LGBTQ+ Businesses in Orlando: Where to Eat, Shop, and Connect Locally
Orlando is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. One of the best ways to support it is by shopping and spending locally. These LGBTQ+ owned businesses help shape the city’s culture and offer safe, welcoming spaces for all. Whether you’re new in town or a longtime local, here are some great spots to check out.
Dining & Treats
Bites & Bubbles (Mills 50)
Bites & Bubbles is a locally owned restaurant with a European twist. Owners Eddie Nickell and Nicholas Olivieri serve elevated small plates, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails. Guests can dine indoors, outdoors, or on the rooftop. The menu changes often, featuring French, American, and Italian influences using fresh, local ingredients.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)
Chef Art Smith’s restaurant brings Florida’s farming heritage to the table. The menu focuses on Southern comfort food made with local ingredients. Chef Art has cooked for Oprah Winfrey and other public figures. He also founded Common Threads, a nonprofit that teaches children to cook healthy meals.
Se7en Bites (Milk District)
Se7en Bites is a Southern-style bakery and café. Chef Trina Gregory and her team serve breakfast, lunch, and a full menu of baked goods. Known for its biscuits, pies, and scratch-made sweets, this spot has been featured on the Food Network. They also offer catering for events and holidays.
The Glass Knife (Winter Park)
The Glass Knife offers cakes, pastries, coffee, and light fare in a stylish setting. Inspired by family baking traditions, the café is designed for relaxing with friends or celebrating special moments. The menu features time-tested recipes and seasonal items made fresh daily.
Wafu (Audubon Park)
Wafu serves Japanese-style soft serve and taiyaki in East End Market. Founded by partners Ben and Zack, the shop started as a food truck. Now, it offers a cozy space where guests can enjoy traditional treats with unique fillings and seasonal flavors.
Shopping & Goods
The Ancient Olive Gourmet (Winter Park)
The Ancient Olive is a tasting room and gourmet food shop. They offer premium extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and global pantry staples. Visitors can sample items and find everything from dry-cured meats to preserves and pastas.
Maffrey’s Good Goods (SODO District)
Maffrey’s curates gifts and accessories that do good. The shop features recycled, sustainable, and cause-based products. From pet goods to home décor, many of their items support local culture or global causes.
Out of the Closet (Mills 50)
Out of the Closet is a thrift store supporting AIDS Healthcare Foundation. In addition to secondhand shopping, they provide free HIV testing. Shopping here supports healthcare services and helps reduce clothing waste.
Arts, Nightlife & Culture
Central Florida Community Arts
CFCArts brings people together through music and performance. They run programs for youth, seniors, and adults across all experience levels. The group also partners with nonprofits and hospitals to offer community events and accessible arts education.
Orlando Gay Chorus
Founded in 1990, the Orlando Gay Chorus includes more than 100 LGBTQ+ members and allies. They perform at local events, pride festivals, and benefit concerts. Their music promotes understanding and celebrates diversity.
Renaissance Theatre Company
The Ren produces original shows and immersive experiences with a focus on inclusion, equity, and bold storytelling. Located in Ivanhoe, their space hosts performances, workshops, and weekly events that support local artists.
Savoy Orlando
Savoy is a gay bar in the Ivanhoe Village neighborhood. It features multiple rooms, live DJs, dancers, trivia, and karaoke nights. Open every night of the week, it’s a staple of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Southern Nights (Milk District)
Southern Nights is a multi-room club known for drag shows, dance parties, and themed events. It also has a large outdoor patio. With weekly events like “Girl the Party,” it remains one of the city’s most popular nightlife destinations.
Community Resources
The Center Orlando (Mills 50)
The Center offers mental health counseling, STD/STI testing, peer support, and advocacy programs. Their services include trans and nonbinary support groups, senior outreach, and Pulse tragedy response resources through Orlando United Resiliency Services (OURS). The Center creates a space where everyone can find connection and support.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Businesses in Orlando
These LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Orlando are more than great places to eat, shop, or spend time. They’re part of what makes the city strong, diverse, and welcoming. Supporting them helps build a more inclusive community for everyone.
Know a business we missed? Let us know—we’re always looking to highlight more voices and spaces.