LBGTQ+ owned businesses

Enjoy a drink and drag show at Oasis Nightclub. Photo courtesy of Oasis. 

June is Pride Month, and there's no better time to check-out a new LGBTQ+-owned business. From French soul food to mochi muffins, nightclubs to Irish pubs and designer consignment shops to historic game stores — there are ample opportunities to support our LBGTQ+ community this month and all year. So, grab your Clipper card and hop on BART. Here's a roundup of a few of our favorite BARTable places. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Chow down on French fare at Brenda's. Photo courtesy of Brenda's French Soul Food.

Brenda’s French Soul Food | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Chef and Owner Brenda Buenviajé creates a delicious mix of Southern, Creole and French cuisines in a charming and casual atmosphere at Brenda’s French Soul Food in the Tenderloin. Originally from New Orleans, Brenda's menu reflects her Sicilian, French and Filipino background. Expect entrees like chicken & andouille gumbo, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, catfish Benedict and so much more. You can even treat yourself to a Beignet flight, which includes three flavors: crawfish, plain and apple with chocolate. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza for filling French soul food 0.5 miles away at 652 Polk St. 

This bathhouse turned night club hosts exciting events every week. Photo courtesy of Hannah C. on Yelp.

Oasis | 16th St Mission  

For an unforgettable night in San Francisco, head to Oasis. The award-winning drag show nightclub and cabaret venue is owned by D'Arcy Drollinger, an actor, writer, director, choreographer, producer and San Francisco’s first Drag Laureate. Programming includes local and visiting drag stars, live musical acts and DJs. Take BART to 16^th St Mission for internationally acclaimed entertainment and a ton of fun, 0.7 miles away at 298 11th St.

Find an outfit for any occasion at Sui Generis. Photo courtesy of Sui Generis.

Sui Generis | 16 St Mission

Sui Generis is a designer consignment shop in the popular Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. Led by dynamic duo Miguel Lopez and Gabriel Yanez, shoppers can expect rare vintage finds and classic designers like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and more. With new arrivals almost every day SuiGeneris is a place to come back to time and time again. Take BART to 16th St Mission for unique finds 0.7 miles away at 2231 Market St.

Try new cocktails with friends at Casements Bar. Photo courtesy of Casements Bar.

Casements Bar | 16th St Mission

This friendly Irish bar in the Mission District has a cozy interior with exposed red brick walls, a lovely outdoor space with plenty of murals, delicious food and an extensive liquor list. There's also a mix of DJs and live music to keep this cool spot lively. The kitchen offers everything from French onion soup and ale battered mushrooms to fish and chips and Irish-style chicken curry. Take BART to 16th St Mission for a cold drink and a warm Irish meal 0.4 miles away at 2351 Mission St.

The wine and decor are natural at Arcana. Photo courtesy of SF Chronicle.

Arcana | 24th St Mission

This natural wine bar with 20-foot-high ceilings and plenty of natural light is also a plant boutique. The urban greenhouse, complete with foliage, pottery and gardening tools, is the ultimate setting to relax and unwind with a glass of something special or a yummy vegetarian dish. Arcana also serves as an event space featuring live bands, DJs and drag shows. Check the calendar for fun happenings. Take BART to 24^th St Mission and find Arcana 0. 3 miles away at 2512 Mission St. 

Come for the food and stay for the party at the adjacent lounge. Photo courtesy of Asmara Restaurant. 

Asmara Restaurant | MacArthur

For traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine in the Temescal neighborhood, head to Asmara Restaurant. Popular menu items include the Vegetarian Combo and Ye-Beg Alicha (cubes of lamb stewed and simmered with curry, onion, garlic and spices), among many other delicious choices. Guests love the authentic, fresh ingredients, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly service. Take BART to MacArthur for vibrant flavors 0.6 miles away at 5020 Telegraph Ave.

From classic to niche games at this one-stop game shop has it all. Photo courtesy of Games of Berkeley.

Games of Berkeley | Downtown Berkeley

No matter what type of game you're looking for, you'll likely find it at Games of Berkeley. This historic store has everything from hobbies like painting and crafts to jigsaw puzzles, brainteasers, S.T.E.M. activities, action figures, board games, cards and more. Games of Berkeley even hosts events like Pokemon Afternoon Club, Disney Lorcana League Play and Star Wars Unlimited Casual Play. Check out the event calendar to learn more. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley for all your gaming needs 0.7 miles away at 2510 Durant Ave.

Grab one of their popular sandwich and salad combos for takeout. Photo courtesy of Connie Y. on Yelp.

Café Gabriela | 12 St/Oakland City Center

Penny Baldado, a queer immigrant from the Philippines, founded Café Gabriela in 2010. She named the restaurant after Gabriela Silang, a Filipina revolutionary who revolted against Spanish colonizers on the island. Since opening, Café Gabriela has supported the local community by providing a warm and welcoming space for workers and customers alike. The atmosphere, tasty sandwiches and simple salads make it a favorite for the community. Take BART to 12^th St/Oakland City Center to visit this popular takeaway eatery 417 feet away at 988 Broadway.

See a show at the stylish social club Fluid510. Photo courtesy of OpenTable.

Fluid 510 |12th St/Oakland City Center

Award-winning venue owners Richard Fuentes and Sean Sullivan created social club and event space Fluid 510 as a love letter to Oakland. Diverse, passionate and fun — this 5,000 square foot venue has a kitchen, two full bars, an elevated lounge, state of the art sound & lighting systems and two projection screens. Open for food and drinks from Wednesday to Thursday, Fluid 510 also has a busy event calendar. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center for craft cocktails, a bite to eat and a lot of fun 0.1 miles away at 1544 Broadway.
 

Pair your favorite drink with a mochi donut at Third Culture. Photo courtesy of Alyssa A. on Yelp. 

Third Culture | Walnut Creek

Owners Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu are the original third-culture kids — kids who grew up with a different culture than their parents. Their bakery, established as a symbol of diversity, inclusiveness, and acceptance, exists because of love and hard work. Their famous Mochi Muffin was inspired by an Indonesian dessert Sam’s mom used to make. The equally popular baked and non-fried mochi donuts are a notch above your average tasty treat. Add a Matcha to your order, and enjoy! Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and head 0.9 miles to visit this sweet LGBTQ+-owned business at 1310 S California Blvd.

What is Your Favorite BARTable LGBTQ+ owned Bay Area Business?

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