June 13, 2023
10 LGBTQ-Owned-and-Operated Restaurants to Support This Month: Boston Edition
Christopher Ehlers READ TIME: 11 MIN.
Being Pride Month and all, this is a great time to support LGBTQ-owned-and-operated businesses when choosing where to dine this month. Here are some Boson-area restaurants to consider:
Farmstead Table, Newton Centre
Blending French technique with new world innovation in a classic American country kitchen, Farmstead Table is – as the name suggests – inspired by local farmers. Relaxed yet polished, their fresh food is complimented by finely curated wines, domestic craft brews, and exquisite cocktails. 71 Union St., Newton Centre.
Hojoko, Fenway
One of the best places to go before a concert at Fenway Park, MGM Music Hall, or House of Blues, the lively, rock-and-roll themed Hojoko is always a feast for the eyes and tastebuds, especially if you can grab a seat that looks out at the midcentury-inspired pool of The Verb Hotel. Even better, this month, they will be donating $5 from each Subtle Beauty Highball to Boston Proud, an organization dedicated to continuing LGBTQ+ Pride in Boston in a manner that is free from discrimination. Serving extraordinary sushi, robata grilled yakitori, and small plates of street food, Hojoko is one of Fenway's gems. 1271 Boylston St., Boston.
Brassica Kitchen + Cafe, Jamaica Plain
Founded with the idea of bringing creative and comfortable cuisine to Forest Hills, Brassica is a café and sandwich shop by day (plus weekend brunches), transforming into Brassica Kitchen for dinner Wednesday-Sunday. Mostly small plates, the varied menu includes various delights, from Dry-Aged Strip Tacos and Halibut over Charcoal to Lemony Brussels Sprouts and Bone Marrow Lo-Mein. 3710 Washington St., Jamaica Plain.
La Fabrica Central, Cambridge
Lively and tropical décor set the mood, but it's the food that is the star of this show. The menu is comprised of dishes from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. It's all made even better when there's live music, which happens every Thursday-Saturday from 7-11 pm. There are more than 20 small plates to choose from, in addition to scores of mofongos, ceviches, salads, Latin sushi rolls, and entrees that run the gamut from pork and chicken to seafood and steak. 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
Cósmica, South End
This Mexican gem showcases artisanal Mexican cuisine grounded in tradition, but with a modern twist. Scores of fundamental ingredients are sourced from local and artisanal sources, and they boast labor-intensive food preparations that result in a multi-day process. They even have a secret taco each day that can only be ordered using a password that can be found on their social media. With weekend brunch, dinner, and late-night menus, there's always a reason to find yourself as Cósmica. 40 Berkeley St., Boston.
Libertine, North End
This tiny, comfortable spot-on Salem Street features Italian classics, as well as traditional bar fare and even some Portuguese specials like Shrimp Mozambique and Mariscada, a traditional rice dish with lobster, shrimp, clams, squid, and mussels. But it is the North End, after all, and the pasta and seafood dishes rule this joint. They also have a drag brunch, so get those dollar bills ready. 125 Salem St., Boston.
Lime, Chelsea
Taking over the old Winnisimmet Lounge space, Lime is a welcome addition to a neighborhood that runs short on great restaurants. Casual elegance is married beautifully with international fusion, and the result is unfussy dishes that always hit the spot. In Trinidad, to "lime" means to play and eat with friends, appreciate your surroundings, and celebrate life. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday and brunch (sometimes drag!) on Sunday, the menu contains a variety of international-inspired flavors, as well as a healthy dose of familiar favorites with a twist. 73 Winnisimmet St., Chelsea.
Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn
You may have seen Nightshade in the news recently, when award-winning chef Rachel Miller was shortlisted for the James Beard Foundation's 2023 Outstanding Chef award, making her one of only two chefs in New England to achieve this. Nightshade's trademark offering is their blind tasting menus, which are available at seven courses up to 14. Of course, you can also dine à la carte. 73 Exchange St., Lynn.
PKL, South Boston
Yes, this place is a pickleball parlor with a variety of games, but it also boasts two bars and a dining room for eating and drinking up a storm. It's very slightly elevated bar food, with plenty of shareable options. In addition to some classic entrees like Hangar Steak, Pan Seared Statler Chicken Breast, and Pasta Harissa, there's an impressive bar that features cocktails named after celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Harry Styles, Jennifer Coolidge, Dolly Parton, and Freddie Mercury. With trivia on Wednesday and bottomless reggae brunch on Sunday, there's always something happening. 64C St., Boston.
haley.henry, Downtown Crossing
A James Beard semi-finalist in 2020 for Outstanding Wine Program, this hideaway in Downtown Crossing is all about responsibly-sourced, natural, or small production wines. The simple food selections range from dozens of tinned seafood options to crudo, charcuterie, and a couple large dishes like Sirloin Steak and Faroe Islands Salmon. 45 Province St., Boston.
