11+ Black-Owned Restaurants in the Chicago Area

02 Jul 11+ Black-Owned Restaurants in the Chicago Area

Chicago is known as the “Windy City,” “Second City,” and former residence of the former President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. It is also known for its signature dishes such as deep-dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian Beef. It also has a large population of African Americans, and there over 150 black-owned restaurants throughout Chicago city limits, suburbs, and bordering towns of Northwest Indiana.

I will be highlighting some of my favorite black-owned restaurants and a few that are on my list to visit. All of the restaurants are open for business, check online before going for hours, and whether they are taking walk-ins or orders.

Majani Vegan Cuisine

Majani Vegan Cuisine has two locations on the Southside of Chicago. I went to the one in the Pullman area inside of One Eleven Food Hall. The main restaurant is located in the South Shore area of the city. I am a Flexitarian, and I’m always looking for good vegetarian and vegan options. I have tried the BBQ Cauliflower and the Tofu Crab Cake sandwich. Both were delicious.

PHLAVZ Bar & Grill

Phlavz is located in Chicago in the famous Maxwell Street area. The restaurant in the University Village Market Place near UIC University. The restaurant’s cuisine is Jamaican with a twist. We tried to visit on Juneteenth, but the wait was over an hour. When I do go, I want to try the Jerk Chicken Sandwich pictured below.

University Village Market Place 717 W Maxwell St.
Chicago, IL 60607

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is another black-owned vegan restaurant located on the Southside of Chicago. This is a place I will be visiting soon. I will come back with my opinion. Aren’t the Philly Steak Rolls tempting?

Hyde Park 1368 1/2 E 53rd St. Chicago, IL 60615

Friistyle Chicago

Friistyle Chicago serves Pomme Frites with a soulful twist. French fries are one of my favorite dishes to eat. I was really excited to go and it did not disappoint. I had the Jerk Salmon and the girls had Caribbean Shrimp and Italian Beef.

Bronzeville 5059 S Prairie Ave Chicago, IL 60615

Brown Sugar Bakeries

Brown Sugar Bakeries is owned and operated by Stephanie Hart who is a James Beard-nominated baker. The specialty is cakes, cupcakes, and slices.

Pre-orders and walk-ups available for slices 328 E 75th St. Chicago, IL 60619

Just Turkey

Just Turkey takes your favorite beef and pork dishes and swaps it for turkey without losing the flavor. You might be wondering how you make turkey rib tips. Actually, I don’t know. I do enjoy their turkey burgers and polish sausages.

4353 S Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60653

Kizin Creole

Kizin Creole Restaurant serves authentic Haitian & Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is located on the Northside of Chicago.

2311 Howard St. Chicago, IL 60645

Lexington Betty

Lexington Betty Smoke House has two locations in Chicago. They share a space with Majani at the One Eleven Food Hall in the Pullman area. Their main location is near downtown in Chicago.

Cleo’s on Cottage

Cleo’s Southern Cuisine is located in the Bronzeville Area on the Southside of Chicago. The chef opened Cleo’s in honor of her grandmother, Cleodell Harper. Southern food served in an elegant plate.

4248 South Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60653

Batter and Berries

Batter and Berries serve breakfast and brunch. I was waiting for the Olympia Fields location to open because it is closer to my house. I will update when it does open.

Food on the Run

Food on the Run serves southern comfort food. The owner and check Jonetta started selling plates of dinners out of her home. She saved until she could open up her own soul food restaurant.

8040 S Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60620

Emeche Cakery & Cafe

Emeche Cakery & Cafe serves alcohol-infused cupcakes. Hence the name of the bakery Emeche means tipsy in French. Emeche recently opened in the fall of 2019 in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

3453 South Prairie Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

That is all on my list for now. Let me know if you’ve visited any of these restaurants. If you live in Chicago or have visited and known of a black-owned restaurant, I should try.

Leave me a message in the comments.