As a (Black) foodie, I believe it’s important to support Black-owned businesses. However, just so you know, I’m not one of those people that will support black businesses “just because”. Every restaurant on this list is here not only because they are black-owned, but also because the restaurant offered something that made it worthy to be on my foodie list.
My journey through the Best Black-Owned Restaurants in NYC & Long Island is ongoing and started when I moved to NYC from Chicago almost 13 years ago. As such, this post will continuously be updated as I visit more places. Additionally, at some point, the Long Island spots will be a part of their own list but for now …… eat up and enjoy!
-Ash Renee
*Please note: This post was originally published on or about July 21, 2015, and has been updated throughout the years as some restaurants close and change ownership, etc.
BLVD Bistro - 239 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10027
Why: Everything is delicious. The Shrimp and Grits, the Chicken Dinner (served with Collard Greens and Potato Salad) and a pitcher of mimosa is the way to go!
Chocolat Restaurant (Harlem) - 2223 Fredrick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10025
Why: Chocolat is a full Service bar, lounge and restaurant in Harlem. They also offer weekend Brunch as well. The Red Velvet Pancakes are delicious
Soco (Clinton Hill) - 509 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Why: Soco is a great restaurant in Brooklyn to meet some locals, have some delicious drinks and eat some southern food. When I visit Soco, I’m all about the Red Velvet Waffle and Fried Chicken. The Mac & Cheese and the Shrimp & Grits are also pretty good options to try. This is also a great place to to just have a drink at the bar. (Photo via Soco)
Ponty Bistro (Harlem & Gramercy Park)
Senegalese-American chefs Ali Cisse (Chef Ali) and Elhadji A. Cisse (Chef Cisse) are on a mission to save New Yorkers from the same old food. To do just that, their restaurant, Ponty Bistro, which has two locations in Manhattan, (Gramercy Park & Harlem) offers fresh options to excite the palates of jaded New Yorkers. The Fish Fataya is a must-try
Melba's - 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026
Why: Known as the “Queen of Chicken and Waffles”, Melba’s serves some of the best Chicken and Waffles in Harlem. Melba’s sweet and savory Chicken and Waffles are topped with strawberry butter and maple syrup and made from an eggnog waffle. The Fried Catfish and the Mac & Cheese are also very delicious.
Negril Village (Greenwich Village) - 70 W 3rd St. New York, NY 10012
Why: This is a “go-to” spot for delicious food and vibes. You can eat and dance, all within 20 feet. The drinks are always delicious and strong. My favorite things to eat at Negril are the Jerk Wings and the Bahamian Mussels.
Cove Lounge (Harlem) - 325 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Why: Cove is a trendy Harlem lounge that offers delicious appetizer & tapas. Everything I’ve tasted thus far has been simply delicious. I recommend trying the Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Red Velvet and Chicken Waffle.
Jacob’s Restaurant (Harlem) - 373 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027
Why: Jacob’s is my go-to spot for take-out in Harlem. Jacob’s Restaurant, is a Black owned and family operated, soul food and salad bar buffet, with a huge selection of 42 fresh Southern, Caribbean, and Continental options. It’s affordable and a great option if you need a quick meal. They also cater! My favorite items include the Smothered Chicken, Mac & Cheese, and the Oxtails.
Footprints Café (East Flatbush) - 5814 Clarendon Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Why: Footprints is all about having some good Caribbean food. The Curry Goat is delicious and so is the Jerk Chicken. However, the real MVP at Footprints and perhaps their staple entree is the Rasta pasta. (Pasta with Jamaican flavor) (Photo via Footprints)
bK 9 (Park Slope, Brooklyn) 62 5th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217
Why: BK 9 is a Contemporary restaurant in Park Slope offering a modern take on Haitian, Trinidadian & Jamaican cuisine. The food is pretty tasty but the service can be hit or miss, depending on the crowd and the time of day.
Moca Bar and Grill (Harlem) - 2210 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026
Why: Moca is a local lounge in Harlem and is a good place to meet some local Harlemnites and young professionals. On Tuesdays, they offer spoken word. Happy Hour prices are decent as well. My favorite food item from Moca is the tasty Catfish Strips. (which is discounted during Happy Hour). Those Catfish Strips are still some of the best I’ve had in NYC to date
Peaches (Bed-Stuy) - 393 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Why: Peaches is an urban, rustic, and cozy restaurant in Bed-Stuy. The live music during brunch is fun and entertaining! The food is excellent, fresh, well seasoned and tasty. Average brunch price is around $15. The Blackened Catfish Sandwich is my favorite item from their Brunch menu so far. (Photo via Peaches)
Red Rooster (Harlem) - 310 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027
Why: Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster is a popular destination in Harlem. Located right at bustling corner 125th street in Harlem, you have no choice but to go in and taste the delicious food. Marcus Samuelson is a creative chef, so the menu at Red Rooster offers southern classics with a refined culinary/creative twist. Try the Chicken and Waffles (made with chicken liver butter), The Shrimp and Grits or the Coconut Grilled Chicken, which are among my favorite menu items. (Photo via Red Rooster)
Suede NYC (East Flatbush) - 5610 Clarendon Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11203
Why: Suede is a modern Caribbean cocktail lounge, bar and restaurant located in East Flatbush. The décor is very modern and upscale. The crowd is full of trendy young black professionals. The food is delicious! The brunch menu is well developed and features a modern twist on the standard Caribbean brunch. Since I’m a Chicken and Waffles addict, I can attest that Suede does an excellent job at its version of Chicken and Waffles, which features a delicious rum-raisin flavor.
Sugarcane (Park Slope) - 236 Flatbush Ave, New York, NY 11217
Why: A solid Caribbean restaurant with an excellent drink selection. (I personally love the Sugarcane Rum punch). Sugarcane is the perfect hang out spot for happy hour and/or a delicious Caribbean dinner. The Jerk Chicken and Oxtails are my favorites.
Sylvia’s - 328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027 .
Why: You’ve been warned, Sylvia’s gets a little touristy on the weekends. However, Sylvia’s is a solid soul food option in NYC, I believe you must try Sylvia’s at least once, you know, “just to say you did it”. The menu offers all the southern classics. (Greens, Chicken and Waffles, Mac & Cheese). My friend enjoys their Gospel Brunch offered on Sundays. (Photo via Yelp)
The Door (Jamaica, Queens) Where: 163-07 Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Why: You can enjoy traditional authentic Caribbean dishes at The Door in Queens. They offer various dishes such as curry shrimp, oxtail, curry goat, jerked chicken, escovitched fish and much more. I really enjoy their chicken soup and I used to have my ex boyfriend bring me some all the time. Honestly, everything I’ve had here is really good but I will be going back to try more! (since it’s in my hood). They even have a to-go restaurant next door if you are in a rush, which lately it seems like I’m visiting at least once per week.
Vivid Café (East Flatbush) - 4617 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Why: Vivid Café is a full service family owned restaurant and lounge, located in Brooklyn, East Flatbush area. I had the opportunity to visit while in the Flatbush area for brunch one weekend. The lobster Mac and Cheese was delicious. (pictured above). Everything else looked good as well but I will have to go back to try more items off the menu. For now, I believe that Vivid is a great neighborhood find!
40/40 Club (Flatiron) - 6 W 25th Street, New York, NY 10010
Why: Don’t forget, that supporting Jay-Z’s 40/40 still counts as technically supporting a black business. If you are a sports fan (like me), 40/40 is your spot! You can watch the games in a sleek, chic lounge and enjoy some elevated bar food. My favorite things to eat are the sliders and the catfish strips.
Island Taste Caribbean Restaurant and Lounge (Rosedale, Queens) 243-10 Merrick Blvd Queens, NY 11422
Why: Great local spot (if you live in the area) for delicious food and strong drink. I personally enjoy the jerk wings and their delicious Rum Punch. Also, the music is always good! (Photo via Island Taste)
Negril BK (Park Slope, Brooklyn) 256 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Why: Good vibes, good service and the coco curry salmon is simply amazing!
Pa-Nash Eurosoul (Rosedale, Queens) 144-14 243rd St, Rosedale, NY 11422
Why: Delicious restaurant and stylish restaurant serving Caribbean comfort meals, plus a cocktail lounge.. This is THE local spot to go to for a Manhattan vibe right in the middle of Rosedale.
(Technically in Long Island) Dunns River Lounge & Restaurant (Rockville Centre, NY) 93 N Park Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Why: named after the Duns River waterfall in Jamaica, This restaurant's motto is "Good Food. Good Friends. Good Reggae". Come here for good drinks, authentic cuisines and live reggae entertainment. (photo via Dunns River)
(Technically in Long Island) This Fish Trap (Baldwin, NY) 682 Sunrise Hwy, Baldwin, NY 11510
Why: Fresh and tasty seafood in a comfy environment. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Baldwin area.
thanks Ash! I’ve been looking to find black owned restaurants or restaurants with black executive chefs and haven’t come across anything until now – this is super helpful when looking to support black business.
Rustik Tavern should’ve made this list
All the restaurants on this list are places that I’ve either visited on my own or been invited to by the owner etc. I’ve never heard of Rustik Tavern.. maybe I will go check it out! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you! I’ve been looking for a great American soul food restaurant,I need a variety and there are none in Flatbush that I know of. I see I have to hop on over to Harlem. It’s out of my way but if the food is good it’s always worth it