9 LGBTQIA-Owned Businesses Along Route 66 Worth Pulling Over For

Route 66, the Mother Road, is known for its array of quirky roadside attractions, delightful small towns, and beloved local restaurants. Only In Your State is the proud partner of the Route 66 Centennial, and in 2026, we've been highlighting all of the things that make Route 66 such an American icon.

As someone who loves traveling and meeting people, the most meaningful experiences I've had along Route 66 are with the myriad roadside attractions and people I've encountered. Interacting with small business owners and hearing their stories is my raison d'être as a reporter.

I recently spoke with Ethan Brown, curator of the Route 66 Queer Sites, about some of his favorite LGBTQIA+ owned businesses along the Mother Road. Happily, there are many iconic stops along Route 66 that fall into this category, from bars and bistros to inns and one of the coolest curiosity shops in the country. Pride is prevalent along Route 66, and here are nine LGBTQIA-owned businesses along Route 66 worthy of a visit, detour, or trip all their own.

1. The Bistro - Bloomington, Illinois

Bloomington's beloved alternative bar and live performance venue, The Bistro, has been owned by Jan Lancaster for almost 35 years. "In that time, I have been involved in many Downtown projects, including being President of the Downtown Bloomington Association [...] I have also been involved with many Route 66 projects and have met many people traveling the Mother Road," says Lancaster.

Lancaster started a Pridefest almost 10 years ago that now encompasses most of Downtown and draws between 10,000 and 15,000 people. "This is a celebration of love, peace, diversity, equality, and more.  I never thought it would become as large and as important as it is and put on with private funding, vendor fees, and sponsorships." The Bistro, like all of the LGBTQIA+ owned businesses along Route 66, is more than merely a bar or attraction; it's a safe haven for all travelers along the Mother Road.

2. Bobzbay Books - Bloomington, Illinois

A LGBTQ+ woman-owned independent bookstore in the art district of Bloomington, Illinois, Bobzbay Books is a longtime local favorite. With an extensive array of new, used, and out-of-print books, if you're looking for some reads while driving Route 66 through Illinois, definitely plan a stop at Bobzbay Books. You're sure to find something good to read on your next pit stop while traveling the Mother Road (perhaps while waiting for a meal at one of these iconic Route 66 restaurants).

3. Angles - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

One of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ clubs in Oklahoma, Angles first opened its doors in 1982. Located in what's known as the 39th Street Enclave, Angles quickly became a foundational dance venue for the local queer community and, for many, a safe space to be exuberantly out.

4. District Hotel - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

District Hotel is a lovely example of Oklahoma City's "all are welcome" ethos. In addition to a vibey hotel that's total mid-century motel vibes, District Hotel has a calendar full of events that invite community and camaraderie, from karaoke nights and live music to the most epic drag shows in Oklahoma City.

5. Tramps Bar & Patio - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Tramps is the OLDEST LGBTQ space on Route 66, and the oldest gay bar in the state of Oklahoma. Serving up love and libations since 1972, Tramps is known for the iconic Big Girl Drink and daily happy hour specials, like ThursGAY and Easy Does It Tuesdays. If you're into a good dive bar vibe, Tramps is a must-visit in OKC.

6. Craig's Curious Emporium - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Craig's Curious Emporium opened in 1995 in Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District. In 2017, the owners moved to a larger space a few blocks down—an 8,000-square-foot space that was, in a former life, a dance studio. Loud and proud, the owners painted a giant rainbow on the building, a colorful bat signal of safety and acceptance in Oklahoma City.

Outside of West Hollywood, Craig's anchors the only gay district along the original Route 66, and is a community cornerstone known not only for the uber-cool owners (and their hairless dogs) but for offering an array of quirky oddities, candles, art, and ephemera that's so totally Route 66.

7. Albuquerque Social Club - Albuquerque, New Mexico

The oldest LGBTQ+ club in the southwest, Albuquerque Social Club, is a true Route 66 icon. A safe haven for travelers along the Mother Road, the bar, colloquially known as the SOCH, is a 30+-year-old institution in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque Social Club sits a few blocks from Morningside Park in Nob Hill, the site of the city’s first Pride Parade in 1977, and where the community continues to hold rallies and vigils during Pride Week and throughout the year. In fact, this New Mexico neighborhood has such significance to the LGBTQ community that the city commemorated it with rainbow crosswalks for Pride 2019. Local tip: come for trivia night! It's a blast.

8. Inn of the Turquoise Bear - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe's Inn of the Turquoise Bear is located in the former home of Witter Bynne, an active member of the art, political, and social scenes in the early-mid 1900s, and was a passionate advocate for human rights. His adobe villa, now the Inn of the Turquoise Bear, is a striking example of Spanish-Pueblo Revival style and is admired today for its design, best enjoyed by booking a stay at this LGBTQIA+-friendly hotel along New Mexico's Route 66.

9. Mother Lode Bar - West Hollywood, California

Mother Lode Bar is a laid-back spot in West Hollywood that started with a humble pool table and lineup of video games. A dive bar among stylish West Hollywood clubs and restaurants, Mother Lode is a local favorite for its friendly atmosphere and conspicuous lack of pretension. Drinks are affordable—especially for West Hollywood—and strong, so pace yourself!

Since its inception, Route 66 has been a place for discovery and adventure, curiosity and wanderlust. These LGBTQIA+ businesses are just a few of the many places along the Mother Road that have not only offered a respite for road warriors, but a safe haven and welcoming community for travelers on Route 66.