The black population is thriving in Boston. Ayanna Pressley becoming the first black woman in Massachusetts elected to serve on the House of Representatives is good evidence of that.
Aside from the Freedom Trail, New Edition and the city’s unique accent, Boston has some hidden gems, including their overabundance of black-owned businesses, namely restaurants.
Here are 11 black-owned restaurants to satisfy your appetite in Boston.
Darryl’s Corner Bar and Kitchen
604 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with southern comfort food, signature cocktails, and live Jazz music. Their salmon burgers are jam-packed with seasoning and Cajun spices.
Teranga Restaurant
1746 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Chef Marie-Claude Mendy, originally from Senegal, created this colorful oasis where hospitality is the culture. The menu features fish, lamb and encompasses Dakar’s Vietnamese influence, including spring rolls, fatayas, served with sriracha aioli.
Shea Butter Smoothies
1556 Blue Hill Ave
Boston, MA 02126
Feeling “bad and bougie?” Stop by Shea Butter Smoothies, located inside the Mobil gas station, where they “bring a healthy beginning to their community.” Their Blue Magic smoothie has a dose of 1-3 grams of spirulina to help rid your body of toxins.
Savvor Restaurant & Lounge
180 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Come and enjoy an authentic dining experience of southern comfort and tastes of the Caribbean all the way from the West Indies. Good food, live entertainment? The ultimate party vibes.
Bred Gourmet
2255 Dorchester Ave,
Boston, MA 02124
This bar joint serves gourmet patties with a variety of toppings from shaved cucumbers to roasted red peppers on a brioche, pretzel or potato bun. Most of the ingredients are local products and incorporate his father’s Barbadian heritage and his mother from Trinidad and Tobago.
ZAZ Restaurant
1238 River St
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Celebs like John Legend and leading fashion blogger Claire Sulmers have tasted the Caribbean, Latin, Asian inspired cuisine at this restaurant in Hyde Park. Thai wraps, coconut chicken, Wonton and stewed oxtails are a few favorites on their menu.
The Coast Cafe
233 River Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Feast on your favorite soul food dishes including collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and their delicious homemade Cole slaw, just 15 minutes outside of Boston.
Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor
340 Washington St
Boston, MA 02121
Spend no more than $10 on an array of vegan food and fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies. Co-founder Nahdra Ra Kiros said the focus is “to help with the community and ourselves,” in a YouTube video, hoping to lead a health revolution in urban communities and begin conversations about health and wellness. “It’s up to us to take care of our bodies, mind, and spirit,” she said.
Wally’s Jazz Cafe
427 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Where can you hear and dance to live jazz and blues music no coverage charge? Wally’s has been the training ground for local students and aspiring musicians to showcase their talent to the community for almost seven decades. There’s no food but a variety of beers, wine and more at this historic bar.
Slades Bar and Grille
958 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02120
Former Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell once owned this southern style eatery. The new owners, including Darryl Settles, the owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, hope to keep the restaurant’s memorable soulful vibe and charm. Stop by one of their weekly events including karaoke nights, singles nights and more.
The Urban Grape
303 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116
Bonus: I know, this is not a restaurant but I had to highlight this black-owned, award-winning wine, beer, and spirits store on South End. This is the first store in the world to utilize a unique wine organizing system. There’s also a book to help you recreate some of their finest wines right at home. Drink Progressively with the perfect wine of your choice.
