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Where to Eat and Drink Along the 2022 Philly Pride March Route

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pride march at these queer-owned restaurants and bars

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Philly’s first Pride march, and with cancellations of past parades and events due to COVID-19, the LGBTQ community is ready to make this year one for the record books. There’s no denying that Philly has one of the country’s most vibrant and active queer communities, and after the pandemic forced closures of some of Philly’s most treasured queer destinations, it’s more important than ever to support the city’s queer-owned businesses during Pride Month. Thankfully, the march route is lined with queer-owned businesses, with many residing in the Gayborhood, where the route concludes and the festival begins.

After a series of speeches at 10:30 a.m., the march starts at Arch and 5th Streets at 11 a.m. on June 5, 2022, and ends at noon with the Philadelphia Pride Festival. For more info, visit the Philadelphia Pride Collective’s website.

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Menagerie Coffee

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Located in the heart of Old City, Menagerie Coffee is the perfect cafe to fuel up to power you through the day’s activities. Grab a cold brew made from local Elixr beans, plus a breakfast sandwich, and toss a fresh-baked scone in your bag for later — you’ll be set for the all-day festivities.

Stir Lounge

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Tucked into Rittenhouse Square, Stir is the classy, chic gay bar we’ve all been waiting for. Open and welcoming to all, Stir is an excellent place for a date or just a fancy cocktail with friends. Stir hosts many lesbian-centric events like lesbian speed dating, a boon since lesbian bars in the city and across the country are constantly dwindling.

Franky Bradley's

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Dubbed Philly’s “House of Weird,” Franky Bradley’s is known for its spectacular drag shows and moody atmosphere. The original restaurant of the same namesake was opened primarily serving Italian dishes, several of which you can still find on the menu, like eggplant parm and spicy mussels. Now there are some new additions like unmissable mac and cheese. So if you’re looking for a wild night of dancing and entertainment after the march, Frank Bradley’s is your spot.

COCKATOO

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You might not immediately think of killer Latin food when you imagine Center City gay bars, but at Cockatoo, that’s exactly what’s on offer. Don’t sleep on the empanadas, especially the corn and poblano variety, and if you’re in the mood to share, check out the patatas bravas or yucca fries. Cockatoo is a great neighborhood place to stop for a snack and feel at home in the casual and welcoming environment.

Bike Stop

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Philly’s oldest leather bar is a non-negotiable on the march route. There’s something for everyone, with four different floors where you can enjoy sports, dancing, or a chill place to hang out and chat. One of Philly’s oldest gay bars, celebrating 40 years this year, Bike Stop is the perfect haunt to pop in for a game of pool or a cold beer once the march heads into the Gayborhood.

With Chef JonCarl Lachman of NOORD fame at the helm, Winkel is the best-kept brunch secret in the Gayborhood. Winkel specializes in Dutch fare, but there’s something for everyone — from the most discerning palate to the pickiest of eaters (who can say no to pancakes?) The menu rotates and features new specials each weekend, but the eggs Benedicts are always a great choice. Of course, no meal would be complete without an order or two of that famous Johnathan bread.

A compact neighborhood bar, U Bar is the best place to duck in for a salty snack. Right on Locust Street, where all the action is, U Bar is nestled on the sidewalk. U Bar boasts a menu of delicious  bar food — don’t skip the Bavarian pretzel bites. If you’re in the mood to share, grab a friend and split the fig and caramelized onion flatbread. It’s filling without being too heavy and perfect for fueling up for the festival after the march.

Tavern on Camac

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A chill but classy atmosphere, Tavern on Camac is part piano bar, part nightclub, part restaurant — but all fun. Hang out and enjoy some live music with two bucks off drinks every day after 4 p.m.  for happy hour. Check out the bar menu with shareable snacks and small plates if you’re feeling peckish. But if you’ve worked up an appetite walking the march route, Tavern on Camac also offers classic comfort food dinner options like meatloaf and lamb Bolognese.

Menagerie Coffee

Located in the heart of Old City, Menagerie Coffee is the perfect cafe to fuel up to power you through the day’s activities. Grab a cold brew made from local Elixr beans, plus a breakfast sandwich, and toss a fresh-baked scone in your bag for later — you’ll be set for the all-day festivities.

Stir Lounge

Tucked into Rittenhouse Square, Stir is the classy, chic gay bar we’ve all been waiting for. Open and welcoming to all, Stir is an excellent place for a date or just a fancy cocktail with friends. Stir hosts many lesbian-centric events like lesbian speed dating, a boon since lesbian bars in the city and across the country are constantly dwindling.

Franky Bradley's

Dubbed Philly’s “House of Weird,” Franky Bradley’s is known for its spectacular drag shows and moody atmosphere. The original restaurant of the same namesake was opened primarily serving Italian dishes, several of which you can still find on the menu, like eggplant parm and spicy mussels. Now there are some new additions like unmissable mac and cheese. So if you’re looking for a wild night of dancing and entertainment after the march, Frank Bradley’s is your spot.

COCKATOO

You might not immediately think of killer Latin food when you imagine Center City gay bars, but at Cockatoo, that’s exactly what’s on offer. Don’t sleep on the empanadas, especially the corn and poblano variety, and if you’re in the mood to share, check out the patatas bravas or yucca fries. Cockatoo is a great neighborhood place to stop for a snack and feel at home in the casual and welcoming environment.

Bike Stop

Philly’s oldest leather bar is a non-negotiable on the march route. There’s something for everyone, with four different floors where you can enjoy sports, dancing, or a chill place to hang out and chat. One of Philly’s oldest gay bars, celebrating 40 years this year, Bike Stop is the perfect haunt to pop in for a game of pool or a cold beer once the march heads into the Gayborhood.

Winkel

With Chef JonCarl Lachman of NOORD fame at the helm, Winkel is the best-kept brunch secret in the Gayborhood. Winkel specializes in Dutch fare, but there’s something for everyone — from the most discerning palate to the pickiest of eaters (who can say no to pancakes?) The menu rotates and features new specials each weekend, but the eggs Benedicts are always a great choice. Of course, no meal would be complete without an order or two of that famous Johnathan bread.

U Bar

A compact neighborhood bar, U Bar is the best place to duck in for a salty snack. Right on Locust Street, where all the action is, U Bar is nestled on the sidewalk. U Bar boasts a menu of delicious  bar food — don’t skip the Bavarian pretzel bites. If you’re in the mood to share, grab a friend and split the fig and caramelized onion flatbread. It’s filling without being too heavy and perfect for fueling up for the festival after the march.

Tavern on Camac

A chill but classy atmosphere, Tavern on Camac is part piano bar, part nightclub, part restaurant — but all fun. Hang out and enjoy some live music with two bucks off drinks every day after 4 p.m.  for happy hour. Check out the bar menu with shareable snacks and small plates if you’re feeling peckish. But if you’ve worked up an appetite walking the march route, Tavern on Camac also offers classic comfort food dinner options like meatloaf and lamb Bolognese.

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