LGBTQ+-Owned and Gay-Friendly Things to Do in Austin, TX

Austin is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, with a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index. But you won’t find just one “gayborhood” here. The community is integrated throughout this inclusive town, which means that LGBTQ+ visitors will find a warm welcome wherever they wander.

Check out our two-day itinerary that will direct you to some of the most popular shopping districts, restaurants, nightclubs and gay-owned businesses in Austin.

Groups of people sitting at picnic tables in a courtyard surrounded by greenery and a covered patio in the background with the words "ALL ARE WELCOME" posted to the front of the structure.
Radio Coffee & Beer. Courtesy of Visit Austin.

DAY 1

Fuel up for the day with an espresso from Radio Coffee & Beer in South Austin. Then grab a hearty breakfast from on-site patio food truck Veracuz All Natural, where authentic Mexican tacos are made with all natural and fresh ingredients. Also located here is DEE DEE, serving up authentic Northern Thai street food for lunch and dinner.

Austin is all about the outdoors, so why not join fellow joggers on the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, which winds along Lady Bird Lake's shimmering waters and offers picturesque views of Austin’s skyline. Or, get out on the water with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak available from a local rental company

Also check out Zilker Park, a 360-acre dog-friendly oasis in the heart of downtown that’s the site of festivals like Austin City Limits and free performances at Zilker Hillside Theatre. Plus, it’s home to the Zilker Botanical Garden (reserve tickets online in advance), UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum and Barton Springs Pool, a historic spring-fed swimming spot that’s also great for people watching.

Woman leaning over marble check out counter at tiny grocer.
Steph Steele, Owner of Tiny Grocer. Credit Mackenzie Smith Kelley.

Grab a quick lunch in East Austin at local favorites like The Vegan Nom taco truck, serving up vegan tacos and burritos. Or, head down the block for quality slow-smoked meats from LGBTQ+-owned la Barbecue and enjoy your 'cue on the outdoor patio. Stop in Quickie Pickie for locally roasted coffee, 24 taps and fresh, house-made meals from morning to night.

Next, make your way downtown to the Mexic-Arte Museum to view traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art in a renovated historic building. Be sure to get a snap of the nearby With Liberty and Justice for All (A Work in Progress) installation by Jim Hodges on the rooftop of The Contemporary Austin at the Jones Center. Before leaving downtown, stop for a picture in front of the tallest piece of public artwork in Austin, the 103-foot rainbow mural Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti.

Take time to shop at some of Austin’s gay-owned stores. Pick up apparel and home accessories exclusively designed by LGBTQIA+ designers at The Little Gay Shop. Find all your fancy picnic fixins’ at Tiny Grocer, which sells locally produced specialty foods and wine. Buy a summer feminist read from BookWoman or discover a new author at Reverie Books. Pick out a colorful wig and sparkly party outfit at Coco Coquette. Then, discover vintage T-shirts and jeans at Never Knew. And be sure to bring home a toy for your favorite furry friend from Paws on Chicon

Drag queen on outdoor stage at Cheer Up Charlies with neon art in the background
Cheer Up Charlies Drag Queen. Credit Austinites101.

For dinner, enjoy the stunning Town Lake views at gay-owned Arlo Grey as you savor the dishes of Top Chef winner Kristin Kish. Located in the LINE Austin hotel, Arlo Grey uses Central Texas ingredients to create dishes like the Peeler Ranch Wagyu ribeye with bean salad, Texas spinach, spring onion fritter and beef fat aioli.

After dinner, get ready to hit the clubs. There are several gay bars centered in the Downtown Warehouse District. Don't miss Highland LoungeOilcan Harry’s (a drag queen destination for more than 25 years), the upscale Rain on 4th and The Iron Bear for a Tito's cocktail, cold beer, drag shows and dancing to live DJs.

DAY 2

Start your day with brunch on the colorful patio at Joann's Fine Foods. Begin with the Bodega Sando, an English muffin piled with smoked turkey, fried egg, cheese, bacon, sprouts and avocado. Or enjoy the classic huevos rancheros with refried black beans, hash browns and fresh flour tortillas. Before you go, be sure to stop in the shop at the Austin Motel and snap a pic with the ever-changing, love-focused neon sign!

Then take a shopping stroll along South Congress Avenue, known for its funky stores and chic boutiques. Check out the leather-lined shelves at Allens Boots, one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing by local artisans at Paperwork, moto-inspired gear at Revival Cycles, and modern menswear at Stag. Shop for stylish retro apparel for men and women at both Prototype Vintage and Feathers Boutique.

Keep caffeinated with an iced Turbo from the see-and-be-seen Jo's Coffee and snap a souvenir selfie in front of the I love you so much mural painted on the coffee bar’s wall. For a midday treat, stop in the gay-friendly Hotel San José and enjoy a refreshing frosé or michelada in the leafy courtyard lounge.

Art lovers will want to explore the colorful South Austin neighborhood galleries, with contemporary prints at Ao5 Gallery, local artisans' work on display at Art for the People Gallery, and Mexican and Latin American folk art at Mi Casa Gallery. Or stop by BLK Vinyl and flip through the impressive record collection that includes pop and psychedelic gems from the 1960s and '70s. Treat yourself to a blueberry-basil scone or kimchi cheddar biscuit paired with an herbal iced tea on the back patio of gay-owned Patika. Cool off with a cone from the gay-owned Lick Honest Ice Creams, known for their seasonal confections (with flavors like sweet cream and strawberry) made with locally sourced ingredients.

Continue your shopping spree in the trendy West Sixth District, where you can wander the bookshelves at BookPeople, spend hours flipping through rare vinyl at Waterloo Records, and stop in for a healthy snack or glass of wine at the Whole Foods Market flagship store.

Couple watching live music show at Cheer Up Charlies in Austin Texas
Cheer Up Charlies. Credit Nick Simonite.

In the evening, head to the Red River Cultural District for a live show or a themed dance party at Cheer Up Charlies, a lesbian-owned bar and music venue that showcases a diverse range of acts. Kick back in the charming backyard sheltered by a pink parachute canopy and sip a Kombucha served on tap. If it's Tuesday, don't miss Tuezgayz, a local LGBTQ+ tradition at Barbarella featuring dance tunes.

After the show, head back to East Austin for theater, live music, dives, mezcal bars and plenty of late night eats. See an experimental play at The VORTEX and have a drink at the adjacent, beautiful Butterfly Bar. Dress it up for dinner at the sultry Justine's Brasserie or enjoy upscale ranch-to-table fare at gay-owned Jacoby's. Then, hop down the road for drinks on the patios of Lustre Pearl East, Violet Crown Social Club and The Grackle. Or sip a locally brewed beer on the patio at Zilker Brewing Company.

For even more ideas, check out our guide to LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Austin.

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