Gay bar Grand Rapids

The Apartment Lounge

As the preeminent gay bar in Michigan, The Apartment Lounge boasts a rich legacy of fostering a sense of welcome and security among its patrons. This establishment offers a relaxed atmosphere complemented by varied drink specials presented throughout the week. You will consistently be greeted with warmth, and served with piping hot, fresh popcorn to enhance your chosen libation. It is widely acknowledged as the quintessential meeting spot for friends, and this venue is sure to satisfy if your aim is to socialize and connect with others.

The Apartment also features an enclosed outdoor seating area that provides a view of Joey Salamon's vibrant Rainbow Road street art and&xA0;Veteran's Memorial Park&xA0;situated in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Food trucks frequently visit the bar, affording patrons the chance to dine al fresco or enjoy their meals inside while accompanying a drink. The patio provides ample seating, and staff members will attend to you outside for service at your table. Furthermore, The Apartment hosts weekly drink promotions, such as discounts up to half off on Thirsty Thursdays. Keep an eye on The Apartment Lounge's Facebook page for the most current details regarding specials and happenings.

Asada

Asada masterfully combines the rich, smoky essence of Central Texas-style barbecue with the lively traditions of Teja, presenting an authentic Tex-Mex culinary journey in Grand Rapids' engaging and spirited Uptown district, located less than two hundred yards from the&xA0;Grand Rapids Pride Center. Steven Martinez, the proprietor of Asada, hails from Texas and is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring the authenticity of the flavors and an unwavering spirit of inclusivity. Speaking of broad acceptance, Asada also accommodates a substantial variety of plant-based dishes suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Asada cultivates a dynamic yet easygoing setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, Asada provides a late-night takeout window service called Side Piece Bodega, which features comforting dishes such as burgers, taquitos, pizza rolls, and burritos.

General Wood Shop

General Wood Shop&xA0;operates as a sophisticated cocktail lounge designed to appeal to the LGBTQIA+ community and its supporters, distinguished by its playful drink monikers, touches of sparkle and allure, exquisite small plates and tapas, and an inviting atmosphere. You might request the bartender to craft a distinctive cocktail or mocktail for you, or perhaps select a beer, cider, or seltzer.

Housed within a beautifully renovated historic structure - and bearing the name of a former occupant from the mid-20th century - General Wood Shop evokes the feeling of an upscale dive bar. It serves as a venue for a diverse range of events, including weekly gatherings for lesbians and trans individuals, as well as captivating drag performances and Oscar viewing celebrations.

Situated within the Bridge Street Entertainment District, General Wood Shop is conveniently accessible via a ten-minute stroll or a complimentary DASH bus ride from the central downtown area of Grand Rapids.

Good Judy&x2019;s Market & Juice Bar

Grand Rapids' premier juice bar and purveyor of health-conscious snacks is situated in the Uptown area, mere steps from the Wealthy Theatre. Its appellation pays homage to the equally iconic LGBTQIA+ figure, Judy Garland, signifying Good Judy's Market & Juice Bar as a sanctuary that is both safe and welcoming for the queer community and its allies.

Good Judy's is committed to offering real, plant-based nourishment to foster optimal well-being. Their superfood smoothies and cold-pressed juices are predominantly prepared using ingredients sourced locally and organically whenever feasible. The cold-pressing technique effectively preserves the vital nutrients and enzymes that might otherwise be compromised or lost during conventional juicing methods. Consequently, the juices from Good Judy's are packed with beneficial elements and delightful flavor, while also being more readily digestible.

Additionally, patrons can select from a variety of wholesome bowls and salads on the menu, along with convenient grab-and-go energy bites, an ever-changing assortment of delightful toasts, potent wellness shots, assorted gift items, and much more. You have the option to savor your selections in their bright and comfortable café space or take them with you. It's quite possible you'll encounter the founders and partners, Dean Jeffery and Connor Bowen, during your visit!

Maggie&x2019;s Bar

Maggie's Bar&xA0;emerges as another distinguished LGBTQIA+-owned hotspot, catering to the queer community and anyone who appreciates quality beverages, delectable cuisine, and enjoyable experiences. Located along Michigan Street in proximity to the&xA0;Medical Mile, Maggie's exudes more of a pub-like ambiance, featuring a lengthy bar counter adorned with plush red leather barstools and abundant table seating suitable for gatherings. They offer a comprehensive selection of spirits, beers, wines, seltzers, and other beverages. The establishment tends to be bustling with regular patrons during happy hour and experiences significant activity on weekend evenings.

Remarkably, Maggie's holds the distinction of being the sole gay bar in Grand Rapids to feature a complete food menu, presenting an array of impressively prepared dishes. The culinary team takes considerable pride in utilizing ingredients procured from local sources and meats supplied by&xA0;Grand Butchers&xA0;- an adjacent butcher shop. The menu encompasses a diverse range of choices, including appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, nachos, and salads. Their signature nachos are presented on a substantial platter, easily sufficient to satisfy multiple individuals. The highly acclaimed burger is prepared with a hand-formed patty and served alongside chips or expertly cut French fries.

The bar also boasts a fully serviced covered patio, equipped with heaters that can be enclosed during colder periods, and a dedicated parking area. Maggie's regularly hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as karaoke nights, impromptu drag performances, and other engaging activities. For the most current information on specials and events, it is advisable to consult Maggie's Bar on Facebook.

Rumors Night Club

As the sole gay nightclub in Grand Rapids offering dancing,&xA0;Rumors Night Club&xA0;presents itself as an excellent destination for later evening entertainment. This venue provides a diverse array of attractions, including captivating drag shows, interactive karaoke sessions, engaging cabaret performances, sets by rotating DJs, and a perpetually energetic dance floor.

With its multi-level layout, Rumors caters to a wide spectrum of preferences - offering spaces for relaxed conversation and mingling, as well as a vibrant dance floor illuminated for dancing the night away. Arriving earlier can provide a more subdued atmosphere. However, if your objective is to dance, consider visiting later in the evening or on weekends to experience the full-fledged club environment. To stay informed about the latest specials and events at this lively downtown Grand Rapids spot, make sure to check Rumors Night Club on Facebook.

Steel Cat Bar

Steel Cat Bar&xA0;is conveniently situated along the bustling Bridge Street corridor, residing on the energetic West Side of the city. A distinctive feature of Steel Cat is its innovative ice-topped bar, engineered to maintain the frosty chill of your beverages. Intriguingly, small toy dump trucks and front-end loaders are incorporated into the ice rail, offering a playful invitation to reconnect with your inner child.

This establishment is owned by an individual who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and although it isn't formally designated as a gay bar, it cultivates a welcoming and secure environment for both the community and its allies.

The highly anticipated weekly Bloody Mary/Mimosa bar, available on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 am and 2 pm, stands as one of the city's most sought-after attractions.

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Chartreuse Sisters

Sisters Alyson&xA0;and Mallory Caillaud-Jones, who spent their formative summer months in France,
inaugurated this patisserie and café with the aspiration of introducing a Parisian flavor to West Michigan. The assortment of pastries (Mallory's particular expertise) includes a distinctive interpretation of classic French creations such as choux pastry, financiers, galettes,
gooters, and macarons, alongside a selection of delightful American confections. The accompanying beverage menu (Alyson's area of responsibility) offers an extensive range of coffees, lattes, espressos, teas, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Every item is meticulously prepared from raw ingredients on-site, prioritizing the use of locally sourced components whenever possible.

Chartreuse Sisters is nestled within a historic building dating back to 1905 in the Uptown neighborhood, which originally housed a post office and drugstore. It has been lovingly renovated, carefully preserving distinctive architectural elements such as a magnificent tin ceiling. The environment is cozy and immersive, extending a warm welcome to all patrons.

The 12th House

Upon entering&xA0;The 12th House, visitors will discover a local emporium brimming with vibrant and appealing T-shirts, magnets, enamel pins, and other handcrafted items from regional artisans. The shop features an extensive collection of pride merchandise throughout the entire year, with a particular emphasis on enhancing its offerings during the month of June. Furthermore, they provide elegantly curated gift boxes filled with locally sourced treasures, alongside services such as tarot card readings, reiki sessions, henna tattoos, and insightful astrological consultations.

The 12th House is located on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids, positioned between Char restaurant and Brooklyn Bodega Bagels and Deli.

Black Cat Bodega

Lorin Baum, a self-identified queer BIPOC witch, established the Black Cat Bodega with the intention of creating a sanctuary for kindred spirits to congregate and procure carefully selected gifts, vintage home adornments, and essential metaphysical items. The shop's distinctively dark aesthetic quickly attracted a considerably wider clientele than Lorin initially envisioned. In fact, the Black Cat was recognized with second place in a recent reader's poll conducted by a local magazine for the region's finest gift shops.

Within the Black Cat, you can acquire items that are quite rare elsewhere in the city, predominantly sourced from female, minority, and LGBTQIA+ craftspeople. Additionally, the shop's beautifully appointed lower level serves as a venue for a diverse array of workshops and classes. Expert instructors offer practical, hands-on guidance in a variety of disciplines, ranging from astrology and angelic healing to the art of perfume creation and watercolor painting. Membership in the Black Cat Club grants participants priority access to workshops, support groups, and exclusive events, along with numerous other special privileges.

Located merely ten minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids, within the thriving Creston neighborhood, the Black Cat Bodega transcends the definition of a mere shop; it is an encompassing experience.

The Cakabakery&xA0;

The&xA0;Cakabakery's proprietor and culinary expert, Jason T. Kakabaker - a former participant in the Food Network's popular competition "Cupcake Wars" - takes immense pride in utilizing exclusively fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

The Cakabakery is situated less than a mile and a half east of downtown Grand Rapids, along Fulton Street.

Fox Naturals

Fox Naturals&xA0;is a purveyor of botanical skincare and artisanal perfumes located in Uptown. It provides premium, naturally derived body care solutions&xA0;that not only possess delightful fragrances but also allow the inherent qualities of simple components to prominently manifest. This independently owned establishment endeavors to assist customers in transitioning away from products found in mass-market retailers - which are often laden with harsh irritants, synthetic compounds, and chemicals - towards healthier, more holistic alternatives.

Fox Naturals is wholly owned, managed, and its products are created by Patrick Stoffel. He, along with his dedicated staff, meticulously crafts the majority of the merchandise in-house, utilizing a diverse array of natural ingredients.&xA0;A valuable insider tip: communicate your scent preferences to the staff, and they will expertly guide you towards a product you are highly likely to adore.

Decaydence Vintage

Tom Short, the proprietor, established Decaydence Vintage in the downtown Grand Rapids area in November of 2022. The shop offers a thoughtfully curated collection of pre-owned clothing, furniture pieces, toys, home décor items, and more. With a specific focus on merchandise dating from the 1950s through the Y2K era, Decaydence Vintage is virtually guaranteed to ignite nostalgic sentiments, irrespective of the customer's age. Explore the extensive assortment of concert t-shirts and other graphic tees for a genuine trip down memory lane.

In a Facebook post celebrating Pride month, Short conveyed, "Whether one identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or as an ally, our establishment serves as a secure haven for you to discover your distinctive style and authentically express yourself." He further elaborated, "From dazzling sequins to fabulously retro bell-bottoms, our clothing racks are replete with unique pieces that are sure to make your heart flutter!"

Happy Cat Caf&xE9;&xA0;

The&xA0;Happy Cat Caf&xE9;&xA0;represents a truly distinctive establishment within downtown Grand Rapids. Whether your intention is to enjoy a cup of coffee or engage in some affectionate interaction with a feline companion - they are fully equipped to cater to your needs. Envision a typical café environment, but enhanced with the presence of resident cats. It is advisable to make reservations, thus making planning your visit essential (unless your sole objective is a coffee or latte). Walk-in visitors are permitted to interact with the cats, provided the designated rooms are not at full capacity.

You are sure to have a delightful time interacting with the cats while savoring our specialty coffees. Furthermore, their beverage offerings extend beyond just coffee and tea; you can choose from several non-alcoholic Red Bull concoctions or effervescent citrus drinks infused with edible glitter. The shop also features a charming selection of cat-related merchandise, including toys, treats, stickers, and apparel.

Happy Cat Caf&xE9; presents various promotions throughout the week, such as designated family nights and college nights, so it is recommended to consult their website for specific details before your visit.

Lilith&x2019;s Lair

Should your travels bring you to Grand Rapids and you are seeking an inclusive salon to revitalize or alter your appearance, consider the exceptionally talented stylists at Lilith's Lair. This salon, owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals in downtown Grand Rapids, possesses the expertise to cut, shape, color, tint, blend, and otherwise stylize your hair within a setting that promotes a feeling of welcome and comfort.

Established in 2022, Lilith's Lair also offers an array of services including makeup application, eyelash extensions, nail treatments, skincare procedures, therapeutic massage, and tattooing. The establishment hosts two notable annual events: a drag performance showcase in June and an exclusive 18+ drag and pole dancing exhibition in October. Moreover, they maintain a presence with a dedicated booth at the annual Grand Rapids Pride Festival.

Every stylist at Lilith's Lair is either a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a supportive ally, and all are deeply committed to assisting individuals in embracing their authentic selves and cultivating self-assurance in the process.

Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Bar

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Lotus Brew Coffee/Dry Bar&xA0;&xA0;is a locally owned establishment functioning as both an LGBTQIA+ library and a café, with a primary focus on providing locally sourced, organic, and fair-trade products within a supportive environment. They offer a diverse selection of coffees, teas, and desserts, in addition to a rotating assortment of non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer a sober experience. Every effort is made to ensure both accessibility and affordability for all patrons.

Lotus Brew&xA0;boasts an extensive collection of LGBTQIA+-themed and often-banned books, readily available for public perusal without charge. The café also features an impressive array of board games, perfect for enjoying with friends. Furthermore, they organize a queer social mixer on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Lotus Brew is situated in Uptown Grand Rapids, conveniently located just a short distance from the various shops and eateries along Cherry Street.

Rebel

Rebel&xA0;offers a diverse selection of unique presents, stationery, live plants, and home decorative items that are rarely found elsewhere. The curated collection of bold gifts and greeting cards, along with other distinctive merchandise, is carefully chosen by the owners and represents the ideal present for any occasion. Prepare to be thoroughly impressed by the extensive variety and meticulous attention to detail that this shop provides.

Rebel is jointly owned and operated by Dan Boyles and Chip Minor. You will likely encounter them attending to the store on most days, so be sure to offer a friendly greeting when you stop by. Alternatively, you can satisfy your craving for sweets at their adjacent candy shop, Sticky Fingers! Both of these establishments are located in the Uptown district of Grand Rapids.

RC Caylan Atelier

During his upbringing in the Philippines, RC Caylan harbored aspirations of becoming a fashion designer, a passion ignited by the skillful work of his grandmother, who was a seamstress. He immigrated to the United States in 2012 after meeting his husband, who is a native of Michigan. Subsequently, he graduated from the School of Fashion and Interior Design at Grand Rapids Community College in 2015, the same year he presented his inaugural major fashion show in San Francisco. Since then, Caylan has achieved international recognition, having styled over one hundred celebrities for red carpet appearances and securing the "Best Fashion Designer" award at the 2024 Global Beauty Awards. Despite his global success, he continues to create his bespoke designs - encompassing high-end bridal wear, elegant evening gowns, prom dresses, and sophisticated menswear - from his eponymous studio located in Grand Rapids' Breton Village shopping center.

RC Caylan Atelier also features a ready-to-wear line showcasing one-of-a-kind creations previously worn by celebrities and runway models, complemented by fashion accessories designed to enhance your luxurious ensemble, ranging from earrings and handbags to the designer's own signature sunglasses.

Windsor Cottage

Windsor Cottage&xA0;distinguishes itself through its exquisite home furnishings, expert interior design services, and, most importantly, its exceptional customer care. This establishment has been a fixture in the business community for over three decades, offering a diverse range of services at both its Cherry Street and Thornapple locations. Windsor Cottage is owned and operated by Rick Santamaria, who is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Beauty Beyond Drag Productions&xA0;

Beauty Beyond Drag is a production company specializing in drag entertainment, serving the West Michigan region and its surrounding areas. Their ensemble of talented queens disseminates the art of drag across all communities while simultaneously raising awareness for various local charitable organizations. You can find these performers gracing stages at numerous shows and events throughout Grand Rapids year-round. They are also scheduled to appear at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival&xA0;and at several other pride-related events during the month of June.&xA0;Follow their social media channels for updates on forthcoming performances.

Michigan Drag Brunch&xA0;

Recognized as Michigan's pioneering traveling drag brunch show, which performs at a succession of venues statewide, is the renowned Michigan Drag Brunch. Assemble your brunch companions and partake in a truly "Sunday-Funday" experience, elevated to a regal level. Tickets are typically sold in advance, as event locations are subject to change, and they tend to sell out rapidly. Therefore, it's crucial to coordinate plans with your friends well in advance.

The typical show includes a special brunch offering, a beverage, and approximately ninety minutes of live entertainment that is guaranteed to leave you thoroughly impressed. Remember to bring dollar bills for tipping the performers - they might even dance at your table if you wish. For information on upcoming performances, please consult their website.

Transfigure Printing Co.

Transfigure Print Co.&xA0;is a screen-printing company based in Michigan that embraces LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and has been under trans and queer ownership since 2017. Their core mission revolves around providing inclusive apparel and channeling financial support towards the LGBTQIA+ community - having contributed over $100,000 to date. As a truly distinctive enterprise, many of their garments are conceptualized and designed in-house. However, they also take immense pride in printing the creative works of a multitude of diverse artists. The vast majority of their products are meticulously screen-printed by hand by the owner, Bailey Sell, and their team.

Explore some of their unique designs and prints via the Transfigure online store at&xA0;transfigureprintco.com/shop, where you will discover a variety of T-shirts, prints, patches, and more. Additionally, consider engaging their services for your upcoming printing project if your objective is to support local businesses and keep financial contributions within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Grand Rapids serves as an ideal base for exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline, including the charming towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, which are notable for hosting one of America's premier LGBTQIA+ resorts: The Dunes. This popular Midwest destination for the LGBTQIA+ community&xA0;features amenities such as a poolside bar, convenient on-site accommodations for overnight stays, live musical performances and DJ sets, captivating drag shows, and much more.&xA0;Saugatuck is also celebrated for Oval Beach, recognized as one of America's top five beaches by MTV, alongside numerous shops and eateries that are particularly welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community. The drive from downtown Grand Rapids to this area takes less than an hour.

This compilation is not exhaustive but rather serves as a guide to some of Grand Rapids' prominent businesses and cultural sites that are owned and operated by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. You are virtually assured to have a fantastic time at all of them!