The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city that is rich in history and culture. If you’re visiting the area and want to support black-owned businesses, check out some Black-owned restaurants that offer delicious food and a one-of-a-kind ambiance, here are a few eateries you should visit during your stay.
1. 48th Street Grille
310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(267) 244-4764
If you’re in the mood for Caribbean food like rice and peas, escovitch fish, jerk chicken, or curry chicken, this is the place to visit. This is also one of the best Black-owned restaurants in Philadelphia for chicken wings, which you can order in a variety of flavors. A great lunch option would be the jerk chicken cheesesteak, which is in the style of the famed Philly cheesesteak.
2. Pretty Girls Cook
1016 N Marshall St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 278-2260
Pretty Girls Cook is one of the best spots in Philadelphia to enjoy brunch. The restaurant is known for delicious dishes like shrimp and grits, waffles, and French toast topped with your selection of fruits and nuts. If you’re in the mood for more of a savory dish, try the short rib grilled cheese for a brunch you won’t forget.
3. Farina Pasta and Noodle
3300 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
(484) 533-7305
If you’re searching for one of the best Black owned restaurants in Philadelphia and you’ve got a taste for pasta, look no further than Farina Pasta and Noodle. This Asian fusion/Italian restaurant offers several noodle dishes seasoned with the vegetables and protein of your choice. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic bolognese or want to try the Thai peanut butter noodles, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Tasteful Sensations Seafood and Soul Food
3703 Pulaski Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
(267) 975-5491
Whether you want a plate filled with perfectly seasoned vegetables or you prefer a traditional soul food meal, you can satisfy your cravings at Tasteful Sensations Seafood and Soul Food. The sautéed salmon is a favorite among diners, and the macaroni and cheese provide the ideal mixture of savory, creamy goodness. You can also choose from vegetables like sautéed broccoli and collard greens, and the slightly sweet cornbread is a popular side dish as well. Tasteful Sensations is also the place to go when you’re craving fried chicken wings or fried fresh fish. Try the fried shrimp to accompany your soul food sides.
5. South
600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 600-0220
South provides a relaxing ambiance, jazz music, and refined dishes that are sophisticated without being intimidating. You can start your meal off with appetizers like fried green tomatoes garnished with purple cabbage before selecting an entree like chicken and waffles or catfish and cheese grits. South also has delicious meat-free options, like the Vegan Taste of West Africa, which includes plant-based skewers, jollof rice, black-eyed peas, sautéed collard greens, plantain kelewele, and benne seeds. The delicious food, craft cocktails, and live music make South one of the city’s top dining destinations.
6. Rock N’ Rolls Egg Rolls
1308 Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
610-809-6338
An egg roll makes a great savory snack or a tasty side dish when you order Chinese takeout. But if you really love egg rolls, check out Rock N’ Rolls Egg Rolls to see how you can make one of your favorite foods into a meal. You can choose from savory egg rolls like buffalo chicken, sweet chili salmon, or the classic Philly cheesesteak. The restaurant offers additional sides as well, like seafood macaroni and cheese or crab cakes. Rock N’ Rolls is also known for its fries, which you can top with buffalo chicken and ranch, chili, or BBQ mac and cheese.
7. Rhythm and Brunch
6517 Elmwood Ave #2816, Philadelphia, PA 19142
(215) 921-9915
Rhythm and Brunch is among the best Black-owned restaurants in Philadelphia if brunch is your favorite meal of the day. Once you taste popular entrees like The Sweetest Taboo, which is a platter of French toast and crispy fried chicken, you’ll definitely want to come back for more. You can even indulge in dessert for brunch when you order the pineapple upside-down cake or funnel cake. Rhythm and Brunch also has several healthy options, like the egg white omelet which is seasoned to perfection, chicken sausage, or a vegan breakfast platter.
8. Max’s Steaks
3653 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
(215) 229-9048
You can’t visit Philadelphia without trying a Philly cheesesteak at least once. Max’s Steaks is one of the most recommended spots in town for a classic cheesesteak sandwich. You can also choose from the mushroom cheesesteak topped with hot and mild peppers, or a pepper steak sandwich with or without the cheese. Even if you’re not in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak, you can still order a delicious sandwich like chicken and cheese, turkey and cheese, or corned beef.
9. Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch Street, #400 Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-922-2317
To call the Reading Terminal Market merely a “restaurant” would be greatly underselling its contributions to Philly. It is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets (operating since 1893!) and boasts over 80 restaurants and merchants. Come for the artisanal baked goods, fresh seafood, and locally sourced meats…stay for the award-winning roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s, decadent fried mac and cheese balls from Beck’s Cajun Cafe, or one of the Italian-inspired cheesesteaks from By George!
10. Spirit First Foods
310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
215-939-3298
Not every indulgence has to be a guilty pleasure. Atiya Ola’s mission with Spirit First Foods is to serve the freshest and most flavorful plant-based foods in a creative and wholesome way. While some may hear “plant-based” and start running, this local favorite redefines what you can do without dairy or meats. Take one bite of the Spicy Veggie Sausage Wrap and you’ll need to pinch yourself to remember there’s no meat involved. Or get your veggie fix with the Build Your Own Stir Fry with your choice of 2 Raw Selections (we recommend the Curry Cauliflower and the Jerk Mushrooms).
11. Dibbs BBQ
5617 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia PA 19131
215-876-6500
While few consider Philly to be a BBQ hub, Dibbs is ready to change that. This family-owned and operated spot was established for those who savor the art of slow-cooked meats and love-filled sides. They’re known for the best brisket in town, though the pulled pork sandwich and smoked half chicken give it a run for its money. Like any BBQ joint, though, the magic is in the sides. You can’t go wrong with the classics, like collard greens and mac-n-cheese, or venture to the wild side with the melt-in-your mouth candy yams.
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