With February being Black History Month, it would be wrong to not feature some awesome black-owned foodie spots, right? But did you know Chicago has our one-of-a-kind Black Restaurant Week as well? The Chicago Black Restaurant Week (CBRW) is a week-long event designed to celebrate amazing food and beverage businesses, owned by African Americans in our community. It has been running since 2015 and is easily the best time of the year to discover black-owned spots that will keep you coming back.
So, what are some of the tastiest black-owned restaurants participating in CBRW this year? Let’s take a look!
Hidden Manna Cafe
3613 216th St, Matteson, IL 60443
Speaking of hidden gems, Hidden Manna Cafe is about as good as it gets. This place is so gosh darn good that it has a waitlist currently! Come enjoy some saucy cajun soul food in the warm and welcoming environment. Boasting flavorful cuisine and heartwarming customer service, Hidden Manna Cafe is undoubtedly the local’s favorite in Matteson, IL.
Kitchen + Kocktails Chicago
444 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Maybe it’s the weather but lately, we’ve been having those days when… ya know… we just crave K+K’s lobster mac and cheese. Should we be ashamed?! Jokes aside, Kitchen and Kocktails has been a superstar since day one with their elevated yet still intimate ambiance and outstandingly innovative menu, plus seasonal special plates. So, if you’re looking to really make this Chicago Black Restaurant Week worth it, come check out K+K!
Flippin Flavors
1848 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Do you hit a home-life blue and just don’t want to cook whatsoever? Well, we do. That’s why you need to check out Flippin Flavors. This place is so good that they’ve had people driving all the way in from Indiana just for the Jerk Chicken salad. The amazing humans behind Flippin Flavors have a lifetime mission of providing good, clean & all-natural marinades, foods, and seasonings. You can order from their restaurant menu, or check out the catering option for your next gathering!
Copper Still Martini Lounge
1961 Ridge Rd, Homewood, IL 60422
Solid drinks, sophisticated vibes, and the most lit live music — do we need to say anything more? If you’ve never been out to Copper Still in Homewood, IL, you’re missing out big time. This black-owned martini lounge and speakeasy promises that there will never be a dull night at The Still. So, check out their live music schedule, martini making classes, karaoke nights, and even the secret speakeasy events “Under the Still!”
Afro Joe’s Cafe
8344 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60620
Literature and coffee lovers? Come to Afro Joe’s Cafe for a good classic cup of coffee and some private reading time. This cozy little joint features delicious beverages and quick bites, rotating art features, live performances, and first Friday open mics. Whether you’re reading a modern business book with your espresso, or losing yourself in a good old Emily Dickinson with some freshly brewed loose leaf tea, Afro’s the place for you!
The Black Vegan Restaurant
2300 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
No worries, we aren’t forgetting you lovely veggie eaters. We’re actually saving the best for the last! So, may we present you… the Black Vegan Restaurant right here on 23rd and S. Kedzie? Known for their ridiculously tasty jackfruit sliders, The Black Vegan is a hidden gem only true vegan foodies know of! Other menu items that keep us coming back include the sweet or tangy vegan chicken wraps, the portabella wings, and the tofu-based BBQ ribs…
You know what, it’s time to order lunch anyway!
Featured Image Credit: Kitchen + Kocktail Chicago