LGBTQ-Owned Restaurants in New England
New England is known for its rich culinary heritage, with a diverse range of restaurants that offer something for every palate. In recent years, a number of queer-owned restaurants have emerged in the region, offering unique and delicious dining experiences. From cozy bistros to bustling brasseries, these restaurants are not only run by members of the LGBTQ+ community, but also celebrate and support the diversity of their customers. Here are some of the top LGBTQ-owned restaurants in New England:
Maine
-Lucky Pigeon Brewing (Biddeford, ME)
“Lucky Pigeon Brewing is a dedicated gluten-free brewery located in the historic Pepperell Mills in Biddeford, Maine. Lucky Pigeon started as the dream of Kathleen Pigeon (our original “Lucky Pigeon”) who had to remove gluten from her diet for health reasons. The idea took root during a family vacation where a visit to a craft brewery provoked the thought, “wouldn’t it be great to have a tasting room experience that folks who are gluten-free can enjoy?”
-Tao Yuan Restaurant (Brunswick, ME)
Asian-fusion restaurant for unexpected fare like short ribs & foie gras offered in serene environs.
-Alice and Lulu’s (Carrabassett Valley, ME)
“Alice and Lulu’s is brought to you by two people obsessed with all things food. Alexis is the food portion of the equation, Laura the wine and hospitality. No matter how their skills may be divided, both are intensely committed to bringing people the best possible products and service.
From cheese, to bread, to wine and all of the wonderful things in between, we seek out the best of the best, and when we can't find something suitable we make it ourselves, reworking the recipe until it's perfect. We take pride in bringing you the best culinary experience we possibly can in a comfortable, inviting, relaxing atmosphere - whether that's sitting in our restaurant or next to the fire in your living room.”
-Cafe 64 (Old Orchard Beach, ME)
“Café 64 offers a wide variety of hot and iced coffee drinks and we also craft a selection of savory and sweet food options daily. Whether it's morning coffee, lunch, or an afternoon snack you seek, we've got you covered from 7am to 3pm daily!”
-Cocktail Mary (Portland, ME)
“A friendly, neighborhood cocktail bar in the east end offering a modern twist on traditional favorites.”
-Little Woodford’s (Portland, ME)
“We're a small shop with a big heart serving up coffee, snacks and community in Portland, Maine. Locally-owned and operated.”
Vermont
-Mon Vert Cafe (Woodstock, VT)
“Modern breakfast & lunch fare with organic ingredients & espresso drinks, served in hip digs.”
-The Lincoln Inn & Restaurant At The Covered Bridge (Woodstock, VT)
“Tucked away on six acres of picturesque Vermont landscape, the Lincoln Inn and Restaurant is a vacation destination and culinary gem for locals and travelers alike. Alone or with good friends, for an extended stay or just the night, the Lincoln Inn and Restaurant offers a charming backdrop for your perfect vacation experience. From the tranquil sounds of the river to the lingering scents drifting from the restaurant, the Inn inspires all the senses.”
-Schmetterling Wine Shop (Middlebury, VT)
“We chose the name Schmetterling (which means "butterfly" in German) because we love Austrian, German, Alsatian, and other cold weather wines (yes, also Vermont wines!). Schmetterling was created by a queer couple, and queerness radiates from the business.”
-Cornerstone Pub & Kitchen (Barre, VT)
“Casual gastropub featuring a variety of craft beers in a contemporary space with an upbeat vibe.”
New Hampshire
-The Skinny | Teatotaller (Concord, NH)
“Twice named Best of NH, Teatotaller is a “queer, hipster oasis of tea, coffee, and pastry goodness.”
-Doogie's Bar and Grill (Manchester, NH)
“Gay bar & American grill with a laid-back vibe offering a pool table, dance floor & patio seating.”
Massachusetts
-Fool's Errand (Boston, MA)
“Specialty cocktails, wines by the glass & unique pub snacks offered in a hip, retro setting.”
-dbar (Dorchester, MA)
“Posh New American haunt with creative fare in a dark-wood setting that becomes a gay scene at night.”
-Strangers & Saints (Provincetown, MA)
“A former sea captain's home, now an eclectic Mediterranean tavern with craft cocktails & much charm.”
-Dorchester Brewing Co. (Boston, MA)
“20 draft lines pouring pints of housemade suds plus facilities available to outside craft brewers.”
-Cathedral Station (Boston, MA)
“Spacious, gay-oriented sports bar offering a typical range of cocktails, beer & pub-grub standards.”
-Rebel Rebel (Somerville, MA)
“Rebel Rebel is a no-rules natural wine bar in Somerville's Bow Market. We give a fuck (about wine and about you). We believe a wine bar can be a place for the community to engage, grow, and communicate. We also believe in the power of natural wine to bring us back to the foundations of our connection to farmers, to women, and to the planet. Think that sounds like a bunch of woo-woo bullshit? Come hang out and let us show you what we do.”
Connecticut
-Bloodroot (Bridgeport, CT)
“Feminist bookshop & casual eatery with seasonal vegan-vegetarian fare plus patio seating.”
-168 York Street Cafe (New Haven, CT)
“Laid-back gay bar & American eatery in the basement of a townhouse, featuring theme nights & brunch.”
-Barracuda (New Haven, CT)
“Cozy, contemporary hangout serving cocktails & New American dishes with Latin flair.”
Rhode Island
-Rhody Roots (Warren, RI)
“Chef Lou and Cassie have been in the restaurant industry for more than half of their lives. Hospitality an a love of different cuisines came naturally to them. Chef's JWU education and hands on experience allotted him the creativity to be able to combine foods from as many local companies as possible, to create an allergen friendly menu. They're excited to transform what initially began as a food truck into a brick and mortar. This team is thrilled to be able to share their passion with the small town of Warren, RI and hope to meet many more great people along the way.”
-Al Forno (Providence, RI)
“This upscale ristorante adds local touches to grilled pizzas, pastas & wood-fired mains.”
-Res American Bistro (Providence, RI)
“Elevated steaks, seafood & other New American fare in chic surrounds, plus a wine list & cocktails.”
-The Alley Cat (Providence, RI)
“Gay bar with a snug, dark-wood interior, a mixed-orientations crowd, drag shows & trivia nights.”
