Boyfriend Co-Op: Brooklyn’s Queer Haven for Community, Coffee, and Cocktails
Discover Bushwick’s revolutionary co-op café and bar, crafting safe queer space, inventive drinks, and genuine community—day and night.
Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood has long been home to creative energy and a diverse community. In recent years, however, truly inclusive and worker-empowered queer spaces—especially those accessible day and night—have been few and far between. Boyfriend Co-Op emerges as a transformative answer: a co-op café and cocktail bar defined by radical hospitality, inventive food and drink, and a commitment to safety, equity, and local partnerships. This article explores the multifaceted appeal of Boyfriend, from its co-op business model to its curated menu and magical atmosphere.
The Origin and Mission of Boyfriend Co-Op
Founded by a passionate group including Mustafa, Nat Risk, Kacey Liebes, and Mica Fisher, Boyfriend Co-Op was born from the desire to create a genuinely safe, accessible queer environment that breaks free from the narrow confines of conventional nightlife. Prior to opening its Myrtle Ave doors, Boyfriend organized pop-up events and engaged in extensive crowdfunding to gauge and build community support. Guided by a vision of collective ownership and democracy, the founders have ensured the business remains accountable to those who work within it and the broader community it serves.
Space That Feels Like Home—and More
Step inside Boyfriend Co-Op and you immediately notice the careful attention paid to creating both comfort and vibrancy:
- Moody blue-purple walls evoke a sense of intimacy, creativity, and warmth.
- Kitschy, eclectic furnishings—think vintage armchairs, mismatched tables, and quirky décor—invite guests to sink in and stay awhile.
- There’s a palpable “cozy queer living room” vibe—perfect for group hangouts, studying, brainstorming, or just sipping a carefully made coffee solo.
- Described as “an auntie’s place in Syria mixed with Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s bedroom,” the space somehow merges nostalgia, magic, and modern flair in one welcoming breath.
The result is much more than a bar or café; it’s an evolving hub for relaxation, date nights, community organizing, and artistic exchanges.
What Is a Co-Op? Boyfriend’s Business Model Explained
Boyfriend Co-Op holds true to its name by operating on a multi-stakeholder cooperative model:
- All full-time employees are eligible to receive co-op training after one year and can be voted in as worker-owners.
- Customers can purchase co-op memberships, granting them voting rights at business meetings, special event invitations, and monthly perks like free coffee.
- Major decisions are made democratically, dissolving the traditional hierarchy between bosses and workers, and centering both staff and patrons in the café’s future.
This structure is more than symbolic; it guarantees that the business remains responsive, ethical, and deeply rooted in its community. As explained by Mustafa, “our workers own the business, and our workers and customers democratically control the business.”
Inventive Menus: Elevated, Approachable, and Purposeful
Both the daytime and nighttime menus at Boyfriend Co-Op are elegantly small yet packed with fresh, creative flair. Every menu item illustrates the team’s dedication to quality, inclusivity, and fun:
- Hen’s Homo Hummus: An in-house specialty, made fresh daily and served with locally sourced bread from Ameer’s, a Middle Eastern bakery in New Jersey.
- Seasonal soups: Rotating selections that celebrate local produce and provide hearty, comforting flavors.
- Homemade syrups and ingredients: Every syrup used in their cocktail program is crafted in-house for a unique, vibrant touch.
- Sapphic Saffron shooter: A non-alcoholic, spice-driven ‘shot’ so everyone can share in round-taking fun without needing to drink alcohol.
- Palestinian olive oil-washed vodka stars in the “Dirty Marsha”—a creative twist on a dirty martini with international roots and a nod to activism.
- Locally sourced and globally connected: They import sorrel from Egypt (via friends-of-friends), get pickles from Al’ard in Palestine, and consistently seek out ethical, community-supporting partnerships for every ingredient.
This meticulous sourcing and menu design not only raise the culinary bar, but also reinforce the café’s values—making every order a gesture of solidarity.
Signature Drink Highlight: “Holy Trinity”
Boyfriend’s “Holy Trinity” cocktail (summer limited-edition, starting July 1) exemplifies their innovative approach:
- Rye whiskey is infused with a Popeye’s chicken sandwich.
- Dry vermouth is soaked with Checkers’ seasoned French fries.
- Luxardo maraschino liqueur is flavored by a Dunkin’ chocolate donut.
The result is a shockingly delicious, booze-forward concoction that playfully merges familiar fast-food icons into a fine Manhattan-style drink. It’s the kind of experimental flavor creation that’s impossible elsewhere—and perfectly on-brand for Boyfriend.
Hospitality, Accessibility, and Respect for Community
Central to Boyfriend’s philosophy is a deep respect for both its staff and its neighbors:
- Located at Myrtle-Broadway, Boyfriend shares its corner with fast food chains, micro-groceries, bodegas, coffee shops, and bars—a true crossroads of Brooklyn life.
- The leadership team is “hyper-cognizant” of those who came before and actively seeks collaboration and harmony with surrounding businesses.
- Pricing is kept as low as feasible, balancing high-quality offerings with financial accessibility for a wide array of guests.
- Employees are “fairly compensated bartenders and baristas” with wages, perks, and paths to co-ownership.
- Events, pop-ups, and classes encourage broader connections, bring together locals and visitors, and reinforce Boyfriend’s role as an outward-facing community space, not an insular club.
Day-to-Night Welcoming: Not Just Nightlife!
A key innovation at Boyfriend is its full-day accessibility:
- Open from early morning coffee hours to late-night cocktails—extending until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for extra nightlife energy.
- During daylight, the space caters to a spectrum of queer folks and allies seeking somewhere to relax, work, or gather without alcohol.
- Evenings bring intimacy, music, creative cocktails, and the same sense of safety and belonging.
This dual model directly responds to frequent community complaints: that few queer spaces exist outside noisy clubs or bars, and almost none are available for sober or daylight socializing.
The Value of Small Menus and Creative Choices
Boyfriend’s compact menu philosophy—notably for both day and night options—serves several purposes:
- Ensures every dish and drink is made fresh and with care.
- Allows regular rotation—and encourages repeat visits to try new seasonal offerings.
- Creates an approachable, unpretentious atmosphere while still delivering elevated taste.
Whether it’s a hand-mixed latte or a playful, boozy experiment, you’re guaranteed something memorable every time.
Membership Perks: How to Get Involved
- Customers can become co-op members and gain access to exclusive member-only events.
- Voting rights at strategy and business meetings ensure customer voices directly shape the café’s direction.
- Perks include monthly free coffee and priority event access.
For those invested in the space long-term—and for Brooklynites seeking true queer community—the co-op model provides a sense of belonging and ownership seldom found elsewhere.
Community Partnerships and Local Impact
Boyfriend doesn’t just talk community—it enacts it:
- Ingredient sourcing highlights local bakeries, international connections, and always prioritizes ethical suppliers.
- Event collaborations with other co-ops, local activists, and artists bring new perspectives and strengthen neighborhood bonds.
- By remaining affordable and open, Boyfriend counters the exclusivity and gentrification that can marginalize vulnerable groups, especially in rapidly changing neighborhoods.
Atmosphere, Décor, and The “Magic” Factor
- Every corner is Instagram-worthy: cozy nooks and brightly-lit bar areas ideal for a late-night selfie or group shot.
- Décor intentionally mixes moody and playful—vintage lamps, thrifted couches, artwork by local queer creators, and oddly charming relics spotted at secondhand shops.
- The overall effect is “cutesy, friendly, modern, and fresh,” striking a perfect balance between comfort and chic.
The space’s magical quality further amplifies its mission: making everyone feel they truly belong, whether they’re regulars or new in town.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Boyfriend Co-Op’s hours?
Boyfriend is open from early morning until midnight most days, and stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Is Boyfriend Co-Op exclusively for queer people?
Boyfriend is explicitly queer-run and created as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, but all are welcome—especially allies seeking genuine community and connection.
What is a co-op membership, and how do I get one?
Memberships can be purchased by any customer, granting perks like monthly free coffee, exclusive event access, and voting privileges in business meetings.
Does Boyfriend Co-Op offer non-alcoholic options?
Yes. The menu features non-alcoholic shooters, specialty sodas, gourmet coffee, and seasonal mocktails—making inclusive options for both sober visitors and those simply seeking alternatives.
Are prices affordable?
Boyfriend prioritizes keeping prices accessible while supporting high-quality ingredients and fair worker compensation. Pricing ranges typically from $10–$20 per menu item.
Boyfriend Co-Op at a Glance
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Multi-stakeholder cooperative (employees and customers own and govern) |
| Space | Kitschy, cozy, photo-worthy; moody walls and vintage furnishings |
| Menu Features | In-house specialties, rotating seasonal soups, creative cocktails (e.g., Holy Trinity, Dirty Marsha), strong non-alcoholic options |
| Pricing | Accessible ($10–$20); commitment to affordability and fair wages |
| Community Impact | Local sourcing, ethical suppliers, collaborative events, outward-facing partnerships |
| Membership | Open to all; access to perks, events, and democratic voting on business strategy |
| Location | 1157 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (Bushwick) |
Why Boyfriend Co-Op Matters: A New Era for Queer Community Spaces in NYC
In a city packed with nightlife options but starved for safe, accessible daytime queer hangouts, Boyfriend Co-Op’s blend of collective ownership, adventurous menu, and radiant welcome marks a significant leap forward. By dissolving power hierarchies, foregrounding local and ethical sourcing, and actively bridging connections across neighborhoods, Boyfriend affirms Brooklyn’s reputation for innovation—while modeling community care the rest of New York will surely envy.
Want to Visit—or Get Involved?
- Drop by for coffee or cocktails—day or night.
- Consider purchasing a membership if you’d like deeper involvement and voting rights.
- Follow Boyfriend Co-Op on social media for updates on special pop-up events, Pride celebrations, and seasonal menu launches.
- Bring a friend, a date, or come solo: the magic is designed to make you feel instantly at home.
