85+ Black-Owned Restaurants to Visit in Chicagoland

By: Christie Savage

Last Updated: June 14, 2020

There’s no question that Chi-Town is known for its amazing food scene.  While exploring all of the various cuisines Chicago has to offer, check out these Black-owned restaurants. From Beverly, Bronzeville, and Hyde Park to South Shore, Wicker Park, and the surrounding areas of Chicago, there’s Black-owned restaurants in all areas of Chicagoland for you to try!

Caribbean 

1. 14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar (1644 E 53rd Street, 60615) says it’s “a casual dining experience serving a fusion of Caribbean dishes from some of your favorite vacation destinations.”

2. Garifuna Flava (2518 W 63rd Street, 60629 and 131 N Clinton Street, 60661) offers a “taste of Belize.”  

3. Irie Jerk Bar and Grill (3404 N Clark, 60657) says it has an “upscale environment with authentic Caribbean food.” 

4. Ja’ Grill (1510 East Harper Court, 60615) serves “authentic Jamaican cuisine.” 

5. Jerk 48 (548 E 67th St, 60627) 

6. Jerk Taco Man (7723 S State Street, 60619 and 4001 W Jackson Boulevard, 60624) is known for its jerk chicken and jerk steak tacos. 

7. Kizin Creole Restaurant (2311 W Howard Street, 60645) says it’s “the only Haitian/Caribbean Restaurant in Chicago.” 

8. Mr. Brown’s Lounge (2301 W Chicago Avenue, 60622 and 81 East Wacker Place, 60601) offers “authentic Jamaican dishes, culture, and nightlife.”

9. Phlavz Bar & Grille (717 S Maxwell Street, 60607)

10. Royal Caribbean Jerk (2134 E 71st Street, 60649) says it’s “as close as it gets to being there…”

11. South Shore BBQ & Jerk (7114 S Yates Blvd, Unit A, 60649) is offers “real authentic Jamaican jerk & Caribbean style cooking with modern BBQ to perfection of southern BBQ recipes.”

12. Uncle Joe’s Jerk Chicken (1461 East Hyde Park Blvd., 60615 and 10210 S. Vincennes, 60643) says they “bring the true authentic flavors of the Caribbean to the people of Chicago.”

American

1. 5 Loaves Eatery (405 E 75th Street, 60619) serves breakfast, lunch, and provides catering services.  

2. Ain’t She Sweet Cafe (526 E. 43rd Street, 60653 and 9920 S. Western Ave, 60643) offers an assortment of sandwiches and wraps as well as smoothies and shakes.

3. BaseHit BBQ & Catering (6606 W North Avenue, 60707) says they give “every customer a tasteful experience with BBQ food with [their] homemade sauce which [they] call "BASE."

4. BR Bar Dining & Dancing’s (18601 S Cicero Avenue, Country Club Hills, IL 60478) menu features steak, seafood, chicken and more.  

5. Bettie Lou’s (5633 N Ashland, 60660) says it offers “European, Asian & island influences with an urban twist.” 

6. Doughboy’s Chicago (352 East 71st Street) “Home of the World Famous Spaghedough.”  Also offers wings, french fries, catfish fillet, and tilapia.  

7. Flippin Favors (1848 W 95th Street, 60643) provides “good, clean & all natural marinades, foods and seasonings.” 

8. Friistyle (5059 S Prairie Avenue, 60615) says it’s “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.”

9. Frontier (1072 N Milwaukee Avenue, 60642) "pays tribute to what those adventurers ate and hunted on the trail as [they] invite you to savor the modern day interpretations of their fare. [Their] food is best enjoyed in communal settings."

10. The Grail Cafe (715 South Dearborn Street, 60605) says its “mission is to utilize locally sourced ingredients to craft [their] drink and food offerings.” They offer breakfast and lunch.  

11. Hailey’s Hoagies (1055 W 63rd Street, 60621)

12. Home of the Hoagy (1316 West 111th Street, 60643) says it’s “home of the famous steak sandwich.”

13. I-57 Smoke House (1648 W 115th Street, 60643) says it has “real. no frills barbecue” and is “famous for [their] tips (pork or turkey), but also make sure to give [their] hot links a try.”

14. Kozy Korner Deli & Catering (15443 Cottage Grove Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419)

15. Lem’s Bar-B-Q (311 E. 75th Street, 60619) is known for its rib tips and hot links.

16. Lexington Betty Smoke House (6954 W North Avenue, 60707) offers pulled pork, BBQ, and soul food. 

17. Mikkey’s Retro Grill (5139 S Hyde Park Boulevard 60615, 8126 S Stony Island 60617, and 503 E 47th 60653) says it’s “where old school meets new school flavor.” It offers burgers, wings, and shakes, with vegan options available.  

18. Slice of Bronzeville (4655 S King Drive, 60653) serves pizza, pasta, salad, and more.

19. TurkeyChop Gourmet Grill (3506 West Chicago Avenue, 60651) 

20. Uncle Remus (5611 West Madison Street, 60644, 1801 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, IL 60155, and 737 E 47th Street, 60653) says it’s “been home to Chicago’s best saucy fried chicken for more than 50 years.”

21. Windy City Ribs & Whiskey (67 E Cermak Road, 60616)

22. The Wrap Bar (8154 S Cottage Grove Avenue, 60411) 

Breakfast & Brunch Specialty 

1. Batter & Berries (2748 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, 60614) serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch and is BYOB. They aim to “provide a world-class dining experience like no other.”

2. Chef Sara’s Cafe (7201 S Exchange, 60649) serves breakfast all day and offers brunch/lunch.  

3. Flavor Brunch & Bar (17575 Kedzie Avenue, Hazel Crest, IL 60429) says “Rochelle’s Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Mini Croquettes, Fried Collard Greens & Waffle Flights are just a few of the staple items you will find…”

4. Peach’s Restaurant (4652 S King Drive, 60653) serves a Southern-style breakfast and brunch.  

5. Sweet Maple Cafe (1339 W Taylor Street, 60607) says “Breakfast will never be the same once you’ve eaten at Sweet Maple Cafe!”

Seafood

1. Cajun Boil & Bar (locations in Joliet, Oak Park, Oakbrook Terrace, and Orland Park, IL) serves Cajun seafood boils.

2. Coco’s Deep Fried Lobster (426 S Clark Street, 60605)  

3. Dock’s Great Fish (321 E 35th Street, 60616 and 4011 W 167th Street, Country Club Hills, IL 60478) is known for its Fishwich sandwich, butterfly shrimp, and Dockberry shake.

4. The Crazy Crab Chicago (9204 S Western Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805) is a traditional seafood boil restaurant.  

5. Haire’s Gulf Shrimp (7448 S Vincennes, 60621) 

6. Ina Mae’s Tavern & Packaged Goods (1415 N Wood Street, 60622) “wants you to eat and drink like they do in the free spirited South.”

7. Joe Willie’s Seafood Bar (14719 S Halsted Street, Harvey, IL 60426)

8. Surf’s Up South Shore (2236 E 71st Street, 60649)

9. Two Fish Crab Shack (641 E 47th Street, 60653) says it’s a “fun-filled seafood boil destination where patrons come and escape into flavor paradise.” 

Soul Food

1. BJ’s Market & Bakery (1737 East 95th Street, 60617) offers Southern cuisine and desserts.  

2. The Bureau Bar & Restaurant (724 W Maxwell Street, 60607) says it provides “modern twists on traditional soul food.” 

3. Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles (3947 S King Drive, 60653 and 543 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302)

4. Cleo’s Southern Cuisine (4248 S Cottage Grove Avenue, 60653) known for its fried chicken and hot honey sauce.  

5. Dan’s Soul Food and Cafe (2523 W 79th Street, 60652) offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

6. The Delta (1745 W North Avenue, 60622) is a restaurant and cocktail bar in Wicker Park and says it’s “an ode to the food, beverage, and culture of the Mississippi Delta region.”

7. Flavors Southern Cooking (5721 W Division Street, 60651) says “nobody can match Flavors in Chicago, Macaroni & Cheese.” 

8. Food on the Run (8040 S Ashland Avenue, 60620) says they “aim to give [the] Southside Chicago community a unique soul food dining experience, complete with down south vibes, and the comforts of being at your grandmother’s house.”

9. The Good Life Soul Food Cafe (11142 S Halsted St #3911, 60628) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  

10. Hidden Manna Cafe (3613 216th Street, Matteson, IL 60443) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Creole and Cajun signature dishes. 

11. Josephine’s Cooking (436 E 79th Street, 60619) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a soul-food inspired menu.  

12. Luella’s Southern Kitchen’s (4609 N Lincoln Avenue, 60625) gumbo was named “Best Gumbo in Chicago” and offers lunch, dinner, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.  

13. MacArthur’s Restaurant (5412 W Madison Street, 60644) offers “fine southern cuisine.” 

14. Ribs and Soul BBQ (4844 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, IL 60478) 

15. Ruby’s Restaurant (4033 W 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, 60478)

16. The Soul Shack (1368 E 53rd Street, 60615) 

17. Soulé (1931 W Chicago Avenue, 60622) says it’s “home of the best creole-infused soul food delights on the planet.”  

18. Virtue Restaurant & Bar (1462 E 53rd Street, 60615) is “a southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness.”

Vegan/Healthy

1. B’Gabs Goodies (1450 East 57th Street, 60637) says it “was formed to provide the highest quality soy-free, gluten-free raw and cooked vegan foods…”

2. Bani’s Beets (10305 S Hale, Beverly Hills, IL 60643) is a cold-pressed juicery that says their “nutrient loaded juices are a quick, healthy, and tasty support to a healthier lifestyle.”

3. Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat (1368 E 53rd Street, 60615) is a vegetarian restaurant that also serves vegan options.  

4. The Cultured Vegan (services the Chicagoland area) specializes in personal chef services, catering, and offers customized meal plans. 

5. Juiced By Shic (14736 Pulaski Road, Midlothian, IL 60455 and 12801 S Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463) is a smoothie and juice bar.

6. Litehouse Whole Food Grill (1660 E 55th Street, 60615) says its “where a healthy community comes to dine in the heart of Hyde Park.”

7. Majani (7167 S Exchange Avenue, 60649 and 756 E 111th Street, 60628) says they provide “delicious vegan cuisine to epicureans and health-conscious patrons in the Chicagoland, and using the freshest ingredients from local gardens.”

8. Original Soul Vegetarian (203 E. 75th Street, 60619) says they “seek to offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for vegans and health aficionados throughout the Chicago area.”

9. Plant Based Junkie (1635 E 87th Street, 60617) says it’s “designed for the meat eater that once lived in you.” 

Dessert/Donuts/Coffee

1. AndySunflower Café (9920 South Western Avenue, 60643) says they have an “amazing selection of lattes, coffees and natural flavor infused iced teas that will be sure to satisfy your palette.”

2. B&B Ice Cream and Candy (8238 S Racine Avenue, 60620) offers products including nachos, ice cream, chocolates, cookies and more.  

3. Brown Sugar Bakery (328 E 75th Street, 60619) offers cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies, and more.  

4. Dat Donut (8251 S Cottage Grove, 60619) says it’s “known for the famous Big DAT.”  They also offer breakfast sandwiches.  

5. Eméché Cakery & Cafe (3453 S Prairie Avenue, 60616) offers their “infamous dessert jars,” pastries and has vegan options. They also offer desserts infused with alcohol.  

6. Give Me Some Sugah Bakery (2234 E 71st Street, 60649) says it’s “best known for [their] famous delectable potato chip cookie.”  

7. Let’s Get Poppin (11758 S Western Avenue, 60643) offers gourmet popcorn.

8. Old Fashioned Donuts (11248 S Michigan Avenue #4941, 60628) 

9. Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream (46 E 47th Street, 60653) says “you must try Shawn Michelle’s signature homemade ice cream flavors like vanilla, butter pecan or black walnut.”

10. Signature Sweets Factory (514 E 162nd Street, South Holland, IL 60473) offers brownies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, ice cream, sherbert, and more.

11. Sip & Savor (5301 S. Hyde Park 60615, 528 E. 43rd Street 60653, and 78 E 47th Street, 60653) says they “bring you the finest certified fair trade coffee from around the world, as well as a wide selection of teas, mochas, lattes and blended drinks. Breakfast is no secret around here, with a plethora of menu options—in addition to delicious pastries and small bites from local bakeries.”

12. South Shore Brew Coffee Shop (7101 S Yates Boulevard, 60649)

13. Tea Pot Brew Bakery (1802 S Wabash Avenue, 60616) says they bake fresh everyday (cookies, muffins, cake, macaroons, scones, and donuts) and offers coffee, cider, and a variety of tea.

A Beginner's Guide to a Weekend in Memphis

Can I be honest? I've never thought about visiting Memphis. Not that I had anything against the city, but it just never crossed my mind as a place to put on my domestic wish list. Well after my whirlwind weekend in the "Home of Blues, Soul & Rock 'n' Roll," it's easy to say I've been missing out on one of America's greatest cities. 

It's full of so much history, delicious food and good fun that it's hard to believe it's never been on my radar. After my recent visit, Memphis has found a new fan in me. I tried to see as much as possible and visit the city's most famous attractions during my initial visit. Here's an itinerary if you plan to visit for the first time too.

Where I Stayed

My home base for the weekend was Hotel Napolean. A boutique hotel, it was downtown within walking distance of Beale Street and other places in downtown Memphis. The staff was super friendly and gave suggestions about what to do from locals' perspectives which I found to be very helpful. The location makes it an ideal place to stay during your visit.

Day 1

Let's assume you get there on a Thursday afternoon for a long weekend visit. Take a minute to freshen up at Hotel Napoleon. You don't have much time though so you have to hit the ground running!

Tasting at Old Dominick Distillery

Old Dominick is the oldest distillery in Memphis, having just opened in 2017. They produce six spirits including whiskeys, vodkas and their signature Memphis Toddy (my favorite). For $12, you're able to tour their entire facility and see what goes into making their spirits followed by a tasting of all six. It's a great way to kick off the start to your weekend! If you need to eat dinner next, there's a restaurant directly next door called The Gray Canary, or you can have...

Dinner at Rendezvous

The front door to this basement restaurant is located in a back alley across from the Peabody Hotel, but don't be scared! Rendezvous has been around since 1948 and is known for their signature dry ribs. Their platters are huge so I definitely couldn't eat it all in one sitting. And while Rendezvous is known for its ribs, I'd also like to give an honorable mention to its brisket. Try both if you can!

Dry ribs, brisket, cole slaw and beans

*Note: Rendezvous only serves beer and wine and no dessert. If you're in the mood for dessert after dinner or a cocktail, walk to Kooky Canuck's about a block away. I'm still dreaming of their Deep Dish Brownie a la mode.

Dance on Beale Street

After dinner, burn off some calories and walk on over to the world famous Beale Street! There are a ton of bars to into up and down the street. Just pick one that suits your fancy!

There was so much history and culture to absorb in Memphis that I feel like I need to come back for a second visit. Civil Rights, Beale Street, Barbecue, Music...Memphis was just everything I didn't expect which makes me actually love it even more. Don't you love when that happens?! #willdrinkfortravel #MustbeMemphis @memphistravel

219 Likes, 7 Comments - Ashlee | Will Drink For Travel (@willdrinkfortravel) on Instagram: "There was so much history and culture to absorb in Memphis that I feel like I need to come back for..."

Day 2

Breakfast at Sunrise Memphis

Located on the outskirts of downtown near University of Memphis, Sunrise Memphis is a sit-in or carry-out restaurant offering everything from typical options like pancakes, bacon, and mimosas to more nontraditional items like Korean bi bim bowls and tacos for breakfast. I highly recommend their chocolate chip pancakes and a mimosa if you're on a vacation diet.

Photo Credit: Sunrise Memphis

Go Back in Time at the Slave Haven Museum

The Slave Haven Museum was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant and stockyard owner, and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The tour begins with a discussion about the start of the transatlantic slave trade and ends with a visit to the home's basement, where it is believed Jacob Burkle would harbor slaves until it was clear for them to continue their journey to freedom. The museum was one of my favorite stops so I definitely think you should make time for a visit.

Eat Lunch at Carolina Watershed

You'd never guess by the exterior, but the Carolina Watershed is an urban oasis right in downtown Memphis. Picnic tables and waterfalls help create a playground escape for adults. Their menu consists of down-home classics with a twist and creative cocktails. Word to the wise, order the bucket of sangria. Thank me later.

Pay Tribute at the National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is an absolute must when visiting Memphis. It's located at the very place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the Lorraine Motel. While it may look small on the outside, the museum is huge and very well-done, offering a glimpse into the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis and around the country. You're also able to go back in time and view Martin Luther King Jr.'s room as he left it. Be sure to walk across the street to the other side, where you can visit the place where it is believed that James Earl Ray took the fatal shot. 

Dine at Central BBQ

By this time, you'll need to take a moment to digest what you've seen, so walk across the street from the National Civil Rights Museum and you'll find Central BBQ. It's a bit different from Rendezvous because they use sauce on their ribs, which is all the more reason to visit and taste the difference! I didn't get a chance to visit, but as soon as I hop off the plane in Memphis next time, it'll be my first stop. I've only heard great things about it!

Day 3

Breakfast at The Arcade

Memphis' oldest cafe, The Arcade is known for its delicious breakfast. I ordered and loved their sweet potato pancakes, savory bacon, eggs, and cheese grits. I left no stone un-turned (hey, I do the hard work so you don't have to!). 

Visit Graceland

Whether you're an Elvis fan or not, I believe Graceland is worth at least a short visit while you're in Memphis. It's easy to spend six or more hours there, but I spent about two and felt like it was enough time for me to understand Elvis' life and impact on music. You're able to tour his large estate including his home and burial site and for a little extra, take a tour of his private plane and jet. The estate tour is really comprehensive and gives many details about his personal family life.

Once you're finished, you can either uber to/from Graceland or take the shuttle to/from Sun Studio since it's about 20 minutes outside downtown Memphis. If you have time, take the Sun Studio tour and learn more about Elvis and other recording artists like B.B. King, Ike Turner and Johnny Cash.

Lunch at The Four Way Restaurant

About 15 minutes from Graceland is the Four Way Restaurant, a soul food restaurant where many Civil Rights Leaders would often eat in the 1960's. I was a little skeptical about how good the food would be since my family can pretty much cook everything, so I'm a tough critic. The Four Way did not disappoint! Their fish, macaroni and cheese, yams, fried chicken, and cabbage were delicious. Try not to visit on Sunday because it's a popular place to eat once church is over!

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Learn About Memphis Soul at Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Walk 15 minutes from The Four Way Restaurant to Stax Museum of American Soul Music and you're in for a treat. I had never heard of Stax Records but the museum is a crash course in Memphis soul music. It was home to legends like Otis Redding, The Staples Singers, Isaac Hayes and many more. After my self-guided tour, I can now hear the difference in sound between Stax recording artists and other popular musicians at the time. A visit to the Stax Museum is great for understanding the history of soul music in Memphis.

Go to Arkansas at Big River Crossing

Close to the riverfront, there's a one-mile pedestrian bridge between Tennessee and Arkansas called Big River Crossing. Your uber will drop you off in a seemingly weird location across from a television station but don't fret! Walk about three minutes and you'll see the sign below signaling the divide between the two states. You'll find people walking, biking and using their scooters along the bridge. And you'll see great views of Memphis!

This day was a full one but if you have time, take a Riverboat Cruise down the Mississippi River at Beale Street Landing. You'll learn more about Memphis' history and see more views of the city. Have dinner at Loflin Yard, another natural retreat in downtown Memphis. Stay and enjoy music or head back to Beale Street or Midtown. 

Day 4

Go to the Observation Deck at Bass Pro Shops

Did you know Memphis is named after Memphis, Egypt? Naturally, Memphis, Tennessee needed a pyramid too. You can't leave Memphis without visiting the massive Bass Pro Shops that I'm sure you will see at some point while riding around the city. The building was originally used as an arena for the University of Memphis and Memphis Grizzlies basketball teams. However, both teams left the arena in 2004 and Bass Pro Shops moved into the building in 2015. It houses a retail store, bowling alley, swamp, restaurants and observation deck at the very top. You can see all of Memphis and even the shores of Arkansas from up there.

I am a Man Exhibit

Before heading to the airport, stop by the "I Am a Man" exhibit. Located next to Clayborn Temple, it was a key rallying point for the historic 1968 Memphis sanitation strike (the reason Martin Luther King Jr. was in Memphis when he was assassinated.). There's also a wall containing the names of 1,300 mostly black Memphis sanitation workers. 

Other things to note:

• Renting a bike or scooter is a great way to get around the city!

• The Memphis Grizzlies' basketball arena and the Memphis Redbirds (minor league baseball) stadium are the heart of downtown, so check out a game while you're there.

• Aretha Franklin was born in South Memphis. Her house (406 Lucy Avenue) is boarded up but there is a memorial plaque dedicated to her in front.

Whew! As you can see, there's a lot to see, do, eat, and drink in Memphis! It's hard to get it all in one visit, but you'll have a running head start with this itinerary. I hope you enjoy Memphis as much as I did!

*While this post was produced in conjunction with Memphis Travel, all opinions are absolutely my own.