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We’ve compiled the perfect list to satiate that hunger, consisting of the top must-see black-owned restaurants on the premise of their originality, zesty food, and positive reviews. From soul vegetarian food to that juicy all-American cuisine, it’s needless to say, you’re going to find a taste of it all on this list.

The Delta 1745 W. North Ave.

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Try the red hot tamales with spicy beef brisket ($6 for three), fried rice with chicken and mushroom ($16) or the grilled Isola catfish with eggplant and Chinese broccoli ($21).

Flavors Southern Cooking– 5721 W. Division

Flavors Southern Cooking

Flavor’s Southern Cooking is serving up some serious flavor while keeping it wholesome. In the heart of Near West Chicago, the restaurant is keen on not only feeding you delicious southern cooking but healthy food for the soul as well. Created with only fresh and organic foods, this contemporary soul-food eatery is the best of both worlds.

 

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Ethiopian chef/owner Tigist Reda opened Uptown’s Demera in 2007. Try a family style messob (combination platter) with beef, chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes ($16.50-$17.95 per person) along with Tej, Ethiopian honey wine ($8).

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Batter and Berries 2748 N Lincoln Ave

If the name isn’t delicious enough? This cafe has you covered with creative pancakes, omelets & other breakfast eats, and it’s melee of sandwiches and lunch. Then there’s also the excitement of the 68-seat breakfast nooks and the mosaic-tiled tables, crafted by the owners themselves.

Berries and Batter Website HERE

Ain’t She Sweet Cafe– 526 E. 43rd St

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Located in historic Bronzeville, Ain’t She Sweet Cafe reflects the neighborhood’s own heartiness with its menagerie of savory meals and sweet desserts!

The Soul Shack 1368 E 53rd St

Quote From Rachel: Walked past ‘The Soul Shack’ a few times in my 3 weeks of being Chicago, decided to grab some good ole southern soul food. It definitely brought back some good memories of living in the south. Walked in at about after 7 pm, not too crowded, was greeted and attended to right away.

This place appears to always be packed and that should be a good sign!

Paul Luxury Homes

Sip and Savor 5301 S Hyde Park – 528 E 43rd Street – 9920 S Western Ave

With three locations and the latter recently opening in Beverly, Sip and Savor is your grandiose coffee shop with music entertainment. Like the others, this place is for all patrons to come and mingle, read ans sip, write and type—well, we’re sure you get it by now.

Frontier 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave

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Grab your friends and family and share a whole smoked pig served with mac and cheese, salad, seasonal vegetables and buttered rolls ($550, serves 12-15 adults, pre-order three days in advance) or choose an entree for one, like the lamb burger with cucumber dill yogurt ($15).

Ja’Grill Harper court, 1510 E Harper Ct

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Hello to Mr. President Obama’s Chicago neighborhood of Hyde Park, Ja’Grill is cooking up curries, jerks & other Jamaican specialties in a very upscale-casual space that has a lounge and, yes—weekend DJs.

Truth Italian 56 E Pershing Rd

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The truth is, Truth! is a five-star cuisine, offering dishes like ravioli Florentine, marinated grilled lamb chops, and more. This is an Italian affair to the T.

Hecky’s Barbecue 1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston

Image result for hecky's barbecueHecky’s has been serving barbecue in Evanston since 1983. Try the Chicago style ribs and hot links combo ($14.50) with fries and bread.

Kizin Creole Restaurant 2311 Howard St.

Image result for kizin creoleGet a “taste of Haiti” with taso kabrit, fried goat with spicy Creole sauce and a side of diri kole, Haitian rice and beans ($14.99).

Original Soul Vegetarian 203 E. 75th street

Featured many times on Chicago’s Best

Serving Food as Medicine for 30+ Years

At Original Soul Vegetarian, we seek to offer a one-of-a-kind culinary experience for vegans and health aficionados throughout the Chicago area. For the past 30 years, we have offered food that is both healthy and delicious—winning the praise and consistent patronage of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

 

Brown Sugar Bakery 328 E 75th St

Calling all sweet tooth’s: if a fix of Brown Sugar’s baked goods, sweat treats and custom cakes won’t do it, what will? If you check in on Yelp, you get a free cupcake. We recommend the caramel cake and the peach cobbler.

Chicago’ Home of Chicken and Waffles 3947 South King Drive

The opened another location in Oak Park.

Peach’s Restaurant 4652 S King Dr

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Just your breakfast all day, casual diner, peach coffee, duck bacon, and bourbon compote spot.

Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant 6232 N Broadway St

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You may have spotted Vee-Vee’s at the Taste of Chicago a few times, but you can find their mainstay in the Edgewater neighborhood. Red beans and rice with jerk chicken, the jollof rice, the plantains, the goat; Vee-Vee’s is one of the best West African/Caribbean restaurants you’ll find in Chicago.

Ina Mae Tavern– 1415 N Wood St

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Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Executive Chef Brian Jupiter has always believed that Southern comfort food is a true art form. Pulling inspiration from closely held family secrets and recipes, Jupiter spent his childhood alongside his grandmother in her kitchen.

Turkey Chop– 3506 W Chicago Ave

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an upbeat, bright grill offering a turkey-centric menu of Italian, Mexican, Asian & Southern dishes!

Soulé 1931 W. Chicago Ave

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Owner Bridgette Harris opened the West Town soul/Creole restaurant in 2017, which features dishes like fried catfish with your choice of side ($15). Side dishes include dirty rice, greens, mac and cheese and sweet potatoes.

*Not sure how but The Jerk Cafe’ shouldn’t have been spotlighted in the post. Good Catch!

 

 

Tim Padavic
Editor-in-Chief