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
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.”
Garifuna Flava (2518 W 63rd Street, 60629 and 131 N Clinton Street, 60661) offers a “taste of Belize.”
Irie Jerk Bar and Grill (3404 N Clark, 60657) says it has an “upscale environment with authentic Caribbean food.”
Ja’ Grill (1510 East Harper Court, 60615) serves “authentic Jamaican cuisine.”
Jerk 48 (548 E 67th St, 60627)
Jerk Taco Man (7723 S State Street, 60619 and 4001 W Jackson Boulevard, 60624) is known for its jerk chicken and jerk steak tacos.
Kizin Creole Restaurant (2311 W Howard Street, 60645) says it’s “the only Haitian/Caribbean Restaurant in Chicago.”
Mr. Brown’s Lounge (2301 W Chicago Avenue, 60622 and 81 East Wacker Place, 60601) offers “authentic Jamaican dishes, culture, and nightlife.”
Phlavz Bar & Grille (717 S Maxwell Street, 60607)
Royal Caribbean Jerk (2134 E 71st Street, 60649) says it’s “as close as it gets to being there…”
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.”
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
5 Loaves Eatery (405 E 75th Street, 60619) serves breakfast, lunch, and provides catering services.
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.
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."
BR Bar Dining & Dancing’s (18601 S Cicero Avenue, Country Club Hills, IL 60478) menu features steak, seafood, chicken and more.
Bettie Lou’s (5633 N Ashland, 60660) says it offers “European, Asian & island influences with an urban twist.”
Doughboy’s Chicago (352 East 71st Street) “Home of the World Famous Spaghedough.” Also offers wings, french fries, catfish fillet, and tilapia.
Flippin Favors (1848 W 95th Street, 60643) provides “good, clean & all natural marinades, foods and seasonings.”
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.”
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."
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.
Hailey’s Hoagies (1055 W 63rd Street, 60621)
Home of the Hoagy (1316 West 111th Street, 60643) says it’s “home of the famous steak sandwich.”
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.”
Kozy Korner Deli & Catering (15443 Cottage Grove Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419)
Lem’s Bar-B-Q (311 E. 75th Street, 60619) is known for its rib tips and hot links.
Lexington Betty Smoke House (6954 W North Avenue, 60707) offers pulled pork, BBQ, and soul food.
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.
Slice of Bronzeville (4655 S King Drive, 60653) serves pizza, pasta, salad, and more.
TurkeyChop Gourmet Grill (3506 West Chicago Avenue, 60651)
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.”
Windy City Ribs & Whiskey (67 E Cermak Road, 60616)
The Wrap Bar (8154 S Cottage Grove Avenue, 60411)
Breakfast & Brunch Specialty
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.”
Chef Sara’s Cafe (7201 S Exchange, 60649) serves breakfast all day and offers brunch/lunch.
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…”
Peach’s Restaurant (4652 S King Drive, 60653) serves a Southern-style breakfast and brunch.
Sweet Maple Cafe (1339 W Taylor Street, 60607) says “Breakfast will never be the same once you’ve eaten at Sweet Maple Cafe!”
Seafood
Cajun Boil & Bar (locations in Joliet, Oak Park, Oakbrook Terrace, and Orland Park, IL) serves Cajun seafood boils.
Coco’s Deep Fried Lobster (426 S Clark Street, 60605)
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.
The Crazy Crab Chicago (9204 S Western Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805) is a traditional seafood boil restaurant.
Haire’s Gulf Shrimp (7448 S Vincennes, 60621)
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.”
Joe Willie’s Seafood Bar (14719 S Halsted Street, Harvey, IL 60426)
Surf’s Up South Shore (2236 E 71st Street, 60649)
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
BJ’s Market & Bakery (1737 East 95th Street, 60617) offers Southern cuisine and desserts.
The Bureau Bar & Restaurant (724 W Maxwell Street, 60607) says it provides “modern twists on traditional soul food.”
Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles (3947 S King Drive, 60653 and 543 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL, 60302)
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine (4248 S Cottage Grove Avenue, 60653) known for its fried chicken and hot honey sauce.
Dan’s Soul Food and Cafe (2523 W 79th Street, 60652) offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
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.”
Flavors Southern Cooking (5721 W Division Street, 60651) says “nobody can match Flavors in Chicago, Macaroni & Cheese.”
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.”
The Good Life Soul Food Cafe (11142 S Halsted St #3911, 60628) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Hidden Manna Cafe (3613 216th Street, Matteson, IL 60443) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with Creole and Cajun signature dishes.
Josephine’s Cooking (436 E 79th Street, 60619) serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a soul-food inspired menu.
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.
MacArthur’s Restaurant (5412 W Madison Street, 60644) offers “fine southern cuisine.”
Ribs and Soul BBQ (4844 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, IL 60478)
Ruby’s Restaurant (4033 W 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, 60478)
The Soul Shack (1368 E 53rd Street, 60615)
Soulé (1931 W Chicago Avenue, 60622) says it’s “home of the best creole-infused soul food delights on the planet.”
Virtue Restaurant & Bar (1462 E 53rd Street, 60615) is “a southern American restaurant that leads with a culture of hospitality & kindness.”
Vegan/Healthy
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…”
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.”
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat (1368 E 53rd Street, 60615) is a vegetarian restaurant that also serves vegan options.
The Cultured Vegan (services the Chicagoland area) specializes in personal chef services, catering, and offers customized meal plans.
Juiced By Shic (14736 Pulaski Road, Midlothian, IL 60455 and 12801 S Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463) is a smoothie and juice bar.
Litehouse Whole Food Grill (1660 E 55th Street, 60615) says its “where a healthy community comes to dine in the heart of Hyde Park.”
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.”
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.”
Plant Based Junkie (1635 E 87th Street, 60617) says it’s “designed for the meat eater that once lived in you.”
Dessert/Donuts/Coffee
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.”
B&B Ice Cream and Candy (8238 S Racine Avenue, 60620) offers products including nachos, ice cream, chocolates, cookies and more.
Brown Sugar Bakery (328 E 75th Street, 60619) offers cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies, pies, and more.
Dat Donut (8251 S Cottage Grove, 60619) says it’s “known for the famous Big DAT.” They also offer breakfast sandwiches.
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.
Give Me Some Sugah Bakery (2234 E 71st Street, 60649) says it’s “best known for [their] famous delectable potato chip cookie.”
Let’s Get Poppin (11758 S Western Avenue, 60643) offers gourmet popcorn.
Old Fashioned Donuts (11248 S Michigan Avenue #4941, 60628)
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.”
Signature Sweets Factory (514 E 162nd Street, South Holland, IL 60473) offers brownies, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, ice cream, sherbert, and more.
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.”
South Shore Brew Coffee Shop (7101 S Yates Boulevard, 60649)
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.
