Raise your glass! It’s National Beer Day (April 7, in case you didn’t have it marked), so there’s no better time to combine your love for craft beer with your love of supporting queer-owned businesses. Whether you’re gearing up for an adventurous weekend, an LGBTQ+ craft beer enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good pint with a side of impact, this queer-owned breweries in the USA guide is for you.
Beer and the LGBTQ+ community have had a growing relationship in the craft brewing industry. While beer culture has historically been pretty cis-het and hyper-masculine, queer brewery owners are shaking things up—bringing color, inclusivity, and a big ol’ rainbow flag to the scene. These breweries don’t just serve beer; they create safe spaces, celebrate creativity, and make meaningful contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Here’s a cheers-worthy list of queer-owned breweries across the USA to add to your must-visit list, plus some tips on how to make the most of your experience.
Why Queer-Owned Breweries Matter
Why should we care who’s behind the bar or brewing the beer? Because visibility matters. These Queer-owned establishments are changing the craft beer landscape in a big way.
- Representation in Beer Culture
Craft beer has long been a space dominated by straight, cisgender men. Queer-owned breweries are flipping the script, showing that beer is for everyone.
- Safe Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community
Beyond the beverages, many of these taprooms serve as gathering places for Queer folks. Think Pride events, drag shows, and even Queer-friendly trivia nights.
- Innovative Brewing
Queer brewers aren’t just challenging social norms—they’re pushing the boundaries on what beer can be. Expect everything from lavender-infused sours to pilsners made with blue corn.
- Community Support
These breweries are committed to giving back. Many donate portions of their proceeds to LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots organizations, creating a tangible impact.
Now, grab your favorite pint glass and get ready to explore some of the best Queer-owned breweries in the USA.
The Ultimate Queer-Owned Brewery Road Trip
Grab your calendar and get your GPS primed. Here’s a list of queer-owned breweries by state, each with unique stories, standout beers, and the kind of vibes you’ll want to toast to.
California
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Hillcrest Brewing Company (San Diego)
Dubbed “The World’s First Out and Proud LGBT Brewery,” this spot is all about good beer and campy charm. Must-try beer? The Perle Necklace. -
Local Brewing Co. (San Francisco)
Queer-owned and woman-led, this brewery is rooted in San Francisco’s rich culture of inclusivity.
Colorado
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Goldspot Brewing Company (Denver)
Led by queer owner Nicole, Goldspot focuses on making beer one of the most inclusive spaces around. Try the Queer AF IPA. -
Lady Justice Brewing (Aurora)
Queer-, women-, and Latina-founded, every beer sale contributes to progressive causes.
District of Columbia
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City-State Brewing (Washington, D.C.)
A Queer-owned brewery with a strong core of Queer owners and investors, City-State offers a Pride beer all year round called “Equal Marriage,” celebrating the District’s pioneering marriage equality across race, gender, and religion. -
Red Bear Brewing Co. (Washington, D.C.)
Queer-owned and fully committed to sustainability, Red Bear Brewing offers creative beers like “Hefe Don’t Preach,” and a welcoming vibe in the nation’s capital.
Kansas
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Servaes Brewing Company (Shawnee)
This family-owned gem is brewing up more than just beer—they’re brewing inclusion, creativity, and fun. Known for small-batch experimental flavors (including beer slushies!), it’s a must-stop for those seeking something bold and welcoming.
Maine
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Lucky Pigeon Brewing (Biddeford)
Gluten-free? No problem. This queer-owned brewery doesn’t compromise on flavor while championing inclusivity.
Maryland
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Denizens Brewing Co. (Riverdale Park)
A vibrant, inclusive atmosphere welcomes all walks of life. Enjoy a Southside Rye IPA or Boho Pilsner in their cozy taproom or beer garden. -
Ten Eyck Brewing (Queenstown)
Run by a powerhouse team of women and LGBTQ+ folks, this spot offers a bold and diverse beer list with a sunny outdoor vibe that’s perfect for sippin’.
Massachusetts
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Provincetown Brewing Co. (Provincetown)
You can’t visit Provincetown and skip this gem! This brewery donates 15% of all profits to organizations like Immigration Equality and the Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts. -
Dorchester Brewing Company (Boston)
Known for hosting killer Pride floats and Queer events, Dorchester Brewing not only brews great beer, but also fosters an inclusive community space.
Michigan
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Guardian Brewing Company (Saugatuck)
Located in a charming lakeside town, this queer woman-owned brewery is known for its philanthropic efforts and seasonal beers like Majik, a German-inspired pilsner.
Minnesota
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Urban Growler Brewing Co. (St. Paul)
Their lavender lemon “Let’s Dance” Ale is as fabulous as the name suggests. Partners Jill and Deb helm this queer and women-owned brewery.
Missouri
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Big Rip Brewing Company (North Kansas City)
In the mood for a spooky good time? This sci-fi and paranormal-themed brewery pours small-batch beers with big personality. Try the Time Portal Amber Ale or Ripper ESB—and always ask what wild seasonal brew is on tap!
New Mexico
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Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. (Albuquerque)
Native- and queer-owned, their beers reflect Indigenous culture and their taproom radiates positive energy.
New York
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Dyke Beer (Brooklyn)
Made by lesbians for everyone. Their beers celebrate queer culture with bold brews like the Helles Lager.
Pennsylvania
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Fat Lady Brewing (Philadelphia)
Step into this circus-inspired brewery, where “everyone is welcome under the Big Top.” Owner Jane Lipton’s colorful, inclusive space is as dynamic as their tap list.
Washington
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Stoup Brewing (Seattle)
Located in Ballard’s beer district, Stoup blends science and art with brews like NW Pale Ale and Milk Stout. A lively beer garden and rotating seasonals make this a must-visit.
Wisconsin
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Giant Jones Brewing (Madison)
Big on flavor and heart, this certified organic nanobrewery delivers bold, high-ABV ales with a welcoming, community-first vibe. Try the Belgian Dubbel or Imperial Stout for max impact.
Tips for Visiting LGBTQ+-Friendly Breweries
- Find Queer-Owned Breweries: Besides this blog, tools like the Queer Beer Map or Hop Culture’s curated guides can help you scout inclusive breweries near you.
- Be Respectful: Treat the space with the same warmth and acceptance it extends. Ask questions, engage in conversations, and tip generously.
- Support More Ways: Can’t make a trip? Buy their beers, merch, or exclusive Pride flavors online. Many also host LGBTQ+ events you can donate to or attend virtually.
- Tag and Spread the Word: Snap pics of that perfect pour and tag the brewery’s social handles with hashtags like #QueerBeer and #PrideBrewing. Little acts of public recognition go a long way.
- Plan Around Events: Many queer breweries hold Pride releases or beer festivals—perfect excuses for a day (or week) of fun.
Raise a Glass to Inclusivity
Queer-owned breweries aren’t just brewing great beer—they’re shaping culture, fostering community, and breaking barriers.
On National Beer Day, there’s never been a better time to plan your queer beer pilgrimage. Whether you’re sipping a lavender lemon ale in St. Paul, tasting a Perle Necklace IPA in San Diego, or raising a pint to representation in Brooklyn, every visit (or purchase) helps build and sustain a more inclusive craft beer space.
Take that trip. Discover a gay city. Support these queer-owned breweries in the USA. And sip with Pride.