Delicious Black-owned Restaurants Across the United States
One of the things that make this country great is the diversity of its inhabitants. No matter where you visit in the US, you can find fantastic locally and minority-owned restaurants that feature local favorites and cuisines that tell the story of the region. Check out some of these fantastic Black-owned restaurants for a culinary experience you won’t forget!
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Yo Mama’s Restaurant
2328 2nd Ave. N, Birmingham, AL
(205) 957-6545
Whether you’re in the mood for a soul food breakfast that includes chicken and waffles topped with fresh fruit, or you prefer the fish plate served with fries and tartar sauce, you’ll find something to satisfy your craving at Yo Mama’s in Birmingham. The menu features classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, or you can order fish or shrimp tacos. The eatery also offers homemade sweet tea or lemonade to enjoy with your meal. Yo Mama’s also earned the distinction of the Best Lunch spot in 2016 and 2017 from Best of Birmingham Magazine.
Roscoe’s Catfish & BBQ
120 E. 6th Ave., Anchorage, Alaska
(907) 279-8961
Even though this restaurant is in the northern region of the country, you can find plenty of Southern favorites on the menu. Alaskan seafood gumbo is a popular dish at Roscoe’s, and of course, the fresh catfish is prepared to order and comes with two side dishes. You can also order the pork or beef ribs or enjoy a variety of sandwiches, like the classic club sandwich, French dip sandwich, or meatball sandwich.
Kontiki African Restaurant
13240 AR-11, Alexander, Arkansas
(501) 615-8504
This Arkansas restaurant offers entrees from Sierra Leone. Some Sierra Leone natives are brought to tears by some of the dishes at the restaurant since the meals remind them of home. If you’re in the mood for Akara or jollof rice, roasted fish, peanut butter soup, or roast meat skewers because you miss authentic African food or want to try African cuisine for the first time, give Kontiki a try.
My Two Cents
Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California
(323) 938-1012
This small, trendy restaurant serves soul food dishes with a modern twist. Try the fried chicken salad with shaved parmesan, or the chicken and waffles served with fresh herbs and a side of eggs. The shrimp and grits are a favorite with diners and well, and you can finish your meal with a heaping serving of sweet, syrupy peach cobbler.
Brown Sugar Kitchen
2295 Broadway, Oakland, California
(510) 839-7685
Chef Tanya Holland has created a soul food haven on the West Coast that was rated Best in the East Bay in 2016. Holland has also been featured in Zagat, Eater, and ABC News for her stellar meals. Popular meals include chicken and waffles, cheese grits served with a side of fresh fruit, and smoked pork hash. You can also enjoy savory gumbo with a side of rice, ribs topped with pineapple salsa, and delicious side dishes like black-eyed peas sautéed with peppers and macaroni and cheese.
Welton’s Street Cafe
2736 Welton St. Ste. 107, Denver, Colorado
(303) 296-6602
Welton’s offers a delicious mix of Caribbean and Southern cuisine for tasty dishes that are just as colorful as they are delicious. The fried chicken platter with fried okra and beans and rice is a favorite. Or, you can order the fried catfish with greens and cornbread; the jerk chicken and fried fish platter with mac and cheese and sweet potatoes are oustanding as well.
Karobean Kitchen
2790 Main St. Hartford, Connecticut
(855) 525-4782
Karobean Kitchen serves a variety of Caribbean dishes with a modern twist. This buffet-style restaurant allows you to customize your meal and enjoy entrees like stuffed jerk chicken breast, fried lobster tails, fried dumplings, baked macaroni and cheese, and roasted fried chicken with green beans and seasoned rice. The restaurant offers delivery for safety reasons, but you still have several tasty entrees to choose from.
Teff
113 West Main St., Stamford, Connecticut
(203) 998-7474
Teff is one of the best Black-owned restaurants across the United States to find authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes. Tasty entrees include Gamen, which features several types of stewed vegetables and meat on teff bread, Birsin, which is savory stewed lentils, and Siga Tibs, which is chopped meat in a rich sauce served with greens and fresh pepper. Ethiopian food is traditionally served family-style and eaten with your hands, so Teff creates a dining experience that you and your friends and loved ones won’t soon forget.
Swirl Wine Bistro
1435 Lyons Rd., Coconut Grove, Florida
(954) 280-9700
If you’re in the mood for a small plate served with wine or beer, look no further than Swirl Wine Bistro when you’re in the Coconut Grove area. Impression mini entrees include oxtail ravioli, pork belly tacos, or a duck confit. You can also enjoy a delicious cannoli or two served with fresh berries, or opt for the baked brie or assorted cheese platter. Swirl Wine Bistro also provides a variety of sparkling, red, and white wines for you to indulge in with your food.
Nine Mile Station
675 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, Georgia
(770) 999-1532
This Black-owned restaurant offers a fresh take on American cuisine and an impressive list of cocktails as well as one of the best views in the city. Favorites include eggs Benedict served on a pretzel croissant, smoked sausage with pickled vegetables, or a colorful charcuterie board filled with artisan cheeses, smoked meats, and pureed fruit. Popular side dishes include the roasted potatoes with caramelized onion, parmesan fries, and cauliflower soup with curry oil, parmesan, and fresh oregano. Outdoor rooftop seating is also available, so you can take in the sights of Atlanta while you enjoy your meal.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours
1133 Huff Rd. NW #D, Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 350-5500
This hip, urban eatery in the heart of Atlanta has all the satisfying entrees you can imagine to satisfy your craving for comfort food with a Southern twist. Try the short rib lasagna topped with sautéed greens, Cajun chicken with corn and okra, or indulge in the coastal seafood hot pot. You can also treat your sweet tooth with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake or a heaping mug of peach cobbler topped with whipped cream.
Southern Grinds
Hospital Rd., Kahuku, Hawaii
(808) 561-8931
Few things are more relaxing than enjoying a tasty plate of soul food in the warm sun. Southern Grinds offers several decadent Southern treats like southern fried chicken served with mac and cheese, sausage and shrimp gumbo, served with rice, and homemade cornbread. You can also get a taste of Hawaii with the pork noodle stir fry platter served with fried chicken.
Brown Shuga Soul Food Truck
24th and Fairview, Boise Idaho
(208) 794-0605
Idaho has the third-lowest population of African Americans in the United States, which makes this soul food truck even more remarkable and a wonderful addition to the city . Smoked turkey legs, red beans and rice with cornbread, and barbecue chicken with baked beans are favorites with the locals. Brown Shuga also serves decadent desserts like mini sweet potato pies and cherry cobbler, and you can enjoy these culinary wonders as you explore the city of Boise.
Sweet Maple Cafe
1339 W. Taylor Street, Chicago Illinois
(312) 243-8908
Sweet Maple Cafe is one of the best breakfast spots in Chicago. The eatery is known for its savory salmon cakes, fluffy eggs, and fresh-baked biscuits. You may also want to try the chorizo jalapeño omelet or the delicious cinnamon crunch pancakes. Sweet Maple Cafe also offers decadent hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup and steaming hot coffee to enjoy with your breakfast.
The Delta
1745 W. North Ave., Chicago Illinois
(773) 360-1793
If you can’t decide between an Asian meal and soul food for lunch or dinner, the Delta has you covered. The restaurant is known for its chicken fried rice with mushrooms, and the grilled catfish with sautéed eggplant and broccoli is a favorite as well. Or, you can try the red hot tamales with beef brisket if you enjoy spicy food and want to share with a friend.
Batter and Berries
2748 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois
(773) 248-7710
If you love having breakfast any time of day, Batter and Berries is the Chicago eatery to visit. You’ll find several flavors of tasty pancakes topped with nuts and berries. You can also find a delicious lunch like a tasty sandwich you can enjoy on the go.
Truth Italian
56 E Pershing Rd., Chicago, Illinois
(312) 715-8796
This Bronzeville gem is a great place to hang out when you’re in Chicago. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is delicious. Truth Italian offers several five-star entrees like ravioli Florentine and marinated grilled lamb chops. If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try the stuffed portobello mushrooms with artichoke and tomatoes. You can also indulge in a delicious breakfast like veggie omelets caramel waffles, or blueberry or strawberry French toast.
Drop Squad Kitchen
928 Justison St., Wilmington, Delaware
302.984.2773
This vegan restaurant is one of the best in Wilmington and serves Aboriginal entrees. The food was voted healthiest in the state by Delaware Today and tasty menu offerings include juicy vegan burgers, vegan fried chicken, and the eatery’s popular vegan mac and “cheese.”
Kountry Kitchen
1831 North College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana
(317) 635-6000
Kountry Kitchen is one of the country’s most popular Black-owned eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for flaky fried fish served with fresh herbs and tartar sauce or you’ve got a taste for rib tips and fries, you can get your fix at Kountry Kitchen. You can also choose from delicious appetizers like fried green tomatoes to start your meal and select lemon, white, or chocolate pound cake for dessert.
Jake’s Soul Food Cafe
3075 John Hawkins Pkwy, Hoover, Alabama
(205) 438-6340
This soul food restaurant in Hoover is a local favorite. The menu includes saory favorites like jerk chicken, sweet potato casserole, smothered turkey wings, oxtail stew, or fried chicken. In addition to the delicious entrees, the customer service makes the dining experience unforgettable.
Hint of Soul
3801 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, Arizona
480.712.2580
Hint of Soul is the self-proclaimed best soul food restaurant in Phoenix. The eatery is fairly new and opened during the pandemic, but has established a favorable reputation among food enthusiasts in Phoenix. Popular dishes include peach Hennessy wings, Chicago sweet heat chicken sandwich, and Crown Royal peach cobbler.
The House of Mental
801 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Arkansas
501.454.1493
This popular eatery in Little Rock is known for its vegan comfort food dishes. You can try the Kaliflowers wings meal with two sides like the house-made black-eyed peas or vegan mac and cheese. Or, you can opt for the loaded nachos with vegan queso, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and olives.
Tribute Coffee
13960 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, California
(714) 852-3005
If you’re looking for delicious and healthy food, Tribute Coffee is the Garden Grove eatery to visit. Try the açai bowl with fresh berries or the acai peanut butter bowl topped with bananas and cocoa nibs. This fresh and delicious food is both filling and guilt-free.
Hawkins House of Burgers
11603 Slater St., Los Angeles, California
(323) 563-1129
Hawkins House of Burgers is one of the most popular Black-owned burger joints in Los Angeles. The eatery is known for its juicy burgers topped with ingredients like bacon, fresh onions, and melty cheese. However, you can also order burritos, tacos, or fried chicken to satisfy your craving for comfort food.
Boney’s BBQ
1543 Champa St., Denver, Colorado
(303) 825-9900
Every slab of meat cooked at Boney’s BBQ has an unmistakable hickory smoke flavor. You’ll also love the sides, like hushpuppies, potato salad, and cornbread. The BBQ entrees are also seasoned with a house-made spice rub that makes Boney’s one of a kind.
Le French Denver
4901 S. Newport St., Denver, Colorado
(720) 710-8963
Le French Denver was founded by two Senegalese French sisters and offers a variety of chic gourmet meals. If you’re looking for Parisian food when you’re in Denver, you’ll love the spinach quiche and duck Benedict. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate croissants or crepes.
350 Asylum St., Hartford, Connecticut
(860) 278-7427
If you’re craving soul food while you’re in Hartford, check out Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar. This east coast eatery offers everything from fried chicken and baked mac and cheese to BBQ wings, catfish finger, and pulled pork. No matter what entree you decide on, order a side of cornbread topped with honey butter to finish your meal.
Mad Crab Seafood and Wings
325 W. Kennedy Blvd., Orlando Florida
(407) 960-3723
There are several Black-owned restaurants in Orlando, but Mad Crab Seafood and Wings has quickly become one of the most popular eateries in the city. This family-owned restaurant was founded in 2014 and features everything from snow crab combo meals to fried fish dinners and a variety of delicious chicken wings. You can also order side dishes a la carte like the garlic potatoes or garlic eggs, and the secret sauces and seasonings that come with the meals keep customers lining up at the door.
World Famous House of Mac
2055 NW 2nd Ave., Miami, Florida
(786) 636-6967
This popular Miami restaurant is known for its delicious varieties of macaroni and cheese, but that’s not all that’s on the menu. You can indulge in pizzas topped with Philly cheesesteak, turkey bacon, and jumbo lump crab, or enjoy the jerk shrimp pasta. If you do want to sample the mac and cheese you can choose from options like the lobster mac and cheese or five cheese tuffle mac. There are also several vegan options to try.
Shirley Mae’s Cafe
802 S. Clay St., Louisville, Kentucky
(502) 589-5295
If you’re ready for a delicious Sunday dinner with all the fixings, Shirley’s Mae’s Cafe won’t disappoint. You can enjoy savory entrees like fried chicken with a side of greens topped with onions and tomatoes; the creamy macaroni and cheese is also a favorite. Complete your meal with a delicious blueberry cobbler topped with sweet vanilla ice cream.
Breakfast at Barney’s
349 Decatur St. SE Ste. A1, Atlanta, Georgia
(404) 549-6042
This trendy eatery in Atlanta serves some of the best pancakes in town. Don’t forget to try salmon croquettes or satisfy your sweet tooth with Barney’s French toast topped with decadent banana cream.
Le Crepe Cafe
2752 Woodlawn Dr., Honolulu, Hawaii
(808) 988-6688
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet or savory crepe, you’ll find an entree to satisfy your tastes at Le Crepe Cafe. This Honolulu eatery offers the “breakfast of champions” with turkey bacon, garlic, spinach, and mushrooms, or the “special” with berries, bananas, and brown sugar.
His Place Eatery
6916 E. 30th St., Indianapolis, Indiana
(317) 545-4890
This soul food restaurant is known for its succulent rib tips and meatloaf. You can also find delicious chicken and waffles there, as well as tasty side dishes like bourbon cream corn and seasoned green beans.
Neyow’s Creole Cafe
3332 Bienville St., New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 827-5474
Neyow’s is popular for its fried seafood and offers a fun and upbeat atmosphere that New Orleans is known for. You’ll ove the New Orleans-style mac and cheese and the sauteed fish with mixed veggies as well.
Superchefs
1702 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, Kentucky
(502) 409-8103
Superchefs serves some of the most delicious waffles in Louisville. Try the banana pudding waffles or indulge in the breakfast sandwich made with red velvet waffles. Superchefs also serves a variety of fresh salads filled with seasonal vegetables.
Jones Bar-B-Q
6706 Kaw Dr., Kansas City, Kansas
(913) 788-5005
If you’re looking for a delicious pulled pork sandwich when you’re in a Kansas City, visit Jones Bar-B-Q. You can add onion rings and crispy pickles to your sandwich, or you can enjoy the rib platter served with fries, coleslaw and baked beans.
Vivian’s Soul Food
2925 Williams Pkwy. SW., Cedar Rapids, Iowa
(319) 396-2299
This popular Cedar Rapids restaurant serves delicious entrees like fried fish with red beans and rice and mac and cheese or fried chicken with cabbage and dressing topped with cranberry sauce. Enjoy your meal with a delicious cornbread muffin and don’t forget to try the peach cobbler for dessert.