It's the dog days of summer so there's no better time than to celebrate favorite LGBTQ-owned establishments, mainstream businesses, and those owned by allies. This year's results from the Bay Area Reporter's reader's poll, LGBTQ Best of the Bay, or the Besties, are here.
In addition to the aforementioned businesses featured in the Shopping and Services group, other categories abound, and readers will find them throughout the issue. They are: Arts and Culture, Community, Dining, Nightlife, Nightlife Venues and Events, and Weddings and Destinations.
So without further ado, here are this year's winners.
Shopping and Services
Best Bookstore
Fabulosa Books
For the third year running, Fabulosa Books is the favorite bookstore of B.A.R. readers. It speaks to the love LGBTQs have for books in general, and their desire to support an independent bookstore.
Alvin Orloff, a gay man, has owned Fabulosa Books since 2021, when he bought the former Dog Eared Books in the Castro and rechristened it. Since he took over the business, Orloff has made the store into his own. In a campaign that began last year, Orloff has fought back against homophobic and transphobic book bans in conservative states by sending boxes of LGBTQ-themed books to community centers and other organizations, as the B.A.R. previously reported.
In an email, Orloff said he and the staff were excited about the Besties award.
"We're thrilled, honored, and delighted to receive recognition for doing what we love best: sharing our love of books and promoting LGBTQ+ literature," he wrote. "And we're happy to report that our staff and customers are super-energized about continuing the work of sending queer literature to conservative parts of the country through Books Not Bans."
Orloff was especially grateful to the community and Fabulosa's customers, "for helping with this crusade." Patrons are invited to buy books for the boxes that the store then ships at its expense.
Fabulosa Books, 489 Castro Street, San Francisco. (415) 658-7015. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Runner-up
Green Apple Books
Best Bank or Credit Union
San Francisco Federal Credit Union
San Francisco Federal Credit Union is a repeat winner this year. SF Federal Credit Union offers a full range of financial services, from checking accounts and online banking to vehicle and home loans. When you become a member, you're a part owner of the credit union, which gives you rights to elect members of the board.
Main branch: 770 Golden Gate Avenue (at Gough) San Francisco. (415) 775-5377. https://www.sanfranciscofcu.com/
Runner-up
Chase
Best Barber Shop/Salon
Joe's Barbershop
Joe's Barbershop is a repeat winner in 2024. This popular establishment has been serving the Castro since 2004, when Joe Gallagher decided to open up shop. Gallagher continues to be "very proud" of the shop, and credits his loyal customers. Stop by for a trim, or make an appointment.
Joe's Barbershop, 2150 Market Street, San Francisco. (415) 255-9096. https://www.joesbarbershop.com/
Runner-up
Castro Barber Lounge
Best Bicycle Shop
Valencia Cyclery
Valencia Cyclery has traded places with last year's winner, Mike's Bikes, to reclaim the top spot. Long a favorite of readers, Valencia Cyclery is centrally located in San Francisco's Mission district. The store welcomes all cyclists. "We are proud to be known as the bike shop that gives honest, expert advice to everyone from beginners to advanced cyclists," its website states.
Valencia Cyclery, Sales Showroom, 1077 Valencia Street, San Francisco. (415) 550-6600. https://www.valenciacyclery.com/
Runner-up
Mike's Bikes
Best Cannabis Dispensary
The Apothecarium
Long a favorite of readers, the Apothecarium retains its top spot in the poll this year. Its mission is to provide members with quality cannabis in a welcoming environment with empathy, education, and ongoing support, its website states. "Our dispensaries are known for emphasizing education and customer service for seniors, first-time dispensary visitors, and patients with serious medical conditions," the website states. "We focus on providing our guests with in-depth, one-on-one consultations from highly trained cannabis consultants. We also provide free cannabis education events that are open to the public."
The Apothecarium, 2029 Market Street, San Francisco. (415) 500-2620. https://apothecarium.com/
Runner-up
SPARC
Best Place to Buy Furniture
Ikea
Open for just under a year now, the Ikea store on Market Street in downtown San Francisco is already a repeat winner. Readers enjoy browsing the merchandise, checking out the Swedish meatballs, and, of course, assembling their furniture at home. Its coworking space, Hej! Workshop, opened earlier this year on the fifth floor of the building.
Ikea, 945 Market Street, San Francisco. (888) 888-4532. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/san-francisco/
Runner-up
Room and Board
Best Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Another longtime favorite with readers, Trader Joe's can't be beat for its selection of wines, cheeses, salads, and other unique and seasonal items. With food costs continuing to inch upward, Trader Joe's prices often are the most economical.
Trader Joe's, 555 Ninth Street, San Francisco, (415) 863-1292. Also various Bay Area locations. https://www.traderjoes.com/home
Runner-up
Rainbow Grocery
Best Gym
Fitness SF
Fitness SF in the Castro is a regular winner in this category. The over 16,000 square foot facility offers two floors of tools and equipment to keep a person's workout fresh and challenging, according to its website. From free weights to cardio, the gym has it all. The gym also offers nationally certified personal trainers at an additional cost. Its website promotes its three pillars of wellness: physical, mental, and social. "At the core of our mission is the belief that a gym should be more than a place to work out; it should be a vibrant support network for everyone," the website states.
Fitness SF Castro, 2301 Market Street, San Francisco, (415) 348-6377. https://fitnesssf.com/location/castro/
Runner-up
24 Hour Fitness
Best Health Care Provider
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser is a repeat winner this year. The health care provider has long supported the LGBTQ community. Kaiser customizes its coverage and care for patients.
Kaiser Permanente. Locations throughout the Bay Area. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/front-door
Runner-up
UCSF
Best Thrift Store
Out of the Closet
Out of the Closet is once again in the winner's circle this year. Owned and operated by the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation, there are outlets in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. The stores offer eye-catching items and select locations offer HIV testing. According to its website, 96 cents of every dollar made goes into providing HIV services in the U.S. and around the world.
San Francisco: Out of the Closet, 1295 Folsom Street, (415) 558-7176; 1498 Polk Street, (415) 771-1503. Berkeley: 1600 University Avenue, (510) 841-2088. Oakland: 238 East 18th Street, (510) 251-8671. https://outofthecloset.org/
Runner-up
Community Thrift
Best Variety Store
Cliff's Variety
There's no stopping Cliff's, a Castro neighborhood institution and longtime winner in this category. Co-owner Terry Asten Bennett, a straight ally, is the current president of the Castro Merchants Association, and the store has long been involved in the neighborhood. It sells many unique items and carries seasonal merchandise and decorations for the holidays.
"You have the best readers," Asten Bennett stated in a Facebook message. "We are so honored to be voted best variety store! Our buyers work really hard to make sure we have it all, because as you know, we like to say, 'If we don't have it, you don't need it.'
"Thank you all for sharing your love with us," she added.
Cliff's Variety, 479 Castro Street, San Francisco. (415) 212-8400. https://cliffsvariety.com/
Runner-up
Just for Fun
Best Vintage/Consignment Shop
Crossroads Trading Co.
Customers can browse through racks of curated secondhand finds that are not only fashionable, but also sustainable, the company's website states. "We buy, sell, trade and consign fashion every day and our inventory is continuously changing. From this season's trends to one-of-a-kind vintage finds, we aim to carry the best of everything: women's and men's clothing, accessories, and shoes." Stores are located in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose.
Crossroads Trading Co. Stores are located around the Bay Area. https://crossroadstrading.com/
Runner-up
Buffalo Exchange
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