Pride Month Is Here: Where to Eat, Drink, Play — and Give Back!

Pride Month Is Here: Where to Eat, Drink, Play — and Give Back!

A portion of proceeds from the sale of Common Bond's Entremet cake goes to The Montrose Center.

JUNE HAS ARRIVED, and it’s time to hit festive events all over H-Town in support of the LGBTQ community. Here are 12 food and drink deals, celebrations and donation opportunities on tap!


Common Bond Bakery & Cafe

All Common Bond bakeries are supporting the cause during Pride Month by donating a portion of the proceeds from its limited-edition Entremet cake ($7) to The Montrose Center. The dessert boasts vibrant rainbow-colored layers of cake with cream cheese icing topped with whipped cream, white chocolate pearls and edible gold flecks. Wow.

Arnaldo Richards' Picos

To kick things off, Picos is hosting a Pride Cocktail Class this Saturday, June 4, during which beverage director Monica Richards will demonstrate two Tiki-inspired Bacardi rum cocktails. The event includes a complimentary queso station and staple appetizers ($45, Resy.com). Additionally, $1 of each Pride Month Specialty cocktail (You Palm Springs Circa 1970 for $14, and Mojito Me Baby $15) will be donated to The Montrose Center. Book a Pride Donation Table in June, and Picos will donate 20 percent of the total check to Montrose Grace Place.

Traveler's Table

Mark your calendars for a super-charged brunch during Pride weekend, June 24-June 26. Expect fruity pebble French toast made with rainbow Hawaiian bread; tropical fruit toast – ciabatta bread topped with vegan goat cheese and assorted exotic fruits; and the Loud & Proud cocktail – a vodka and coconut-based drink with lychee liqueur, prosecco, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice and strawberry.

The Original Ninfas

Its two original-brand locations will be shaking up refreshing watermelon mojitos made with Bacardi white rum, lime and mint, while donating $1 for each sale to the AIDS Foundation Houston.

Pride Market x Karbach Brewing

Kick off Pride Month at June 5, and bubble over with craft beer! The Karbach beer garden is open and in full swing for this special event. The market will feature more than 25-plus vendors, live performances, food trucks, drag queens, DJs, and giveaways. All ages are welcome. The event is free, but RSVP via its website is required.

Avant Garden

On June 16, Avant Garden will hold the official Grand Marshal Reception, a part of the Houston LGBT+Pride Celebration Festival and Parade. The free admission includes light bites and a cash bar.

Rich's at Rise

Continue your night June 25 at the nation’s largest nightclub venue – retractable roof included! For the official Houston Pride afterparty, DJ Joe Ross will be spinning tracks all night, along with Los Angeles DJ Roland Belmares. Expect freely flowing booze, tasty bites and lots of eye candy.

Kenny & Ziggy's

Houston’s own New York delicatessen will celebrate Gay Pride June 19-25 by offering layered rainbow cookies as well as a 10-inch round, 12-inch-high Rainbow Cake (whole or by the slice) with 10 percent of sales going to Covenant House Texas. Cookies are $17.95 per pound; the cake is $50 whole or $5.95 per slice.

Maize

This still-new Memorial Mexican restaurant marks Pride Month with a Taste the Rainbow cocktail ($16) and a special red snapper entrée with purple shrimp broth ($30) – plus a portion of sales of each goes to the AIDS Foundation Houston.

Voodoo Doughnut

Through June 30, Voodoo has its Pride Bar doughnuts on offer, which are filled with Bavarian cream, dipped in vanilla, and covered in colorful hearts. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit that aims to serve and support LGBTQ youth around the globe. All locations of Voodoo Doughnut in Houston and nationally will participate.

Eden at Rise

Pride Houston and Jeff Harmon Entertainment are bringing their hit event back for another year at RISE Rooftop on June 24, and the party starts at 9pm. Expect live entertainment and great drinks and food. The event aims to celebrate the women of Houston’s LGBT+ community. Tickets can be purchased via the website.

Dessert Gallery

And for the icing on the cake, Dessert Gallery is serving up a brand-new treat. Its Slice of Pride features alternating layers of French vanilla and pride confetti cake filled with rainbow buttercream (by the slice, $9.95). Other Pride treats include hand-decorated butter cookies, cupcakes and a Pride cookie-decorating kit.

Food
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music

Get to Know Bianca:

Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.

Keep Reading Show less