17 Chicago Places to See Black-Owned Business Month

August is Black Business Month, a time to identify, promote and celebrate Black-owned businesses in our community and across the country. The recognition month was established in 2011. In 2004, historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Be empowered and grow.

The most direct way to support the diverse range of black-owned businesses here in Chicago is by shopping, dining and frequenting the city’s vast array of establishments.

Here’s a sampling of Chicago businesses to visit during Black Business Month and beyond.

Black-owned restaurants

Black-owned restaurants in Chicago are making a dynamic contribution to the food scene. There is a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants in both casual and fine dining settings featuring Southern, Caribbean, Creole, barbecue, Italian, seafood, steak and more.

Turner House Brewery Located in Sip & Savor in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The microbrewery produces premium high-gravity stouts, naming each beer after women in the family while honoring their ancestors.

Experience Chef Tsadqan and Nasya Emmanuel’s plant-based heritage delights Majani Soulful Vegan Food. One doesn’t need to be vegan to be amazed by their delicious menu options.

Southside Grinds Roasted and freshly brewed coffee is sold at the Mobile Espresso Bar and Cafe. Choose from coffee, tea, specialty drinks and pastries. Hopefully, you’ll cut a slice of the best-selling lemon cream cheese pound cake. It’s wonderful!

Demera Ethiopian Restaurant Uptown uses fresh, high-quality, authentic ingredients to produce food that is both vibrant and full of unique flavors. The shared “family style”, hand-cooked meals and Ethiopian hospitality make Demera popular with locals.

Carver47 Food and Safety Market It honors the legacy of agricultural scientists and inventor Dr. George Washington Carver. Enjoy a carefully curated menu featuring all-day breakfasts, juices, pastries, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, baked goods and pastries.

It was one of the most anticipated Chicago restaurants in 2021. Kitchen + cocktail By Kevin Kelley. North River Restaurant specializes in well-dressed Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, creative waffles, oxtails, green and black-eyed peas.

Emeche Bakery and Cafe Known in Bronzeville for their amazing handmade cheesecakes and other delicious desserts, sandwiches, salads and coffee. It’s a great place to start your day or pick up a box of your favorite foods.

Black-owned art and theater spaces

The creative spirit of Chicago’s black community is evident in galleries, theaters, art spaces and cultural experiences throughout the city.

Dussable Black History Museum and Education CenterIn the year Founded in 1961, it is the country’s first independent museum celebrating African culture. Inside you’ll find special exhibitions, lectures, workshops and a diverse collection of over 15,000 pieces and paintings.

Catch a game, a comedy show or an R&B concert eta Creative Arts Foundation.

Admire modern and contemporary works by a dynamic mix of artists at Gallery Guichard in the neighborhood of Bronzeville.

Enjoy a night of music Black ensemble theater. Known as one of the most diverse theaters in the country, Black Ensemble Theater has been presenting musicals since 1976.

South Chicago Dance Theatre It blends classical and modern dance styles while preserving historical dance works. participate in Night out in the parks Concert Series August 18. Their website highlights more opportunities throughout the year to witness one of their spectacular performances.

Black-owned stores

There are many black-owned shops, boutiques, wellness spaces and more in Chicago to explore and support.

Pilgrimage healing The Salon in Bronzeville is a sanctuary specializing in community healing practices. In addition, their apothecary shop has herbs, plants, supplements and other healing lifestyle accessories.

Shop for unique and quality fashion at Essentials Chicago. Many of their sophisticated styles come from European destinations and indie designers.

Stop by Silver room A unique shopping experience. They have a great selection of books, clothing, accessories and more in this section of storefront, meeting space, event space and art gallery.

Boxville It’s Chicago’s first shipping container marketplace, providing community entrepreneurs with convenient spaces to build their enterprises in Bronzeville. The open-air market features art, music, food and a variety of businesses.

Semicolon Bookstore It’s a black woman-owned bookstore and gallery space. The welcoming space is perfect for relaxing while catching up on exciting new reads.