Check out these 10 local queer-owned businesses during Tacoma Pride Month
It’s officially Pride Month in Tacoma.
To commemorate the annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, here are some queer-owned businesses to check out around Tacoma.
This isn’t a complete list. You can find more local queer-owned businesses through queerownedwa.
Howdy Bagel
- 5421 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma
- 253-301-1586
- howdybagel.com
This bagel shop on South Tacoma Way has been red hot since it opened in 2023, and the phrase, “y’all means all,” can be found plastered across the shop. Bagels come in flavors like poppy and rosemary sea salt, with nearly a dozen different sandwiches and tartines on the menu.
Juniper Botanical Bar
- 5226 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma
- 253-212-2358
- juniperbotanicalbar.com
Juniper Botanical Bar, just down the street from Howdy Bagel, describes itself as “A new bar for queers in Tacoma.” That’s easy to surmise from the menu, which has unique drinks for every color of the rainbow (plus some more). The bar, along with Howdy Bagel, The Mule Tavern, Tacoma Night Market (aka Drag Market), and Real Art Tacoma will also take part in a day-long Pride event on July 12.
Grit City Books
- 3116 6th Ave., Tacoma
- 253-550-2665
- gritcitybooks.com
This Sixth Avenue book store has something for everyone, plus “Queer All Year,” a section celebrating LGBTQ+ authors and stories. Grit City Books also hosts Drag Story Times with local drag performer Ms. Cleo.
The Mix
- 635 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma
- 253-383-4327
- themixtacoma.com
This gay bar in downtown Tacoma is known for its late-night karaoke, plus drag shows every Saturday. The Mix will also host its own Pride block party during the Tacoma Pride Festival on July 11, featuring a DJ set from RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob The Drag Queen and performances from other local drag queens.
Naomi Joe Coffee Roasters
- 2101 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma (inside 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom)
- 253-237-3403
- naomijoecoffee.com
Naomi Joe’s slogan is “modern coffee for all.” The brews are unique, with flavor profiles that have notes of Fruit Loops, grape candy and cherry blossom. The Pride Blend is called Fruity Punch, which blends flavors like fruit punch and milk chocolate.
The Barber Collective
- 1001 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma (inside Tacoma Armory)
- 253-339-1532
- thebarbercollective.shop
This barber shop, which opened in 2020, prides itself on Barbering Beyond The Binary. It specializes in short cuts, fades, beard trims and shaves. The Barber Collective also frequently works with Oasis Youth Center, a Tacoma nonprofit supporting queer youth.
People’s Pilates
- Hilltop: 1402 S. 11th St., Tacoma
- Central: 2501 S. 12th St., Tacoma
- STW: 5411 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma
- pplspilates.com
You can find People’s Pilates at three different locations in Tacoma, promising “Pilates for All People!” The fitness centers offer group reformer pilates, hot mat pilates, yoga and spring wall classes.
Ascent Fitness
- 3914 Center St., Tacoma
- 253-498-4274
- ascent.fit
This fitness center encourages gym goers to “Move with Pride.” Ascent Fitness offers personal training, group classes and workshops in a “queer-friendly, fat-positive, and anti-diet space.”
Shelf Indulgence
- 2607 6th Ave, Tacoma
- shelfindulgence.shop
Shelf Indulgence, Tacoma’s first and only romance book store, describes itself as a warm and inclusive space that “celebrates love in all its forms.” The “More Pride, Less Prejudice” section carries some popular LGBTQ+ stories like “Heated Rivalry” and “The Song of Achilles.”
A Gift of Serenity
- 440 E. 25th St., Tacoma (inside Freighthouse Square)
- 360-561-1279
- agiftofserenity.com
This gift shop at Freighthouse Square, which opened just a few months ago, sells handmade jewelry, decor and clothing from 20 vendors across the South Sound. The store sells pride merchandise year round, like rainbow earrings, beanies and other items. The store’s owner, Allaric Say’shianda, also sets up as a vendor at local pride celebrations, most recently in Olympia and Tumwater.
