14 LGBTQ+ Shops & Boutiques in Minneapolis, MN

Rainbow Road attracts a mixed crowd of bears, leather enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a good time. This LGBTQ-owned shop in Downtown Minneapolis stocks gay gifts, books, underwear, adult toys, and fetish apparel, plus sundries like condoms and lube. The vibe is playful, sometimes featuring go-go dancers or strippers, and trans-friendly. The store is open daily, with weekday hours from 10am to 8pm and shorter Sunday hours. Regulars appreciate the wide selection of shirts, stickers, magnets, and greeting cards. If you're nearby, you might also check out The Smitten Kitten for more adult-oriented goods. Check ratings and hours.

Reviewers say the selection at The Smitten Kitten is 'pretty huge' and the staff is 'really helpful.' This Minneapolis adult boutique is women-led and LGBTQ+ owned, with a focus on feminist values and eco-conscious products. It's known as a 'hip women-friendly sex shop' that stocks toys for everyone, from total beginners to experienced BDSM players. The vibe here is intentionally inclusive and non-judgmental — no ickiness. It's open Tuesday through Sunday with later hours on weekends. The Uptown location is easy to reach, and while some items run pricey, the quality and earth-friendly materials are worth it for many shoppers.

Downtown Minneapolis is home to Nicollet Mall, an eleven-block pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Marked on the north end by the public library, this stretch offers a mixed-gay-straight crowd and a lively vibe, with outdoor seating and live entertainment in warmer months. You'll find clothing, books, gifts, arts and crafts, even gay paraphernalia. A farmers market pops up here in summer. The mall attracts 20-somethings through 40-somethings, making it a good-for-groups destination any day. While Yelp reviews give it a moderate 3.1 stars, visitors appreciate the variety of stores and the energy. If you're browsing for queer-friendly shops, Rainbow Road is a nearby stop worth checking out. Security is present in busier areas, so you'll feel safe exploring.

Sexworld isn't just a shop for toys and apparel. This sprawling store also houses vintage love machines and porn booths, making it more of an experience than a typical store. The staff is friendly and non-judgemental, and the crowd leans toward leather and bears. You'll find adult toys, fetish apparel, clothing, gifts, and gay paraphernalia. It's a one-stop spot in downtown Minneapolis. If you're looking for more, nearby The Smitten Kitten offers a different vibe.

Dream Haven Books & Comics is open daily, making it an easy stop any time. This independent bookstore in South Minneapolis has a staggering selection of sci-fi, fantasy, and comics. Even non-geeks will find something interesting. The store also stocks gifts and is a mixed-gay-straight space. You can browse for hours. It's a local favorite. The vibe is classic vintage reading, as their tagline says. The owner is knowledgeable and the inventory is deep. If you're looking for more LGBTQ+ shops, The Smitten Kitten is nearby. Dream Haven is a must for book lovers.

Budget-conscious fashion lovers will find their people at Everyday People Clothing Exchange in Uptown Minneapolis. This second-hand store offers vintage and modern designer fashions at decent prices. It's a mixed-LGBTQ space where you can bring in boxes or bags of clothes you no longer wear. The vibe is treasure-hunt casual. Regulars know to check the racks often for rotating inventory. You can also find unique gifts alongside clothing and accessories.

This shop draws a mixed gay-straight crowd looking for upscale accessories with a minimalist European feel. Martin Patrick 3 offers bags, cuff links, and even canes for men who want distinctive style. It's a spot where you can find a thoughtful gift or something for yourself. The price tier is moderate, fitting the downtown Minneapolis location. You'll want to check hours before heading over. Nearby, Birchbark Books & Native Arts offers a different kind of browsing experience.

Cheapo Records stands out from other vinyl shops in Minneapolis with its massive selection of 30,000+ records spanning classic rock, metal, classical, and more. It's a no-frills, second-hand paradise where the crowd is mixed-gaystraight, mostly 30-somethings to 50-somethings. You'll also find clothing and accessories alongside the music. Hours are consistent every day from 10am to 9pm, so you can drop by after work or on weekends. With a 4.3-star Yelp rating from 31 reviews, it's a reliable spot for digging. Regulars know to set aside an hour or two to browse the endless rows.

Tandem Vintage is open by appointment or chance. This one-woman operation offers vintage clothing from the 50s-90s. It's LGBTQ-owned and trans-friendly. The shop is also women-led, stocking one-of-a-kind pieces to enhance your wardrobe. You'll find clothing, accessories, gifts, and second-hand treasures. Price tier is moderate ($). For the best selection, check the website or call ahead. The intimate space means you get personalized attention. Across town, Rainbow Road is another queer-friendly stop for vintage finds. It is a good add-on to a shopping day in Minneapolis.

This shop is best for queer folks and anyone seeking a welcoming space for metaphysical goods and local art. The Future is a trans-friendly, mixed-gaystraight general store that's LGBTQ-owned and womxn-led. You'll find art, apothecary items, and altars alongside clothing, accessories, and gifts. They also offer classes on crystals and tarot. The vibe here is casual and inclusive. Hours vary by day, with later evening options on Fridays until 8pm and shorter Sundays until 4pm. If you're exploring Minneapolis, you can also check out The Smitten Kitten nearby.

Here We Grow Plants is a queer-owned plant store in Minneapolis that's also trans-friendly and women-led. The tagline "Plant parents dream" captures the vibe: helpful staff, a selection of plants and pots, plus gifts. The shop is temporarily closed, so check their social media for updates. It's near other LGBTQ+-friendly businesses like Rainbow Road, a beloved queer gift shop.

Black Garnet Books is an independent bookstore that centers Black voices, offering a curated selection of books by Black authors and illustrators plus gifts. It's owned by Black LGBTQ+ women and welcomes families and the LGBTQ+ community. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday, with hours from noon to 6pm most days and closing at 5pm on Saturdays. If you're exploring local LGBTQ+ businesses, you can also stop by The Smitten Kitten nearby.

Birchbark Books & Native Arts is a Minneapolis gem for anyone interested in Native American literature, art, and crafts. This BIPOC-owned and women-led bookstore offers a thoughtful selection of novels, handmade crafts, gifts, and clothing from Native artists. It's whimsically decorated with a warm, welcoming vibe – everything you could want in a bookstore. You'll find it open daily from 10am to 6pm. For music lovers, Cheapo Records is nearby if you want to make a day of it. The shop is proudly mixed-gaystraight and serves as an important community space.

This shop is for readers who want a calm, inclusive space to browse. The Irreverent Bookworm is a queer-owned, women-led bookstore in Minneapolis's West End. It offers a casual vibe with cozy chairs for settling in with a book from any genre. The space is trans-friendly and welcomes all ages and orientations. Hours are limited to Wednesday through Sunday, with shorter hours on weekends. There's a verified 4.8 rating on Yelp, but no reviews here yet. You'll find a mix of used and new books, with an emphasis on diverse stories. If you're exploring the neighborhood, Rainbow Road is nearby for more LGBTQ-friendly finds.