) 483-7600, maxandlouiesdiner.com
When chef Ernest Bradley needs a quick meal to-go, he lets his little lady make the call: “When we order in, we get it from Max and Louie’s New York Diner. It’s my daughter’s favorite place.”
Photo via Instagram /
linhnie_Picks Bar
4553 N. Loop 1604 West, (210) 253-9220, picksbar.com
Picks bar offers live band karaoke nights, drag shows and other live music performances. Its extensive drink and food menus make it the perfect queer-friendly spot for dinner and a show. Credit:Photo via Instagram / picks_barsaThe Noodle Tree
7114 UTSA Boulevard #101
Mike Nyugen, chef-owner of Noodle Tree on SA’s Northwest side, was a resounding voice against Gov. Greg Abbott’s plan to re-open Texas in April. Nguyen’s battle with — coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 crisis — forced him to shut down his ramen-focused restaurant to refocus on treatment.
Photo via Instagram /
noodletreetxThai Dee Restaurant
5307 Blanco Rd, (210) 342-3622, thaideesa.com
If you get only one insider tip from this collection of SA Thai spots, let it be this: DO NOT sleep on Thai Dee’s iced tea. Order anything off the menu, and it’ll be tasty, but this tea, y’all… like your abuelita’s rice, it could probably cure cancer.
Photo via Instagram / thaideesaSmoke Shack
3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430,
smokeshacksa.com
Featured twice on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious BBQ and southern-style cooking that will amply satisfy your cravings. Grab an order of the tender, melty Brisket Grilled Cheese and you may just become a regular.
Photo via Instagram / smokeshackMagnolia Pancake Haus – Cibolo
17730 Interstate 35, Schertz, (210) 496-0828 ext. 3, magnoliapancakehaus.com
The third Magnolia Pancake Haus is now open for all your breakfast and brunch needs on the northeast side, but be sure to show up with plenty of time to wait, as every location operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Photo via Instagram / txeatsBest Mexican Restaurant
Rosario’s Mexican Cafe y Cantina, Multiple locations, rosariossa.com
Photo via Instagram / eat.sanantonioBest Kid-Friendly Restaurant/Restaurant for Special Diets
The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St., (210) 227-2683, thecove.us
Photo via Instagram / thecovesaBest Burger
Chris Madrid’s, 1900 Blanco Road, (210) 735-3552, chrismadrids.com
Photo by Lea ThompsonBest Juice Shop
Revolución Coffee + Juice, Multiple locations, revolucionsa.com
Photo via Facebook / Revolucion Coffee + JuiceBest Woman-Owned Restaurant
The Good Kind, 1127 S. St. Mary’s St., (210) 801-5892, eatgoodkind.com
Photo by Josh HuskinSqueezers
732 S Alamo St., (210) 376-7455, facebook.com/SQUeeZeRSco
If you’re into juicing, stop in to Squeezers in Southtown. From meal replacement smoothies to “immune boosting” fresh pressed juices, Squeezers has a little something for everyone.
Photo via Instagram
squeezerscoParamour
102 9th St #400, (210) 340-9880, paramourbar.com
Paramour’s plush, bright couches, fun wallpaper and gorgeous views are enough to garner the “crazy” distinction, but the weekly drag shows push that to decidedly over-the-top.
Photo via Instagram / paramourbarNOLA Brunch & Beignets
111 Kings Ct, (210) 320-1572, eatatnola.com
Snag some fresh, hot beignets and a glass — or bottle, who are we kidding? — of bubbles at NOLA Brunch & Beignets, which pairs Cajun breakfast staples with a casual attitude.
Photo via Instagram / countdowncityconnoisseursMaverick Texas Brasserie
710 S St Mary’s St, (210) 973-6050, mavericktexas.com
Maverick Texas Brasserie packs a punch with brioche donuts fried to order and mimosas with fresh-squeezed OJ. Post up on their gorgeous patio for an epic brunch experience.
Photo via Instagram / quixem_La Maceta Tapatios
4553 TX-1604 Loop #1101, (210) 999-1229, facebook.com/lamaceta.52
Located inside Picks Bar, swing by the counter of La Maceta Tapatios to fill up before a night of fun.
Photo via Instagram / lamaceta_52Shotgun House Roasters
1333 Buena Vista St, facebook.com/shotgunhouseroasters
Shotgun doesn’t just serve up a mean cup of coffee — they’ve also got an impressive wine and beer menu, perfect for an afternoon spent in the shop or back garden.
Photo via Instagram / shotgunhouseroastersRo-Ho Pork and Bread Tortas Ahogadas
8617 North New Braunfels Ave, (210) 800-3487, facebook.com/rohoporkandbread
Known for their Torta Ahogada, carnitas and authentic airote bread baked daily, Ro-Ho is sure to please
Photo via Instagram / rohoporkandbread