7 LGBTQ-Owned Atlanta Businesses to Support During Pride Weekend

Pride weekend is coming up in Atlanta, and what better way to celebrate than by patronizing some of the best LGBTQ–owned businesses in the area. We’ve brought you a list of seven of the best LGBTQ businesses in the Atlanta area so that no matter how you choose to celebrate Pride Weekend, there is something for you here. Hungry? We’ve got that covered with sweet treats, handcrafted pizza, and the best tacos in the region. Thirsty? Stop by one of Atlanta’s world-famous gay bars or grab a specialty coffee. Looking for a good book? We’ve got that too, with the oldest feminist bookstore in the South.

Each of these businesses is LGBTQ-owned and proud to be so. Together, they represent Atlanta’s Pride to represent everybody equally and provide a safe space for LBGTQ, BIPOC, and marginalized voices in the south.

The Out Georgia Business Alliance is committed to developing programming that serves “a diverse membership of students, professionals, business owners, and corporate partners.” For more information on LGBTQ businesses in the Atlanta area, and for resources, programming, and event listings, visit the Out Georgia Business Alliance website.

1. Baker Dude Bakery Café  

Baker Dude has three locations, including its newest spot in Emory Village. This business serves up custom cakes, yummy treats, healthy lunch boxes, and catering options for the Atlanta area. Order up something special or stop by one of their locations to enjoy one of their carefully crafted desserts.

Baker Dude is dedicated to offering an array of options sure to satisfy any diet – vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto, dairy, and egg-free options are on the menu here. They always source the freshest ingredients and, according to their website, work tirelessly to ensure their offerings “exceed our guests’ expectations on freshness and deliciousness.”

Baker Dude created the “OneLove” Cupcake Outreach Program, which helps support social outreach programs in the Atlanta region. The program has donated to Emory and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and makes regular food donations to Nicholas House. 

If you’re curious, the Baker Dude is founder and head baker Orran Booher, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, and former home chef, who grew up creating Christmas cakes for his family.

Address: 1565 North Decatur Rd., Atlanta, GA 30307
Website: www.bakerdude.com  

2. Finca to Filter  

Finca to Filter offers specialty coffee blends from a duo of queer women entrepreneurs; Kayla and Bean. The company’s primary goal is to “celebrate humanity’s finest moments.” The word “Finca” is Spanish for coffee farm, and the company’s name pays homage to the founders’ expertise gleaned from years on such a farm in Guatemala.

Finca to Filter is all about enhancing its community buy setting a high standard for its business as one that is community-driven, sustainable, and thoughtful. But what makes Fina to Filter’s coffee so “special?”

Their website explains the complex path that coffee brewers must follow to be able to label their blends as “specialty.” First, coffee is graded by a panel of expert coffee tasters known as Q-Graders, who must judge the coffee as at least 80% or higher to qualify for the moniker. Finca to Filter says it’s generally accepted that only around 10% of all coffee produced reaches that grade.

On top of the score, specialty coffee means that everyone involved, including baristas, importers, exporters, farmers, and more, is treated with respect and value. Finca to Filter offers inspired patches for sale that support pro-LGBTQ policies, and 100% of profits benefit the Human Rights Council.

Address: 900 Murphy Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, and 1010 White St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Website: https://fincatofilter.coffee

3. Mary’s – America’s Favorite Gay Bar

Mary’s is a landmark for the LGBTQ community, both inside and outside of Atlanta. Mary’s was named one of the best gay bars in the world by the Logo Channel and Out Magazine and for good reason.

This lively spot is known for having a hip and fun vibe where people from the community can gather, mingle, and meet new people that, according to their website, “you won’t find other places.”

Mary’s holds weekly and monthly special events and has a team of skilled DJs ready to spin the night away. This famous location hosts some of the best drag shows in the country and features Atlanta’s best karaoke with over 15,000 songs available. So if you head out for Karaoke, get ready to sing your heart out!

Address: 1287 Glenwood Avenue, SE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30316
Website: www.marysatlanta.com

4. Oscar’s – Atlanta’s Favorite Martini Bar  

Oscar’s is located in Midtown at Ansley Square and calls itself “the best gay bar in Ansley Square.” Dubbed a Martini and Video bar, Oscar’s hosts the best party in the Atlanta area.

The location features a local artist every other month along with videos on demand that guests can pick and play. Oscar’s also hosts trivia nights, special guest performers, and stellar drag shows galore. There’s always something happening here. Feel like some daytime drinking? Oscar’s is there for you with special day drinking events. Feeling frisky? Stop by for Frisky Friday. Tuesdays are reserved for show tunes or stop in on a Sunday Funday for some forbidden fruit.

The location has been completely redone but remains in the same spot on Piedmont Road. They are famous for their Dirty Martini, so stop by for good times, great bartenders, and friendly people, and sip to your heart’s content.

Address: 1510 Piedmont Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Website: www.oscarsatl.com

5. Charis Books & More  

Charis is the South’s oldest independent feminist bookstore and has been celebrating radical and independent voices from the heart of the South since 1974. Founded by Linda Bryant, Charis specializes in unique children’s books, feminist and cultural studies books, books on anti-racism, and LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction.

Charis holds special event presentations, discussions, and even a board game night for LGBTQ youth from the Atlanta area. The location is a fully wheelchair-accessible space, both inside and outside. Directional signs are written in braille, the bathrooms are gender-neutral with motion-activated fixtures, video events are mic’d and captioned, and free ASL interpretation is available for most programs.

“Charis” is a Greek word that means grace, gift, and thankfulness, and the people who cherish and protect this space offer just that to the LGBTQ community in Atlanta. Together with its non-profit programming partner, Charis Circle, the company fosters sustainable feminist communities, works for social justice, and encourages the expression of diverse and marginalized voices.

Address: 184 S. Candler St. Decatur, GA 30030
Website: www.charisbooksandmore.com  

6. Guac y Margys (aka GYM)

Atlanta’s premier taqueria, GYM is not your regular taco spot. This creative eatery offers traditional meat tacos for all you carnivores out there, but also has a veggie option for those vegetarian people. On top of that, they offer a cauliflower taco, which they say is one of the most popular menu options, a Tequila Chicken taco, and their specialty – the ATLien style taco.

Pair your taco night with one of their fresh-made margaritas, made with their famous infused Tequilas. You can even participate in one of their trivia events or sign up for a margarita and guacamole-making class. GYM also accepts special event bookings for your next big taco party.

GYM’s owners were either born in Atlanta or have been residents of the city for more than a decade. And this taco joint truly cares about the community and is dedicated to giving back. Since opening their doors, they have donated over $15,000 to local nonprofits.

GYM has three locations for your enjoyment; Inman Park on Auburn Avenue, Midtown on Amsterdam Avenue, and West Midtown on Howell Mill Road.

Address: Midtown 502 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Website: www.guacymargys.com  

7. Firepit Pizza Tavern  

Firepit Pizza Tavern is a full-service restaurant with craft beers, wines, specialty cocktails, and some of the best pizzas in the area. Made from fresh, all-natural ingredients using traditional hand-tossed dough and homemade sauces baked in a brick oven – what more could your taste buds ask for?

Firepit was created by Leslie Cohen, an Atlanta native and winner of the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen. Cohen studied Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales, and together with executive chef Shaun Witmer, makes innovative, flavorful, and unique dishes.

Firepit says their restaurant is designed to deliver the same experience that pizza all over the world does – family-style dining and gathering with loved ones. Firepit is community-oriented and says it will be partnering with local organizations and businesses to help their neighborhood and Greater Atlanta prosper.

Address: 519 Memorial Dr. SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Website: www.firepitatl.com 

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