Photo Credit: Monterey Peninsula Pride
Monterey County is made up of a large community of diverse, family-owned businesses including a variety of LGBTQIA+ owned, supporting and SVPC (Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations) Safe Space Program Members. The SVPC Safe Space Program allows businesses to showcase that they will welcome and respect those in the LGBTQIA+ community. If you are committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, we’ve rounded up a few awesome ways to celebrate Pride when visiting Monterey County.
Restaurants
Hula’s Island Grill (Monterey)
Hula’s serves a variety of island inspired fusion dishes with a bit of a Hawaiian flare. Try some of the favorites on the menu such as Duke’s Luau Pork Plate or Bali Hai BBQ Ribs! They have happy hour (and a half) every day and even their own speakeasy, “Next Door” open Thursday-Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to close. Hula's Island Grill was recently featured in Chapter 5, Romantic Rendezvous in Monterey County in National Geographic's first-ever inclusive travel guidebook: OUT IN THE WORLD: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World!
Toro Place Cafe (Salinas)
Located on Highway 68 between Salinas and Monterey, Toro Place Cafe is a queer-owned cafe open for breakfast and lunch. Try their omelets, hamburgers and super-sized cinnamon rolls for dessert!
Coffee Shops
Bookworks (Pacific Grove)
This local and independently owned bookstore/coffee shop is in downtown Pacific Grove. Enjoy some freshly baked goods with a cup of coffee or tea and visit their bookstore which has over 6,000 well-chosen titles. They have an LGBTQIA+ rainbow sticker posted on their bookstore window all year round.
Captain + Stoker (Monterey)
Captain + Stoker is a coffee shop and roastery with locations in Monterey and Pacific Grove. They are very involved in the community as they use and support local artists, bakers and more. Stop by to try their sustainably sourced and made coffee! When you’re there, you’ll see an LGBTQIA+ flag proudly hanging in the window.
Bars and Breweries
Brew-N-Krew (Salinas)
Located in downtown Salinas, Brew-N-Krew is an ale house that provides a safe space that welcomes everyone and anyone. They host various pop-up events including a drag brunch in recognition of Pride month.
Pearl Hour (Monterey)
Pearl Hour is a women-owned cocktail bar that has a variety of drinks including cocktails, beer, cider and wine. There are also constant events going on from live music, LGBTQIA+ Night every second Thursday and a Roulette Drag Hour Drag Show every second Saturday of the month.
Shops and Activities
Artisana Gallery (Pacific Grove)
Artisana Gallery is an LGBTQIA+ women-owned business that specializes in supporting local and independent Artisans. They have anything from candles, photography, jewelry, pottery and more! Be sure to drop by in June as they have a selection of Pride items available.
Progress Not Perfection Paint Parties (Monterey)
Owned and operated by Jessica Ansberry, this small local business specializes in acrylic paint parties, watercolor workshops, Kids’ Art Camps, art journal workshops and private parties. Progress Not Perfection hosts a variety of fun and creative events around the county.
To view the full list, visit the Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations LGBTQIA+ Directory here.
If you know of other LGBTQIA+ businesses in Monterey County that should be on the list, please share their details with us via info@seemonterey.com.