The LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses Shaping Houston, According to Zach McKenzie
Zach McKenzie has been a fixture in Houston’s cultural and hospitality scene since 2014. A University of Texas at Austin graduate, he works as a publicist representing some of the city’s most well-known restaurants, bars, and entertainment concepts, while also contributing writing to outlets like OutSmart Magazine, Visit Houston, and My Gay Houston. Through both his professional work and personal writing, McKenzie has built a perspective rooted in community, visibility, and a genuine appreciation for the city. Give him a follow on Instagram or Substack, where he shares essays he's written once per month that readers can view for free!
Here are a few of his favorite LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Houston that reflect the people and energy shaping the city’s local scene:
Photo via Tacos Doña Lena Facebook
Location: East Downtown
Community meets wellness at Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products. It's the perfect spot to shop products made by local vendors as well as soaps, scents, and more all made in-house. Owned by husbands Joseph Berck and Jaime Gonzalez, the shop welcomes anyone and everyone looking to enhance their self-care routine. My favorite product is the cologne called "Alpha". It's the perfect mix of sweet and spicy!
Location: Montrose
Just a few blocks down from the Montrose "gayborhood" is one of Houston's best spots for a strong drink, lively entertainment, and even sing-alongs around a piano. The weekly drag performances at Michael's are fun and always a good time, the bartenders are the nicest around, and singing along with a bar full of folks around a piano is the perfect way to spend a late night. Make it your first or last stop of the night—either way, you're gonna love it!
Location: The Heights
Located just north of downtown, this neighborhood LGBTQ-owned bar serves up mouthwatering pizza and offers a fabulous lineup of craft beer, cocktails, and more! With drinks named "Flip Flop Cowboy", "Corn Star", and "Hot Boi Summer", it's no surprise this cheeky haunt has attracted such a loyal following. Stop in for a drink and a bite or two, but stay for the inclusive and immaculate vibes!
Location: Multiple Locations
A multi-award winning Mexican restaurant, offers authentic bites, delicious drinks, and hearty sides. With two locations in Houston, the popular Spring Branch restaurant is LGBTQ-owned by Magdalena "Lena" Cabrera's son Angel Cabrera and his husband Brian Ponce. The elevated Mexican street food pairs well with the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant, whose second location is situated in the Heights neighborhood. Be sure to try the birria tacos and elotes!
Location: The Heights
A one-stop-shop for gifts, apparel, trinkets and more await at The Feisty Collective. The Heights shop, which is easily identified by the rainbow painted exterior wall, isn't your typical gift shop. Offering items from a variety of artisans and creators, Feisty has everything from political keychains, humorous gift cards, homemade candles, whimsical office supplies, queer art, and more. Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend, or just wanting to treat yourself to some items you can't find anywhere else, this is the shop for you!
Think we missed a spot?
Hit us at [email protected] (subject: LGBTQ+ Businesses) and put us on game.
More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local’s List, where we tap in with people who actually live here to share their go-to spots, routines, and Houston opinions. This is just the start, more coming soon.
Know someone who should be featured?
Put them on. Nominate a friend, your favorite local, or even yourself to share your go-to spots around the city.
