The co-owners, Mara Herbkersman and Emily Bielagus, worked together in the space’s former iteration; at the time, opening a lesbian bar of their own “was very much a daydream,” Herbkersman, who took over the Ezsett space from her former bosses and friends once they decided to close business, tells “I think we learned quickly that the space actually works better as a wine bar,” Bielagus, co-owner and wine director of the bar, says.
“The approach is joyful, playful, snacky [items] that are easy to eat [and] go great with wine,” Herbkersman says. The Ruby Fruit regularly hosts wine nights featuring queer and woman-owned winemakers and is gearing up to host a “Y2Gay” party, playing all ’90s and 2000s music.
Faulk curates the music programming, which is led by resident DJ DEESCO, but often welcomes guest DJs; other programmed nights at Honey’s at Star Love include a bimonthly Wednesday night karaoke, queer speed dating, burlesque nights and an upcoming Pride Month party that will benefit the Trans Lifeline nonprofit.