I spent a decade of my life living in Texas (Houston, not Austin – though I visited often!). Texas’ size and politics can make for a challenging landscape for queer people at times.

As such, if you live in Austin or are visiting soon, shopping at queer-owned businesses can be a way to financially empower the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Whether you’re a bookworm, a wardrobe updater, or a budding gastronomist who loves good food and good coffee, this article curates a list of LGBTQ-owned businesses across downtown Austin, East Austin, North Austin, South Austin and beyond.

Queer-Owned Businesses in Austin, TX

If you're looking to shop at Austin's LGBTQ-owned businesses, here are some great options to check out.

Package Menswear

2008 S 1st St., Austin, TX 78704

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-husband team Auston Bjorkman and Daniel Sánchez, Package Menswear is a clothing store for men of all shapes and sizes. They carry a thoughtfully curated selection of casual and dressy apparel, swimwear, underwear, and accessories curated toward stylish, masculine folks. Package strives to be a body-positive space and support queer and trans communities.

Instagram: @packageaustin

BookWoman

5501 N Lamar Blvd., #A-105, Austin, TX 78751

This badass bookstore began as a collective in 1975, per the store’s Herstory page (also badass).

BookWoman has been a fixture of Austin's LGBTQ scene since 1975. It is Texas' only feminist bookstore, and offers a wide selection of books by women and LGBTQ authors. Also, their merch is fire. 🔥

In addition to selling books, BookWoman also regularly hosts author readings, book clubs, open mics and other events for the queer community. This indie bookshop has been a hub of feminist and LGBTQ activism and community building.

Website: https://ebookwoman.com

Instagram: @bookwomanaustin

Scruff’s Barbershop

East: 1601 E 5th St., Apt. 106, Austin, TX 78702

South: 1632 S 1st St., Austin, TX 78704

Scruff’s Barbershop was founded in February 2019, and opened a second location in 2024.

“We like to make sure everyone feels welcome and seen,” founder and owner Timothy Durant said in an interview with KVUE, the ABC News affiliate in Austin. “So we make sure that during our process of consultation and just talking with our clients that they’re very much affirmed in whomever they are.”

Website: https://scruffsbarbershop.com/

Instagram: @scruffsbarbershop

TikTok: @scruffsbarbershop

Lustre Pearl

Rainey: 97 Rainey St., Austin, TX 78701

East: 114 Linden St., Austin, TX 78702

South: 10400 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748

Opened in 2009 by entrepreneur Bridget Dunlap, the flagship location of Lustre Pearl on Rainey street is known for its creative cocktails and stylish decor in a cute refurbished bungalow.

With comfy couches, a spacious patio and a weekend music venue, it's a popular hangout spot for East Austin residents and LGBTQ communities. Lustre Pearl also hosts occasional queer parties and performances.

Website: https://dunlapatx.com/

Instagram: @lustrepearlrainey

Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath

91 Red River St., Ste. 150, Austin, TX 78701

This LGBTQ-owned business specializes in healthy pet food and pet care. This brand emphasizes inclusivity and pet wellness. Barkin’ Creek offers fresh and quality meals for dogs, along with grooming, bathing, and other pet wellness services.

Website: https://barkincreek.com/

Mary’s Café

3209 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705

Owner Kenneth Gambone told The Austin Chronicle that Mary’s is named after his mother, who donated one of her kidneys to him when he was younger (Call! Her! Motherrrr!). The café

Is located near both the UT Austin campus and a hospital, and offers espresso drinks, breakfast and desserts. One of their specialities is the Liège waffle, making it a great spot to get a sweet treat, a caffeine kick, or both. The café also sources from family-owned farms, and offers both dairy-free and vegan flavor options.

Website: https://maryscafeatx.com/

Instagram: @maryscafeatx

The Little Gay Shop

1902 E 12th St., Austin, TX 78702

You will also find apparel and home accessories exclusively designed by LGBTQ+ designers at The Little Gay Shop. According to their website, the shop represents and showcases the work of over a thousand queer artists, authors, and creators from around the world.

Website: https://thelittlegayshop.com/

Instagram: @thelittlegayshop

Lick Honest Ice Creams

1100 S Lamar Blvd #1135, Austin, TX 78704

Lick Honest Ice Creams, a gay-owned cream shop, is regionally famous for its seasonal confections made with locally sourced ingredients. The company has a brick-and-mortar location on Lamar Boulevard if you’d like an afternoon or evening sweet treat.

Website: https://www.ilikelick.com/

Instagram: @lickicecreams

MaryJae

2110 S Lamar Blvd., Suite E, Austin, TX 78704

For those looking for premium-quality CBD products, MaryJae is a must-visit. This queer-owned business offers a curated selection of edibles, oils, and more in an all-inclusive environment. Marijuana is restricted in Texas and 25 other states; the website has a helpful FAQ of the different types of CBD products they offer and what they mean.

Website: https://www.shopmaryjae.com/

Instagram: @shopmaryjae

These businesses only scratch the surface of Austin's many excellent LGBTQ-owned establishments. Supporting them helps uplift queer entrepreneurs, fosters community, and keeps Austin equitable and thriving. Next time you're in the city, be sure to check them out and spread the word to your friends – both your stomach and your community will thank you. ⬥