Five LGBTQ+ owned spots to visit in western Queens during Pride Month

It’s Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate it than supporting a locally, small, LGBTQ+ business? Whether you’d rather be spending it watching a drag show, going out to eat, reading a good book, or even getting a haircut, here are five spots to support that are LGBTQ+ owned, and friendly. Albatross Bar… Read More

Five LGBTQ+ owned spots to visit in western Queens during Pride Month
It’s Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate it than supporting a locally, small, LGBTQ+ business? Whether you’d rather be spending it watching a drag show, going out to eat, reading a good book, or even getting a haircut, here are five spots to support that are LGBTQ+ owned, and friendly.

Albatross Bar

For those who want a night out Albatross Bar is the life of the party. Known as the “Queer Cheers of Astoria” according to their website, if you are looking for a fun drag show, this is the right place. With various events held throughout the week such as karaoke, trivia, and even a paint and sip, Albatross has any event for any type of person. The bar is located at 3619 24th Ave. Their hours are 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 3 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Sunday. Albatross serves buy one, get one happy hours from Monday through Friday 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. [caption id="attachment_611374" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Fresco’s Grand Cantina was founded by Bryan Martinez in 2022, and strives to be a LBGTQ+ friendly and safe space. Fresco’s Grand Cantina was founded by Bryan Martinez in 2022, and strives to be a LBGTQ+ friendly and safe space.Photo by Alice Moreno[/caption]

Fresco’s Grand Cantina

For those who are craving Mexican fusion food Fresco’s Grand Cantina is the type of place that’ll make you scream, “Ole!” With their wide array of tacos, signature margaritas, and occasional drag shows, this restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate Pride with friends. Fresco’s Grand Cantina was founded by Bryan Martinez in 2022, and strives to be a LBGTQ+ friendly and safe space. They host drag shows, RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties, and even a fundraising brunch. The restaurant is located at 28-50 31st St. Their hours are 3 to 11:00 p.m. Mon-Thursday; 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday; 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. [caption id="attachment_611377" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Astoria Bookshop is a woman- and LGBTQ+-owned bookstore with a variety of reads for all. Astoria Bookshop is a woman- and LGBTQ+-owned bookstore with a variety of reads for all.Photo by Alice Moreno[/caption]

Astoria Bookshop

For those who want to read Want to stay in your cozy bed and read? We have the place for you. Astoria Bookshop is a woman- and LGBTQ+-owned bookstore with a variety of reads for all. Whether you’d like to immerse yourself into a fantasy world, or indulge in a romantic story, Astoria Bookshop has the right book for any reader. Founded in 2013 by Lexi Beach, their mission –  according to their website – is to “serve our diverse, vibrant community with the books we stock and the events we host.” The bookstore is located at 36-19 30th St. They are open daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. [caption id="attachment_611373" align="alignnone" width="1024"]Founded by Shawn Dixon, Otis & Finn Barbershop has four locations around Long Island City and Brooklyn. Founded by Shawn Dixon, Otis & Finn Barbershop has four locations around Long Island City and Brooklyn.Photo by Alice Moreno[/caption]

Otis & Finn Barbershop

For those who are in dire need of a haircut Do you want to support a local-owned business, and need a haircut? Look no further. Founded by Shawn Dixon, the LGBTQ+-owned barbershop has four locations around Long Island City and Brooklyn. With dedicated, and experienced barbers on staff, they make sure each and every customer is satisfied with the look they want. They even host drag events, for those who want a show on the side of their cut. The barbershop is located at Long Island City at 11-16 44th Ave. and 45-22 Pearson St. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday. [caption id="attachment_611375" align="alignnone" width="1024"]After having their three Astoria locations combined into one, flagship store earlier this past April, Lockwood has become the number one spot to find the most eccentric yet fun pieces. After having their three Astoria locations combined into one, flagship store earlier this past April, Lockwood has become the number one spot to find the most eccentric yet fun pieces.Photo by Alice Moreno[/caption]

Lockwood Shop

For those looking for the perfect, yet niche trinket Ever wanted a little trinket to accompany you on your NYC adventures? How about a quirky tote bag with a snazzy design? Lockwood Shop is the spot for you. After having their three Astoria locations combined into one, flagship store earlier this past April, Lockwood has become the number one spot to find the most eccentric yet fun pieces. Founded by Mackenzi Farquer in 2013, they hope that their guests “immediately feel at home when they enter, that they find the perfect gift—or a little something for themselves—and that they leave Lockwood feeling inspired,“ according to their website. The store is located at 2515 Broadway. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.