Charleston, South Carolina is a city deeply rooted in African-American history and culture. If you are heading to “Chucktown,” be sure to support some of these Black-owned businesses while you’re there.
Grab a low country breakfast from Hannibal’s Kitchen
Hannibal’s Kitchen is a family-owned establishment that has been serving Charleston for over 40 years. The restaurant is best known for its seafood dishes that are served starting at breakfast. You can choose dishes like sautéed crab over grits or unique Charleston dishes like fried shark over grits.
Learn about the city’s history with Gullah Tours
Gullah Tours takes visitors on historical tours around the city that give insight into the Black history of Charleston. Gullah is the language that was spoken (and still is) by the area’s first Black residents. The company’s tour guide is fluent in Gullah and speaks the dialect throughout the tour.
Get Pampered At Glow Nail Bar
This Black-owned luxury nail salon provides a wide range of nail services to men and women. Customers can get everything from manicures and pedicures to 3D nail art and gel polish services. Each customer receives a personal and inviting experience.
Refuel: How To Spend A Day In Black-Owned Charlotte
Refuel for lunch at Nigel’s Good Food
Owner and executive chef Nigel Drayton opened this restaurant with the support of his wife. The husband and wife duo came together to run one of Charleston’s best upscale restaurants. They serve dishes like low country ravioli and baked turkey wings and gravy. You can also find lunch items like burgers, wings, and salads on the menu.
Pick up snacks or produce from Fresh Future Farm
This Black-owned grocery store and farm is all about the community. Not only do they accept EBT payments, but they will also soon offer sliding scale pricing to ensure all residents can afford groceries. Their goal is to turn the current food desert into a healthier community. They sell produce that is grown right on the farm. They even offer Yoga classes on certain days too.
Have fun with the crew at Tipsy Twerk
This fun and energetic dance class will surely have you working up a sweat. Grab your friends and get your twerk on while sipping some adult beverages. You will need to check their schedule to see when they have classes, or you can book your own private sessions.
Let Chef BJ Dennis prepare a meal for you
If you want to try a private dining experience, Chef BJ Dennis is your guy. He has prepared dishes all over the country and is one of Charleston’s hottest private chefs right now.
Have drinks and appetizers at Cane Rhum Bar
This is the first and only rum bar in the Charleston area. They serve over 100 types of rum and prepare some of the best cocktails. Owner Paul Yellin is a rum expert, and it shows in his menu. The bar has a tropical decor that takes guests somewhere with white sand and a nice breeze.
End your night with hookah at Shisha Ultra Lounge
This urban hangout provides small plates, drinks, and hookah under one roof. Shisha is located at 5090 Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston. The lounge is open daily and closes at midnight during the week and 2 am on weekends.
