Whether you’re looking for a small bite to eat or a new vintage store to peruse on your day off, Cincinnati has it all. Especially when it comes to finding small, LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
Below, you’ll find a list of several renowned and beloved LGBTQ+ businesses that are the perfect pitstop for a dreamy summer day in Cincy.
Morsel & Nosh
Location: 4183 Hamilton Avenue, Cincinnati
This neighborhood delicatessen and speciality grocery store is located in the Northside of Cincy and is primarily known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality goods. If you’re able to make it during their lunch hour (which typically ends around 3 p.m.), you must try one of the deli’s sandwiches, which are famous for their fresh ingredients and various dietary options.
Morsel & Nosh is co-owned by Michael and his husband Mark, who have made it their mission to provide a deli with quality products and an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Casablanca Vintage
Location: 3944 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati
If you are a vintage lover like myself, you must stop by and visit Casablanca Vintage. This gem has been coined as “The Best Vintage Clothing Store” in Cincinnati by CityBeat Magazine, which is no surprise as they carry unique items from the 1920’s to the early 90s.
Casablanca Vintage is co-owned by Ashley and Tim, who have been collecting and stocking pieces since 2013. Whether you’re looking for authentic saddle shoes from the 50’s or a fringe jacket from the 70’s, Casablanca Vintage and their amazing staff have you covered.
Carl’s Deli
Location: 2836 Observatory Avenue, Cincinnati
Carl’s Deli is a classic eatery known for its premium sandwiches, homemade salads, quiches, pastas, soups, and sweets, which are all made from fresh ingredients. If that hasn’t already sold you, this Deli has the cutest outdoor seating area with an old-school awning, giving it a charming and historic feel.
Co-owned by sisters Cameron and Sydney, Carl’s Deli is a queer and women-owned small business, operating from their primary location in Hyde Park, and now at Findlay Market.
Rituals Beauty Studio
Location: 2007 Madison Road, Cincinnati
Rituals Beauty Studio is a queer-owned alternative salon offering beauty services, including cuts, color, styling, extensions, makeup, and treatments. The salon is owned by its founder, Victoria, who is praised for her expertise in wicked cool colors and cutting techniques.
Rituals Beauty Studio has a wide range of talented stylists to meet your hair and beauty needs, which is reflected in their highly positive reviews from clients.
Evolve Bake + Shop
Location: Order online or find their multiple locations featured on their website
Satiate your sweet tooth this week by visiting Evolve Bake + Shop, a womxn, lesbixn, and filipinx-owned bakery, known for its 100% vegan and plan-based selection of baked goods.
Isa, the founder and owner, has built her businesses on inclusivity by creating and offering sweet treats that accommodate a multitude of dietary restrictions.
Continual Goods
Location: You can find them at Findlay Market and other local markets
Continual Goods is an eco-friendly small business that sells a variety of hand-crafted sustainable goods, such as scrunchies, bags, coasters, bowls, headbands, and more!
Sarah, the founder and owner of Continual Goods, has a keen eye for the small pleasures in life and creates the cutest homemade items that are sure to brighten up your home and your day.
Piper’s Soft Serve Bar
Location: 503 W 6th Street, Covington
After a long day of walking around the city, there’s nothing like ending the a hot summer evening with some soft serve ice cream. Step back in time at Piper’s Soft Serve Bar, a hidden gem located just across the river in Covington, Kentucky. At Piper’s, you’ll find over 70 flavors of soft serve, boozy dessert drinks, and a variety of fun topping to mix and match with!
After grabbing your fresh ice cream, you can enjoy it in their nostalgic outdoor garden patio, which is in the heart of the historic MainStrasse Village neighborhood.
Rune Kitchen + Juicery
Location: 6844 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati
Rune Kitchen + Juicery is a queer-owned smoothie and juice bar in the Northside of Cincinnati. Outside of their delicious drink options, Rune also offers plant-based food options that are great for a quick bite when you’re on the go.
Caleb, the founder and owner of Rune Juicery, is a strong supporter of plant-based medicine, which fueled their passion to create a variety of plant-based and vegan food and juice options alongside an apothecary.
Conclusion
Celebrate PRIDE this summer by shopping small whilst supporting your local LGBTQ+ community! Just remember – this is certainly not an exhaustive list. There are many other LBGTQ+ owned small businesses to explore and visit in Cincinnati, just visit visitcincy.com to find more!