From cafes to bistros, these establishments provide not only the highest quality foods, but also a welcoming space for those within the LGBTQ+ community. Join us on this mouthwatering journey at these five must-visit LGBTQ-owned restaurants in the City of Angels.
The Rooster
Location: 8809 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weekdays); 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weekends)
When we think of breakfast in LA, avocado toast typically comes to mind. But as a local, another breakfast item takes the lead: the breakfast burrito. The Rooster was founded by chef Rouha Sadighi following her win on the Food Network show “Cutthroat Kitchen.” It started as a food truck but became so popular that it became a restaurant. Their menu is limited to three items, but they have perfected each one. Their most sold item, the Rico Suave, is a breakfast burrito filled with eggs, bacon, tater tots, avocado and more. Its popularity has allowed them to wholesale it to other breakfast spots, so definitely consider giving this place a try in-house.
WeHo Bistro
Location: 1040 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (daily)
WeHo Bistro is a well-known casual French dining bistro, built in a location that holds deep significance to Angelenos. In the 1970s, it was a popular skating rink that made appearances on popular TV shows like “Charlie’s Angels.” A couple decades ago, it was bought out and turned into a diner called Salades de Provence. In 2011, Jeff Douek and his husband Jerry Teigen bought that restaurant and turned it into what it is now. They offer a $25 bottomless mimosa special during brunch hours and are best known for their signature mushroom soup.
Liberation Coffee House
Location: 6725 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weekdays); 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weekends)
Liberation Coffee House is operated and owned by the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The location serves as a center and safe place for the community’s members and nearby residents, as well as the wider LA community. The interior is beautifully decorated with colorful walls and furniture and is said to have been inspired by the pride flag. Even more impressively, the café is staffed by graduates from the LGBT Center’s culinary arts program that offers a three-month training program for LGBTQ+ youth. All the proceeds of the café are invested back into the center for future projects. The coffee house is well known for its variety of drinks as well as breakfast and pastry options such as their breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins and pie holes!
Jewel
Location: 654 N. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday); 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday); 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (weekends). Closed on Tuesdays.
Jewel is a plant-based restaurant that utilizes fresh produce grown in California. The co-founder, Sharky McGee, is a seasoned chef from the Philippines and has worked at well-reputed restaurants like Spice Market by Jean-Georges in New York City and Balthazar in London. The food has drawn in both vegetarian and vegan foodies and has generated enough buzz for many meat eaters to become regulars. What makes this place especially unique is its weekly pop-up fusion dishes, including the spicy “tuna” tostada, gochujang brussel sprouts and sesame dumplings. The special food items are unparalleled in taste and will definitely make you a regular.
The Ruby Fruit
Location: 3510 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hours: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Tuesday-Thursday); 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Friday-Saturday). Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Founded in February of this year, this strip mall restaurant and wine bar has already made a name for itself as the first lesbian bar opened in LA since 2017. The Ruby Fruit stands as a space for inclusivity, and the history speaks for itself; in the past, LGBTQ+ communities remained hidden, but now, LGBTQ+ bars are places where the community can be celebrated and can create connections that last a lifetime. Other than wine, The Ruby Fruit also serves a variety of sandwiches, snacks and salads.
