Supporting independent, Black-owned businesses has always been important. Due to systemic racist structures, securing capital investments, loans and property have long been disproportionately difficult for people of color. Add to that the razor-thin margins of food-related businesses, and you’ve got an extra-steep uphill climb for Black entrepreneurs in the culinary industry.
But make no mistake — there is no shortage of Black-owned food businesses in Pennsylvania! We’ve divided our list up into the eastern and western parts of the state, and will be adding to the list frequently as we learn of more places that should be included!
Bakeries & Sweets
A flight of toasted almond, lemon coconut and chocolate espresso at Affinity Confections.
Affinity Confections: A pastry chef, Joe Green, is the proprietor of this inspired pastry shop that offers two year-round “collections” supplemented by quarterly collections that focus on peak-season ingredients. The indulgent menu includes bars, like vegan brownies and a lemon curd poppy bar, mini tarts, shortbreads, cupcakes, cakes and trifles. There is no storefront; order online for local pick-up or delivery. Philadelphia; (267) 297-4683.
Banana Mousse: This small ice cream shop specializes in two things: creamy mousse and over-the-top milkshakes. Both come in a range of decadent flavors, like chocolate hash, cinnamon toast, fruity pebble and sweet potato pie with crumbled graham cracker. Find Banana Mousse in Cobbs Creek and at its new location in Fairmount, on the same block as The Met Philadelphia. 5602 Spruce St., Philadelphia; (267) 401-5487 and 834 N. Broad St., Philadelphia; no phone.
Clara’s Groovy Deliciousness: Wedding and special occasion cakes may be how owner Samirah Williams got her start (Clara is her grandmother’s name), but there’s a lot more on offer! There’s her gourmet line of flavored popcorn, Love Crunch, plus seasonally-inspired handpies, cookies, brownies, chocolate bark and more, all of which are available to order through her website. Philadelphia; (267) 603-3270.
Carline’s Cheesecakes: Homemade, fresh and delicious, these cheesecakes go way beyond the typical flavors with offerings like pistachio, Nutella swirl, lemon, peanut butter cup and chocolate chip cookie. New flavors are introduced weekly, and reportedly, vegan options are coming soon! If you prefer a classic cheesecake, Carline’s knocks that out of the park, too. Call or text to order. no listed address, Scranton; (570) 677-3271.
Cathryn’s Cake Salon: Found in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, Cathryn’s was founded in 2014 by Cheryl and her daughters Vaniah and Judeah. The three offer a lot more than just cakes, but those are a great starting point with flavors like cookie butter, apple pie and salted caramel chocolate-covered pretzel. You can get cheesecake, pound cake, pudding and order for special events with options like sheet cakes, wedding cakes, cookie trays and custom cupcakes. To learn from these skilled bakers, try one of their classes! 7401 Fayette St., Philadelphia; (215) 842-5747.
Darnel’s Cakes: This bakery has a social mission to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Currently open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for pick-up, Darnel’s slings more than just sweets (though the buttermilk bars and brownies are a must); biscuit and biscuit breakfast sandwiches round out the savory side. Order online for shop pickup, or preorder for one of two Saturday farmers markets, Landsale Farmers’ Market and East Falls Farmers’ Market. 444 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia; no phone.
Denise’s Delicacies: Denise’s may be best-known for their elegant wedding cakes, but that’s just the start of what this Philly-based bakery (in action since 1990!) can do. Elaborate and detailed custom cakes can be made for all sorts of special occasions, like birthdays, anniversaries and showers. Order online or by phone! 2916 N. 22nd St., Philadelphia; (215) 225-5425.
Kia’s Cakes: This neighborhood bakery in Lansdowne that specializes in wedding and specialty cakes, baked fresh using natural ingredients, like unbleached flour, aluminum-free baking powders, organic milk, real butter, sea salt and pure vanilla. There are plenty of more “everyday” treats to try, as well, like muffins, cookies and cupcakes, as well as tea and coffee service. 16 S. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (484) 461-3793.
Make’m Bake’m owner Cory Powell
Make’m Bake’m: Small-batch cheesecakes in a tempting array of flavors — banana pudding, cinnamon swirl, match, key lime and so many more —are what Make’m Bake’m is all about. Vegan cheesecakes, Drunken Cheesecakes (yes, cheesecakes spiked with booze!), and other baked treats, like cinnamon rolls, biscotti, Bundt cakes and cookies, round out the options. Keep tabs on new flavors via Make’m Bake’m’s Instagram page and find the products at Farina Di Vita, Mei Mei Philadelphia, and Poe’s Sandwich Joint. Various locations; no phone.
Marlei’s Sweet Tooth: This bakery and ice cream shop has all kinds of decadent treats like a warm peach cobbler sundae and a banana split. Stop in for a cone and load it with toppings, and keep its Drizzle Room in mind for birthday parties and special events. 433 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 798-6202.
Mia & Maddie’s Bakery: Owner Eileen Newman channels her passion for baking into everything she makes, starting with high-quality, organic ingredients and from-scratch methods. From everyday goodies, like banana bread and apple crumb bars to custom cupcakes and layer cakes, find everything you crave at this local bakery. Peruse the selection in-store, or order ahead to pick up; deliveries are offered within a 40-mile radius of Easton. 34 N. 2nd St., Easton; (484) 548-2045.
Pound Cake Heaven: A slice of the gourmet pound cakes from this family-owned bakery are indeed heavenly! Made in small batches with all natural ingredients and no preservatives, this is the good stuff. While best known for its pound cakes, Pound Cake Heaven also makes custom special occasion and layer cakes, cookies, deep dish pies and more. Shop in person at its three locations or order online. 712 Church Ln., Yeadon; (610) 574-9491; 2300 West 4th St., Chester; (610) 613-6206; 3415 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 239-5004.
Saddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice: Philly’s favorite iconic frozen treat is elevated at Saddiq’s with the inclusion of real, fresh fruit. Find inspired flavors, like cantaloupe, coquito and mango lemonade, alongside scooped ice cream, funnel cake, fried Oreos, milkshakes and soft pretzels. Enjoy at its Philadelphia and Chester locations. 720 W. 9th St., Chester; 264 S. 60th St., Philadelphia.
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Scoops N Smiles Ice Cream: These neighborhood ice cream joints are everything you want out of spots like this: bustling with families, tons of delicious treats on offer, friendly staff of local teens … the whole nine yards. The flavors of Dutch Farm and super-premium ice cream rotate daily, and vegan options are always available! 327 E. King St., Malvern; (484) 329-6119; 6 E. Gay St., West Chester; (484) 266-0176.
Second Daughter Baking Co.: Sisters Rhonda Saltzman and Mercedes Brooks founded this boutique baking company after both being laid off in March 2020 because of COVID. They’ve combined their talents for the culinary arts and photography to create captivating, artistic cakes and other tempting treats like pillowy focaccia loaves, crackle-topped brownies and sumptuous fruit tarts. They currently work out of a shared space in the Bok Building in South Philadelphia. 1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia; (215) 964-7849.
Sprinkled Sweetness: Pastry chef, educator and entrepreneur, Tatiana Wingate was trained at the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill in Philadelphia, as well as in France, and she brings her prodigious skills to her Philly-based business. Breathtaking custom cake designs and cake-decorating workshops are her specialties. For a sampling, you can pop inti the shop for cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, cake slices, cookies and more. Shop online for a limited number of items, or get a quote for a custom job. 510 S. 5th St., Philadelphia; (267) 252-2901.
Sugarluxe by Babycakes: We got to know baker Khadijah Ford when we interviewed her for a feature as part of our “Pleased to Bake Your Acquaintance” series. Her detailed, stylish sugar cookies are unforgettable, and she’s now offering cookies, as well as cake and cookie mixes through a new online shop! Check out her beautiful handiwork via Sugarluxe’s Instagram page. No listed address, Drexel Hill; (267) 225-3357.
Sweet Jazmine’s: Chef Kimberly Davis Cuthbert founded Sweet Jazmine’s in 1999, and has been wowing the Main Line ever since with her creations, like her signature Sweet Potato Muffins, gourmet cheesecakes and gluten-free desserts. Beautiful specialty cakes are also available. Follow Sweet Jazmine’s on Instagram for pop-up news and more! 15 Bridge Ave., Berwyn; (610) 644-1868.
Sweet Life Bakeshop: Scratch baked delights abound at Sweet Life, which specializes in pudding cups in addition to cupcakes, cakes, pies and cookies. Banana features heavily amoung the puddings, with options like original banana, strawberry banana and salted caramel pudding. Order online for pick-up or delivery. 740 South St., Philadelphia; (215) 717-7770.
Sweet Nina’s: Located in Reading Terminal Market, Sweet Nina’s is owned and operated by Nina Bryan, an accomplished culinary innovator. Her sweet and savory creations have won her plenty of praise, including “Best of Philly” awards from Philadelphia Magazine in 2018 and 2019 for her banana pudding. Visit in person at the market Wednesday through Saturday. 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia; (215) 805-8757.
Sweet T’s Bakery & Snack Shop: After constant sell-outs at its prior, temporary location, Sweet T’s owners set up shop as the first Black-owned bakery in Reading Terminal Market and they haven’t looked back. Sweet T’s offers up an array of sweet potato delights, including pies, pound cakes, cheesecakes and cupcakes. You’ll also find other treats like an Oreo cheesecake plus refreshments and bagels, plus sugar-free options. Keep tabs of its news and pop-ups on its Facebook page. 51 North 12th, 1136 Arch St., Philadelphia; no phone.
Sweet Treat Hut: Now in two Philly locations, Sweet Treat Hut is all about health and well-being. Smoothies are the staple here, with options like Fluffy Peach (peach and pineapple) and Chunky Monkey (almonds and peanuts, banana, cocoa, cinnamon and almond milk). You can grab an acai bowl or build-your-own wraps, too! 1240 N. 50th St., Philadelphia; (215) 877-1471; 1221 S. Broad St., Philadelphia; (215) 254-5694.
Tall Poppy: This nomadic bakery pops up around Philadelphia to vend its beloved biscuits. These range from simple, fluffy buttermilk biscuits with homemade jam and honey butter to collaboration sandwiches with local chefs. Keep an eye on its Instagram for future events. Philadelphia.
Coffee Shops & Cafes
Avenues Café: Tucked into Mt. Airy along Germantown Avenue, find Avenues, a BIPOC and LGBTQ+-owned coffee shop with great drinks, pastries and snacks. Every last Friday of the month, Avenues stays open late for art shows featuring works from local artists. 7201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.
Atiya Ola’s Spirit First Foods: This vegan and raw foods-focused cafe has been part of the West Philadelphia community in various forms for decades. Founder Atiya Ola describes her mission as, “to assist the Divine, Sacred Earth families to return to spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being.” Plant-based dishes, like stir-fries, salads and wraps can be ordered online for pick-up multiple days each week. 310 S. 48th St., Philadelphia; (215) 939-3298.
Bold Coffee Bar: Cozy and bright, neighbors flock to this local coffee shop to try the creative, unique lattes and coffee drinks, like the Coconut Caramel Dream Latte and Busy Bee cold brew. A small food menu offers pastries, bagels and breakfast burritos. 1623 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 319-8689.
Bower Café: With a minimalist-but-welcome aesthetic, this cafe centers on warm hospitality and high-quality coffee. Locally roasted coffee, creative toasts, Old World-style cured meats and pastries are the menu’s focus, and “good vibes and simplicity of service” are the ethos. 1213 Walnut St., Philadelphia; (215) 982-2182; 1 Convention Ave. (HUP Pavilion), Philadelphia; (267) 279-7695.
Buna Cafe: Traditional Ethiopian dishes are the house specialty at this comfy brunch spot, like scrambled eggs served with injira bread and ful beans with pita. There are numerous vegan options, too, including stir fries like Fasolia (spiced string beans and carrots with onions are garlic). Beverages, desserts and a small grocery selection are also on offer. 5121 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia; (610) 615-8575.
Coffee Creams & Dreams: With an intentionally-designed space to maximize comfort (think: colorful art, padded chairs, free Wifi), organic Fair Trade coffee and an in-house co-working/meeting space, this is a great place to study or do remote work. 1436 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 225-7602.
FarmerJawn: Christa Barfield‘s business transcends a single category with a Westtown farm stand, CSAs and the upcoming CornerJawn shop in Kensington. She’s a recent James Beard Award recipient and continues evolving agricultural practice in SEPA. 1225 E. Street Rd., West Chester; no phone.
Good Karma Cafe: Owner Shawn Nesbit’s cafe and eatery has three centralized locations: Wilma Theater, Society Hill and Filter Square, all offering up welcoming vibes, great coffee, and casual breakfast and lunch fare. Order online to take your goodies to go, or hang out in these bright, cozy cafes for a spell. 265 Broad St., Philadelphia; (267) 318-7229; 928 Pine St., Philadelphia: (267) 519-8860; 331 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia; (215) 546-1479.
Hibiscus Cafe: This bright, happy West Philadelphia cafe serves vegan and vegetarian food in addition to a slew of tasty juices and smoothies, like Roots & Culture made with beets, carrot, Irish moss, cashew and rice milk. Enjoy wraps or platters with rice and chicken, curried kale and chickpea, jerk tofu or tuna. 4907 Catharine St., Philadelphia; (215) 307-3749.
Honeysuckle Provisions: Part Afrocentric cafe, part grocery store, Honeysuckle Provisions is part of co-owners Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate’s Honeysuckle Projects, a network of community spaces that center the Black experience. Stop in for breakfast, where grits, eggs, breakfast sandwiches and vegan scrapple are the hits, or lunch, for West Philly favorites like the Turnip Hoagie or the fried chicken biscuit sandwich. Coffee drinks, teas, sweet and savory pastries and more are available. 310 S. 48th St., Philadelphia; (215) 307-3316.
iMunch Cafe: After working in restaurant kitchens around town, Philadelphia native and Art Institute of Philadelphia culinary arts grad, Executive Chef Nicquan Church opened iMunch, a casual eatery focused on healthy food. On the menu, find coffee and smoothies, breakfast foods and light lunch fare. Order online for pick-up or delivery. 1233 N. 31st St., Philadelphia; (215) 236-8624.
Juice Box 215: This fresh-pressed juice brand offers affordable raw juices and smoothies for delivery across the Tri-State area. Cleanses, mixed-flavor packages, health shots, and alkaline superfoods like sea moss and soursops are all offered; shop online to check out the full range of offerings. 16 N. 58th St., Philadelphia; (215) 337-3974.
Made with Love Juicery: This Spring Garden juicery offers powerful food and drink, from a variety of cashew milks to no-filler smoothies and plenty of juice. There’s made-to-order pressed juice, including a pick-four create your own option, and a “Beet It Sweetie” with beet, strawberry, lemon, apple and grape, and lots more! 1925 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia; (267)855-8423.
Nourish: This plant-based cafe and juice bar has an incredible menu of vegan delights, like plaintain nuggets, oyster mushroom wings and raw walnut tacos. There are superfood, alkaline and seamoss smoothies, plus fresh juices. Nourish also offers weekly plant-based meal prep and catering. 177 W Girard Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 761-9242.
Purplish Squeezes Juice Bar specializes in all natural juices you can grab in 16 ounce, half gallon and gallon sizes. The signature juice is Purplish Berry Burst, made with pineapples, strawberries, oranges, blueberries and raspberries. Cool off with Classic Cool Mint with Granny Smith apples, orange and mint and catch the special seasonal juices, too, like Passion Peach Bliss and Watermelon Kiwi Splash. 5400 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 973-3146.
The Juice Room: Nutritious, made-to-order juices and smoothies are on the menu at The Juice Room, a bright shop on Germantown Ave. in Philadelphia. Chose from green fruit-and-veggie-packed concoctions and protein-rich smoothies, all of which can be punched up with additions like wheatgrass, spirulina and flaxseeds. 7127 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 248-1122.
Thunder Mug: With a focus on coffee, bagels, quiches and sandwiches, this cute local spot keeps its locals coming back with extra touches like free board games and visit with Santa during the holiday season. 4233 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 766-6950.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books: Marc Lamont Hill founded this Germantown bookstore/cafe hybrid as an homage to his own Uncle Bobbie, whose home was always full of books, conversation and laughter. With coffee and light fare on the menu, and books across numerous genres, with a focus on BIPOC authors, this space is truly focused on community, knowledge and inclusion. 5445 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 403-7058.
Vault + Vine: Coffee, plants and artisan goods? Yes, please! This beautiful shop in the East Falls section of Philly combines these three categories to a glorious effect. Visit the cafe for an espresso or tea drink a light bite to eat, then peruse the selection of house plants, cut flowers and gifts. 3507 Midvale Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 331-6292.
Catering & Food Trucks
Boomer’s Kitchen & Catering: This woman-owned catering company and food truck offers fresh, quality food for all kinds of functions, from private dinner parties to kid’s birthdays, as well as lunch delivery to local businesses. At the food truck, popular menu items include breakfast specials, like egg-and-cheese Belgian waffle sandwiches and veggie burritos, and lunch bites, like cheesesteak poppers and salmon BLTs. no listed address; (267) 471-4250
Brotherly Grub: This food truck, founded by Chef Tanesha Trippett blends Southern cooking techniques with Spanish flavors and Philly traditions, and supports local businesses and urban farms through sourcing. Dishes include street tacos, southern-style sandwiches, jumbo Gulf shrimp, with vegan options available, too. Philadelphia.
Chef Big Rube: Reuben Harley is a 21-st century jack of all trades, with a career spanning marketing, writing, street fashion photography and blogging, and food. As a chef, Big Rube is known for his catering, private dinners and pop-ups, the most recent of which have been at Pitcher’s Pub, a neighborhood bar in Manayunk. (Pitcher’s Pub’s address): 4326 Main St., Philadelphia; (215) 487-1370.
Corneey’s Food Truck: This food truck, which opened September of 2020, is a celebration of local corn, with a focus on gourmet corn-on-the-cob, as well as flavored popcorn. Owner/operator Nija Wiggins incorporates different global cuisines into her corn dishes, like The Elote (Mexican-style), The Jerk (Jamaican-style) and The Deep Fried (Southern-style). The truck, which parks on the corner of Chew and Upsal Streets in Germantown, is open seasonally. Philadelphia; (215) 543-2755.
Daddy’s Kitchen: Find this popular food truck at breweries, food truck rallies and festivals all over the Philly area, serving up everything from juicy burgers to jerk chicken cheesesteaks to french fry baskets dripping in toppings. Recent Daddy’s Kitchen spottings include at Neshaminy Creek Brewing, Aristaeus Craft Brewing and Philadelphia Brewing Co.
F.U.N. Kitchen: While not a catering company, per se, this plant-based meal jar delivery company brings delicious, healthful food to customers at home. Meal varieties include Stay Focused grilled (vegan) cheese on Texas Toast; Abundance Burger, with pickled jalapeno and tomato jam; and Stronger Together Vegan Cheesesteak, with plant based crumbles, onions and peppers. Order online for Philadelphia delivery. Philadelphia; (267)-314-7585.
Princess Potpies: This take-and-bake and catering business specializes in healthier comfort and soul food classics, like deep dish pot pies, lasagna, salads, stews and stromboli. A nice array of cinnamon rolls are on offer, too, in flavors like peach cobbler, apple strudel and white chocolate. no address listed, Philadelphia; (267) 873-2055.
The Taste Smokers: Pit Master Quartez Moore brings his Chicago-style barbecue to Bethlehem. Between competitions and pop-ups, The Taste Smokers offer catering to all sorts of private events, like family reunions, weddings, tailgates, birthday parties and more. no address listed, Bethlehem; (484) 597-1980.
Restaurants & Bars
48th St. Grille: With years of culinary experience under his belt, Chef Carl Lewis aims to bring a fresh, modern American-Caribbean neighborhood restaurant to West Philadelphia. The relaxed, thoughtful space has become a gathering place for people from all over the city. They come for house specials, like Rasta Pasta, Island wings, braised oxtail and more. Order online for take-out. 310 S. 48th St., Philadelphia; (267) 244-4764
720 West Bistro: A modern bistro and jazz lounge offers great food and lively atmosphere. With a full kitchen and bar, 720 West is known for tasty dinner and brunch specials, and drinks flowing ’til 1 a.m. 720 S. 52nd St., Philadelphia; (215) 472-4400.
Amari’s Restaurant: For a super tasty brunch and soul food delights, head to Amari’s. Choose from eggs, sweets like pancakes and French toast, the popular grits, chicken and waffles or lunch items like cheesesteaks, burgers or salmon cakes. 5037 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 921-9552.
Barkley’s BBQ: After 15 years as a truck driver, Terrell Barkley opened a BBQ restaurant in 2014, where he is now pit master (followed by a food truck in 2018). Fresh, slow-cooked food is Barkley’s aim, with a menu full of classics, like pulled pork, brisket and chicken, sides and sauces. Order for delivery on apps like UberEats and DoorDash. 2017 N. 29th St., Philadelphia; (215) 763-7427.
The Bayou Southern Kitchen & Bar: Part of The Bayou Boys Hospitality Group, this New Orleans-inspired restaurant is helmed young restaurateurs Cristian Duarte, Jeremy Straub and Mo Taylor. High-quality food, great craft beer and attentive service are the cornerstones of the Bayou. 702 Hawthorne Rd., Bethlehem; (610) 419-6669; 64 Centre Square, Easton; (610) 829-1700.
Black & Mobile: This smartphone app is the first Black-owned food delivery service that partners with other Black-owned businesses. This app launched in Philadelphia, Atlanta and Detroit; in Philly, it offers delivery from dozens of restaurants in every corner of the city. Philadelphia.
Blazin Flavorz: Walk up and order from the window at this neighborhood spot, which offers treats like funnel cake, nachos, gourmet pretzels, water ice, ice cream and more. Delivery is also available through UberEats and GrubHub. 2406 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia; (267) 428-6552.
Booker’s Restaurant: This restaurant and full bar features Southern food with a modern twist, and lots of vegetarian and vegan options. Brunch is where Booker’s really shines, with craveable dishes like huevos rancheros and fried chicken, waffles and shrimp. 5021 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia; (215)-883-0960.
Brunch N: You’ll find all-day brunch vibes aplenty at this easygoing cafe. House specials include flank steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, hazelnut cream pancakes and more. A BYOB policy means you can bring your own champagne to kick things up a notch. 1301 Vine St., Philadelphia; (267) 861-0281.
Butter’s Soul Food To Go: For over 20 years, owner/operator Kevin Bell has been providing the neighborhood with homey, familiar fare, like smothered pork chops, BBQ wings and potato salad. Delicious desserts and catering are also available. Call ahead to place an order for pick-up. 2730 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 235-4724.
Careda’s Caribbean Cuisine: This Reading Terminal Market spot features an array of mouthwatering Carribean dishes. The menu includes curried chicken and goat, oxtail, Jamaican patties, and jerk pork, salmon, shrimp, chicken and vegetables and fried whiting. Order for pick-up or delivery through GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats and more. 1136 Arch St., Philadelphia; (215) 923-2752.
Champagne Cafe: This bar/restaurant in historic Germantown combines a relaxed atmosphere with an upscale aesthetic, and is a place for family and friends to meet for dinner and drinks. Steakhouse fare, like baked potatoes, char-broiled burgers and Caesar salads are on the menu; order online for pick-up or delivery. 21 E. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 849-7366.
Cheezy Vegan: Everything at this Delco spot is vegan; yes, that includes the omelets, the burgers, the mac and cheese, the pizza and the “cheeze” steaks! There’s a whole sweet side of the menu, as well, with cookies, cakes, milkshakes, floats, bread pudding and more, all of which is plant-based. This is one of two restaurants in the Greater Philly Area owned by Chef Tarik Ryant (see Chef Reeky’s Cafe, below). 604 Fairview Rd., Woodlyn; (610) 543-2300.
Chef Reeky’s Cafe and Juice Bar: There is no shortage of seriously tempting dishes to try at Chef Reeky’s, from the uber-creamy grits to the stuffed french toast to the short rib cheesesteak. Cold pressed juices and smoothies lighten things up. 6517 Elmwood Ave., #2816, Philadelphia; (215) 921-9915.
Cherry’s Caribbean Palace: Jamaican and soul food is the focus of this takeout spot in the Lehigh Valley. Menu specials are shared on Cherry’s social media, with the option to dine in-person, pick up or order through UberEats for delivery! 415 Main St., Freemansburg; (610) 419-4456.
Cyrenity Sips: This urban winery in Hatboro is the result of owner Shakia Williams’ passionate pursuit in small-batch winemaking. The Cyrenity Sips storefront is opening for bottles, glasses and flights to be enjoyed on site, or bottles to-go. Guests can bring their own food, and large parties are welcome with a call a head. 31 S. York Rd., Hatboro; (267) 387-8405.
Dhalak Paradise: Perhaps known best as a neighborhood watering hole with a large, lively back patio, Dhalak also offers a full menu of Eri-Ethiopian food. Order online for delivery through GrubHub. 4708 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 726-6464.
Doro Bet: The fried chicken at Doro Bet, made with a teff flour batter and available tossed in a number of Ethiopian sauces, has made quite a splash in Philly. It’s available by the piece of in fried chicken sandwiches. Chicken shawarma, traditional Ethiopian dishes and vegan dishes are also on the menu. 4533 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 921-6558.
Down North Pizza: It’s worth waiting in line for the Detroit-style pizza and Thai chili wings and apple pie milkshakes at this comfort-food spot founded by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi and Chef Kurt Evans. But Down North’s mission goes deeper than za; it aims to reduce recidivism rates in Black communities by erasing employment barriers faced by formerly incarcerated men and women, and paying fair wages. 2804 W. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 377-9787.
Dwight’s Southern Bar-B-Que: For over 30 years, Dwight’s has been dishing up generous portions of BBQ classics, like turkey legs, BBQ salmon, ribs, greens and mac-and-cheese. 4345 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 879-2497.
Everybody Eats Vittles Food Hall: Everybody Eats started as a mutual aid food giveaway program back in 2020, the joint project of a group of Philly chefs including Stephanie Willis, Kurt Evans and Aziza Young. In February 2022, they opened Vittles, a food hall in historic Chester, which houses The Perfect Catch and Ray’s Diner. It’s currently open Wednesday through Friday. 801 Sproul Rd., Chester.
Family Chicken & Waffles Catering: Don’t let the name fool you! Yes, there are chicken and waffles at this Lehigh Valley restaurant and catering company, but seafood is its true strength. Platters and pots of lobster, king crab, shrimp and more are offered each day for takeout — these often sell out, so don’t wait to call in your order! 1800 Sullivan Trail Suite 360, Easton; (610) 438-1882.
Farina Pasta and Noodles: This eatery brings a fast-casual approach to fresh pasta. Guests pick their pasta shape, sauce and toppings for dozens of possible combinations, like rigatoni with marinara, bucatini with vodka sauce and mushroom bacon and papardelle with pesto and sausage. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. 132 S. 17th St., Philadelphia.
Buttermilk biscuits topped with buttermilk fried chicken tenders in spicy honey sauce at Food Chasers’ Kitchen
Food Chasers’ Kitchen: Founded by two sisters with a passion for travel and food, this new spot in Elkins Park features breakfast and lunch menus loaded with comfort food. There are familiar classics, like breakfast sandwiches and cheesesteaks, as well as house specialties, like a salmon BLT and This Jawn Bangin, a fried chicken sandwich with “bang bang sauce”, cheese and pickles on a potato bun. Dine in or order online; catering is also available. 7852 Montgomery Ave., Elkins Park; (215) 758-2078.
Friday Saturday Sunday: After working for many high-profile chefs in Philadelphia and New York, Chef Chad Williams and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Hanna Whitaker, bought, renovated and revamped this Fitler Square stalwart. It’s now one of the most-loved electric modern restaurants in Philadelphia, earning plenty of awards, including James Beard Awards, along the way. 261 S. 21st St., Philadelphia; (215) 546-4232.
Happy Sandwich Caribbean Cuisine: Great Caribbean cuisine and a relaxed ambiance are what this spot is known for! Roti, curry goat, oxtail, shark, stew turkey, stew chicken, jerk chicken and curry chicken are just some of the dishes on offer. Call in your order for curbside pick-up; hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or order delivery through DoorDash. 123 S. 7th St., Allentown; (610) 432-1325.
Jamil’s Cafe: This community-focused soul food restaurant keeps the neighborhood fed with fried whiting, grilled salmon, candied yams and more. The owner’s commitment to supporting his neighborhood is so strong that he even celebrated his 40th birthday with a fish fry fundraiser, using the money raised to provide free food to the community the following week! 6830 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 221-2838.
Liberty Place Pub: Owned by James Miller (who is also the proprietor of State Street Pizza and Grill, see below), this pub in The Market at Liberty Place opened in 2019. Craft beer, including local breweries, wine and spirits, as well as six-packs to go, are available at this family-friendly establishment. Keep tabs on its tasty concoctions via Instagram. 148 W. State St., Kennett Square; (610) 925-3411.
Lil Trent’s Grille & Pizzeria: This tasty North Philly spot serves pizza, cheesesteaks, salads, hoagies and lots more. Order online and keep its mobile concessions food truck in mind for your next event. 1501 N. Broad St., Philadelphia; (267) 687-2878.
Mabel’s BBQ: Mabel Spann, who grew up in Paoli, PA, draws from the BBQ secrets and techniques of generations before her to make authentic, genuine barbecue. Quality ingredients, carefully and patiently tended, lead to delectable dishes, like fried catfish, chicken, ribs, baked beans, and hush puppies. Homemade desserts, including whole pies, are also offered. Catering is available. 607 E. Market St., West Chester; (610) 701-0288.
Mecca Caribbean and Soul Food: Tucked into a small storefront in West Reading, Mecca serves a revolving menu of soul food dishes from a hot bar; mix and match dishes like jerk chicken, candied yams, collard greens and rice and beans to make your perfect platter. 166 Franklin St., West Reading; (610) 396-5584.
Miss Winnie’s: This restaurant is inspired by, and dedicated to, the memory of Winnifred Johnston, a Jamaican woman who immigrated to the US and was beloved by her community. Head Chef Bert Johnston uses Winnie’s secret recipes to make his award-winning Jamaican favorites, like beef and vegetable patties, curries, and, of course, jerk chicken. Catering is available. Call to order, or order online for delivery through GrubHub or DoorDash. 211 E. Market St., West Chester; (484) 266-0508.
Princess Authentic Jamaican Food: A tight menu of Jamaican fare, from pastries and patties to soups and entrees, is offered daily. Lunch specials for students are just $5, and local delivery is free on orders over $10. 2300 Butler St., Easton; (610) 438-4154.
Quality Taste Jamaican Restaurant: This popular eatery is a no-frills counter service source for authentic Jamaican bites like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail. 4002 Lancaster Ave #4000, Philadelphia; (267) 634-6821.
Rosa’s Southern BBQ Grill: This BBQ spot pulls inspirations from Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and the Carolinas, with saucy, tasty platters of brisket, jerk chicken, pulled pork and ribs, plus classic fixings like corn on the cob, mac-and-cheese, collards with bacon, coleslaw and yellow rice. 300 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton; (570) 472-7064.
Rosemary: South Philly-born Chef Elijah Milligan worked in some of the best restaurant kitchens in Philadelphia before he opened Rosemary, a fine dining restaurant in Ridley Park. A full bar serves up signature cocktails, craft beers and a curated wine selection, while the food menu features inspired dishes like shrimp ceviche, burrata, pesto bucatini, glazed pork belly and scallops with English peas, pancetta and mushroom conserva. Reservations are suggested. 25 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park; (610) 671-3770.
Soulful D’Lites: Find delicious platters, rice sandwiches and hot sandwiches here, like garlic parmesan wings, turkey chops, beef meatloaf, tilapia, mussels and a catfish sandwich – fried or grilled. The sides are no joke, with small or large sizes of mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, string beans and potato salad. 529 S 60th St., Philadelphia; (215 883-0151.
SOUTH Kitchen & Jazz Bar: Perhaps one of the best-known jazz lounges in Philadelphia, the dynamic music program at SOUTH is matched with eclectic Southern fare. When it was open, brunch was not to be missed; for now, order online for pick-up or delivery. Despite damage sustained during the recent protests in Philadelphia, SOUTH is currently open for business. 600 N. Broad St., Philadelphia; (215) 600-0220.
State Street Pizza and Grill: Located in The Market at Liberty Place, this classic pizza joint offers cheesy pies and pasta dishes, as well as casual American fare like cheesesteaks, hoagies, wings and snacky appetizers (think: jalapeno poppers and sweet potato fries. Order online for pick-up. 148 W. State St., Kennett Square; (610) 444-4642.
Taste of Soul: This family-friendly soul food restaurant in Allentown’s Hamilton District donates all of its proceeds to support The Caring Place Youth Development Center. Breakfast dishes, Southern-style daily specials, and burgers and sandwiches mean you’re in for a great meal any time of day. Order online for delivery through UberEats, DoorDash or GrubHub. 931 Hamilton St., Allentown; (610) 433-8937.
Two Locals Brewing Co.: This craft brewery owned by brothers Richard and Mengistu Koilor, made history as Philadelphia’s first black-owned brewery when it opened in January 2024. The brewery, in the University City neighborhood, is the culmination of their 8-year journey from home brewers to a professional brewing company. Read more about the Koilor brothers here. 3675 Market St., Suite 100, Philadelphia.
Vegan-ish (Philadelphia): This casual sandwich shop is in the heart of West Philadelphia, and offers fast-food-style vegan and pescetarian dishes. Chickpea burgers, vegan “cheezy” fries, Vietnamese hoagies and buffalo cauliflower are just some of the menu favorites. A second location can be found on the edge of Philly’s Art Museum neighborhood. 1215 N. 52nd St., Philadelphia; (215) 477-1153; 1519 Spring Garden Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 279-7321.
Welcome to the Avenue: This authentic Caribbean restaurant on Pottstown‘s main drag dishes up hearty fare like oxtail stew, tamarind glazed wings, jerk chicken hot pot, and whole red snapper. 107 E. High St., Pottstown; (484) 752-4076.
Westside Flava’s: This casual spot in West Scranton specializes in Southern-style cuisine, with roots stretching from South Carolina to New Jersey. Signature dishes include the Soul Roll, country fried chicken sandwich, and banana pudding. 1316 Luzerne St., Scranton; (570) 507-9142.
Winston’s Jamaican Restaurant: This counter-serve spot specializes in traditional Jamaican specialties. The platters, like oxtails and curry chicken are amazing deals, and the sweets and desserts, like cocoa bread, bulla cake and carrot cake, are not to be missed. Call in for pick-up or order online for DoorDash and Uber Eats for local delivery. 619 N. 7th St., Allentown; (855) 205-3463.
Wiz Kidz: This 1980’s-inspired restaurant from The Bayou Boys dishes up killer Philly cheesesteaks, bowls, salads, sides (like buffalo pierogi!), milkshakes and smoothies. Order online for pick-up or local delivery and explore the catering menu. 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem; (610) 419-2566.
Young American Hard Cider and Tasting Room: The hand-crafted ciders, which are made on-site, are the star of the show at Young American; try them by the glass, the flight or get a growler fill to-go. The food is anything but an afterthought, with unique eats like savory hand pies, pulled tofu and pulled pork sandwiches, soups and snacks, all of which make great pairings with the ciders, local beers, PA spirits and non-alcoholic beverages on offer. 6350 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 406-5307.
We realize that we may have missed some Black-owned food businesses in the eastern part of PA, and that new spots are always opening while others may close — please let us know who, and we’ll add them to this list right away! Chime in on the comments here, or on the PA Eats Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Feature photo: Welcome to the Avenue
- All other photos: Courtesy of the respective businesses and owners
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