Part of what makes the Chicago food scene stand out is a plethora of diverse cuisines sprawled over the city. From vegan and American to Southern and Caribbean eateries, there are so many restaurants—and specifically—Black-owned restaurants in Chicago that celebrate culture, food, and individuality.
All the restaurants below will have your taste buds exploding from flavor. It’s important to note dining at Black-owned restaurants can help offset the unique challenges Black business owners face, bridge the racial wage gap, and reinvest in local communities.
1. Virtue
Virtue feels warm, romantic, and affable and provides the intricacy of Southern hospitality. With earth-tone colors, wooden elements, rustic accessories, industrial lights, and flowers lightly tossed throughout, it’s a romantic place for dinner at dusk in Chicago.
The menu comprises Southern delicacies conceptualized by the owner and award-winning Chef Erik Williams and recent James Beard-winner Chef Damarr Brown. Items like Gumbo, Blackened Catfish, and Scallops will entice you and your partner with familiar flavors and surprise you with new ones.
Address: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
2. Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern
Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern is another one of the unbelievably delicious Black-owned restaurants in Chicago conceptualized by Chef Erik Williams. Daisy’s is affectionately named after Chef Erick Williams’ late Aunt Daisy, who married his Uncle Stew, a man with Louisiana roots and a passion for palatable food.
The Up-South Po-boy shop evokes the vibrancy of New Orleans through its most celebrated and classic sandwich, lively colors, and music—all inspired by Chef Williams’s aunt and uncle. Items that are a must-order include any of the Po’ Boys—however, the alligator is our favorite.
Address: 5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
3. The Soul Food Lounge
Executive chef and owner Quentin Love operates The Soul Food Lounge—a cozy and endearing restaurant with a wonderful list of soul dishes to salivate your lips. Even better, you have two places to choose from.
The success of the first Soul Food Lounge in Lawndale led to the second outpost, The Soul Food Lounge in Beverly. Each restaurant has a different menu with the same “soul food fusion” flavors. Along with delicacies like Fried Catfish Etoufee and Korean BBQ Glazed Short Rubshere, there is live music in the form of an electric saxophonist. Both spots remain our favorite Black-owned restaurants in Chicago that you should support
Address: 3804 W 16th St, Chicago, IL 60623
Address: 10701 S Hale Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
4. Soulé
Soulé Chicago is a boutique Black-owned restaurant in Chicago that was conceptualized by head chef and owner Bridgette Flagg. The first line inspired Soulé in Biggie Small’s legendary line—it was all a dream.
The cozy spot has an upscale atmosphere, a sleek interior, and black and gold accents throughout the restaurant. The menu is creole-infused soul food reminiscent of Flag’s grandmother and mother’s delicious dishes.
Address: 3615 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60624
5. Dr. Bird’s
Dr. Bird’s Jamaican Patty Shack is a fan favorite spot thanks to its flavorful food, high quality, and accessible price points. Unlike any other, the Caribbean restaurant serves Jamaican patties in a low-key counter service style. The sons of the original owner even run the Bucktown spot!
With spicy beef, chicken, and spinach-filled patties, along with an extensive list of jerk options like chicken to shrimp and a veggie-friendly jackfruit, the options will surely be delicious at Dr. Birds.
Address: 1215 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
6. The Burger Point
Michael Strotter set out to make a sensational burger joint in a saturated field of good burgers in Chicago—and he did just that. From The Dirty South, a grass-fed hamburger, five-year hooks aged cheddar, double smoked bacon & BBQ sauce on a pretzel roll, to The Jersey Shore, a grass-fed hamburger, house-made marinara, 100% fresh Mozzarella & Pepperoni on a Brioche Roll.
Address: 1900 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616
7. Bronzeville Soul
Bronzeville Soul owner Mario Coleman puts a lot of love into this space, filling the menu with abundant choices; the soul food-focused spot serves up everything from mac and cheese to flavorful baked chicken, lamb chops, candied sweet potatoes, and more inspired by his grandmother’s recipes.
With the help of chef Rekia Jenkins, Bronzeville Soul came to life, bringing comforting, filling, and delicious food to the neighborhood.
Address: 4655 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60653
8. Dozzy’s Grill
Dozzy Ibekwe had one goal: to share his love and passion for West African cuisine with the world. With every taste at Dozzy’s Grill, your taste buds dance with the flavors of West African Cuisine.
The fresh and modern menu boasts items such as the Afrobeet Salad, made of Organic Red Beets, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, Orange, Fennel, Toasted Walnuts, Orange Paprika Vinaigrette, Ribeye Steak Suya, a Thinly Sliced and Spiced Halal Ribeye, Yaji Seasoning (Contains Peanuts), Tomatoes, Onions, and our favorite the Chicken Jorrito, Jollof Rice, Shredded Mozzarella, Halal Chicken Thigh, Jorrito Sauce.
If you’re looking for a place to cater your next event, Dozzy’s Grill has an unbelievable tasting menu at an affordable price. It’s one of the Black-owned restaurants in Chicago to support for your next night in!
Address: 1811 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612
9. 1308 Chicago
Walking into 1308 Chicago, you’ll be warmed by the rich architecture of charred wooden beams, garage doors, and exposed brick. Along with the elegant interior, it’s Michelin-star-recommended restaurant has a savory menu that will send your senses in overdrive, from their bread service of Pimento Cheese Biscuits and Hot Water Cornbread to large plates such as the Grilled Cheese and Buffernut Squash Ragu.
Address: 1308 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
10. Koto Hibachi
Koto Hibachi is a hibachi and sushi Black-owned Japanese spot that deserves a spot on every list! They serve generous portion sizes filled with delicious, fresh choices that satisfy and delight, bringing an innovative and exciting hibachi-inspired restaurant to the Chicago community.
Everything on the menu, from the extensive hibachi choices to the expertly crafted sushi or sashimi options, is all top-tier delicious.
Address: 258 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616