Celebrate Pride with these local restaurants + businesses, including Rainbow Margaritas & LGBT+ Sandwich
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As you all probably know, June is Pride Month. To show support for Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community, some local restaurants and businesses are rolling out new items. Whether you’re ready to grub or looking to add to your t-shirt collection, here are unique ways to celebrate Pride while staying local.
Birmingham has earned an impressive inclusivity score
I’d like to think that Birmingham is a city that fosters an environment where everyone feels free to be themselves. I’ve felt that and I hope others can too. As a matter of fact, The Magic City has scored big among other U.S. cities in terms of ensuring the LGBTQ+ community is treated equally.
Every year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation examines LGBTQ+ equality in over 500 cities in the U.S. The score is determined by a city’s demonstration and support for LGBTQ+ people who live and work there, even if state or federal governments fail to do so.
Guess which one of our favorite Southern cities scored the perfect score? Yep, Birmingham did! The city even received bonus points for excelling in the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality without relying on state law.
Feel free to take a look at Birmingham’s scorecard, here.
Local restaurants + businesses where you can celebrate Pride Month
There may not be parades or parties this year but the importance of Pride Month remains the same. A handful of local restaurants and businesses are celebrating in more ways than one. Let’s take a look.
The Lumbar
I’ve always been a fan of The Lumbar’s drinks, food and atmosphere. It also helps that they remain current on social issues and want the best for everyone.
Say hello to the “LGBT+ Sandwich”—lettuce, green chile, bacon and tomato all stacked between whole-grain toast and finished with some green chile aioli. When you’re done staring at it, make sure to wipe the drool from your mouth. It’s not a good look.
Feast your eyes on possibly the prettiest margaritas in Birmingham. The LGBT+ Sandwich and Rainbow Margaritas can be found on The Lumbar’s Pride/Black Lives Matter cocktail menu. Proceeds benefit organizations such as The Okra Project and Magic City Acceptance Center.
- Address: 212 29th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Tues.-Sun. 12PM-7PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
Ruby Sunshine
We all know and love Ruby Sunshine for their amazing brunch. Similar to The Lumbar, the company makes it a point to remain current on social topics and foster an accepting atmosphere.
Do you know what would go great with Eggs Benedict? Ruby Sunshine’s new Rainbow Popsicle Mimosa Flight…duh. 20% of the mimosa sales are donated to the Center for Black Equity, a non-profit organization that commits to supporting the social, economic and health equity for LGBTQ+ people of color.
- Address: 1017 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8AM-2PM & Sat.-Sun. 8AM-3PM
- Website | Call | Instagram
Lou’s Pub
Head over to Lou’s Pub to get your hands on one of their Pride t-shirts. Supplies are limited so if you want one, better get to it.
Ignite Cycle
Ignite Cycle has been hosting Pride Rides this week where 20% of the proceeds are donated to the Magic City Acceptance Center. The classes are booked but you can still cop a limited edition Ignite x Pride t-shirt.
Just like the rides, 20% of the shirt sales go to MCAC. They’re limited so don’t wait too long to grab one for yourself.
Al’s on Seventh
Of course, we had to include one of Birmingham’s favorite LGBTQ+ venues. Al’s on Seventh may not be hosting their iconic drag shows due to the pandemic and wanting to follow CDC guidelines, but you can still show your support by grabbing some merch.
They’re celebrating Pride with rainbow tumblers, their “It’s A Family Thing” tees and limited edition Barefoot Bubbly Brut Rose Pride Bottles for only $15.
If you’d like to call dibs on any of their merch and support local, go ahead and send them a message on social or stop by their location.
Looking for more ways to support the LGBTQ+ community in Birmingham?
One of our wonderful content producers wrote an article highlighting 7 organizations supporting Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community and how you can lend a helping hand.
While you’re at it, check out these stories for more great organizations to support in Birmingham.
- 18 organizations that help build bridges between young people in Birmingham
- 7 ways to support social justice in Birmingham right now
- 7 ways to help the Latinx community in Birmingham
- A day in the life of an AIDS Alabama social worker + how you can give now
Know of other non-profits and organizations doing important work for Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community? Share them with us on social on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
