Not everyone is always in the mood for partying or drinking until they drop. Sometimes, having a space where you can chill, write your thoughts down, and bask in a safe and welcoming presence is what truly matters.
Photo: Oh Hey There Matcha Café and Blocleaf Café/Instagram
The spirit of Pride Month extends beyond the loudness; it’s about community and having that safe space where you can embrace who you are without fear and without judgment. If you’re looking for queer-friendly spots where you want to feel welcomed, here are five cafés worth staying in:
1. Butterboy
In a quiet neighborhood in Quezon City, you’ll spot Butterboy—a café known not just for its delicious, freshly baked croissants and pastries, but also for how its lovely space transforms into a celebration of self-expression and vibrant drag performances.
View this post on Instagram
This Pride Month, they’ve introduced new products that showcase the taste of the rainbow: a Honey Cream Rainbow Croissant, P’OOKIE, Rainbow Quiche, and a Strawberry Pain Au Chocolat!
Beyond these bold and inventive products, stay tuned to their social media pages to be part of their celebration! While they’re known for hosting drag brunches every now and then, they’re going all out this month. On June 14, they will be celebrating “Prideversary” featuring your beloved drag queens.
Locations: SM MOA, SM NORTH EDSA, 81 Basa Cafe (Open on Saturday and Sunday)
2. Blocleaf
You’ll find Blocleaf in a quieter corner of Manila. With a prominent Pride flag displayed, it’s a guaranteed safe space, built with evident intention, love, and respect for the queer community and its allies.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re a café-goer who treasures quiet moments and prefers to avoid large crowds or loud music, this neighborhood gem is truly a must-visit. They offer a wide range of specialty coffee, as well as pastries, egg noodles, and breakfast sandwiches.
Location: 1850 Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila
3. Oh Hey There Matcha Café
For the queers living in the South, Oh Hey There Matcha Café should be on your list for your café-hopping adventures!
View this post on Instagram
While this emerging neighborhood café is going TikTok viral for its Instagrammable interiors and their indulgent Banana Pudding Matcha and Strawberry Pudding Matcha, they’ve also celebrated a new milestone: they’re now officially recognized as a queer safe space, a clear testament to their inclusive atmosphere and unwavering dedication to the community.
Location: Second floor of the Double E. Brothers Building, 34a Aguirre Ave, Paranaque City
4. Commune
Steering clear of Poblacion’s energetic nightlife (at least for now)? Perhaps a coffee at Commune could be the safe, quiet solace you’ve been yearning for.
View this post on Instagram
For over a decade, Commune has established itself as a steadfast presence in the coffee scene, meticulously cultivating an inviting space where communities can converge, engage in meaningful conversations, and nurture personal growth. Alongside their specialty coffee, brewed with love and passion, their venue also serves as a hub for workshops, classes, and enriching discussions.
Location: 36 Polaris, Poblacion, Makati City
5. Cafe 10/23
Nestled in the heart of Imus, Cavite, Café 10/23 is an intimate coffee shop built with love, passion, and respect for heritage. With its warm and bright atmosphere and its highly curated space that nods to local artisans, their space invites guests to linger and connect with people and with nature.
View this post on Instagram
This Pride Month, they continue to uphold their commitment to being a truly inclusive space for everyone. They are showcasing their dedication to inclusivity by bringing back their Rainbow Croissant—a well-loved pastry featuring a flaky and buttery exterior filled with delicious passion fruit custard, and topped with a generous whip of Swiss meringue and sprinkles.
Location: Cafe 10, 23 Imus Blvd, Imus City, Cavite
ALSO READ: This Café in Makati Lets You Craft Bouquets While Sipping Coffee
