By David Landis, The Gay Gourmet–
While the San Francisco Bay Times’ Pride Week issue is still on the horizon, yours truly wanted to give you the heads up for culinary and bar Pride specials that begin even earlier. So, if you’re looking to celebrate Pride throughout the month, here are some fun ideas.
Compton’s Cafeteria Riot
Let’s start with a little LGBTQ+ history 101. Did you know that one of the most important LGBTQ+ uprisings that defined the movement that created Pride came 3 years before Stonewall in 1966—and it happened in San Francisco? The now-chronicled event is called the Compton’s Cafeteria riot. It took place at the gathering haunt of many transgender women and drag queens at the former eatery located at 101 Taylor Street (now marked with a historical plaque). Advocates are now trying to reclaim that spot for the LGBTQ+ community. I, for one, applaud those efforts.
So, what happened there? The folks who headed to Compton’s after their nightly gigs would meet up with likeminded souls in a friendly atmosphere, especially since at the time it was a crime to cross-dress in public. One night, they got fed up with police harassment and fought back. That became a turning point for our tribe.
If you want to have an immersive theatrical experience—complete with a “breakfast for dinner” of delicious pancakes, syrup, sausages, and decaffeinated coffee—head to the re-enactment now playing at 835 Larkin Street in the Tenderloin. The show is produced by The Tenderloin Museum, and the producers have built a real replica Compton’s Cafeteria from the ground up. You sit in the eatery while the actors mill about and perform that “legacy of resistance.” I found the experience incredibly moving, while learning a lot about our shared history. The performers are mostly transgender, which adds authenticity to the story. Because the show takes place in the middle of the Tenderloin, you still feel the grit of the neighborhood that these people encountered on a daily basis. When the actors talk about just wanting to live their lives, have jobs, and not be harassed, the humanity of it all hits home, and especially now. An added bonus? You’re invited post-show to the kitschy Kung Fu Lounge next door to mingle with the cast. It’s a delightful saloon festooned with red Chinese lanterns, amidst an array of Kung Fu movies on several screens. Speaking and drinking with the cast add immensely to the adventure.
I asked co-writer and co-producer Mark Nassar how they were able to build an entire diner from scratch. “It was a scavenger hunt to keep prices down,” Nassar told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “The circular and chaise black booths are from the original Original Joe’s, by way of Piano Fight, after they closed. The tables are from the great vegetarian restaurant, Ananda Fuara, which was on Larkin and Market. (Note: both of these now-shuttered restaurants were nearby in the neighborhood.) Our other booths, counter, and stools are from a diner in Bakersfield that was closing. Our set designer, Roxy Rose, is transgender; she’s a wild looking blonde, usually in a cowboy hat and black leather. She went to Bakersfield and negotiated with a farmer, whose dad owned the diner, to get the items (at an incredible price).”
So, go now, join the riot, and continue to resist. The fight continues, and it’s a great way to celebrate Pride.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is celebrating Pride with a series of weekly drag pop-up performances from 4–6 pm, featuring Afrika America and friends. On June 12, you’ll see Drag Race/WOW Presents stars Jax, Dee Dee Marie Holliday, and Militia. On June 19 (Juneteenth), the performers will also include BeBe Sweetbriar and Mercedez Munro. On June 26, the Imperial Court of San Francisco will reign supreme with Emperor Ashlé Blow, Empress Afrika America, and Imperial Crown Prince Nathan D’Aguiar.
During the month, Saluhall is offering a rainbow “Guava Have Pride” cocktail (vodka, mint, jalapeño, guava, lime, and elderflower), with the proceeds going to the SF LGBT Center. They’re also selling Pride cardamom swirls alongside their regular baked goods.
TETRA Hotel’s Oasis Makers Fair: Pride Edition returns to the Silicon Valley property on June 21 from 2 pm–6 pm. Welcoming more than 25 makers and small businesses, many of which are LGBTQIA+ owned and operated, TETRA’s Oasis Makers Fair: Pride Edition is free and features a performance by Bay Area drag troupe the Rice Rockettes. The event includes raffles throughout the afternoon, with proceeds benefiting the Rainbow Chamber of Silicon Valley.
1 Hotel San Francisco is hosting its 3rd annual Pride Brunch on the resident restaurant Terrene’s al fresco patio on June 14. The fan-favorite brunch will include performances from a curated group of drag queens, festive themed cocktails, seasonal bites, and more. DJ Juanita MORE! provides the vibey beats, with performances by talented local queens, Lady Camden, Tila Pia, Nicki Jizz, and Carnie Asada. Proceeds from the event benefit the SF LGBT Center as well as the Transgender Law Center.
Also on June 14, Hotel Zeppelin will host the Downtown Divas Drag Brunch, a high energy kickoff to Pride. Guests will enjoy dynamic performances from legendary queens Alexis Miranda and Queen Cougar, with special appearances by Tiger Lily and Linda Summers. DJ Donnie Moon will spin, and a full brunch will be served. Tickets include the show and brunch. Guests can purchase mimosas, sangria, and handcrafted Fever Tree cocktails throughout the afternoon. Brunch seating begins at 12:30 pm, with the show starting at 1 pm.
The Downtown SF Partnership’s Drag Me Downtown series is returning on Fridays this June. This free-to-attend drag show series features pop-up drag shows at downtown San Francisco businesses each week throughout June to celebrate Pride Month with local performers. This year’s final show, Drag Me to Front St., will close out the event with an open-air drag show and block party taking place on Front Street, California’s first-ever Entertainment Zone. This performance will be co-hosted and headlined by Peaches Christ. Since it is the first drag show at the Front Street Entertainment Zone, attendees can enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors during the event. The event is free to attend, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register to secure Pride swag, with proceeds directly supporting The Transgender District, the world’s first legally recognized transgender district.
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco celebrates the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month in June with a vibrant-themed afternoon tea inspired by love and the spirited colors of the rainbow flag. Guests begin the experience with a champagne toast and a pot of premium tea of their choice before indulging in a tea tower of summer-inspired tea sandwiches and desserts and pastries. These include: Funfetti Scones, “Love Shack” Linzer Cookies, Pride & Passion Mousse, and Rainbow Love Cake. Beverages for additional purchase will include the Hermana cocktail—dedicated to the historic Castro district in San Francisco—crafted with Ketel One vodka, prickly pear, passion fruit, lemon juice, and Cointreau liqueur. This afternoon tea is available on the weekends in June from 2–4 pm.
Dirty Habit, Hotel Zelos’ sultry rooftop bar and restaurant, offers the return of its Blue and Fancy cocktail for Pride Month. With vibrant blue, pink, and purple hues inspired by the bisexual Pride flag, Blue and Fancy is as bold and beautiful as the community it celebrates. Crafted with Roku Gin, pear brandy, citrus, and butterfly pea flower powder, this patio-perfect cocktail is as photogenic as it is delicious—topped with an edible flower for that extra flourish.
Gentleman Farmer Wines is back with another limited-edition Pride wine that continues its tradition of celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The husband-and-husband team behind this Napa-based, gay-owned winery has released a 2022 Red Blend (75% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon) just in time for Pride. Only 25 cases were produced, with 10% of proceeds going to the It Gets Better Project, LYRIC, and Napa’s own VOICES.
The Yountville Chamber of Commerce is presenting the second annual Yountville Pride Celebrations in June. This multi-day celebration includes special offers, events, and packages, including Pride Trivia, special wine and food pairing events, an evening of “Bean Bags, Pride Flags and Cornhole,” Pride Bingo, Pride Paint Night, a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and more. Yountville Pride Celebrations culminate with the Pride in the Park event on June 22 at Yountville Veterans Memorial Park. The event is free and open to all, featuring live music, food trucks, arts, crafts, booths, and more.
If you stay at LUMA Hotels in San Francisco or New York during June, you can enjoy a Pride package where 10% of proceeds benefit the SF LGBT Center or the NYC LGBT Community Center.
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. You can email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: https://gaygourmetsf.com/
The Gay Gourmet
Published on June 12, 2025
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