Traveling to the Chi-Town is bound to be full of culture and adventure. Chicago is known for its diverse neighborhoods, deep-dish pizza (yum!), and sky-scraping buildings. Best of all, it has a plethora of Black-owned businesses that are great for locals and travelers. There is no better time than now to put your money back in the community and patronize Black-owned businesses. Luckily for those visiting Chicago, you don’t have to look hard!
Here are some Black-owned businesses that you can enjoy while in the Windy City!
Restaurants
Soulé
Soulé is a nice casual spot that serves soul food and creole cooking. The small and cozy dining space makes it perfect for lunch dates. You can also just grab takeout if you are short on time.
Some of the menu favorites are jerk shrimp and fried green tomatoes. It’s so good that even celebrities occasionally stop by to partake in the deliciousness. Don’t worry though, even though rich and famous enjoy this place, it won’t break the bank.
The average price for eating at this delicious restaurant is just $16 with its least expensive entree around $10 and its most expensive entree at $22. You can check out the full menu here.
Price Range: $10-$22
Address: 1931 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (directions)
Website: Soulé
Social Media: IG: Soulé Chicago
B&B Ice Cream and Candy
If you’re looking for a sugary treat, B&B is a Black-owned ice cream shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
This shop is a great place for people of every age to enjoy wonderful goodies and tasty foods. Along with their selection of treats they also offer nachos, hotdogs and other foods that go great with a sweet snack.
You can get a treat at this shop for as low as $1, and its menu items do not typically exceed $9.
Price Range: $1-$9
Social Media: FB: B&B Candy & Ice Cream
Address: 8238 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60620 (directions)
BR Bar Dining and Dancing (Steakhouse)
If you are looking for a night out to get drinks with friends and some great food, then this restaurant is a great fit for you. After 9 pm this restaurant transforms into a lively nightlife location.
It’s a perfect place for dressing up and enjoying occasional live music performances. Romantic, fun, and a great place to eat, BR Bar Dining and Dancing has a variety of bar foods from wings to cheeseburgers and menu items like crab legs, salmon, and, of course, Angus steak dinners. You can check out the full menu here.
On average, prices for eating here are $25 with its cheapest entree at $10 and the most expensive entree at $39.
Price Range: $10-$40
Website: BR Steak Bar Dining and Dancing
Address: 18601 Cicero Ave, Country Club Hills, IL 60478 (directions)
Litehouse WholeFood Grill
This inviting restaurant has healthy food options that are delicious and great for the body. If you are vegetarian, you will love the food this place has to offer.
From pasta to salads to burritos to pizza, this restaurant’s menu has a variety of delightful choices. Check out the full menu here. Located in Hyde Park Chicago, this may be a perfect place to stop and get lunch while walking around the city.
Price Range: $16 and under
Website: Litehouse Whole Food Grill
Address: 1660 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Ja’ Grill Hyde Park
Get a taste of this fearlessly authentic Jamaican cuisine. Listen to Caribbean beats and get a feel of the island while drinking tropical drinks and foods full of spice. Looking for a Caribbean vibe in the middle of a big city? Ja’Grill has got you covered. Enjoy drinks, music, flavorful foods, and a good time. Check out the full menu here.
Price Range: $14 to $32
Website: Ja’ Grill Hyde Park
Social Media: IG: Ja’ Grill Hyde Park
Address: 1510 E Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Wellness
Betty O Day Spa
Need some relaxation from all of your traveling? Betty O day Spa is a great place to stop by. They offer services from waxing to facials and from lashes to, of course, massages!
Located in the beautiful downtown of Hyde Park Chicago, you can get all of your wellness needs at this Black-owned spa.
Price Range: Varies
Check out their treatments here: Betty O Day
Address: 1424 E 53rd St #304, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Hyde Park Hair Salon
This high-end salon located in the eccentric Hyde park area can take care of all your beauty needs. Hyde Park Hair Salon is a great business for gentlemen to relax and enjoy a full-service barber treatment. You can check out the full listing of services here.
How does being pampered while getting a haircut sound? Services like facials and shoeshines are offered here along, with many other treatments. Hyde Park Hair Salon was internationally recognized after former president Barack Obama visited before his election. Overall, this Iconic setting is a great place to visit and get the gentlemanly treatment you need!
Price Range: $5-$60
Website: Hyde Park Hair Salon
Address: 5234 S. Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Health is Wealth Wellness Center
Take care of your body from the outside at this wellness center. Get all of your tension and pain released in a relaxing environment. Their services include laser therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, and more. If you are want to improve your overall wellness, this is the place to go!
Price Change: Varies
Website: Health Is Wealth Wellness
Address: 3830 W 95th St # 107, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 (directions)
Divine Healing Herb
Heal yourself with natural ingredients and herbs directly from the earth. This Black-Owned shop offers an alternative to western medicine. They can help heal the soul, mind, and body with their holistic health service. They specialize in all aspects of increasing the health of the body, including weight loss. If you are ever willing to try a more natural pain reliever for a headache or a sore throat, try Divine Healing Herbs.
Price Range: Varies
Check out their Facebook: Divine Healing Herbs
Address: 1621 W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620 (directions)
Shopping
JoJayden Handmade
Need custom suits and shoes? JoJayden is a Black-owned men’s wear house that specializes in making custom items. Dress to impress at a wedding, a fancy dinner or even a business meeting in these custom suits and tuxedos.
Offering options from building your own shoe or shopping shoes handmade, Jojayden has everything you can get at a men’s wear house with the benefit of being Black-owned.
Price Range: Varies
Website: JoJayden
Address: 1457 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Life Organic Manufacturing Company
When you are in the Big C, it is a perfect time to stop and purchase hair care and skin products from this Black-owned company.
Life organically is a top-tier beauty spot that offers natural and organic skin and hair products. The products are completely natural and include eco-friendly ingredients.
Price Range: $18-$60
Website: Life Organics Manufacturing Co.
Kilimanjaro International
Come here to get amazing Souvenirs or just something to spice up your style and home. Kilimanjaro International is an African shop based in Chicago that has a selection of items full of culture and art. You can get paintings, clothing, furniture, and more at this galleria of African-American culture.
Price Range: Varies
Website: Kilimanjaro
Address: 1305 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615 (directions)
Standout Style Boutique
Dare to be bold in this trendy Black-Owned boutique based in Chicago. Shop jeans, shirts, shoes, and other accessories online or in person at this fast-fashion boutique.
Price Range: Varies
Website: Standout Style Boutique
Address: 3353 S Morgan St #1, Chicago, IL 60608 (directions)
Hotels
The Chicago South Loop Hotel
If you are looking to stay in a luxurious hotel in downtown Chicago, The Chicago South Loop Hotel is an ideal place to go. The hotel is just minutes away from downtown and has rooms that overlook the vibrant city.
The Chicago South Loop Hotel is a Black-owned hotel that offers everything you could ask for at your typical Marriott and more! Previous guests praise their exemplary guest services and sophisticated accommodations.
Price Range: $108-$200 a night
Website: The Chicago South Loop Hotel
Address: 11 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616 (directions)
Entertainment
The Rink Chicago
How fun is roller skating? The rink just outside of Chicago is a great place to let loose, be active, and let the good times roll. Perfect for kids and great for adults, skating is almost guaranteed fun times. It is not too often you see a Black-owned skating room, so be sure to check this out!
The rink offers skating classes, parties and family skating. Different days offer different opportunities.
Price Range: $12 admission
Website: The Rink Chicago
Address: 1122 E 87th St, Chicago, 60619, IL (directions)
Buddy Guy’s Legends
What good is being in Chicago if you can’t get a taste of the blues? Not your typical sad party, Buddy Guy’s Legends is a Blues Club in Chicago owned by none other than Buddy Guy!
This famous blues artist opened this club back in 1989 and still makes occasional appearances. What’s better than getting to dance the night away to iconic blues music?
Website: Buddy Guy’s
Address: 700 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605 (directions)
Studio 928
If you are creative and enjoy art, Studio 928 is a Black-owned art studio in Oak Park, IL that has exactly what you need. Enjoy a painting party with friends from choices of beginner, intermediate, and advanced paintings.
The best part is the virtual painting. You don’t need to be in Chicago to have a painting party of your own! Studio 928 offers two ways of painting with friends; in-person and online. You can order a virtual paint party kit and have it delivered to you in just 5-7 days.
Cost: $50 per person
Website: Studio 928
Address: 928 La Grange, Oak Park, IL 60304 (directions)
Tantrum Chicago (Lounge)
Enjoy a drink and a night out at this classy bar located in the South Loop of Chicago. Not exactly a club and not exactly just a bar, this lounge is the perfect in-between for people wanting to relax and socialize in a calm environment. Vibe all night long in this neighborhood bar.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TantrumChicago
Social Media: IG: Tantrum Chicago
Address: 1023 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605 (directions)
Cultural Events
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
The Muntu Dance Theatre in Chicago is one-of-a-kind showcasing of authentic African and African American dance and music. Get inspired and celebrate culture at this theatre through their vibrant music and dance performances.
Website: Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
Address: 1809 E 71st St Ste 203 Chicago, Illinois 60649 (directions)
Black Ensemble Theatre
This theatre is making changes with a mission to “eradicate racism.” The Black ensemble theatre is a diverse and creative musical theatre founded by playwright Jackie Taylor. If you want to see some theatre magic in the form of musicals, plays, and more, the Black Ensemble Theatre is your best bet.
Website: Black Ensemble Theatre
Address: 4450 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (directions)
Little Black Pearl
The Little Black Pearl is a design academy based in Chicago that focuses on bringing creativity and art to urban youth. Even though this is an art academy they have events such as art shows that showcase the talent of students in the program. When you’re in Chicago, be sure to look them up and see if you can catch a glimpse of their creativity.
Website: Little Black Pearl
Address: 1060 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653 (directions)
We hope you enjoy your time in Chicago! If you find any other Black-Owned gems, please let us know in the comments.
To see our top three travel tips, click here. Here are some articles on Black-Owned businesses in NYC and Memphis for your next trips.
