New York City’s unique cultural landscape is brought to life by Black-owned businesses. They celebrate the extraordinary communities that call New York City home and preserve the city’s rich cultural legacy. From food to fashion, Black businesses provide some of the best experiences the city has to offer. That’s why we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite places.
And if you’re looking to learn more or to stop by a Black business near you, check out ByBlack, a business directory launched by the Black U.S. chambers of commerce that allows you to connect with Black businesses from across the country!
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This plant-based restaurant in Harlem takes on Southern soul-food classics like shrimp & grits, fried chicken and waffles, and gumbo. Everything is vegan and made with fresh quality ingredients in-house. The restaurant, founded by sisters Lanise Herman Thomas and Janine Smalls, donates a portion of its proceeds to their afterschool non-profit Young Excellence Society Inc.(YES).
Founded in 2014, this Brooklyn-based shop is a living and breathing archive. Specializing in unique antiques and vintage trinkets, BLK MKT Vintage collects items from across the African diaspora. It sells books, handcrafted sculptures, pennants and paintings. Its Instagram account (@blkmktvintage) is particularly noteworthy and relays the storied histories behind some of its favorite pieces.
This bakery in New York City’s theater district is a true hidden gem. Those who know, know just how good it is. Made from locally sourced ingredients, its pies, cakes and cookies have made this bakery a quiet cult classic. Its cheesecake might be the best in the city, though, its pies are clear standouts. Fan favorites include their Sour Cream Apple Walnut pie, their Mississippi Mud Pie and their seasonal pie of the month, their Pi Day Pay which celebrates Pi Day on March 14.
An intersectional feminist community bookstore and coffee shop, Cafe con Libros creates an inclusive atmosphere where people and books are celebrated and loved. The store hosts events including a monthly book club chat that meets on the second Sunday of every month and has launched a subscription service that delivers books to your doorstep.
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Some of the best food in the city can be found tucked away on the counters of Black Nile Seafood & Soulfood. The owners, Fanerra and Hassan Dupree, have made it a point to make its menu both halal and delicious. Over time, it has become something of a safe haven for a growing Black Muslim community in New York. Some of the fan favorites include honey-glazed salmon, grilled catfish and smoked turkey legs.
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Brooklyn Clay Industries is a ceramics studio in Brooklyn Navy Yards that hosts pottery classes and workshops for people of all ages and abilities. With the passion for pottery-making passed down from his childhood in Dominica, owner Reuben King seeks to inspire creativity and share the tradition with others. The studio offers date night events, which makes it the perfect place to take that special somebody or classes for beginners ready to try something new.
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Glazed NYC, established in 2015 by Shelby Macklin and Banna Nega, is a lifestyle brand that aims to merge functionality with glamor. They offer a series of high-end accessories including bucket hats, beanies and berets and it houses a full-service atelier that reinvents some of your most cherished garments. And in partnership with Cafe Erzulie, a Haitian cafe and cocktail bar, the group hosts a series of live events including a jazz night that aims to bring members of the community together.
“We create beautiful things out of beautiful things” is the mission statement at this Black-owned flower shop in Bed-Stuy. The team draws inspiration from fashion, nature and art to create stunning and unique floral arrangements that are perfect for any occasion. Playing with texture, shadows and colors, the bouquets are individually made with the customer in mind to create one-of-a-kind creations.
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Ginjan, which serves fresh pressed juices and coffees, proclaims to bring African flavors to the world. Its menu includes drinks like bissap made from hibiscus and ginjan made from ginger. The owners, brother Rahim and Mohammed Diallo, opened their cafe in Harlem and became virtual celebrities after their story and their company was featured on the popular Instagram account Humans of New York. In 2023, the brothers announced the opening of their second store in Brooklyn.
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At 26 years old, Cierra Britton opened her eponymous art gallery in Lower Manhattan. It became the first gallery in New York City dedicated to representing BIPOC womxn artists. Her inaugural show in 2022 garnered wide success and attention from artists and purveyors alike. Today, the nomadic and online gallery continues to push the limits of fine art by diversifying the voices of artists and owners and will be exhibiting at Future Fair in Manhattan this May.
Celsious might be one of New York’s most-talked-about laundromats. Founded by sisters Corinna and Theresa Williams whose commitment to sustainable garment care has driven them to create a cleaner and eco-friendlier laundromat experience, Celsious aims to revolutionize laundry. Its laundry line now includes a growing selection of garment care products made without the harmful ingredients.
Owned by the songwriting duo and couple behind the classic hit “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,'' Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on 72nd is a cultural mecca. The bar turns into a live-music venue on weeknights with some of the world’s best acts gracing the stage. The food and drinks here are delicious and the ambiance is warm, inviting and incredibly entertaining. This is a perfect place to grab drinks with friends or a solo night out on the town.
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Highlighting both established brands and up-and-coming designers in the industry, T.a. sells clothes, jewelry and accessories sourced from around the world. The store caters to woman-identifying patrons and has been celebrated by some of the country’s biggest fashion magazines, influencers and brands. The items in the store are incredibly curated. The designs are unique and bright, patterned and textured in vibrant colors and fabrics.
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Lichen has made a name for itself over the past few years. Founded in 2017, this Black- and Asian-owned store designs thoughtful and accessible furniture. Its coffee tables, lounge chairs and chaises sell out quickly so grab them while you can. Its designs are uniquely curated and its approach to home goods is a testament to its unique approach to style and craft. It’s simple but well-made.
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Harlem Hops invests in the community by sourcing beers made by local, often family-owned small batch businesses. Its mission aims to make good beer accessible to good people. As a result, it’s curated an extensive menu and the perfect space to go with it. This local bar brings the neighborhood together. If you’re lucky, strike up a conversation with the staff and learn about some of the world’s best beers, and who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite drink along the way.
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