Despite being known for deep-dish pizzas, there is so much more to Chicago’s culinary scene. The Midwest city was ranked as the best city for having it all by Time Out’s City Life Index. Analysts from the survey found that the average Chicagoan eats out almost once a week. Thirty-five percent of respondents said they would wait over an hour for a table.
During your next trip to the Windy City, make sure the winds blow you to one of the many Black-owned restaurants in the surrounding neighborhoods. From local favorites and classic dishes to cutting-edge, fusion-style eateries, Black-owned Chicago is making waves on the food scene. Here are some of the best Black-owned restaurants in Chicago for your dining delight.
Batter & Berries
Opened as an eclectic breakfast spot by a husband and wife duo, Batter & Berries continues to be a popular brunch joint in Chicago. The Black-owned restaurant has two locations and has served guests since opening in 2012. The restaurant prides itself on having the freshest ingredients. The sausage served is handmade and locally sourced. Eggs are cracked fresh every day and the fresh potatoes are diced each morning for hashbrowns. Quality is never sacrificed at Batter & Berries, keeping patrons returning as often as possible.
- Location: Lincoln Park & Olympia Fields
- Type of Cuisine: Brunch
- Menu Spotlight: Cluck & Gravy
- Before You Go: Batter & Berries has two locations in the Chicago area for guests to visit. However, be prepared for long lines due to its immense popularity.
Peach’s Restaurant
Located in Chicago’s Southside, Peach’s Restaurant is known for its Southern-style cuisine. They have a variety of breakfast and brunch favorites, wings, and more. Stop through Peach’s for a bite to eat in the morning before heading out to explore Chicago.
- Location: Southside Chicago
- Type of Cuisine: Southern American
- Menu Spotlight: Salmon Croquettes & Grits
- Before You Go: This restaurant is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Keep that in mind before driving to grab food.
Good To Go Jamaican
Owned by husband and wife Tony and Lenice Levy, Good To Go Jamaican started as a small, quick-service restaurant in 2002. Over the years, the Levy’s fine-tuned the brand, eventually renovating a completely new, full-service restaurant space for Good To Go. More than a decade later, the restaurant is a culinary prize in the Chicago suburb of Evanston. The jerk sauce is homemade, inspired by a recipe from Tony’s great-grandmother. Authenticity shines through at this Caribbean restaurant making it one of the best places in the Chicagoland area for Jamaican cuisine.
- Location: Evanston
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Oxtails
- Before You Go: Good To Go Jamaican also has a rooftop for great outdoor vibes.
Truth Italian Restaurant
Truth Italian Restaurant was created to bring five-star dining to everyday people. That’s the vibe owner Peyton Willborn has curated in the heart of Chicago’s Southside. Over the years, Truth has become increasingly popular for its brunch and breakfast favorites. Online users love the brunch experience at Truth and they have a little bit of everything on the menu. Their lunch menu features recipes directly from Italy, with Italian influence showcased in their brunch items too.
- Location: Bronzeville
- Type of Cuisine: Italian & Brunch Faves
- Menu Spotlight: Mela Caramel French Toast
- Before You Go: The Mela Caramel French Toast served at Truth is a hit. However, you don’t have to miss out on the other incredible flavors if you order their popular French toast flight.
Norman’s Bistro
Located in Hyde Park, Norman’s Bistro has been considered a favorite of Chicago locals for quite some time. The restaurant aims to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy good food from the freshest ingredients. Norman’s has a swanky and intimate vibe where the good energy matches the quality of the dishes.
- Location: Hyde Park
- Type of Cuisine: Creole-Brazilian Infusion
- Menu Spotlight: Tender St. Louis Spare Ribs
- Before You Go: Norman’s hosts a variety of shows and live performances throughout the year; adding another level of entertainment to your dining experience.
Soul Veg City
Formerly known as the Original Soul Vegetarian, Soul Veg City has been a go-to for locals for over 40 years. The restaurant was created to help spread the message of healthy eating to the masses. The menu includes healthy, plant-based dishes that feed the mind, body, and soul. The restaurant recently underwent an expansion that extended its dining seating, doubled the size of its juice bar, and even added patio seating. Soul Veg City is the dose of healthy goodness travelers didn’t realize they needed when visiting Chicago.
- Location: Chatham Neighborhood
- Type of Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Menu Spotlight: Noodles Stir Kai
- Before You Go: Guests can visit Soul Veg City on Friday and Saturday for Soul Vibes with the hottest live music, karaoke, and more.
Goree Cuisine
For West African cuisine in Chicago, visit Goree Cuisine. It is located in Kenwood and is known for its incredible red snapper plate. Most of their dishes are inspired by flavors and spices originating from Senegal. However, you can experience a handful of West African delicacies at this Black-owned restaurant in Chicago.
- Location: Kenwood
- Type of Cuisine: West African
- Menu Spotlight: Red Snapper
- Before You Go: Many of the dishes at Goree Cuisine are inspired by Senegalese cuisine.
Litehouse Whole Food Grill
The Litehouse Whole Food Grill is an extraordinary restaurant where the love of Christ is on full display. This Christian-based establishment aims to spread the good news without sacrificing the quality food. It’s family-owned and operated and has two locations in the US – one in Chicago and the other in Indiana.
- Location: Hyde Park
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Fire-Blazed Salmon Wrap
- Before You Go: Fun fact – Litehouse Whole Food Grill was born due to the owner’s wife being a vegetarian and throwing out foods their family enjoyed but that wasn’t the healthiest.
Kitchen + Kocktails
Kitchen + Kocktails has risen to the top of many travelers’ lists when checking out Chicago food. The restaurant brand has four locations: Chicago, Dallas, Washington D.C., and Charlotte. There are a few spots to grab a bite depending on where you’re traveling. However, when in the Chicagoland area, Kitchen + Kocktails has you covered for an upscale, fine dining experience with the best grub.
- Location: Chicago
- Type of Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: Fried Green Tomatoes
- Before You Go: The restaurant has a special brunch menu with select items available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Soulé
Inspired by the first few bars of Biggie Smalls’ song “Juicy,” it really was all a dream when Soulé was brought onto the scene. The boutique-style restaurant leans into its brunch menu, serving everyone’s favorite breakfast and lunch dishes. Inspired by the owner’s grandmother, the Creole-infused food is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
- Location: West Town
- Type of Cuisine: Brunch
- Menu Spotlight: Down In The Delta
- Before You Go: Soulé is only available for dining with a reservation. Be sure to call ahead to secure your table.
Right in the middle of the Midwest, Chicago is overflowing with incredible food from Black-owned restaurants. There’s something for everyone. Depending on what your tastebuds desire, let this list be your guide through the city’s colorful culinary scene.
