Original Gravity in Phoenix. (Photo by Robert Gundran)
Here are seven LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants in metro Phoenix, inside and outside of the Melrose neighborhood.
Nearly 5% of Arizona’s adult population identified as LGBTQ+ in 2019, the latest data available from Gallup, and that number is likely to increase—according to a different Gallup poll, the percentage of adults who self-identify as LGBTQ+ in 2025 rose to 9.3%, over double what it was when Gallup first measured it in 2012.
Despite attempts from local Republican lawmakers and anti-LGBTQ+ activists to threaten and harass queer people, other politicians and businesses serve as allies. Phoenix and surrounding towns offer safe and welcoming spaces for everyone to gather, celebrate, eat, drink, and enjoy the Valley.
The Valley is very spread out, so there aren’t large concentrated LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like the Castro District in San Francisco or Northalsted in Chicago. What Phoenix does have is the Melrose District, a one-mile stretch of gay-friendly bars and restaurants on Seventh Avenue from Indian School Road to Camelback Road.
Here are seven LGBTQ+ friendly bars and restaurants in metro Phoenix, inside and outside of the Melrose neighborhood.
Bars and clubs
Charlie’s
727 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix
Charlie’s has been around since 1984, when it started as a small country bar and evolved into maybe the state’s most well-known gay bar.
It won Phoenix Magazine’s “Best of the Valley” award every year from 2019 to 2022 for best gay and lesbian bar.
Charlie’s still maintains that lively country theme and offers line-dancing lessons, drag shows, and karaoke nights.
It’s a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Boycott Bar
4301 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
Boycott Bar is a place specifically for the L in LGBTQ+.
Like other bars and nightclubs, the LGBTQ-owned lesbian bar offers drag shows, karaoke, guest DJs, line dancing, and special events on holidays.
Kobalt
3110 N. Central Ave. #175, Phoenix
Kobalt opened in 2006 and has plenty of events, from showings of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and drag shows to karaoke and trivia nights.
This bar is nestled right in the heart of central Phoenix, in the Park Central open air mall.
Restaurants and coffee
FEZ Restaurant & Bar
105 W. Portland St., Phoenix
FEZ opened in 2005 and is best known for its Mediterranean cuisine alongside American fare.
“FEZ is proud to be actively involved in the Phoenix Metro community,” the restaurant’s website states. “It means we support a community that is full of diversity and create a space that is safe and celebrates that diversity.”
It’s not just talk. The LGBTQ-owned restaurant regularly hosts drag shows and has been involved in sponsoring Pride events.
Brick Road Coffee
4415 S. Rural Road #10, Tempe
Brick Road Coffee is proud of how welcoming it is to the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ-owned business doesn’t stop at serving coffee and being polite to people—they host and sponsor events specifically for the queer community.
The shop hosts queer meetups, book clubs, support groups, and even games of Dungeons & Dragons.
READ: How This Couple Made a Tempe Coffee Shop a Haven for LGBTQ Arizonans
The Coronado PHX
2245 N. 12th St., Phoenix
The Coronado PHX is a purely vegan restaurant. All of their menu is plant-based. Their menu offers up items like chia pudding, cauliflower tacos, and a blackseed burger.
If it isn’t immediately apparent that The Coronado PHX is a safe spot for the LGBTQ+ community, just check out their Instagram.
“Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️” a recent post states. “We love you, you are safe here, you are needed and wanted. Thank you for being YOU.”
Original Gravity
4700 N. 12th St. #101, Phoenix
Original Gravity is a scratch kitchen and bar that specializes in their drink menu. With craft beers on draft, a curated wine selection, and signature cocktail list, there is something for everyone in search of a good drink.
The LGBTQ-owned restaurant’s food menu features steak frites, carnitas tacos, and a mushroom po’boy.
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2023 and updated for 2025.
READ MORE: Pride 2025: Your guide to Arizona’s June events
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