Palm Springs, CA
It’s pride month, and it’s no secret that Greater Palm Springs is a mecca for not just LGBTQ residents and visitors, but also LGBTQ owned businesses. While most people tend to associate Pride Palm Springs businesses with the popular bars and clubs they attend when visiting town, there are quite a bit of additional LGBTQ owned small businesses that add an incredible amount of creativity and vibrancy to the area.
Here are 9 LGBTQ owned small businesses you must-visit whether you live in or are visiting the beautiful LGBTQ friendly oasis of Palm Springs:
Play Lounge
Play Lounge, which happens to be the winner for Best LGBTQ Establishment in the Palm Springs Tribune Readers Choice Awards 2023, is run by owner Matt Irby who moved to Palm Springs from Seattle in 2020. Irby was inspired to open Play Lounge after doing “game nights” every week with a great group of friends. He thought why not create a cool hangout spot where a person can eat, try the Biscuit Bonanza (picture below), meet people, and play indoor and outdoor games. Play Lounge was born and opened in September of 2023.
Play Lounge is located at 2825 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Building C, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and online at playloungeps.com
Biscuit Bonanza at Play Lounge
Marquette
Marquette is a clothing shop located in the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. The store sells fun and casual men’s and women’s clothing items like t shirts, shorts, and dresses to other items like towels, bathing suits, custom coolers, and more.
Marquette is located at 865 North Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 99262 and online at marquettehome.com
Custom Cooler at Marquette
Hyphen Wines
Hyphen Wines is owned by founder John Libonati who is originally from New York City and who started his 30 year career at his family’s famous business, John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street. Libonati’s passion for natural wines developed many years ago on a trip to London after he completed the Wine Spirit Education Trust Programs in Boston. Since 2021, Libonati opened Hyphen Wines in the Uptown Design District bringing natural and organic wines coupled with his passion and expertise to the Palm Springs community. Wine tastings occur every Saturday for $10. I hear the Rosé is extra delicious.
Hyphen Wines is located at 1007 N Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA and online at hyphenpsp.com
A Selection of Natural Wines for a Saturday Afternoon Wine Tasting at Hyphen Wines
Peepa’s
Peepa’s in located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs and sells uniquely curated items that include clothing, art, funboy floats, books, candles, greeting cards, and much much more to both locals and tourists alike. Peepa’s is an experience unto itself and the owner Jeff also designs a variety of merchandise that fits the Palm Springs lifestyle. There is even a pride section on their website specifically catered towards the LGBTQ community.
Peepa’s is located at 120 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and online at peepasps.com.
Pride Collection at Peepa’s
PS Homeboys
PS Homeboys is owned by the couple who started the Idyllwild Pride Under the Pines Pride Festival, Jeremy Taylor and Niels Kosman. Taylor who has a strong background in interior design, and Kosman who has a rich background in business have created a vibrant creative furniture showroom right in Downtown Palm Springs off Indian Canyon that “embody the timeless elegance and innovative designs of Midcentury and modern styles.”
PS Homeboys is located at 108 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92262 and online at pshomeboys.com
PS Homeboys Front Window
Sonny’s Bar and Grill
Sonny’s Bar and Grill which recently opened in November of 2023 is quickly becoming a popular dining spot on Arenas Rd in Palm Springs. The restaurant serves up mouth watering dishes including Crispy Chic, Mama’s Meatloaf, and Arenas Fish & Chips.
Sonny’s Bar and Grill is located at 214 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, California 92262, and online at sonnysbarandgrill.com
Crispy Chic at Sonny’s Bar and Grill
LYV Fitness Megaformer Studios
LYV Fitness Megaformer Studio was founded by Anthony Bannon and helps to empower athletes “in sculpting, flexibility, mindfulness, and steady-state cardio training.” The studio mixes “efficient muscle-building maneuvers of Lagree and modern pilates with steady-state cardio and Yoga-inspired flexibility training.”
LYV Fitness Megaformer Studio is located at 1701 N Palm Canyon Dr #8, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and online at lyvfitness.com
LYV Fitness Megaformer Studio Sign
Alice B
Alice B opened their new dining destination serving both dinner Wednesday through Sunday and brunch every Saturday & Sunday at the Living Out community in December of 2023 and their restaurant combines Southern California’s incredible seasonal bounty with French and Mediterranean-leaning flavors. “With portraits of Alice and Gertrude anchoring the dining room, the restaurant’s rotating art gallery is a tribute to the duo’s creative legacy and features pieces created by local female and LGBTQ+ artists.”
Alice B is located at 1122 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and is online at aliceb.com
Alice B Celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger
Just Fabulous
Just Fabulous is a boutique store and Palm Springs staple, located at the beginning of the Uptown Design District on Palm Canyon Drive. The store sells a variety of items including coffee table books, gift cards, art, candles, holiday gifts, decor, and more. They also host celebrity book signings from the likes of Ed Begley Jr, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, and more.
Just Fabulous is located at 515 N Palm Canyon Dr Suite A4, Palm Springs, CA 92262 and is online at bjustfabulous.com
Guncle “Gay Uncle” Selection At Just Fabulous
