If you are a food lover and heading to Chicago then among the many cool things to do in Chicago is to check out the amazing foods on offer at black-owned restaurants in downtown Chicago and beyond.
These eateries serve some of these best food in Chicago and cater to meat-eaters and vegans alike.
From breakfast to lunch or dinner, they have an endless list of options to choose from. Treat your taste buds with delicious cuisines from one of the 36 Chicago black-owned restaurants and cafes.
So whether you are doing a day or even 2 days in Chicago, you have to check out at least one of these soul food spots in Chicago.
North Side Chicago Black-Owned Restaurants
Some of the best-hidden restaurants in Chicago can be found on the North Side of Chicago.
Below are not only vegan soul food of Chicago but delicious soul food restaurants in Chicago where you sample some of the most delicious food you have ever tasted and will have you licking your fingers!
- Ethiopian Diamond
Enjoy some exotic and flavor-rich Ethiopian food at Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant & Bar. It is an Edgewater restaurant, which is owned by Chef Almaz Yigizaw.
You will give your taste buds a surprise when you eat the popular sambusa, a pastry that is stuffed with spicy meat, spicy chickpea stew, Kay Wat, Tibs Alicha, and shimbra asa.
Address: 6120 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660, United States 773-338-6100
- Demera
Ethiopian owner and Chef Tigist Reda opened her doors for Ethiopian food lovers in the year 2007.
You can opt for the family-style combination platter of eight dishes that include beef, chicken, lamb, seafood, and various veggies.
For vegan food enthusiasts, Demera has specialties like spicy Misir Wot, Kik Alicha, Shiro, with honey wine sangria.
Address: 4801 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, United States, 773-334-8787
- Urban Grill
From snacks to dinner, Urban Grill gives its customer a splendid feeling to rejoice. Marcus and Brittany Ward own this contemporary and elegant looking restaurant.
It possesses an eye-catching interior. The specialty of food available here are crispy chicken wings, catfish combo platter, grilled chicken sandwiches, cheeseburger, toffee crust vanilla-almond cheesecake, etc.
Address: 1132 W Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640, United States, 773754-7137
- Ras Dashen
Want to explore some Ethiopian cuisine? Enjoy mouth-smacking Ethiopian food at Ras Dashen. This restaurant has won the prestigious 2018 Jean Banchet Award for the best ethnic food.
The owner and Chef Zenash Beyene started this venture in 2001. Grab the famous Buna be Jebena coffee, Doro Wat, Grilled Zil Zil Tibs, Sega Wat, and Shiro.
Address: 5846 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660, United States, 773-506-9601
- Batter And Berries
For a world-class dining experience, enjoy having a wonderful time at the BYOB Lincoln park no.1 restaurant Batter And Berries, owned by Dr. Tanya & Craig Richardson.
The place may be super busy. But your wait will be rewarded with some classic French toast Flight, stuffed sweet potato waffle, Blueberry French Toast, Cluck-N-Gaufre Waffle, and Banana Walnut Belgique Waffle.
Address: 2748 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, United States, 773-248-7710
- Luella’s Southern Kitchen
The restaurant is named after Chef and owner Darnell Reed’s Grandmother Luella. It is a popular southern cuisine restaurant, also featured in Chicago’s Best Show.
It is located in Lincoln Square that offers you fine food like Shrimp and Chicken gumbo grits, barbecue shrimp grits, cream cheese grits, pimento cheeseburger, and many more.
Address: 4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, United States, 773-961-8196
- Lizzie J’s Café
Enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, homemade teas, and delicious eatery at the Chicago black-owned restaurants Lizzie J’s Café.
This restaurant is owned by food enthusiasts Fred and Jamie G. If you love eating multi-cuisine food, you will enjoy the Shrimp & Grits, Sassy Salmon, Fish & Grits, Crabby Benny, and Bowl O Breakfast with bacon, sausage, cheese, etc.
Address: 2205 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States, 773-739-9044
- The Long Room
The black owned breakfast restaurant in Chicago is located at Ravenswood Community, which was established by Jason Burrell in 2000.
Enjoy the warm-friendly services at The Long Room while ordering irresistibly mouth-water breakfast like fried biscuit chicken, biscuits with sausage gravy, B.L.T, and egg on a biscuit along with a coffee or a glass of Martinez.
Address: 1612 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois 60613, 773-665-4500
- Bettie Lou’s
Enjoy the Asian and Caribbean inspired food with your friends and family at Bettie Lou’s. The home chef and owner Kelly Davidson bring you a multi-cuisine that is worth giving a shot. Indulge yourself with the best crab platter, garlic, butter shrimps, Turkey chops, and peach cobbler to enhance your taste buds at this Chicago black owned restaurant.
Address: 5633 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, United States, 312-725-2247
Best Soul Food & Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago’s The Loop
Whether you are looking for the best breakfast restaurants in Chicago or the best cafes for a good cup of Joe, below are some of the best food spots in Chicago The Loop.
- Grail Café
This Chicago black owned restaurant is owned by Sheldrick Holmes. It is a community-focused space that invites every individual to enjoy their specialties.
Customers are super excited to order some interesting food at Grail Cafe like Farro Risotto, Mushroom Oeufs Brouillés, Papillote (Vegan), Blackeye Peas, and Cheese Grits, and Smoked Salmon and Egg.
Address: 715 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States, 312 756-8977
- Powerhouse Restaurant
The story behind the establishment of this black-owned restaurants in downtown Chicago is unique, so is the delicious food you get to eat here.
With multiple struggles, Julia Gham, the owner, keenly invites you to enjoy the best wings platter, Jellof Rice and Beef Stew, Veggie Egg Omelet, Grilled Lamb Platter, and Powerhouse T-Bone Steak.
Address: 2113 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States, 312-285-2890
- Mr Brown’s Lounges
Enjoy the warm ambiance and your new happy time at Mr Brown’s Lounges. This black owned restaurant in downtown Chicago is owned by a partnership between Johnoy Douglas, Terry Meghie, and his wife, Carrie.
If you are a fan of Jamaican food, you must order Jamaican Jerk Wings, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Tenders & Fries, and Jerk Shrimp.
Address: 2301 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622-4723, 773-278-4445
- Coco’s Deep Fried Lobster
This black owned restaurant in downtown Chicago is popular for its deep-fried lobster, catfish steak, and chicken wings that tend to be the crowd’s favorite.
Coco’s Deep Fried Lobster has done great business for the last 15 years and is owned by Calvin Jones, who belongs to Chicago. The restaurant also has the best hamburgers.
Address: 426 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60605, United States, 312-786-2070
- TeaPotBrew Bakery
As the name suggests, this Chicago black-owned restaurant has over 25 types of tea and 17 types of soothing drinks. It is owned by Veranda Runsewe, inviting the guests to have an enjoyable time.
Plain Banana Bread, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Apple Spiced Scones, Blueberry Rooibos, Chamomile Medley are some specialty food available at TeaPotBrew Bakery.
Address: 1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States, 312-966-6001
- Sweet Maple Café
Enjoy the countryside comfort food at this old-fashioned and elegant black-owned restaurant in downtown Chicago. Sweet Maple Café is owned by Laurene Hynson since 1999.
It has a robust menu and multiple customizable food options like Smoked Turkey Club, The Picante, The Aegean, The Etruscan, and Isaiah’s Tuna Salad.
Address: 1339 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States, 312-243-8908
South Side Chicago Black-Owned Restaurants
- Can’t Believe Its Not Meat
If you are a vegetarian or vegan and want to eat fancy food, you can visit Can’t Believe Its Not Meat restaurant owned by Chef Laricia Chandler.
The place serves mock meat that tastes exactly like meat but prepared without meat like Bucktown Bratwurst, Chicago St. Hotdog, Hoagie, Gumbo, and Patty Melt.
Address: 1368 1/2 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, United States, 773 675-8208
- Brown Sugar Bakery
Stephanie Hart, the owner of Brown Sugar Bakery, opened a restaurant in 2004. This Chicago black owned restaurant is already winning the customers’ heart with its bakery items.
The most popular cakes to order are 4 layer caramel cake, Turtle cake, carrot cake, and 2½ layer cake-like vanilla cream cheese caramel or a strawberry cake.
Address: 328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619, United States, 773-224-6262
- Sip and Savor Coffee
Owner Trez V. Pugh III has opened three more units for the growing business and popularity of Sip and Savor Coffee.
At this high-end black owned breakfast restaurant in Chicago, you can enjoy some classic food like Croissant, Bagels, and Muffins. To quench your thirst, you should sip on Americano ice coffee and Red Eye.
Address: 78 E 47TH ST, Chicago, IL 60653 Rosenwald, 773-952-4532
- Garifuna Flava
Love Caribbean food? You should then come to Garifuna Flava, owned by Hussein Castillo, who passionately shares his culture through the food available at this Chicago black owned restaurant.
When you visit here, we recommend you eat Panades, Conch Fritters, Caramel Pound Cake, Caribbean Appetizer Platter, Jerk Wings, Jerk Chicken Tacos, and many more.
Address: 2518 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL 60629, United States, 773-776-7440
- Truth Italian Restaurant
If you wish to know the truth, then Truth Italian Restaurant is one of the people favorite restaurants serving delicious Italian food. It is owned by Peytyn Willborn’s with a vision to serve fine Italian food like Volo Mega, Volo French Toast, Lobster and Grits, and Exclusive Ribeye Steak and Eggs.
Address: 56 E Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653, United States, 312-715-8796
- FriiStyle
Owner Corey Gilkey invites you to enjoy your exclusive time at FriiStyle, inspired by various cultures. There are various affordable yet flavorful foods available at these black owned restaurants in downtown Chicago.
If you like to enjoy new and interesting food, then order Wing Frite, Italian Beef Frite, Lamb Frite, Jerk Salmon Frite, and Chicken Alfredo Frite.
Address: 5059 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60615, United States, 773-548-5375
- The Soul Shack
You may have to wait for some time at this people’s favorite black owned restaurants in downtown Chicago before entering to enjoy an enticing dining experience at The Soul Shack.
Owner Rico Nance invites you to enjoy Soul Rolls, Veggie Platter, Jerked Cornish Hens, Jerked Chicken, Fried Smothered Chicken, and the best Mac & Cheese.
Address: 1368 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, United States, 773-891-0126
- Virtue Restaurant
This Chicago black-owned restaurant is located near the Hyde Park neighborhood that offers you the best food and ambiance.
Virtue Restaurant is owned by the owner and executive chef Erick Williams has added lots of love and flavor to the dish. You can order Chicken Gumbo, Chicken Liver, collards & smoked turkey, and mac & cheese.
Address: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, United States, 773-947-8831
- Original Soul Vegetarian Kitchen
Whether you are vegetarian or not, you can easily enjoy at Original Soul Vegetarian Kitchen. Opened in1982, the owners Lori Seay and Arel Brown have taken great care of the restaurant.
You can enjoy various food like BBQ Twist Platter, Falafel Platter, Garden Salad, BBQ Tofu Tidbits, and Carrot Supreme Salad.
Address: 203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619, United States, 773-224-0104
- Ain’t She Sweet Café
Ain’t She Sweet Café truly has it all! Owner Margot Strotter welcomes you to visit this popular black owned breakfast restaurant in Chicago to enjoy the outstanding food available here. At this casual and cozy location, you can enjoy ordering Grilled Chicken Cheddar, CG Club with Turkey, Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wrap, and Grilled Chicken Wrap.
Address: 526 E. 43rd Street Chicago, IL 60653, 773-373-3530
- Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
Grab your friends and family to enjoy the best authentic southern food found at Cleo’s Southern Cuisine.
This restaurant is owned by Kirsten Harper’s, offering you to have a fun time. Take in charge of ordering your group and get the Two Boneless Thighs, Southern Gent, Six Wings, Spiced Bourbon, Mango Habanero, and Sweet Red Chili.
Address: 4248 South Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60653, 773-633-2757
Chicago West Side Black Owned Food Places
Looking for the best fried chicken restaurants in Chicago? Look no further than the places below.
- Taste 222
If you are looking to eat some healthy, delicious, and quality food, you will find it all at Taste 222. Don Thompson, the owner of these restaurants, has put together his effort and experience in providing you the best dining experience.
Here, you should order Salmon Tartare, Grilled Jalapeno Dip, Pears & Brie, and Shaved Brussels.
Address: 222 N Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, United States, 312-383-6620
- Phlavz
Check out Phlavz for some exotic dining experience. Owner Phillip Simpson has introduced a new concept of a food truck in Chicago.
It is one of the best-reviewed places for the quality of food served here. You can check out some delicious food like Jerk Chicken Roll, Jerk Chicken Taco, Salmon Alfredo, Fried Chicken Wings, Fresh Cut Fries, etc.
Address: 717 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607, 773-717-7979
- Eleven Eleven
Enjoy an exotic experience at Eleven Eleven, owned by Ahmed Braimah. Known for its humble menu with outstanding food and services, this restaurant has owned several foodie’s hearts.
The best cuisine found here are Roasted Spaghetti Squash, Avocado Caesar Salad, Grilled Tuna Nicoise, Baked Potato Soup, and high-quality steak and potato.
Address: 1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States, 312-248-8942
- Jerky Jerk
Enjoy delicious Caribbean food served at Jerky Jerk. This Chicago black owned restaurant offers you great comforting food prepared from scratch.
Enjoy the classic jerk dishes like Grilled Chicken Jerky Wrap, Jerky Veg Wrap, Jerky Chicken Sandwich, Jerky Stir Fry, and Jerky Wings. You can build your plate filled with the type of protein you wanted.
Address: 2253 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States, 313-262-5375
- Tesfa Cuisine
Dig into the famous Ethiopian cuisine available at this Chicago black owned restaurant. The owner came from a small village in Ethiopia and has brought back some famous Ethiopian recipes to Chicago.
Here, at Tesfa Cuisine, you can eat authentic Ethiopian food like Sambusa, Yemisir Wot, Fir-Fir, Yetsom Fir-Fir, and a vegetarian dish Shiro and Yemisir Wot.
Address: 1023 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, United States, 312-698-4481
- J Spice
Rejoice the unmatched Caribbean food at J Spice. The young owner Jamy has started his cooking passion at the age of 10, resulting in the best Caribbean food you can find at any black owned restaurant in downtown Chicago.
When you visit here, order the BBQ Ribs, Jerked Wings, Braised Short Ribs, Jerked Chicken, and Pulled Pork.
Address: 135 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60612, United States, 773-910-9024
- Soule
A perfect food destination for family and friends to enjoy a happy time at Soule. This black owned restaurant in downtown Chicago is owned by Chef Darius Williams, offering high-quality food to its customers.
Enjoy Jerk Shrimp, Fried Green Tomatoes, New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp, Creamy Garlic Shrimp, Shrimp and Grits, and Fried Chicken from the menu.
Address: 1931 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States, 847-986-5980
- Ina Mae Tavern
This place gives a tribute to New Oreland historic recipes. Mark Domitrovich, the owner, and Chef got inspired by his travel and included New Oreland’s famous dish in the menu of Ina Mae Tavern.
Explore some exotic food like Corn Chowder, Green Lentil Smoked Brisket, Fried Jumbo Chicken Wings, Mixed Fried Chicken, along with special cocktail drinks.
Address: 1415 N Wood St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States, 773-360-8320
- Frontier
This Chicago black owned restaurant has so much to offer you in terms of food and drinks. The owner and founder, Mark Domitrovich of Frontier, have come up with some innovative dishes for the people to enjoy.
The place offers some delicious yet healthy cuisine like Kale Salad, Frontier double patty cheese Burger, Lamb Burger, Char-Grilled Oyster, etc.
Address: 1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States, 773-772-4322
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