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Monterey County LGBTQIA+ Business Directory
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Food & Drink
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Alvarado Street Brewery (SVPC Donor)
Alvarado On Main
301 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
www.asb.beer/pages/alvaradoonmain
(831) 356-0219
A brewery and art deco styled restaurant in Oldtown Salinas. Alvarado Street Brewery also has locations in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
The Beerded Bean
210 South Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 202-0966
This brewer produces small batch coffee and craft beer. They have locations in downtown Salinas as well as Carmel.
Bookworks
667 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 372-2242
A local independent bookstore and coffee shop that has been family owned and operated since 1980. Patrons can see their LGBTQ+ rainbow sticker posted in their bookstore window year-round.
Brew-N-Krew
155 Main Street
Salians, CA 93901
www.instagram.com/brewandcrewsalinas
(831) 676-6533
A woman-owned and family-operated Ale House in Oldtown Salinas featuring dramatic decor. They host all-themed pop-ups and have a focus on being different by offering experimental brews and beers with unique stories behind them.
Bulldog Sports Pub
611 Lighthouse Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 658-0686
A woman-owned sports bar and gastropub with an exciting cocktail menu. This local establishment hosted the 2023 Monterey Peninsula Pride Kickoff Party.
Captain + Stoker
398 East Franklin Street, Monterey, CA, 93940
206 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 901-2776
A bicycle themed coffee shop and roastery with a focus on direct trade specialty coffee.
Castle Rock Cafe & Mercantile
667 Hwy 68
Corral de Tierra, CA 93908
(831) 998-7187
A woman owned cafe featuring goods from local merchants situated on Highway 68 between Salinas and Monterey.
Cherry Bean Gourmet Coffeehouse & Roastery
332 South Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 424-1989
A queer-owned coffee shop and roastery featuring espresso drinks and pastries, plus local art and sidewalk tables.
Deja Blue
500 Broadway Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 324-0044
A soul food restaurant as well as a blues, jazz, and comedy club with frequent live events and brunch each Saturday beginning at 9am.
English Ales Brewery
223 Reindollar Avenue
Marina, CA 93933
(831) 883-3000
An authentic English-style family-run brewery that features their unique “Mug Club” in which guests may purchase a mug that they may re-use each time they frequent the location. Their primary home is Marina, but guests may also visit the English Ales Taproom in Capitola, CA.
Farmers Union
217 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
www.facebook.com/farmersunionpourhouse
www.instagram.com/farmersunionpourhouse
(831) 975-4890
A friendly pour house in Oldtown Salinas with a rotating list of craft beer and wine.
Happy Girl Kitchen Cafe
173 Central Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA
(831) 373-4475
A coffee-shop style cafe and cannery where patrons can enjoy delicious and healthy food and drinks while perusing a selection of pickled vegetables, preserved fruits, and more. Patrons can view their LGBTQ+ Pride Flag hanging in their window year-round.
James Dean Sports Bar At 201 Main
201 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
www.201complex.com/menu-james-dean-sports-bar
www.instagram.com/prideat201socialnights
(831) 800-7573
A hip James Dean themed sports bar and restaurant that hosts weekly Pride at 201 Social Nights each Wednesday from 9pm-1:30am
Karnaval Cafe
145 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
www.instagram.com/karnavalsalinas
(831) 998-8026
A creative woman-owned cafe with sweets, drinks, tasty food, and mesmerizing decor.
NitroCycle
(831) 920-8181
A sustainability focused mobile beverage service specializing in coffee. Their carts can be booked for events, and their canned beverage selection may be purchased online.
Other Brother
877 Broadway Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 747-1106
A brewery and taproom with a communal indoor space and two pup-friendly patios. They host several events throughout the year including weekly trivia nights. Their kitchen also hosts pop-ups from talented California Chefs.
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Paper Wing Theatre and Supper Club (SVPC Donor)
711 Cannery Row
Suite I
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 905-5684
This Cannery Row theater company produces world class entertainment including cabaret shows, burlesque, stand-up comedy, Diamond Drag Brunches, and seasonal favorites such as the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Pearl Hour (SVPC Donor)
214 Lighthouse Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 657-9447
A woman-owned cocktail bar with fresh elements plus beer and wine. Pearl Hour hosts a monthly Pride Night titled “Pink Pearl” on the second Thursday of each month, as well as a monthly Drag Show on the second Saturday of each month.
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The Salad Shoppe (SVPC Donor)
1138 S. Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 422-9600
Salad Shoppe is home to the largest self-serve salad bar in Monterey County
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SpringHill Bistro The Dunes
2115 10th Street
Marina, CA 93933
website
(831) 718-8540
Located within Springhill Suites The Dunes in Marina, CA, this cocktail bar and bistro has hosted the Monterey County LGBTQ+ Network’s Thursday Night Social for many years.
Tacos Don Beto
42 West Gabilan Street
Salinas, CA 93901
www.instagram.com/tacosdonbeto
(831) 272-3233
This woman-owned Mexican restaurant is situated in Oldtown Salinas. The Tacos Don Beto Food Truck has been featured at our annual Salinas Valley Pride Celebration in Central Park in 2021, 2022, and 2023!
Toro Place Cafe (SVPC Donor)
665 Hwy 68
Salinas, CA 93908
www.instagram.com/toroplacecafe
(831) 484-1333
A queer-owned diner-style cafe famous for its super-sized cinnamon rolls, situated on Highway 68 between Salinas and Monterey.
Shops & Services
Artisana Gallery
612 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 655-9775
A shop offering products made by local and independent artisans including candles, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more. Drop by in June to see their annual Pride selection.
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Cal Water (SVPC Donor)
254 Commission Street
Salinas, Ca 93901
(831) 757-3644
Cal Water provides water and wastewater services to a number of regions within the state of California. Through their Community Giving Program, Cal Water makes investments in organizations, programs, projects, and events that make a difference to those who live in their service areas across California.
Central Coast Federal Credit Union (SVPC Donor)
1141 South Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 393-3480
A trusted financial institution with branches in Salinas, Seaside, Soledad, and King City. They offer checking and savings accounts, personal loans, auto loans, and more.
Creme de Canna
(831) 272-4283
A queer-owned cannabis distributor with a cannabis-themed apparel line titled Creme Society. While based out of Santa Cruz, Creme de Canna products can be found in local cannabis dispensaries throughout Monterey County
Downtown Book and Sound (SVPC Donor)
213 Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 477-6700
downtownbookandsound@gmail.com
A woman-owned bookstore in Oldtown Salinas that specializes in upcycling books, vinyl records, and film.
Element 7
234 Reservation Road
Marina, CA 93933
e7ca.com
(831) 324-4024
A California cannabis retailer built on the pillars of education, social justice, and being local.
Evergreen Weddings and Events
(831) 204-6634
A woman-owned wedding and event planning company that services Pacific Grove and nearby areas.
Galaxy Party Supply (SVPC Donor)
382 East Market Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 769 9602
A party supply manufacturing company for handmade jumpers, pinatas, balloons, and more.
Gifts on the Go
150 Main Street
#12
Salinas, CA 93901
www.facebook.com/giftsonthegosalinasca
www.instagram.com/giftsonthegosalinasca
(831) 758 5118
A queer-owned gift shop in Oldtown Salinas for all of your special occasion and seasonal needs.
The Leather Company
638 Lighthouse Avenue
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 717-4894
A queer owned manufacturer, retailer, and wholesaler of quality leather products including wallets, handbags, bags, and more. Drop by to see their collection of LGBTQIA+ themed leather goods.
The Mole Hole
7th Avenue and Mission Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 626-1640
A queer-owned artisanal gift shop featuring many seasonal items such as glass pumpkins and a large selection of Christmas decorations.
My Museum
425 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 649-6444
A fun, interactive youth museum with over fifty exhibits that playfully represent the key industries that make Monterey County unique.
Sugar + T
7935 San Miguel Canyon Road
Prunedale, CA 93907
(831) 240-4342
A Latina-owned business offering handcrafted candles and bath treats.
Tumble By the Sea
560 Lighthouse Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(831) 200-5588
A gymnastics studio that offers classes for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, and school aged children. They also can host gymnastics-themed birthday parties.
Thinker Toys
San Carlos Street and 7th Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 624-0441
Thinker Toys is a toy store that embraces the idea of learning through play. This old fashioned toy store features classic educational and imaginative toys for children and adults. They have a strong focus on educating families and parents about the LGBTQ+ community. Stop by their Carmel of Morgan Hill location to see their collection of Pride Flags flying high all year round and explore their selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts Council of Monterey County (SVPC Donor)
24600 Silver Cloud Court
Suite 202
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 622-9060
The Arts Council helps to bring high-quality arts programs to more and more residents - including those who historically have had little access. They provide visual and performing arts education to youth, seniors, and veterans, as well as provide promotional, technical, and financial support to more than 100 arts and cultural organizations.
Artsmak Studios
A queer-owned multi-media artwork and design studio. Visit their website to see their selection of prints, stickers, closing, hats, and more. Contact artist Mio Kamstra-Brown for custom designs.
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Dundore Photo
(831) 333-6900
A queer-owned photography studio run by photographer and activist Brent Dundore whose experience, lighting style, and relaxed approach separate him from other photographers. Contact for personal portraits, headshots, commercial work, and more.
Emerging Arts Alliance of Monterey (EEAM)
emerging.artists.alliance@gmail.com
A vibrant community of artists who aim to bring local, emerging artists together, promote their work, and help them find the exposure and tools they need.
Hazel Wave Photography
A portraiture, weddings and engagement, and maternity photographer based in Monterey County.
Luna Dance Collective
A Fat Chance Belly Dance certified studio and performance troupe based in the greater bay area and central coast. These dancers take the stage to create unique improvised performances based on body language and queues. Luna Dance Collective offers weekly dance classes from beginner to advanced.
Monterey Bay Roller Derby
PO Box 1413
Monterey, CA 93942
www.montereybayrollerderby.org
A non-profit, amateur Roller Derby League in Monterey, CA that strives to inspire, empower, and motivate girls and women to be strong and confident in following their dreams.
Monterey Union Football Club
41111 2nd Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 324-2560
The local Monterey Bay soccer team represents the greatest union of land and sea. Join SVPC and Super Fan Dan at Cardinale Stadium in June when MBFC hosts their annual Pride Night!
Monterey Weekly
668 Williams Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 394-5656
The largest circulation newspaper in Monterey County, long recognized for its thoughtful, provocative, and engaging coverage of new, arts, and entertainment.
Palenke Arts
1713 Broadway Avenue
Seaside, CA 93955
Palenke Arts provides a space that does not exist elsewhere in Seaside: a dedicated multicultural arts center offering free and low cost arts-based classes and events to many families who would not traditionally be able to afford them. They offer low and no-cost weekly classes to over 120 unduplicated students yearly in beginning orchestra, beginning band, choral singing, Latin jazz, hip hop dance, visual arts, Afro Cuban drumming, West African drumming, piano, guitar, violin, cinematic arts, audio production, and Latin dance.
Paul Richmond Studios
A queer-owned art studio run by internationally recognized visual artist and activist, Paul Richmond. He is a co-founder of the You Will Rise Project, an organization that empowers those who have experienced bullying to speak out creatively through art. He is Executive Director of Art Makes Us, a virtual creative space dedicated to providing opportunities for each individual to discover and nurture the artist within.
Urban Arts Collaborative
21 Soledad Street
Suite C
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 243-9853
UAC takes a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and creating art as a vehicle for advocating for critical community issues. Their programs support leadership and development through the arts and create safe spaces for artistic expression as a catalyst for healing, leadership development, and social justice. Participants are all low income. 95% of their artists are Latino/a/x. Their workshops serve children and youth ages 5 to 18 in Salinas and Monterey County. They also work with other youth who are in the system (e.g., on probation or in foster care) and with migrant students from throughout Monterey County, homeless youth, and LGBTQ youth. Our programs engage parents, Hartnell College students ages 16 to 24, and adults with mild-to-severe disabilities.
Youth Arts Collective
472 Calle Principal
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 375-9922
jjuarez.yac@gmail.com (Executive Director)
mserna.yac@gmail.com (Program Director)
A non-profit, after school art studio and mentorship program for high school and college artists. YAC provides supplies, studio space, art training, exhibition and commission opportunities, and individual mentoring.
Youth Orchestra of Salinas (YOSAL)
820 Park Row
#672
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 756-5335
YOSAL provides students with engaging, music-focused classes. Members receive year-round group lessons, full orchestra, and mentorship opportunities. Tuition is free!
Education
Hartnell College Pride Club
www.hartnell.edu/students/lgbtqia
www.instagram.com/hartnellprideclub
The Hartnell Pride Club hosts weekly meetings on Fridays at 3pm. Their mission is to promote a safe space where students can be themselves. All LGBTQ+ members and allies are welcome.
Monterey Peninsula College Pride Pack
900 Fremont Street
Monterey, CA 93940
www.facebook.com/groups/pridepackmpc/ l
MPC’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Club helps to create a safe, inclusive community where students can share their ideas in an open, welcoming environment. Activities include queer-themed events, movie nights, networking, PRIDE on campus, and more. Meetings are on Mondays at 2:30pm in LTC 120, the lower level of the Library and Technology Center.
Otter Pride at CSUMB
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93955
https://myraft.csumb.edu/pride/home/
Otter Pride creates an LGBTQIA+ friendly atmosphere, provides a visible community and safe space for students to join, and continues educating the campus about the LGBTQIA+ community. This CSUMB Pride Club meets weekly and also hosts many fun LGBTQ+ student events throughout the year such as Queeraoke and LGBTQ+ Movie Nights. Meetings are every Wednesday from 4-6pm at the Student Center
Otter Cross Cultural Center
3116 Inter-Garrison Road
Seaside, CA 93955
https://csumb.edu/oc3/lgbtq-resource-guide-0/
(831) 582-4685
The Otter Cross Cultural Center (OC3) cultivates a collection vision towards critical consciousness by offering educational programs, holistic leadership development, academic resources, and experiential learning opportunities to bridge passion into practice so that students, staff, and faculty grow into leaders of change to eliminate social inequalities.
LGBTQIA+ Organizations
Lesbian Summer Camp Meetup
www.meetup.com/lesbian-summer-camp/
This Meetup Group was created in 2013 and has hosted many trips. It is a fun way for lesbians to come together and enjoy camping activities as a group such as hiking, swimming, and boating.
Monterey Bay LGBTQ+ Network
www.meetup.com/Monterey-LGBTQ-Friends-Meetup/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1536811103300499
This LGBTQ+ Network is by terrific local members of the LGBTQ+ community including several board members of Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations. The group hosts a weekly meet-up at Springhill Suites The Dunes in Marina, CA each Thursday. The facebook page is also a great space for the local queer community to share their own LGBTQIA+ events, news, and ideas.
Monterey Peninsula Pride
www.montereypeninsulapride.org
Monterey Peninsula Pride envisions a social climate in which LGBTQ+ people and communities thrive in collaboration with friends, family, allies, and supporters. MPP brings the LGBTQIA+ community together in a big way each year by hosting their annual Pride Parade at the Custom House Plaza.
Pajaro Valley Pride
Pajaro Valley Pride’s mission is to transform the city of Watsonville and the South County area into a community that accepts and celebrates all forms of diversity.
Rainbow Speakers and Friends
www.facebook.com/RainbowSpeakersAndFriends/
(831) 998-1007
Rainbow Speakers and Friends is an organization made up of members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are open and available to share their experiences in order to broaden minds and widen the perspectives of the local Monterey community. Their mission is to gather and share the LGBTQIA community’s history through memories, photographs, scrapbooks, etc.
Rainbow Families Monterey Bay
www.meetup.com/rainbow-families-monterey-bay/
This Meet-Up group plans low-key meetups with other LGBT families in the Monterey area such as kid-friendly picnics, hikes, museum visits, and playground trips.
Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations
1522 Constitution Blvd.
PO Box 222
Salinas, CA 93905
Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people through social events and community partnerships. Each year, we release our updated LGBTQ+ Friendly Business Directory, we work with local government and politicians to ensure representation and equal treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, and we have the only LGBTQ+ scholarship program in Monterey County which has grown each year since its inception!
True Colors
www.meetup.com/true-colors-queer-womens-meetup/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/677537473179307
This meetup group welcomes all queer women. Meetup Events include hiking, whale watching, beach days, LGBTQ+ book club, and many other fun activities.
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Queer Edge Consulting
(530)828-1550
Queer Edge Consulting specializes in developing and delivering bespoke training programs tailored to businesses and organizations. With a dedicated focus on gender inclusivity, we provide customized presentations and materials designed for various industries such as healthcare, legal, and education. Our mission is to enhance cultural competency and foster inclusive environments, ensuring clients are equipped to support LGBTQ+ individuals effectively and respectfully.
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Queer Joy Collective
www.instagram.com/qjcollective/
Based in Pacific Grove, CA, the Queer Joy collective works to achieve their mission of spreading queer joy through a subscription letter service. Subscribers will receive a physical copy of a poem, an ort piece, a handwritten letter written with queer love in mind, as well as cute stickers and accessories. This is a perfect gift to send to a queer friend or family member, or even to yourself!
Non-Profit Organizations
California Rural Legal Assistance
3 Williams Road
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 757-5221
The LGBTQ+ Program at CRLA seeks to improve the quality of life and access to justice for LGBTQ+ people living in rural California through trainings, outreach, advocacy, community leadership and collaborations, and free direct legal assistance.
The Epicenter
737 South Main Street
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 998-7291
The Epicenter is a youth-designed and youth-led program for transition-age foster youth. They offer many services including referrals for housing, health, wellness, education, and employment services.
Monterey Bay Aquarium (SVPC Donor)
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 648-4800
The mission of the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean. In 2023, Salinas Valley Pride Celebrations was happy to celebrate Latino Conservation Week with the Monterey Bay Aquarium by hosting “Outside with Pride'' alongside The Epicenter and the Monterey Audubon, a LatinX LGBTQ+ Meetup at El Dorado Park in Salinas.
Monterey Peace and Justice Center
1364 Fremont Blvd.
Seaside, CA 93955
www.peacecentral.wordpress.com
(831) 899 7322
montereypeaceandjustice@gmail.com
MPJC has many programs including their art gallery which emphasizes the appreciation for the diversity of cultures, free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and a free lending library of books and DVDs with a concentration on social issues, history, politics, economics, green living, and education.
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
11 Quail Run Circle
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 422-8602
The YWCA is a nonsectarian, non-profit Christian organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. They provide education, advocacy, and services that prevent and address all forms of violence against vulnerable members of our community.