The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Denver, CO
Denver happens to be host to a long list of black-owned restaurants that promise you a culinary experience unlike any other. With promises of different themed cultures and tastes, there is no place like Denver where you can take a trip to many countries, one plate after the other. As we battle a pandemic and we celebrate Black History Month, here are some of The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Denver CO you can support by eating at.
1. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
2. African Grill and Bar
955 S Kipling Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226
303-985-4497
Ghanaians Slyvester and Theodora Osei-Fordwuo are serving authentic African dishes that will send your mouth on a culinary journey. They have a wide variety of African cuisine that ranges from Ethiopian to Moroccan and even Senegalese. Some of these dishes are rare to find anywhere else in Denver.
One great thing about this place is the Akwaaba, or a welcome plate that gives you a taste of what to expect from the menu. From plantain to pilau and injera, you are going to have a great time here.
3. Genna Rae’s Wings
1819 East 28th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80205
(720) 287-3523
This is a takeout spot owned by Genna Dickerson. Opened in 2016, the spot only caters to Caribbean-themed soul food on the go. You can drop by for some plantain, jerk chicken, wings, sandwiches and so much more. Their Big Poppa Burger is one of the fan favorites, so you might want to try this out first. They also have some of the most distinct sauces like mango habanero.
4. Jabo’s Bar-be-Q
9682 E Arapahoe Rd (at S Dayton St), Greenwood Village, CO 80112
303-799-4432
Run by Dwight ‘Jabo’ Lawson his father’s legacy by running this restaurant that has been operational since 1950. It has become quite a favorite with the locals who keep coming back for a taste of some of the best barbecue in Denver. The meat is prepared using recipes handed down to the family. There are some pretty distinct flavors such as pecan and smoky mango. While you are there, try and taste the Sconut. You’re going to love it.
5. Jamaican Grill
708 W. 8th Ave. Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-0013
Since 2015, this restaurant has been serving Jamaican goodness to the people of Denver and beyond. If you are looking for authentic jerk chicken, oxtail stew, goat curry and so much more. The restaurant is owned by Tammy Braziel and Randal Whyte. The food is perfectly spiced and scrumptious. To top it up, they also opened the Jamaican Mini Grille to cater to people who want to cook Jamaican but cannot find authentic Jamaican spices.
6. Jesse’s Smoking NOLA
7422 S. University Blvd. Centennial, Colorado 80122
303-537-4574
Jessie Rayford started this restaurant on wheels and grew it into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Dealing with New Orleans delicacies, this restaurant will unleash a Mardi Gras parade in your mouth. Classics such as poboys, boudin, muffulettas, and their favorite bourbon pie. If it is your first time there, make sure you taste the bourbon pie.
7. Le French
4901 S. Newport St. Denver, CO 80237
(720) 710-8963
This restaurant is owned by Aminata and Rougui Dia who opened it up in 2019. If you are in the mood for gourmet pastries like Croque madames this is the perfect place to get it. Rougui was an executive chef for a Michelin star restaurant and Aminata is a great chef herself. Dress up for a fancy dinner as they are open for dining and you can taste the escargot and other elegant dining choices. This place promises a taste of elegance, class, and Paris.
8. Saucy’s Southern BBQ & Cuisine
2100 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210
(720) 484-6035
Located in One Observatory Park, this fast casual dining spot is so tasty you want to linger. Owners Ki’erre Dawkins and Khristian Matthews started out with an open-air food truck that was so popular they had to find space for all of their customers to sit and enjoy their food. This Mississippi-style BBQ menu offers ribs, wings, or hot links to eat with mac-n-cheese, corn, green beans, or corn. Saucy’s is sustainable too: sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmer’s markets.
Photo Credit: Facebook
9. Smith + Canon Ice Cream
2260 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
(720) 546-6377
Owned by Curt Peterson, this is one place you can have coffee or ice cream or both. The restaurant serves up a great blend of fine coffee and offers a wide array of ice cream flavors that will blow your mind. One of the fan-favorites is the strawbenero that gives just the kick if you do not want some caffeine fuel. You can also buy a bag of high-quality coffee beans if you want to make some at home.
10. Welton Street Cafe
2736 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
303-296-6602
Since 1999, this restaurant has been serving the culinary goodness of the Virgin Islands. The restaurant was started by Flynn and Mona Dickerson and while retired, their children Fathima, Cenya, and Fathim run it today. They specialize in island-stuffed pastries, wings, smothered pork chops, and more.
11. Whittier Cafe
1710 East 25th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80205, United States
(720) 550-7440
Millete Birhanemaskel owns this neighborhood cafe that serves up some authentic African espresso that has people coming back for more. Their coffee is sourced from Africa and while it is the main drink associated with the shop, there are a variety of pastries as well.
The shop is not just a coffee haven but a support system for social causes. They have a fund that supports social causes. If you are in for a good time and vibes, you can drop in on Sunday afternoon for their Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
12. TK’s Surf & Turf Kitchen
10890 E Dartmouth Ave Unit 13 Denver, CO 80014
(720) 398-8453
Craving some seafood? you can drive to this newly owned black-owned seafood business. The restaurant is one of a kind since there is no other Black-owned seafood restaurant. The owner, Tyler Kanwai may not be a restaurant connoisseur but his staff definitely is. Their sauce with their secret ingredient will knock your socks off. As you eat, you will enjoy the artwork in song and beautiful quotes hanging on the walls.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published March 15, 2021, and last updated February 5, 2024.
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