restaurants

How to Spend a Big Fat Pride Weekend in New York City

From a next-gen gay bar to a Cali-Latin eatery (with a Jennifer Lopez–themed bathroom), these are some of Andy Baraghani’s favorite queer-owned and -operated businesses.
A float in NYC commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

I like to think of New York as the gayest city in America. It’s not, according to very limited census information (that designation currently goes to San Francisco); but this weekend, as the host of WorldPride, it will certainly will feel like it. Four million people are expected to show up to the city this week to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprisings and celebrate our global gay community.

I, for my part, will be partaking in the festivities the best way I know how: by frequenting my favorite LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses. From homewares designed by emerging artists at Coming Soon to rounds of cheap beer at the legendary Julius’ bar to dinner at Kia Damon’s Lalito, these are the places where you can find me spending my time and money all year round. It’s just that this weekend, I’ll be supporting all of them with a little bit more pride.

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  • Stonewall Inn historic site
    Photo by Andy Baraghani
    1/11

    The Stonewall Inn

    There’s no better place to kick off Pride weekend than at the Stonewall Inn, where 50 years ago today, a police raid set off a series of violent demonstrations that catalysed the gay liberation movement and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. I came here for my first pride celebration when I moved to New York nine years ago. I came here when gay marraige became legal in New York in 2015. And it only makes sense for me to be back here for the 50th anniversary of the riots, and to honor World Pride.

  • Photo by Alex Beggs
    2/11

    Via Carota

    I’d be a regular at Via Carota, if it weren’t so hard to get into. Rita Sodi and Jody Williams—partners in work and life—put out some of the best pasta in the city at this modern Italian spot in the West Village, and the many-hours-long waits to get in each night prove how many people know it. This time, I skipped the carbs and opted for the special—a dangerously creamy egg dish with sauteed baby artichokes and plenty of Parm—and the very excellent insalata verde (give me a break, I’m trying to maintain a summer bod). I also ordered a negroni, a cocktail I retired a few years back, just to remind myself what sin tastes like. (Oh, and Rita and Jody, if you’re reading this, I’d like to be your gay best friend.)

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    3/11

    Housing Works

    I love a good thrift shop, and the chain of Housing Works locations throughout the city are some of New York’s best. Go often and you’ll find deals on all kinds of wonderful things, from furniture to lighting to cookware. The Bookstore Cafe & Bar on Crosby is a great place to pass the time browsing the works of LGBTQ+ writers with a coffee or cocktail in hand. Better yet, the profits from your purchases at any one of these social enterprise businesses help fund efforts to combat AIDS and homelessness.

  • 4/11

    Gitano

    I don’t actually remember much about my first experience at Gitano—the original location in Tulum, about four years ago—but knowing me, that means it was a damn good night. So when I found out that the bar and restaurant would be coming to New York, I was eager to see how it would translate. Founder and co-owner James Gardner did not disappoint: The downtown space took over a 24,000-square-foot lot and transformed it into a tropical oasis in the middle of Manhattan. I’m headed back for more mezcal and watermelon and tomato salad doused with sweet-and-spicy chile sauce (pictured).

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    5/11

    Julius’

    Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like this classic watering hole is having a resurgence. Julius’ is recognized as New York’s oldest (and continually operating) gay bar, and still has a real authenticity to it. It’s all worn wood as far as the eye can see—the floors, the bar, the walls—plus frame after frame holding pictures of people you may or may not recognize. These days, I find myself ending up here on any given weeknight for a beer—and at times, even tempted to indulge in the six dollar burger.

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    6/11

    John Derian

    The decoupage and paper artist established his New York–based design company 30 years ago, and there’s no better way to experience his eclectic aesthetic than a trip to his gloriously curated West Village stores (three of them sit right next to each other on Second Street; a fourth is not far away, on Christopher). Every surface is covered in a mix of his signature plates, platters, and bowls, as well as objects he’s sourced from (or collaborated on with) other designers.

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    7/11

    Vic's

    Many of the dishes on chef Hillary Sterling’s menu are permanent fixtures—and that’s for good reason. The borsa, a ricotta-filled pasta that resembles a tiny purse, in particular should not be missed, whether you’re by yourself or a party of six. The crispy squid with Calabrian chili, whipped pecorino, and soppressata pizza are other hits, and all together make this spot a go-to for when I’ve got family, picky eaters, or a large party to feed. Sterling has that magic touch where everything she makes is a crowd pleaser.

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    8/11

    Meme’s Diner

    When Bill Clark and Libby Willis opened their Prospect Heights restaurant serving comfort food with a twist in 2017, it became an instant hit, and a regular spot for LBGTQ+ diners. (It makes sense Queer Soup Night, launched in response to the 2016 election, would have found a home here.) I’ll admit I’ve only had the food twice, but I have not forgotten about that deliciously fucked-up patty melt and buffalo chicken salad.

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    9/11

    Coming Soon

    Whenever I’m in the Lower East Side, I gravitate toward Helena Barquet and Fabiana Faria’s thoughtfully curated shop like a moth to light—it just might be the coolest home goods store in New York. It takes serious willpower not to buy something every time I’m in; I almost always end up failing miserably, but never have I ever regretted a purchase. Many of the pieces come from young designers, and they’re always the items I get asked about the most.

  • Photo by Hilary Cadigan
    10/11

    Lalito

    If the Jennifer Lopez–themed bathroom is not enough to get you here, the food from Kia Damon will be. The 24-year-old chef recently took over the Chinatown spot last fall and has brought some exciting new energy to the menu. You can’t go wrong with the duck breast with tiger salad, steamed snapper with red curry, or “baby steak.” A staple from when the restaurant first opened, it got a little facelift with a smothering of charred scallions and cilantro. The portions are generous so go with a group, and relish in how the food matches the vibrancy of the interior.

  • Photo by Andy Baraghani
    11/11

    No Bar

    When my friend Angela Dimayuga took over as creative director for food and culture for all Standard hotels, I knew some very slick and sexy changes were on the way. No Bar, a queer bar that opened in February, was one of the most exciting new additions she’s brought thus far. In just a few months it’s already made a splash, with parties, drag performances, and other events—all without charging a cover.

Former BA senior food editor. When Andy is not developing and testing recipes, he can be found at garage or estate sells and flea markets in search of objects to clutter his apartment. He has an extensive collection of mortar and pestles that he is very proud of. Spirit food:... Read more
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