Where does a queer turn to when the munchies hit? Luckily, living in Brooklyn we have a ton of options when it comes to good food, everyone knows that. But where do you eat when you want to spend your queer money at a queer owned business? We got you covered:
MAITE – Bushwick
Owned and operated by Colombian and German (and queer!) chef Ella Schmidt, Maite is a dyke foodie haven. The menu is hung with pride on a huge chalkboard with farm to fork seasonal options. Come for dinner or brunch and stay for the sexy cocktails (we reccommend the Bushlicker) What we love about Maite? The gay erotica covering the walls and the dim lighting to hide our red eyes. They also tend to host holiday events with themed menus and watch parties for the Colombian football teams and the Super Bowl if you’re a sporty dyke (or trying to boo one up!)
EDY’S GROCER – Greenpoint
Edy’s Grocer is a queer immigrant owned Lebanese eatery and grocer. It’s basically the perfect spot for when the daytime munchies strike. The baby pink and green interior is precious but their menu really packs a punch. Offering options for breakfast through dinner and ample vegan and gluten free options-all with a Lebanese flair. Everyone eats well! Can’t make it to the store? You can order catering for your next queer special event! Or for our queer stoner cooks across the nation: you can buy owner Edy Massih’s new cookbook- THAT OPRAH LOVES?! Slay.
SUPERFINE – Dumbo
When I see the words “seasonal menu”, “locally sourced”, “house band”, “queer women owned” I get a little wet… in my mouth. Superfine opened its doors in 1998 by friends Tanya Rynd, Cara Lee Sparry and Laura Taylor. But they didn’t set out to create just a restaurant, they wanted the space to be filled with art, community and life. Superfine keeps their schedule packed with events ranging from bimonthly jazz jams to their Live Music Sundays and to me, nothing pairs better with being stoned than live music and fresh food.
MACOSA TRATTORIA – Bed Stuy
This Bed Stuy queer owned staple is a must eat for anyone looking for fresh pasta and authentic Italian faire. The menu is small and handwritten, which is charming as hell, just about as charming as the always friendly staff. My personal fav time to come here is on their jazz nights where one of the owners plays keys while you eat quite possibly THE BEST tiramisu you’ll find outside of Italy (for real it is one of the owners grandmother’s recipes). The first time I ate at Macosa I nearly cried at the table… The weed may have helped that reaction, but seriously, this place lives up to the hype everytime.
These are four of many queer owned restaurants in the greater NYC area. Didn’t see your fav on our roundup? Email us and we may continue this series in the future! Happy munching 😉
By Taylor Barber, Dank Dykes Co-Founder
