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50 Black-Owned Businesses and Restaurants in Chicago

Here are some awesome local Chicago Black-owned businesses to shop and dine at.

by Chicago Bucket List

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See below for 50 Black-owned businesses and restaurants throughout the greater Chicagoland area to support today, tomorrow, next week, month and beyond.

 

ONLINE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES


Frogtown Juice

Small batch juices that are made locally in Chicago.

Where: 324 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60612

For more information on Frogtown Juice. 

 

Justice of the Pies

A Chicago-based bakery that specializes in sweet and savory pies, quiches and tarts.

Where: 65 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601

For more information on Justice of the Pies.

 

Soap Distillery

Cocktail inspired goods for the badass. Also, their branding is hilarious. Perfect for a present to yourself or a loved one. 

 

Mango Moi

We create high-quality vegan products while educating the importance of self-empowerment through self-care. 

 

Rose Blossom

Urban Chicago florist with upscale fresh flower decor. 

 

DWA- Depart with Art

A small business based in Chicago creating hand-crafted organic body products with love. 

 

An Orange Moon

Hip vintage interior furnishings & design center. Vintage furniture, danish modern, antiques & curiosities.

 

The Alter

Series of pop-up classes, events, and workshop experience to connect more deeply to ourselves. Curated experiences to connect, transform, and ascend.

 

Mad Moisture Beauty

A plant-powered skincare and wellness brand founded to help women reconnect to their glow within.

 

Jon BasĆ­l Tequila

100% De Agave Azul tequila that was born in Jalisco, raised in Chicago.

 

Goldkissed Essentials 

Inclusive, vegan skincare products made with love and care.

LOOP


Sweet Maple Cafe

Try the delectable homemade ā€œsweet milk biscuitsā€ or ā€œNot-So-Plain Buttermilk Pancakes,ā€ served with pure Vermont maple syrup. 

Where: 1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

For more information on Sweet Maple Cafe.

 

Kathryn’s Soul

Southern comfort food combo shrimp and jerk chicken pasta dishes, served with love.

Where: 131 N Clinton St, Chicago IL 60661

For more information on Kathryn's Soul.

 

Cheezcake Boutique

A bakery that specializes in signature, cheesecake cupcakes.

Where: 520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

For more information on Cheezcake Boutique

Nutrition and Beyond, LLC

Expert nutrition consultation for weight loss, diabetes, keto, vegan and gluten-free diets, and much more.

Where: 1136 S Delano Ct B201, Chicago, IL 60605

For more information on Nutrition and Beyond.

NORTH SIDE


Semicolon Chi

Chicago's only black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space.

Where: 515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642

For more information on Semicolon Chi.

 

The Long Room

Relaxed bar & coffeehouse with a large, rotating list of beers, a photo booth & a back patio.

Where: 1612 Irving Park Rd #1, Chicago, IL 60613

For more information on the Long Room.

 

Batter and Berries 

Bright cafe with creative pancakes, omelets & other breakfast eats plus sandwiches & lunch fare too.

Where: 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

For more information on Batter and Berries.

 

Demera Ethiopian

Casual Ethiopian eatery with shared plates, house-roasted coffee & traditional music on weekends.

Where: 4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

For more information on Demera Ethiopian.

Ras Dashen Ethiopia

Casual spot featuring a traditional Ethiopian menu with both meat & vegetarian options & a full bar.

Where: 5846 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

For more information on Ras Dashen Ethiopia.

 

Urbane Blades

Chicago’s premiere barbershop.

Where: 948 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610

For more information on Urbane Blades.

 

Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Traditional Southern favorites are served in a simple storefront space with a BYOB policy.

Where: 4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

For more information on Luella’s Southern Kitchen.

 

Ethiopian Diamond

Casual restaurant & bar featuring Ethiopian stews (both meat & veggie) & weekly live music.

Where: 6120 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

For more information on Ethiopian Diamond.

 

Bettie Lou’s

Unfussy option for American soul food with Caribbean & global influences including brunch.

Where: 5633 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

For more information on Bettie Lou’s.

 

BULSHO Restaurant

A variety of East African/Somali dishes, with Italian and Middle Eastern twists.

Where: 211 W Walton St, Chicago IL 60610

For more information on BULSHO restaurant.

WEST SIDE


Ina Mae Tavern 

Funky outpost with a New Orleans vibe, chef-driven fare, live music & specialty retail products.

Where: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622

F.or more information on Ina Mae Tavern.

 

Eleven | Eleven

The high-style setting for New American fare with global flavors, wine pairings, cocktails & happy hour.

Where: 1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

For more information on Eleven | Eleven.

 

Phlavz

In University Village specializing in jerk chicken-themed foods, grew out of a food truck.

Where: 717 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607

For more information on Phlayz.

 

Soulé

Cozy option for the modernized soul & Creole cooking with BYOB beverages in a casual, modern setting.

Where: 1931 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

For more information on Soule.

 

Taste 222

Stylish spot offering New American breakfast, lunch & dinner with cocktails & nonalcoholic drinks.

Where: 222 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606

For more information on Taste 222.

 

Mr. Brown’s Lounge

Caribbean cooking & tropical drinks served in a sleek, casual setting with reggae album art & DJs.

Where: 81 E Wacker Pl, Chicago, IL 60601

For more information on Mr. Brown’s Lounge.


Jerky Jerk 

Classic jerk dishes, vegetarian options & CBD smoothies served in simple, spacious quarters.

Where: 2253 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612

For more information on Jerky Jerk.

 

Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

A family-run place offering classic Ethiopian specialties in a warm, low-key atmosphere.

Where: 1023 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

For more information on Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

 

J Spice

Found in Politan Row, serving up Caribbean cuisine with an unmatched flavor.

Where: 111 N Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60607

For more information on J Spice.

 

Frontier Chicago

Game, oysters & tap brews are served in a stylish lodge space with TVs, a fireplace & a beer garden.

Where: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

For more information on Frontier Chicago.

 

The Delta

Tamales and southern fare are served with the best house cocktails in this snazzy spot.

Where: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

For more information on Frontier Chicago.

SOUTH SIDE


FriiStyle

Dedicated entirely to Belgian fries, Friistyle serves up piles of crisp potatoes covered with decadent options, like chicken wings, roast lamb, jerk salmon filets, and Italian beef. 

Where: 5059 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on FriiStyle.

 

Truth Italian Restaurant

Easygoing locale offering Italian fare & cocktails in an intimate, warm-colored setting.

Where: 56 E Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653

For more information on Truth Italian Restaurant.

 

Ain’t She Sweet Cafe

Casual, cozy eatery offering counter-serve sandwiches, smoothies & house-baked desserts.

Where: 

526 E 43rd St #2920, Chicago, IL 60653

9920 S Western Ave #1831, Chicago, IL 60643

For more information on Ain’t She Sweet Cafe

 

Brown Sugar Bakery

Southern-style bakeshop specializing in traditional sweet treats & custom cakes.

Where: 328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

For more information on Brown Sugar Bakery.

 

Garifuna Flava

Local cafe featuring Caribbean & Latin fare plus a full bar in an unpretentious setting.

Where: 2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629

For more information on Garifuna Flava.

 

Original Soul Vegetarian Kitchen

Vegetarian/vegan Southern & soul food plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.

Where: 203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

For more information on Original Soul Vegetarian Kitchen.

 

The Soul Shack 

No-frills joint cooking up hearty Southern soul food in a casual, compact setting with takeout.

Where: 1368 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on the Soul Shack.

 

TeaPotBrew Bakery

All desserts are baked fresh daily in small batches and features can vary depending on the day of the week. 

Where: 1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

For more information on TeaPotBrew Bakery.

 

Sip and Savor Coffee

Roomy coffeehouse offering carefully sourced cups, light bites & pastries, plus coffee by the pound.

Where:

528 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653

5301 S Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on Sip and Savor Coffee.

 

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

A modern & flavorful To-Go Flexitarian, transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant

Where: 1368 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat.

 

Virtue Restaurant

Hearty Southern cooking paired with wines & cocktails in funky-chic quarters with an open kitchen.

Where: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on Virtue Restaurant.

 

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine

The menu changes daily, you’ll find some consistent staples like fried chicken and waffles, Creole shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, pineapple candied sweet potatoes, collard greens, and sauteed spinach. 

Where: 4248 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653

For more information on Cleo’s Southern Cuisine.

 

EmƩchƩ Cakery & Cafe

The product offerings include our dessert jars, a variety of pastries including vegan options. We wouldn’t be true to our name if we didn’t offer desserts infused will alcohol as well!

Where: 3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

For more information on EmƩchƩ Cakery & Cafe

 

Kilwin’s

Old-fashioned confectionery chain selling chocolates, ice cream, handmade sweets & gift baskets.

Where: 5226 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

For more information on Kilwin’s.

 

Doughboy’s Chicago

Home of the world famous ā€œSPAGHEDOUH,ā€ a must try, plus calzones and crepes galore. 

Where: 352 E 71ST Street, South Side IL

For more information on Doughboy's.