Six Black-owned restaurants and bars in Fort Lauderdale you have to visit

The concept of Vegan Fine Foods came because of an unmet need. Owner Steven Smith, a vegan for almost 24 years, had difficulty finding places to shop for vegan fare and goods.  ‘Sometimes I would have to go five places in a day,’ Smith says. Open since April 2018, Vegan Fine Foods includes Vegan Fine Café, the onsite restaurant. Think vegan food has no flavor? Think again. They offer a variety of meat alternatives and chicken substitutes. 

The must-try: Order the Wild Mushroom Philly (their version of a cheesesteak) or the Wild Mushroom Burger—you’ll forget you’re not eating meat.

Known for its famous tagline, ‘We Don’t Joke, We Jerk’, Jerk Machine brings spice and flavor to downtown Fort Lauderdale.  Owners Catherine and Desmond Malcolm, originally from Kingston and Port Antonio Jamaica, are staples in the Caribbean-American community, recently celebrating 31 years in business.  

The must-try: The number one seller, of course: the jerk chicken. ‘Our number two sellers are the curry goat and oxtail,’ says Catherine. ‘I initially worried the curry goat would be too exotic for some, but it’s second with sales. I want to keep the authenticity of our island cuisine.’

New to the scene is Smitty’s Wings, open since November 28, 2020. Owned by former Florida state senator and attorney Chris Smith, his goal to revitalize the Sistrunk corridor involved hiring 18 employees from the community. ‘They all live within the 33311-zip code, most walk to work,’ says Smith. A unique feature of Smitty’s is the Cigar Locker, where each locker tower has a temperature controlled commercial humidifier for cigar storage. While you’re there, check out the History Wall, with pictures dating back to 1896.

The must-try: Order a batch of wings with Smitty’s Signature Sistrunk Sauce (special blend of orange, pepper, honey and hot sauce).

Many will tell you Tom Jenkins put the Q in barbecue. In 1996, Harry Harrell and Gary Torrence opened their restaurant, named after Gary’s uncle, to the delight of taste buds. A known staple for its southern dishes, people travel far to get good old home cooking. It’s Sunday dinner everyday at Tom Jenkins with pork spare ribs, beef brisket, collard greens and mac and cheese being their top sellers. 

The must-try: Taste one or all their top sellers, or the Mississippi catfish with hush puppies.  ‘We love what we do and appreciate the opportunity to service the public,’ says Harrell.

Opened in March 2019 by former NFL player and philanthropist Stephen Tulloch, Circle House Coffee is a gathering place where all walks of life can come together in a coffee shop. ‘I thought it would be a great way to meet people and create a vibe, and I love coffee,’ says Tulloch. On the menu is Stephen’s own 55 brand coffee, named after the number he wore when he played football. Try the Spicy Chorizo Wrap and Horchata Espresso, big crowd favorites.

The must-try: Enjoy the CBD infused, made-from-scratch slushies or tonics. Yup, you can get that here, but you must be at least 18.

This seafood spot, owned and operated by husband-and-wife Terry Jr. and Laquonda Griffin, is in a small, nondescript plaza,  that may have a line formed outside any given day. ‘My grandmother taught me everything about cooking seafood, I’d go crabbing with her and catch fish,’ he told The Hungry Black Man.  

Those cooking lessons with Terry Jr.’s grandmother paid off: the restaurant, named after his grandmother, has a large local following. The fried garlic crabs, lobster and shrimp tub steam are crowd favorites.

The must-try: Order the jumbo shrimp double cheeseburger, a unique mixture of seafood and beef, stacked high and oozing with flavor.