Put These Black-Owned Restaurants Into Your Permanent Culinary Rotation

As some restaurants that closed their doors because of the coronavirus pandemic begin to reopen—most of them still eschewing sit-in for takeout and delivery—they find themselves traversing new terrain. Coupled with continuing social distancing guidelines, there are now curfews in place that threaten some delivery people: Just look at New York City, where one Caviar deliverer was detained by police on Thursday, even though such workers were deemed essential and therefore allowed to be out past the 8 p.m. curfew.

The protests that sprung up last week after the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by white former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, have created an entire movement that will, at best, alter society. But with things still chaotic and uncertain, now is the time to amplify businesses owned by black restaurateurs and chefs in all regions of the United States.

We’ve assembled a list of great restaurants nationwide, along with some more detailed spreadsheets and lengthier social media posts that are making the rounds on the internet. This list is not meant to be perceived as a solution to the many problems faced by black chefs in the industry, who are often cut out from larger culinary conversations and only recognized when they’re backed by white investors, publications giving them press solely during Black History Month. Think of this as an index of restaurants we love, ones that you should visit again and again to experience their scrumptious offerings long after the summer turns into fall, fall into winter, and beyond.

West Coast

KC’s BBQ, Berkeley, California

An outstanding family-owned barbecue joint whose original location burned down in 2017, but reopened a year later and is still going strong.

Souley Vegan, Oakland, California

The best vegan food in Oakland. You heard it here, first.

Brown Sugar Kitchen, Oakland, California

For Southern comfort food in the Bay Area, look no further than Brown Sugar Kitchen.

Nabolom Bakery, Berkeley, California

A co-op offering baked goods, pizza, and coffee.

Ethiopia Restaurant, Berkeley, California

A staple of the Temescal neighborhood, located on the border of Oakland and Berkeley.

Lois the Pie Queen, Oakland, California

Serving handmade pies and mouthwatering diner food, Lois the Pie Queen offers takeout and delivery starting June 5.

For more black-owned restaurants in the Bay Area, click here.

Tacos Negros, Los Angeles, California

Soul food meets Mexican at this vegan and vegetarian-friendly spot.

Bayou Grille, Los Angeles, California

Genuine New Orleans cooking in Inglewood.

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Los Angeles, California

The L.A. classic is open for delivery and takeout.

Bloom and Plume Café, Los Angeles, California

Along with a cup of coffee, try this Echo Park café’s range of toasts and egg sandwiches.

Cliff’s Texas-Style Burritos, Los Angeles, California

Order this Compton-based restaurant’s take on West Coast Tex-Mex through Yelp.

For more black-owned restaurants in Los Angeles, click here, or here.

Plum Bistro, Seattle, Washington

One of the most beloved vegan restaurants in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

The Fish Box, Seattle, Washington

Fish Box has a concise menu of fish, served freshly fried in a sandwich or with French fries.

Mojito, Seattle, Washington

Order lunch or dinner from this Latin restaurant in the Greenlake neighborhood.

For more black-owned restaurants in the Seattle area, click here.

Midwest

Dragon Wok, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Traditional Cambodian food meets Americanized-Chinese favorites.

Golden Thyme Coffee and Café, Minneapolis, Minnesota

This café still isn’t operating at full speed after closing due to COVID-19, but is selling snacks and drinks to go.

Handsome Hog, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Former Top Chef constestant Justin Sutherland’s restaurant offers contemporary Southern dishes.

Twisted Plants, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A food truck in the Milwaukee area serving vegan and plant-based food.

For more black-owned restaurants in Milwaukee, click here.

Central Kitchen and Bar, Detroit, Michigan

A gastropub in Downtown Detroit.

Ima Noodles, Detroit, Michigan

If you can’t order from their menu of pho, ramen, and udon offerings, donate to the staff impacted by COVID-19 layoffs.

Golden Gloves Cuisine, Chicago, Illinois

In lieu of an order, consider purchasing a gift card for another meal at a later date.

Batter and Berries, Chicago, Illinois

A range of specialty French toast and more.

The Woodlawn, Chicago, Illinois

This event space doubles as a pop-up restaurant with a full menu.

For more black-owned restaurants in Chicago, click here.

Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor and Café, St. Louis, Missouri

Come here for ice cream, coffee and lighter fare for breakfast and lunch.

Seafood Lady, Louisville, Kentucky

This delicious seafood spot also has a location in Lexington.

The South

Beaucoup Eats, New Orleans, Louisiana

Gastropub food with a Creole twist. Catering’s available, too.

Cafe Abyssinia, New Orleans, Louisiana

Takeout is available at this Ethiopian restaurant in the Touro neighborhood.

Island Paradise Restaurant and Grill, New Orleans, Louisiana

Caribbean eats in Gretna.

Peewee’s Crabcakes on the Go, New Orleans, Louisiana

Maryland isn’t the only state delivering top-notch crab cakes.

For more black-owned New Orleans restaurants, click here.

Baby Greens, Austin, Texas

Salads, wraps, and juices.

Ray’s Real Pit BBQ, Houston, Texas

Phone in an order, or go straight to the website to make an order online. Ray’s is also available on DoorDash and GrubHub.

For more black-owned restaurants in Houston, click here.

Mama J’s, Richmond, Virginia

A family-operated restaurant in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.

Pig and Brew, Richmond, Virginia

This restaurant and bar owned by Lamarr Johnson and Lamont Hawkins serves North Carolina-style barbecue.

For more black-owned restaurants in Virginia, click here.

Devine Soups n More, Atlanta, Georgia

Soups, light fare, and baked goods with an emphasis on vegan and vegetarian options.

Triple Jay’s Pizza, Atlanta, Georgia

What began as a food truck is now a brick-and-mortar restaurant serving all styles of pizza.

For more black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, click here.

Sango’s, Miami, Florida

Caribbean-style Chinese food, available for takeout.

Bahamian Pot, Miami, Florida

Authentic Bahamian eats, including Boil Fish and Johnny Cake. Call to order.

Vegan and Juice, Miami, Florida

This family-run vegan and vegetarian restaurant is posting a rotating daily menu on its Facebook page, linked above.

For more black-owned restaurants in south Florida, click here.

East Coast and Northeast

Café Rue Dix, Brooklyn, New York

While you’re ordering from the standout Senegalese menu, consider checking out their concept lifestyle shop Marché Rue Dix, too.

Peaches Hot House Café, Brooklyn, New York

Order now from this Bed-Stuy classic.

The Food Sermon Kitchen, Brooklyn, New York

Although this incredible Caribbean restaurant is temporarily closed, you can donate to their GoFundMe, linked above, to help them reopen.

Juices for Life, Bronx, New York

Order from a huge menu of juices, smoothies, and boosts on Seamless.

Accra Restaurant, Bronx, New York

West African meals done at the highest home-style level.

Las’ Lap, New York, New York

Bites, juices, and cocktails to go in the Lower East Side.

Seasoned Vegan, New York, New York

This Harlem restaurant is now open for takeout.

For more black-owned restaurants in New York City, click here, or click here.

Vogue Café, Jersey City, New Jersey

A quaint French bakery and café—order by phone.

For more black-owned restaurants in Jersey City, click here.

South Jazz Kitchen, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For 30 years, this comfort food restaurant has served the Spring Garden neighborhood of Philly.

The Cheesecake Lady, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Call to order a cake, and pick it up in store.

Night Owl Vegan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Choose from one, three, or five days’s worth vegan meals and desserts from this Philadelphia-based service, which drops food off right at your door.

For more black-owned restaurants in Philadelphia, click here.

The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl, Multiple Locations, Washington D.C.

A Washington, D.C. institution.

Elife Vegan Restaurant, Washington, D.C.

Plant-based soul food in the DMV.

Fishnet Restaurant, Baltimore, Maryland

Now, about those crab cakes we mentioned earlier…get that Maryland specialty and a lot more by ordering online.

Burundi Star Coffee, Portland, Maine

This recently opened café is giving free coffee to Maine Medical Center workers until June 12.

Scotts’ Jamaican Bakery, Hartford, Connecticut

Wear a mask and be sure to observe the customer limit when you’re buying goods in-store at Scotts’.

Auntie Vie’s Bakery Cafe, Boston, Massachusetts

Great Jamaican food and drinks in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood.

For more black-owned restaurants in Boston and throughout New England, click here.

Related: Uplifting Black Culture Goes Beyond Shopping Black-Owned Brands, But Here’s a Place to Start