{"id":61432,"date":"2020-09-10T12:57:12","date_gmt":"2020-09-10T17:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/?p=61432"},"modified":"2020-10-06T14:03:56","modified_gmt":"2020-10-06T19:03:56","slug":"best-black-owned-bars-and-restaurants-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/best-black-owned-bars-and-restaurants-in-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"

With every sip of punch and every bite of home-style cooking, Chicago\u2019s bars and restaurants bring people together. With snow on the ground, hunger in your stomach, and memories to be had, you\u2019ll want to explore these black-owned bars, restaurants, and businesses throughout Chicago. Chicago\u2019s food and bar scene fosters family across every nook and cranny of the city so you, too, can participate in your city\u2019s home. Come for the friendship and live music, stay for the warm-family welcome and hearty portions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: The Delta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Delta<\/span><\/h2>\n

1745 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you frequent happy hours between 4 pm and 6 pm or you stay up for the late-night menu between 11 pm and 1 am, you\u2019re sure to find the quintessential form of comfort and solace at The Delta<\/span><\/a>. This Black-owned business and restaurant in Chicago <\/span>offers inventive takes on classic dishes (did someone say vegan tamale<\/span><\/a>?) all the while paying homage to the Civil Rights history of the Mississippi Delta region<\/span><\/a>. With $3 sweet tea, craft beers, and smashing-cocktails (you won\u2019t want to miss the daily specials), you\u2019ll definitely want to be a regular The Delta. What\u2019s more? This gem has Rotating DJs on Tuesdays<\/span> and Bottomless Ros\u00e9 on Wednesdays.<\/span> The Delta gives a whole new meaning to dining out while maintaining its home-like ambiance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Frontier Chicago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Frontier<\/span><\/h2>\n

1072 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Go H.A.M. at Frontier<\/span><\/a> in Wicker Park. This place has been known for its ambitious interpretation on large proteins (i.e. an entire pig<\/span><\/a>) but did you also know that it offers pitchers of alcoholic punch<\/span><\/a>, craft beer, and rustic yet classically inspired cocktails<\/span><\/a> (don\u2019t miss the Vieux Carre)? Perfect for large groups and yourself, Frontier manages to simultaneously create an unforgettable experience that will still make you feel welcomed and warm. In other words, Frontier has a knack for being inventive yet inviting. And that\u2019s what makes this place a must for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Mr. Brown’s Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mr. Brown\u2019s Lounge<\/span><\/h2>\n

2301 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Did someone say reggae? Is that a Jamaican-jerk chicken? Transport yourself to a warmer climate and your new happy place at this black-owned restaurant and business, Mr. Brown\u2019s Lounge<\/span><\/a>. Mr. Brown\u2019s Lounge offers a change of pace for you and your friends for this winter in the city. With its bright, tropical-Caribbean vibe, soul-centric Friday events<\/span><\/a>, and hearty portions, Mr. Brown\u2019s Lounge brings you the perfect escape full of joy and happier times. Be sure to keep the vibe going by bringing their jerk sauce<\/span><\/a> home with you!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Soule Chicago<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Soul\u00e9<\/span><\/h2>\n

1931 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If any song would inspire you to create an establishment, which song would it be? The founders and creators of Soul\u00e9<\/span><\/a> felt inspired to create an establishment after Biggie Smalls \u201cJuicy\u201d<\/span><\/a>. Located in West Town, Soul\u00e9 is a place where family, friends, and everything in-between can gather, share, and join a community. Rekindle old friendships or create new ones and share a plate of fried chicken or cat-fish and enjoy the hum of conversations and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

* Note: Soul\u00e9 is BYOB. Be sure to bring your beer from <\/i>Vice District Brewing<\/i><\/span><\/a> (Chicago) or <\/i>18th Street Brewery<\/i><\/span><\/a> (Hammond, IN) \u2014 both of which are Black-owned and local.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Eleven | Eleven<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eleven | Eleven<\/span><\/h2>\n

1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s really a small world when you enter Eleven | Eleven<\/span><\/a>. Honestly, this place single-handedly gathers Chicago around with versatile dishes<\/span><\/a> (meat-eater and vegan alike), adventurous cocktails<\/span><\/a> (try the Paper Plane; you won\u2019t be disappointed), and Chicago-crafted artwork and music. Created and owned by Ahmed Braimah<\/span><\/a>, a son of Ghanaian immigrants and a native to Chicago, Eleven | Eleven<\/span><\/a> brings comfort from family-recipes into an elevated, eclectic space inspired by the community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Ja’ Grill Hyde Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ja\u2019 Grill Hyde Park<\/span><\/h2>\n

1510 East Harper Court, Chicago, IL 60615<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fancy live melodies of Jamaican music? How about jerk spice? With a variety of rum-centric cocktails and plenty of heat, Ja\u2019 Grill<\/span><\/a> in Hyde Park brings its authentic A-game to Chicago as a black-owned business and restaurant. Enjoy a plate of Jamaican cuisine<\/span><\/a> (such as jerk chicken or spicy goat curry) with a Dark and Stormy<\/span><\/a> (or a Red Stripe) at Ja\u2019 Grill. Because of their authenticity and genuine kindness, Ja\u2019 Grill is the perfect oasis for any chilled Chicagoan.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Truth Italian Restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Truth Italian Restaurant<\/span><\/h2>\n

56 E Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60653<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Truth be told: Truth Italian Restaurant<\/span><\/a> will become your number one choice for upscale, comfort Italian-food in the city. Head to Bronzeville<\/span> and you\u2019ll instantly be transported to refined, comfort, Italian cuisine with classic cocktails. Walk through to the heated-back patio and you\u2019ll discover the perfect ambiance for your pork-chops<\/span><\/a> and Old-Fashioned or steak marsala<\/span><\/a> and pinot. And, if you can\u2019t get enough of Truth, be sure to come for brunch and breakfast<\/span><\/a>! Served daily from 8 am – 3 pm you can explore their French-toast options or savor their classic ribeye steak and eggs. Dinner or breakfast \u2014 this Truth is truly a staple.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: M Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

M Lounge<\/span><\/h2>\n

1520 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Live Jazz, Blues, R&B Music? Check. DJs on Fridays and Saturdays? Check. Martinis? Obvi. M Lounge<\/span><\/a> puts the \u201cM\u201d in your magical mojo with its extensive calendar<\/span><\/a> of events. With plenty of happy hours and live music, you’re sure to find your new and improved evening plans for the next week. Bring a friend or make a friend \u2014 either way works when you\u2019re at M Lounge.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Some Like It Black<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some Like It Black<\/span><\/h2>\n

810 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A staple in South Loop from its founding in 1999, Some Like It Black<\/span><\/a> is a home-town hub for creatives and artists alike. With plates<\/span><\/a> ranging from tacos to paninis, Some Like it Black gives you the space to be yourself without any form of judgment. Here, you\u2019re inspired to honor your idiosyncrasies and artistic endeavors all the while savoring a tequila-based cocktail or non-alcoholic-fruit-packed smoothie.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Chef<\/p>\n

Chef Wood Porter of #WoodIsCookin Private Chef Co.<\/h4>\n

Find out more on one of our featured businesses here, as Chef Wood Porter talks about what drives his creativity.<\/p>\n

Chef Wood Porter Has Something to Say<\/a><\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Norman’s Bistro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Norman\u2019s Bistro<\/span><\/h2>\n

1001 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you hear something? That must be the live Sunday evening jazz at the bar<\/span><\/a> in Norman\u2019s Bistro<\/span><\/a>. That\u2019s right, Norman\u2019s Bistro is a black-owned restaurant that brings you live music \u2014 from jazz on Sundays to DJs throughout the week \u2014 so you can get right at home with your martini and melodies. At Norman\u2019s, you\u2019re sure to find your groove and your dish<\/span><\/a>. As your ears savor the smooth jazz and relax with R&B, Norman\u2019s serves up Brazilian-inspired takes on classic Creole dishes. It\u2019s a sure-fire way to satisfy your craving and gather with your newfound friends at this black-owned restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Stopping by for lunch or dinner with the family? Grab a sno-ball from our walk-up window while you wait! \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 \u2060 …\u2060 #chicagofoodauthority #312food #eeeeeats #mychicagopix #forkyeah #igerschicago #eater #foodie #infatuationchi #chicago #dailyfoodfeed #foodbeast #buzzfeedfood #chicagofoodmag #myfab5 #foodporn #vscofood #hertastylife #vsco #f52grams #thrillist #feedfeed #chicagoeats #chicagofoodie #checkpleasepics #food #eaterchicago #huffpostgram #chicagobucketlist<\/a><\/p>\n

A post shared by Ina Mae Tavern<\/a> (@inamaetavern) on