NEWSLETTER
From James Beard nominees and delicious diners to historic bed and breakfasts and contemporary art galleries, New York is filled with amazing LGBTQ-owned businesses. Support the state’s diverse LGBTQ community this Pride month and every month, and be sure to add these businesses to your next Empire State getaway! Photo Credit: Ayesha Thomas.
These are just a few of the amazing LGBTQ-owned businesses in New York State. Message us on Instagram @iloveny to feature LGBTQ-owned businesses you love in New York State!
Updated 04/20/2026 | Originally published 05/21/2024
JUMP TO: Capital-Saratoga | Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Central New York | New York City | Finger Lakes | Long Island | Thousand Islands-Seaway | Catskills | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Adirondacks
Capital-Saratoga
Credit: @vincentgiordanophotography on Instagram
Ambition Coffee House & Eatery (Schenectady)
Pour yourself a cup of Ambition at this coffee house serving up funky fresh sandwiches, local roasted coffee, classic cocktails, and homemade desserts and goodies. You may even get to see celebrities like Ryan Gosling or Bradley Cooper among many others, who’ve visited the shop.
Cafe Euphoria (Troy)
Upscale presentation meets familiar comfort foods at Cafe Euphoria, a transgender and gender non-conforming worker-owned and operated cafe, restaurant, and safe space in downtown Troy.
Fort Salem Theater (Salem)
Found in Salem’s National Historic District, sits the newly-renovated Fort Salem Theater, featuring dozens of plays, musicals, and new works each year while also hosting tribute bands, youth productions, touring musicians, and sold-out drag shows.
Jacob Alejandro (Albany, Troy)
“Drink coffee, meet the world” is the motto over at Jacob Alejandro with locations in Albany and Troy, owned by a husband and husband team, serving up specialty coffee and experiences.
Greater Niagara
Aura Salt Cave (East Amherst)
Sit back, relax, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating halotherapy (salt therapy) session at Aura Salt Cave in East Amherst. Other services include hand and foot detox, infrared saunas, massage, facials, hypnosis, and more.
Swan Street Diner (Buffalo)
Have a seat at Larkville’s Swan Street Diner, found in a fully-restored 1937 diner car and featuring classic diner delights from biscuits and gravy to indulgent milkshakes.
Hudson Valley
Credit: @upstate.ly on Instagram
Lil Deb’s Oasis (Hudson)
Created by artist-chefs, woman-powered Lil’ Deb’s Oasis offers up dishes as bright and bold as its interior inspired by the founders’ combined roots in Latin America and the North American South.
Camp Kingston (Kingston)
On your next trip to historic Kingston, pay a visit to this nostalgic, queer-owned café, bar, and creative hub inspired by classic summer camp vibes. Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, comfort food, local drinks, games, art, or a community event, this spot is fun for all.
Cafe Mutton (Hudson)
Simple, delicious food can be found at this neighborhood favorite found on a sunny corner in Hudson. Chef and owner Shaina Loew-Banyan was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef category in 2023 and they are nominated again in 2025 for the prestigious award.
Sniff A Pickle (Nyack)
Owned and operated by a husband and husband duo, Sniff A Pickle is a unique novelty store featuring handmade apparel, drinkware, gifts, stickers, journals, trinkets, custom orders, and pickles, of course!
Main Street Beat (Nyack)
Calling all music fans! This LGBTQ and woman-owned and operated record shop, the only one in Nyack, has all your music needs including new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, record players, as well as clothing and books.
Little Loaf Bakeshop (New Paltz)
Pastries are baked with pride at this queer-owned and operated, all-vegan cafe and bakeshop in New Paltz. Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere, rotating lineup of baked goods, breakfast and lunch options, and handcrafted coffee.
Harana Market (Accord)
Eat food that makes your heart sing at Harana Market! Delight in delicious lutong bahay (homestyle) Filipino cuisine by Chef Chris Mauricio at pop-up events, Lumpia rolling classes, and more.
Central New York
Credit: Ayesha Thomas
Beekman 1802 (Sharon Springs)
Pay a visit to the Kindness Shop and working farm of this world-famous beauty brand in the quaint town of Sharon Springs, where you’ll find an assortment of their goat-milk infused products as well as crafts and foods from the community.
Brimstone Bakery (Sharon Springs)
Signature breakfast pastries, quiche, specialty cakes, and some of the best coffee around can be found at Brimstone Bakery, owned by New York City and San Francisco-based Chef Anthony Leberto. The bakery also hosts delightful afternoon tea that can be reserved through their website.
New York City
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art (Manhattan)
With roots dating back to the year of the Stonewall Uprising, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art in SoHo is the only museum dedicated to LGBTQIA+ art in the world.
Hags (Manhattan)
All are welcome at this MICHELIN-starred queer and trans-owned fine dining establishment in the East Village, featuring two contemporary tasting menus: one vegan and one omnivore.
Astoria Bookshop (Queens)
Find your next read among the diversely-stocked shelves at this queer woman-owned independent book shop in Astoria.
Brooklyn Comedy Collective (Brooklyn)
Catch a show at this alt comedy theater and school in East Williamsburg. Classes including improv, sketch, stand-up, and more are also offered if you’re looking to step into the spotlight.
Big Gay Ice Cream (Manhattan)
What once began as a seasonal food truck in 2009, this now ice cream parlor has been named one of the best in the country, serving up the most delicious frozen creations with high-quality ingredients.
Finger Lakes
Credit: @crisp_rochester on Instagram
Crisp Rochester (Rochester)
Revel in the old school chic and wonderfully cozy setting of Crisp and enjoy seasonally-inspired modern comfort food alongside local beers and stunning cocktails.
Seneca Street Brewery (Manlius)
Enjoy all-natural, classic style brews from the outdoor patio or cozy brew pub, found in a refurbished church basement, at this family-owned farm brewery in Manlius.
H. Grey Supply Co. (Syracuse)
Stroll through downtown Syracuse, where you’ll find this vibrant modern day general store and outfitter featuring small-batch makers. Be sure to stop next door to H. Grey Social for a signature coffee, creative cocktail, or sweet treat.
Rasa Spa (Ithaca)
Unlock ultimate relaxation on your next trip to Ithaca at this day spa offering massages, facials, bodywork, meditation, and yoga.
Alley Cat Café (Ithaca)
Be sure to stop by this cafe with delicious coffee, tea, sandwiches, sweet treats, and a room filled with the cutest kitties around, all of which are up for adoption.
Long Island
American Beech Hotel (Greenport)
Find your way to this romantic boutique hotel nestled in Greenport’s historic Stirling Square, just steps away from endless shops and cute cafes.
NuBar (Farmingdale)
Named the Best LGBTQ+ Bar on Long Island for 2026, NuBar in Farmingdale is known for their delicious cocktails, year-round outdoor patio, drag shows, live DJ sets, karaoke, and bingo nights.
Little Ram Oysters (Southold)
Get a taste of vacation at this women-owned company offering up fresh North Fork-grown oysters. Be sure to stop by their farmstand or fresh oysters and other goodies.
Sand Castle on the Ocean (Cherry Grove)
Cacio e Pepe Carbonara, pan-roasted black sea bass, and vegan eggplant Katsu are just a few of the delicious dishes that make up the menu at this gay-owned fine dining establishment in Cherry Grove.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Credit: Garland City Beer Works
Garland City Beer Works (Watertown and Clayton)
Sip on refreshing brews made with the finest hops at this destination brewery featuring live music on Thursdays and Fridays, drag shows, and trivia.
Catskills
2 Queens Coffee (Narrowsburg)
Pop in to this joyful queer-owned coffee shop for craft coffee and espresso made from beans roasted right in Narrowsburg, delicious pastries and treats, and a one-of-a-kind, whimsical atmosphere.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
Sneakers Bar (Jamestown)
On your next visit to Jamestown, pop into this LGBTQ-owned and operated bar for a tasty cocktail, live music, and all kinds of fun events.
Adirondacks
Florissante, The Mansion (Lyons Falls)
Experience the renewed grandeur of centuries past on your next getaway at this cozy and historic gay-owned bed and breakfast. Tours are also offered, exploring the dramatic history of the mansion.
IBC Apparel (Malone)
Need to gear up before your next Adirondack adventure? Whether you’re looking to bundle up in the winter or snag some summer hiking essentials, IBC has got you covered!
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