food & drink Ā· arts & culture Ā· music & nightlife Ā·
Published February 2, 2023
70 Black-Owned Businesses and Restaurants in Chicago
A comprehensive list of Black-owned businesses to eat, shop, and support across Chicago.
by Chicago Bucket List
Black residents make up approximately 29% of Chicago's population, and Black-owned businesses add to the rich cultural diversity of the city's landscape. Through art, cuisine, museums, shops, and more, Black businesses represent the unique cultures and heritages of Caribbean countries, nations in Africa, the American South, and more.
From longstanding institutions to new pop-ups, Black-owned businesses are an integral part of the fabric of the city. We've rounded up the ultimate list of Black-owned restaurants, bars, boutiques, and shops to support throughout the greater Chicagoland area today, tomorrow, next month, and beyond.
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
Truth Italian Restaurant
Easygoing locale offering Italian fare and cocktails in an intimate, warm-colored setting.
Where: 56 E Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653
Aināt She Sweet Cafe
Casual, cozy eatery offering counter-serve sandwiches, smoothies, and house-baked desserts.
Where:
526 E 43rd St #2920, Chicago, IL 60653
9920 S Western Ave #1831, Chicago, IL 60643
Brown Sugar Bakery
Southern-style bakeshop specializing in traditional sweet treats and custom cakes.
Where: 328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Garifuna Flava
Local cafe featuring Caribbean and Latin fare plus a full bar in an unpretentious setting.
Where: 2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629
Original Soul Vegetarian Kitchen
Vegetarian and vegan soul food, plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.
Where: 203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
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
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
Sip and Savor Coffee
A roomy coffeehouse offering carefully sourced cups, light bites, and pastries, plus coffee by the pound.
Where:
528 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
5301 S Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago, IL 60615
Canāt Believe Itās Not Meat
A modern and flavorful to-go flexitarian, transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant.
Where: 1368 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Virtue Restaurant
Hearty Southern cooking paired with wines and cocktails in funky-chic quarters with an open kitchen.
Where: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Cleoās Southern Cuisine
The menu changes daily, but youāll find 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
EmƩchƩ Cakery & Cafe
The product offerings include dessert jars and a variety of pastries, including vegan options and desserts infused with alcohol!
Where: 3453 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Kilwinās
Old-fashioned confectionery chain selling chocolates, ice cream, handmade sweets, and gift baskets.
Where: 5226 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
Doughboyās Chicago
Home of the world-famous, must-try āSPAGHEDOUH,ā as well as calzones and crepes galore.
Where: 352 E 71ST Street, South Side IL
Windy City Ribs & Whiskey
A straightforward BBQ joint with ribs, sides, and whiskey.
Where: 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60616
Boxville
A thriving marking built from shipping containers that provides space for the community to gather as well as a venue for cultural celebrations and programming.
Where: 330 E 51st St, Chicago, IL 60615
Silver Room
A carefully curated showroom featuring an eclectic collection of home goods, jewelry, art, books, and more.
Where: 1506 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL 60615
Essential Elements Chicago
Unique apparel boutique featuring one-of-a-kind designs.
Where: 1640 E. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617
Haji Healing
A vibrant social wellness enterprise offering classes and services designed to support healing and wellness.
Where: 4448 S Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL
South Chicago Dance Theatre
A multicultural organization seamlessly fusing classical and contemporary dance styles as well as preserving historic dance work.
Where: 5728 S. Blackstone Ave., Chicago, IL 60637
Gallery Guichard
A gallery that gives emerging, underrepresented talent and mid-career artists an opportunity to develop their imagination and creativity.
Where: 436 E. 47th St., Chicago, IL 60653
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The nationās first independent museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent featuring art exhibits, concerts, films, and more.
Where: 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago IL 60637
eta Creative Arts Foundation
A Chicago cultural resource institution for the preservation, perpetuation, and promulgation of African American aesthetic by providing professional opportunities in the arts.
Where: 7558 S South Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
Turner Haus Brewery
A microbrewery focusing on creating a fun, welcoming environment for craft beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike.
Where: 78 E 47th St, Chicago, IL
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine
A fast-casual vegan restaurant serving plant-based southern cuisine.
Where: 7167 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
Southside Grinds
A mobile espresso bar specializing in coffee roasting and beverage catering, working to fill the caffeination gaps within the cityās South Side.
Where: Various locations.
Carver47 Food & Wellness Market
A casual cafe with a well-crafted menu of healthy and soulful offerings featuring a funky greenhouse bar, art gallery, farm table, and outdoor garden.
Where: 1050 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
WEST SIDE
.png)
Ina Mae Tavern
Funky outpost with a New Orleans vibe, chef-driven fare, live music, and specialty retail products.
Where: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622
Eleven | Eleven
The high-style setting for New American fare with global flavors, wine pairings, cocktails, and happy hour.
Where: 1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phlavz
Vibey joint In University Village, specializing in jerk chicken-themed foods.
Where: 717 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607
SouleĢ
Cozy option for modern soul and Creole cooking with BYOB beverages in a casual, modern setting.
Where: 1931 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Taste 222
Stylish spot offering New American breakfast, lunch & dinner with cocktails & nonalcoholic drinks.
Where: 222 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
Jerky Jerk
Classic jerk dishes, vegetarian options, and CBD smoothies are served in simple, spacious quarters.
Where: 2253 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612
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
J Spice
Found in Politan Row, J Spice serves up Caribbean cuisine with an unmatched flavor.
Where: 111 N Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60607
Frontier Chicago
Game, oysters, and tap brews are served in a stylish lodge space with TVs, a fireplace, and a beer garden.
Where: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
The Delta
Tamales and southern fare are served with unique house cocktails in this snazzy spot.
Where: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Plant Salon
A lush, calming boutique selling beauty and skincare products alongside plants.
Where: 957 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Eb & Flow Yoga Studio
A yoga studio offering classes for all levels and abilities, including in-person and online options.
Where: 2125 W North Ave, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60622
The Soul Food Lounge
A global soul food restaurant featuring comfort food from around the world, including Italian, American, Mexican, and Asian cuisines.
Where: 3804 W 16th St, Chicago, IL 60623
NORTH SIDE
Semicolon Chi
Chicago's only black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space.
Where: 515 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642
The Long Room
Relaxed bar and coffeehouse with a large, rotating list of beers, a photo booth, and a back patio.
Where: 1612 Irving Park Rd #1, Chicago, IL 60613
Batter and Berries
Bright cafe with creative pancakes, omelets, and other breakfast eats, plus sandwiches and lunch fare.
Where: 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Demera Ethiopian
Casual Ethiopian eatery with shared plates, house-roasted coffee, and traditional music on weekends.
Where: 4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Ras Dashen Ethiopia
A casual spot featuring a traditional Ethiopian menu with both meat and vegetarian options, along with a full bar.
Where: 5846 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Urbane Blades
Chicagoās premiere barbershop.
Where: 948 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610
Luellaās Southern Kitchen
Traditional Southern favorites are served in a simple storefront space with a BYOB policy.
Where: 4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Ethiopian Diamond
Casual restaurant and bar featuring Ethiopian stews (both meat and veggie) and weekly live music.
Where: 6120 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Bettie Louās
Unfussy option for American soul food with Caribbean and global influences, including brunch.
Where: 5633 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
BULSHO Restaurant
A variety of East African and Somali dishes with Italian and Middle Eastern twists.
Where: 211 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610
Kitchen + Kocktails
Dynamic comfort food restaurant serving up Southern classics with a twist.
Where: 444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Black Ensemble Theater
A theater whose mission is to eradicate racism through educational outreach, black playwright development, and community access programs.
Where: 4450 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Soul & Smoke
A BBQ joint featuring expertly smoked meats and decadent sides.
Where: 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
LOOP
.png)
Sweet Maple Cafe
Try the delectable homemade āSweet Milk Biscuitsā or āNot-So-Plain Buttermilk Pancakes,ā served with pure Vermont maple syrup.
Where: 1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Kathrynās Soul
Southern comfort food combo with shrimp and jerk chicken pasta dishes served with love.
Where: 131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661
Cheezcake Boutique
A bakery that specializes in signature cheesecake cupcakes.
Where: 520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
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
360 Mind Body Soul
A group fitness gym offering three fitness floors, including a barre, cycle, and functional training studio with over ten certified fitness Instructors.
Where: 2930 S Michigan #108, Chicago, IL 60616
The Chicago Mahogany Tours
A company offering tours dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the rich history and culture of the city of Chicago.
Where: 67 E. Madison, Chicago, IL 60603
ONLINE BUSINESSES
.png)
Frogtown Juice
Small batch juices that are made locally in Chicago.
Where: 324 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60612
Justice of the Pies
A Chicago-based bakery specializing in sweet and savory pies, quiches, and tarts.
Where: 65 Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
Soap Distillery
Cocktail-inspired goods with home, bath, and body goods. 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 that makes hand-crafted organic body products.
An Orange Moon
Hip vintage interior furnishings and design center featuring vintage furniture, danish modern aesthetics, antiques, and curiosities.
Jon BasĆl Tequila
100% De Agave Azul tequila that was born in Jalisco, and raised in Chicago.
Goldkissed Essentials
Inclusive, vegan skincare products made with love and care.
LIKE WHAT YOU'VE READ?
Never miss out on a new experience!
Create a Bucket Listers account to access exclusive offers and the latest news in your city