Gay pride is a year-round thing in Madison.
Opting for openness over “us vs. them” and kindness over competitiveness, we’re a city known for its progressiveness. We recognize there’s lots of work to be done, and we’re proud that LGBTQ+ owned-and-operated businesses (and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses) continue to flourish here.
Though the big pride event in Madison isn’t until August, we’ve got more than 35 LGBTQ+ businesses to support in Madison while you’re eating, drinking and traveling your way through Madison.
From coffee shops to lake cruises to brunch, take a day (or two! or more!) to check these spots out.
Coffee and Cafes
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Cafe Social
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Forward Craft & Coffee (Opening June 2022)
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Java Cat (Monona)
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Millie’s Coffee & Eatery (Cambridge)
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Willalby’s Cafe
Eateries and Bars
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Dottie's Bar & Bistro (Cross Plains)
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Caracas Empanadas (Food Truck)
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Greenbush Bar
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Michael’s Frozen Custard
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Migrants
Clubs and Lounges
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FIVE Nightclub
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Mediterranean Hookah Lounge & Cafe
Shops and Bookstores
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EarthWise Pet (Multiple locations)
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Fiddlesticks Knits
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Mystery To Me Bookstore
Breweries and Wine
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Giant Jones Brewing Company
Attractions and Non-profits
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Farwell Gallery (McFarland)
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Madison Minotaurs Rugby
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Mala Yoga Center (Monona)
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Proud Theater
More Info
Find other LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Destination Madison listings, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce business directory and the Dane Buy Local member directory. For local updates and in-depth stories about queer life in Madison, check out Our Lives. (An article by Our Lives magazine spotlighted many of the businesses listed in this article.)
(Psst - Keep in mind this isn’t an exhaustive list. It focuses on hospitality/tourism businesses.)
Stay tuned for more LGBTQ+ friendly spots and events in Madison.