Chicago is known for its diverse and thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants serving cuisine worldwide. Among these establishments are Black owned restaurants that offer unique and authentic dining experiences rooted in culture and tradition.
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Look for a place to enjoy your beef, cornbread, collard greens, rice, or sweet potato pie in your favorite joint. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best Black owned restaurants in Chicago that you should experience.
1. Virtue Restaurant & Bar
First on our list of black owned restaurants in Chicago is Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Hyde Park a cozy eatery that serves Southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Erick Williams, the restaurant’s chef, is a James Beard Award winner who has worked in some of the country’s top kitchens. Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, corn, steak, and buttermilk biscuits are all must-orders.
Location
1462 E 53rd St.,
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 947-8831
Hours
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday -4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday – 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday – 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday – 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
2. The Delta
The Delta in Wicker Park is well-known for its Southern-style comfort food with a Mississippi Delta twist. Eldridge Williams, a Memphis native, grew up eating Mississippi Red Hot tamales, and his father even worked as a child in a tamale factory. The menu includes items such as hot tamales, po’boys, and fried catfish. The Delta also has an excellent selection of cocktails, beers, spices, sauces, and wines.
Location
1745 W. North Av
Wicker Park
Chicago, IL 60622
Hours
Tues – Thurs 5pm – 12am
Fri – 5pm – 1am
Sat – 11am – 1am
Sunday Soul Brunch 11am – 6pm
Mon – Closed
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3. Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Luella’s Southern Kitchen in Lincoln Square offers a taste of the South with its menu of classic comfort food dishes. Darnell Reed, the restaurant’s owner and chef, is a Chicago native who grew up cooking alongside his grandmother. The menu includes fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and buttermilk fried chicken. Enjoy their wings prepared by an executive chef.
Location
4609 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
Hours
MONDAY – WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY – FRIDAY 5PM-9PM
SATURDAY – SUNDAY 10AM-3PM | 5PM-9PM
4. Truth Italian Restaurant
Truth Italian Restaurant in Bronzeville specializes in authentic Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and straightforward preparations. Lamar Moore, the restaurant’s owner, is a Chicago native who has worked in some of the city’s best kitchens. Classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs are available, as are more creative options such as “Ghetti & Shrimp” with garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes.
Location
56 East Pershing Road
Chicago, IL 60653
Hours
Breakfast menu served 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lunch menu served 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Last seating at 4:30 p.m
We are open every day.
5. Peach’s at Currency Exchange Cafe
Peach’s at Currency Exchange Cafe in Washington Park is a cozy breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot. Cliff Rome, the restaurant’s owner, is a Chicago native who wanted to bring a welcoming and comfortable dining experience to his community. Sweet potato pancakes and fried catfish and grits are two must-order dishes. Enjoy your meal on this soul food restaurant.
Location
4652 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653, United States
Hours
Wednesday 8 am–2 pm
Thursday 8 am–2 pm
Friday 8 am–2 pm
Saturday 8 am–2 pm
Sunday 8 am–2 pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
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6. The Woodlawn
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The Woodlawn in Woodlawn is a welcoming neighborhood restaurant that serves Southern-style comfort food with a contemporary twist. Donnell Digby is the owner of The Woodlawn. Some of the services they offer include a full restaurant, internet cafe, event space, turn-key commercial kitchen, crowd-sourced educational content and visual podcast studio.
Location
1200 E 79th St, Chicago, IL 60619, United States
Hours
Wednesday 3–10 pm
Thursday 3–10 pm
Friday 11 am–11 pm
Saturday 11 am–11 pm
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 3–10 pm
7. Brown Sugar Bakery
Brown Sugar Bakery in Chatham is well-known for its delectable cakes and desserts, particularly its famous caramel cake. Stephanie Hart, the owner, has been baking since she was a child, and her love of making desserts shines through in every bite. The bakery also serves savory dishes such as chicken pot pie and quiche, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch.
Location
328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619, United
Hours
Wednesday 10 am–6 pm
Thursday 10 am–6 pm
Friday 10 am–6 pm
Saturday 10 am–6 pm
Sunday 12–5 pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 am–6 pm
8. Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine in South Shore serves plant-based versions of traditional Southern comfort foods such as barbecue “ribs” and mac and cheese. Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel, co-owners, are inspired by their family’s vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, creating flavorful dishes that appeal to both vegans and meat eaters.
Location
7167 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649, United States
Hours
Wednesday 11 am–8 pm
Thursday 11 am–8 pm
Friday 11 am–8 pm
Saturday 11 am–8 pm
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 am–8 pm
9. The Jibarito Stop
The Jibarito Stop is a Puerto Rican restaurant in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago. The jibarito, a Puerto Rican sandwich made with two plantains instead of bread, is their speciality. Since 2011, The Jibarito Stop has been serving up some of the best jibaritos in town. They also serve a variety of other Puerto Rican dishes, such as mofongo and empanadas. Cely Rodriguez and Moraima Fuentes are the restaurant’s owners.
Location
1646 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
Hours
Wednesday 11 am–8 pm
Thursday 11 am–8 pm
Friday 11 am–8 pm
Saturday 12–8 pm
Sunday 12–5 pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11 am–8 pm
10. Batter & Berries
Batter & Berries is a Lincoln Park brunch spot. They serve delectable breakfast and brunch fare such as French toast and eggs benedict, as well as some unique fare such as their famous chicken and waffles. Dr Tanya Richardson is the owner of Batter & Berries. Batter & Berries has appeared on the Food Network and has won numerous awards for its delectable food.
Location
2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Hours
Wednesday 9 am–2 pm
Thursday 9 am–2 pm
Friday 8 am–3 pm
Saturday 8 am–3 pm
Sunday 8 am–3 pm
Monday 8 am–3 pm
Tuesday 9 am–2 pm
Chicago has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and these ten black-owned restaurants reflect the city’s rich culinary culture. From signature soul food to Caribbean cuisine to innovative takes on classic dishes, these restaurants provide a one-of-a-kind and delectable dining experience that should not be missed.
We not only help the local economy by supporting black owned businesses, but we also help to promote diversity and inclusivity in the food industry. So, the next time you’re in Chicago, make a point of visiting these incredible restaurants and savoring the flavors that make them so unique.
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