August is National Black Business Month, the perfect time to put a spotlight on Chicago’s wealth of Black-owned businesses. Chicago’s Black entrepreneurs are an integral part of the city’s fabric, spearheading everything from beloved restaurants to trendy boutiques to award-winning cultural institutions and beyond.
Here are just a few of Chicago’s Black-owned businesses that are worth a visit in August and all year round.
In this article
Black-owned cafe and brunch spots
Start your day off right at these beloved breakfast spots, from cheery brunch restaurants to casual cafes and coffee shops.
AndySunflower Café: This cheerful cafe in Beverly has been brewing coffee and tea with love for more than a decade.
TeaPotBrew Bakery: A staple in the South Loop, this cafe offers a rotating selection of freshly made baked goods each day.
Batter & Berries: This local favorite in Lincoln Park is beloved for its creative dishes, colorful interior, and BYOB policy.
Dawn: This new spot in Hyde Park is quickly becoming a must-visit brunch destination, with dishes representing the American South.
Peach’s on 47th: In Bronzeville, Peach’s is a local institution when it comes to comfort foods like shrimp and grits, pancakes, cobbler, and more.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen: Don’t miss the buttermilk fried chicken with waffles or the New Orleans-style beignets at this Lincoln Square gem.
Kitchen + Kocktails: Indulge in a menu of elevated comfort foods, like lobster tail, Caribbean jerk lamb chops, and the signature “dream eggs”.
Norman’s Bistro: It’s all about the brunch at Norman’s, where you can choose from sweet potato pancakes, blackened catfish, jambalaya, and more Creole-inspired favorites.
Bonus! Start your day off right with these Black-owned coffee brands in Chicago:
- Kikwetu Coffee: ethically-sourced Kenyan coffee and treats
- Southside Grinds: brings high-quality coffee to underserved neighborhoods
- Monday Cofee Co.: brewed in small batches right here in Chicago
Black-owned bakeries and desserts
Whether it’s a special occasion or just an afternoon treat, these bakeries and sweet shops have the perfect thing for any sugary craving.
Brown Sugar Bakery: Led by a James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Baker, this beloved bakery specializes in Southern-inspired treats.
Justice of the Pies: Superstar baker Maya-Camille Broussard — also a finalist for the James Beard Award — serves sweet and savory pies at her Avalon Park shop.
Kilwins Chicago: Stock up on sweet treats at the (Black women-owned and operated) Navy Pier outpost of this national brand specializing in fudge, chocolates, and ice cream.
Bonus! Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Chicago-based Black-owned food businesses.
- Tubby’s Taste Vegan Cookies: vegan cookies inspired by Jamaican flavors
- Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream: hand-made small batch ice cream
Black-owned restaurants
Black-owned restaurants across Chicago are making a dynamic contribution to the food scene, with a huge selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants showcasing a variety of global cuisines.
Taste 222: This intimate spot near the Chicago River serves swanky vibes and an innovative menu.
Slab BBQ: Located in South Shore, Slab is a family-owned spot with a cult following for its premium barbecue.
Mima’s Taste of Cuba: This colorful restaurant brings the traditional dishes of Cuba and a welcoming vibe to Irving Park.
Sinha Elegant Cuisine: Near the West Loop, Sinha specializes in authentic, homemade Brazilian dishes for brunch and lunch.
Bronzeville Winery: This buzzy restaurant in the Bronzeville neighborhood is both an art hub and a trendy eatery.
The SoulFood Lounge: Head to North Lawndale or Beverly to taste comforting soul food dishes from all over the world.
Soul Veg City: Even carnivores will love this vegan restaurant and food bar that’s been a Greater Grand Crossing staple for more than 40 years.
Frontier: It’s all about the meat at this carnivore-friendly spot in West Town, known for its whole-animal preparations.
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant: Bring some friends and enjoy the shareable cuisine and welcoming atmosphere of this Uptown staple.
Virtue Restaurant and Bar: Acclaimed chefs Erick Williams and Damarr Brown serve elegant plates of Southern American-inspired cuisine in Hyde Park.
Ina Mae Tavern: Get a taste of New Orleans in Chicago at this funky spot, where you’ll find oysters, po’ boys, and frozen boozy slushies.
CheSa’s Bistro and Bar: In Avondale, this contemporary Creole bistro features a completely gluten-free menu.
14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar: Soak in the island vibes at this Hyde Park spot, known for its excellent cocktails and Caribbean cuisine.
Majani Soulfood Vegan Cuisine: This plant-based restaurant in South Shore boasts a warm ambiance, fresh local ingredients, and soulful dishes.
Lexington Betty Smokehouse: This famous Chicago barbecue joint near Pullman is run by classically trained celebrity chef Dominique Leach.
1308 Chicago: Across the street from The Salt Shed, 1308 serves up a new American menu and Prohibition-era vibes.
Daisy’s Po’boy Tavern: Enjoy the classic flavors of NOLA at this Hyde Park sandwich shop, with options like Gulf shrimp, fried oyster, and alligator.
Soul & Smoke: This Black-owned, women-led spot in Avondale is an essential visit for any barbecue lover.
Explore more: Dive into Black art, culture, and history in Chicago.
Black-owned bars and cocktail spots
Sip on creative cocktails, locally brewed beers, and more at these welcoming Black-owned bars throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods.
South Shore Social Beach Club: This waterfront location on the shores of Lake Michigan offers a full bar, live music, and regular events and activities.
Storyville Chicago: In bustling River North, Storyville is a sultry Cajun restaurant and cocktail bar straight out of the French Quarter.
Turner Häus Brewery: This Black-owned, family-owned microbrewery in Bronzeville brews quality beers inspired by the family’s matriarchs.
Nobody’s Darling: In Andersonville, this inclusive cocktail lounge serves modern and classic drinks inspired by iconic women of color.
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar: This family-owned spot in the South Loop serves up Chicago-style pan pizza and classic pub grub.
Bonus! Bring home a bottle of this Chicago-based, Black woman-owned wine brand:
- Love Cork Screw: premium red, white, and sparkling wine for a new generation of wine lovers
Arts, entertainment, and more
The creative spirit of Chicago’s Black community is showcased in galleries, theatres, arts venues, and cultural experiences throughout the city.
Buddy Guy’s Legends: One of the city’s premier blues clubs, Buddy Guy’s is owned by the legendary musician himself.
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: Immerse yourself in Black history, culture, and art at this Washington Park museum.
Gallery Guichard: Explore art from the African diaspora in this acclaimed Bronzeville gallery.
Abel Arciniega @tequilagraphics
Chicago Mahogany Tours: Delve into the fascinating, lesser known stories of Chicago’s historically Black neighborhoods.
Black Ensemble Theater: In Uptown, the renowned Black Ensemble Theater showcases diverse stories through musical theatre.
Eta Creative Arts: This cultural treasure brings the African American aesthetic to life on stage, while also supporting Black artists.
Red Clay Dance Company: An Afro-Contemporary dance group, the Red Clay Dance Company is a dynamic ensemble that performs throughout the city.
Black-owned shopping in Chicago
There are plenty of Black-owned shops, boutiques, wellness spaces, and more to seek out and support in Chicago.
Embers + Apothecary Co: This hands-on candle-making class lets you choose your own scent and vessel for a one-of-a-kind creative experience.
Essential Elements: Shop a carefully curated selection of women’s clothing and accessories in this Avalon Park boutique.
The Silver Room: A neighborhood hub and eclectic boutique, The Silver Room houses jewelry, fashion, art, and more
Far South CDC Marketplace: Browse wares from a variety of Black-owned small businesses at this community marketplace in West Pullman.
Boxville: In Bronzeville, this open-air marketplace offers local entrepreneurs spaces for building their businesses and also features live music, events, and more.
Semicolon Bookstore: The city’s largest Black woman-owned bookstore just opened a new location along iconic Michigan Avenue.
