In 2023 there were so many new Black-owned restaurants that opened up. From upscale to Asian-inspired, the Black-owned restaurant industry has evolved and restaurant owners are sharing their stories through food. This allows food enthusiast to get a taste of what makes each dish special.
2024, make it your mission to experience the diverse and innovative flavors of these new restaurants. Here are some of our picks to get you started on your culinary journey as we embark on a new year of Black Restaurant Weeks.
New York
1. Ramen by Ra – New York, NY
This Southern, Asian and American revitalized “Asa-Ramen”(a breakfast ramen) restaurant is a creation from the mind and experiences of Chef Rasheeda Purdie. This is not just any ramen joint, it’s the first Black woman owned Asa-Ramen shop in New York City that is breaking barriers. On the menu you will experience the flavors of ramen with a Brunch vibe. Make sure you make a reservation because this ramen shop is a small intimate setting allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
2. Tinjune – Newark, NJ
Tinjune Downtown is the place to be for asian inspired cuisine and nightlife vibes. Owner Tami Brown wanted to bring a cuisine for all pallets. The menu is reminiscent of that desire with menu that includes items like an Oxtail Bao to General Tso Chicken. They also have a brunch menu with classic dishes like Chicken and Waffles but also out of the box delights like XO Seafood cakes.
Florida
3. Table 22 – Tampa, FL
There should be a law where Brunch has to be served all day! Until that law is passed, Table 22 is the place for a luxurious all-day brunch and R&B vibes. Enjoy the sultry flavors of South Broad Oxtails and Grits or The Black Wall Street French Toast with a choice of Southern Fried Chicken or Fried Lobster. Brunch isn’t brunch without having one of their signature Lois’s Sangria or mimosa
4. Smith & Webster – Coral Springs, FL
Smith & Webster’s soulful exploration of the African diaspora has made it to their new location in Coral Springs. This restaurant is a collaboration of business developer and food critic behind Hungryblackman, Starex Smith and former Denver Bronco, Kayvon Webster. Their carefully curated menu is filled with dishes that honor the flavors of the world that are built from cultural roots. Try the Ethiopian Spiced Branzino, Braised Oxtail Lasagna, or the Smoked Braised Turkey Wings.
5. Oreatha’s – Atlanta, GA
Thai Seasoned Catfish and Duck Ravioli are just a few items on the menu that come from Oreatha’s delicious menu that are inspired by the world travels of Chef Deborah VanTrese with a twist from Chef Christian “Lucke” Bell. Oreatha, named after VanTrese’s mother, has an atmosphere only a mother could create. From the libations to the food, you are sure to find comfort in Oreatha as your pallet travels the world.
Houston
6. KG’s Kitchen – Houston, TX
Tucked into Houston’s South Park is a Caribbean inspired concept by Chef Keisha Griggs. Griggs is bringing a menu that is filled with her Trinidadian favorites, other Caribbean classics and fusions. Her menu is an ode to the diverse flavors of the Caribbean and showcase of how cultures historically come together. Try the Lo Mein Bowl with the Trini-Chinese sauce or the Trinidadian Doubles. The menu also includes all-day breakfast.
7. Flippin Chickens – Houston, TX
Chef Reginald Scott of The Smoke HTX, has done it again with his newest food truck concept Flippin’ Chickens. This is more than just a wing spot, it’s a wing experience. Scott is sharing some of his favorite wing flavors you won’t see on most wing menus. Some of the wing flavors include Dry Jerk, 22k Hot Honey, Suya, and Smoke Dust.
8. Chic Chef 77 – Tempe, AZ
If you are looking for an upscale wine bar in Tempe, then Chic Chef 77 is your place to be. Owner celebrity chef Nik Fields is the mind behind Arizona’s first Black woman-owned wine bar. Field is not only a chef but a wine afficianado.One of her goals is to allow Chich Chef 77 to be a platform for the smaller unknown wine makers. The menu includes a rotating wine list of over 200 wines that pair perfectly with her menu of charcuterie, deviled eggs and signature cocktails.
Greater Washington DC
9. Crisppi’s Chicken – Huntington, VA
NFL Hall-of-Famer, Randy Moss has opened Crisppi’s in his home state of West Virginia. Moss and Co-founder Brittany Tolliferreo claims that Crisppi’s has the Best Chicken in America! Crisppi’s serve chicken in the best way possible in the form of unique chicken sandwiches, chicken and waffles, tenders, wings and on top of fries. Give their Chicken and Peach Cream Waffles or the Honey Buff Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwich.
Midwest
10. Slice Brothers – Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis’ first Black-Owned pizzeria, Slice Brothers, opened up two new locations last year: Frogtown in July and Mall of America in October. Since 2021, owners Adam Kado and Hosie Thurmond have been on a mission to bring affordable slices to the twin cities. Some of their most famous slices include their Buffalo Chicken, Dill Pickle Ranch or build your own slice.
11. Burgeezy – Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis’ first Plant-Based burger restaurant, Burgeezy, is now open on the Canal Walk. After owners Kadeesha and Antoin Wiggins became vegan in 2017, they saw that their area was in need of more vegan options. Burgeezy started as a dream and is now a reality. They offer a plant-based menu that is filled with items like Chicago-style hot dogs, Hot Hunny Chick’n Sandwich, Classic Burger and much more.
12. Dejuan’s – Akron, OH
Dejuan’s is Akron’s first Black-owned fine dining restaurant. First time restaurant Owner Pastor De’Juan Kelker said in an article that this is his way of giving back to the Akron community. At Dejuan expect nothing less than the best with their menu. From Deep Fried Red Snapper to Crab Cakes to Tomahawk steak, this menu is full of flavor.
Carolinas
13. The Vegan Spot – Fayetteville, NC
The Vegan Spot, the third vegan spot in Fayetteville, started as a food truck and has recently opened up as a brick and mortar. Owners, Yoniara and Robert, are making healthy alternatives to traditional favorites. Give some of their top gun favorites like the Tango Burger, Everything Bagel Burger or one of their delicious pizzas.
Southeast
Certified Pies – Little Rock, AR
Gumbo is a staple in many homes for new years day because it represents luxury, family and joy. Some homes have a gumbo party on New Year’s Eve to prepare for the huge pot of gumbo they will make on New Year’s Day. For some they make it a day ahead so that they can have a richer gumbo on New Year’s Day. Don’t skimp on ingredients, make a gumbo with everything like seafood, chicken, sausage, crawfish and whatever else you’d like to add. Here are some restaurants with some of the best gumbo to try in 2024.
Northwest
14. Kingdom Coffee House – Salem, OR
When you spend time learning about coffee in France, it’s only right that you bring that knowledge back to your community and serve. That’s exactly what owner Devin Brown did. He and his wife Rebecca, opened up Kingdom City Coffee House with the hopes of bringing peace to downtown Salem (Salem biblically means “City of Peace”). Their menu is filled with many classic coffee shop items like pastries, lattes and tea.
Northeast
15. BB’s Hot Spot – Pittsfield, MA
BB’s Hot Spot is bringing the taste of the Caribbean to Pittsfield, MA. Chef Owner, Ronnie Brizan started the restaurant as a food truck after being laid off from his job. Now the Grenada-born owner, has officially opened up the brick and mortar location at The Lantern. The menu is filled with Brizan’s childhood favorites like Braised Oxtails, Curried Goat and Beef Patties.
Author: Black Restaurant Week
Content Team
