By Karen Espig
When eating out, do you want to add a little atmosphere or attitude to your lunch or dinner? Eateries with a theme in decor or philosophy can add flavour to your experience and be especially fun for group events–big or small. Prominent themed restaurants in America like Planet Hollywood (which opened in New York City in 1991) or Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (born in 1987 in Key West, Florida) make dining out even more fun.
A more recent addition to the category is bitch-themed restaurants, which aim to reclaim the once pejorative word while providing a fun experience. Here is a list of 5 such establishments across the USA for when you want to dine from a bitchin’ kitchen!
First, A Brief History Of The Word “Bitch” In Popular Culture
From around the 1900’s, “bitch” was a derogatory term fired towards women. During the suffrage movement (1915-1930), it was used extensively to insult women as they fought to obtain the right to vote.
Fast-forward to the 60s, its meaning and power shifted as feminist writers and activists began using and embracing the term. Jo Freeman published The BITCH Manifesto in 1968, saying “Bitch is Beautiful”. In the 1980s and ’90s, we started hearing it in music, swinging back and forth between positive and negative vibes, especially in the Rap genre.
This mixed use of the word is still in play today, so it boils down to who is saying it and what the context is. But back to this bitchin’ restaurant list…
Breakfast Bitch
You will find Breakfast Bitch in Phoenix, Arizona. The logo is inspired by Rosie the Riveter, one of the icons of female independence and a “can-do” attitude. They have menu items like “Boujie Bitch” and “Feisty Bitch Quesadilla”, with prices for a breakfast plate ranging from $10-20 USD.
The daytime menu is available from 7 am to 4 pm, but don’t worry, a select menu (like Taco Tuesdays) is available in the evenings, not to mention themed trivia nights. It is walk-in only, but you may make reservations if your group is larger than 15 persons, and the fun doesn’t have to stop there; you may also arrange parties and they cater for special events.
Bacon Bitch
Bacon Bitch is another brunch eatery and has four locations in Florida: Miami, Miami Beach, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. The first location opened in 2017, and you will no doubt be greeted with their trademark, friendly “Hey Bitch” as you enter.
They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, with many ingredients sourced locally, and the prices range from $13 to 29 USD. For the thirsty crowd, they feature speciality cocktails and bottle packages for special events. You may make reservations online.
Brunch B!tch
Brunch B!tch is a delivery or pickup-only venue in Kennesaw, Georgia, open from 7:45 am to 1:35 pm. They have some vegan and vegetarian options alongside traditional breakfast fare. Prices start at $9 for pancakes or French toast, and the popular Breakfast Patty Melt will set you back $16.
Be sure to try out the lavender or strawberry fresh-squeezed lemonade and limeade, they are yum!
Brian’s Bitchin’ Bakery
A home bakery in Houston, Texas, Brian’s Bitchin’ Bakery offers pickup and delivery and can create custom orders. It also has pop-up locations at Houston markets and festival events, which you can discover via the business’s Instagram account.
Brian embraces the word “bitch” as one of his favourite words, according to an interview with Houston Voyage. His business is proudly queer and POC (Person Of Colour) owned. His speciality is boba-inspired cookies. If you have ever had bubble tea, you’ve probably had a boba ball, also known as tapioca pearls. His cookies are created with unique tea-infused versions such as Earl Grey, lavender, and blueberry.
Biscuit Bitch
The women-owned café Biscuit Bitch has two locations in Seattle, Washington. Open from 7:30 am to 1 pm daily, you can eat in, take out, or get it delivered. The speciality Southern-style biscuits are served fresh out of the oven but are worth the wait! Try the “Hot Mess Bitch” biscuit creation for USD 16.
They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian menu options. They have fun coffee” choices like “Bitches Brew” (iced coffee) and “Dirty Pumpkin” (pumpkin chai latte with two shots of espresso).
There is something to be said about turning eating out into an experience to remember. You add extra flavour and fun by choosing niche or themed restaurants in America.
While the use of the word “bitch” in these business brands is somewhat provocative, it also aims to shift the tone of the word towards empowerment, which is a good thing.
So, perhaps think about how you understand and use this word. Having brunch with the “bitches” might just be the treat you need to reconnect with your besties and take a break from the daily grind!