Black-Owned Restaurants in Charlotte
Whether you’re a native Charlottean or planning to visit soon, check out some amazing Black-owned restaurants that you can support in the Queen City.
by Tierany Griffin
Charlotte’s vibrant history has led to a thriving business community filled with creative entrepreneurs. The contributions of local Black businesses, restaurants, communities and legacies have proven that even through limited resources and a heightened awareness of economic inequalities across the country, Black businesses are a mainstay in the city’s cultural landscape.
1501 S. Mint
Neighborhood: South End
This speakeasy-style cocktail lounge offers American food and a variety of cocktails, craft beers and wines. 1501 S. Mint describes itself as “the spot before the spot” due to its convenient location to many Uptown attractions. On any given night, stop in to enjoy live music, chill out on the year-round patio and even bring your furry companion to enjoy the vibes.
7th Restaurant & Lounge
Neighborhood: Uptown
From signature dishes and craft cocktails to the great music, 7th Restaurant & Lounge is home to a can’t-miss dining experience. Great vibes matched with a chef-inspired, low-country menu, featuring dishes like Chicken & Waffles and Creole Shrimp Clam Bake, are just some of the reasons why 7th Restaurant is a fan favorite in the city.
Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Authentic Ethiopian cuisine is famous for the use of fresh vegetables, top-quality cuts of meat and exotic spices. At Abugida, find all that and then some, including a terrific selection of vegetarian dishes on the menu, making this a great choice for everyone. Even if you're new to the cuisine, the helpful and friendly staff are happy to walk you through the menu.
Archive CLT
Area: West Charlotte
Come for the coffee, stay for the culture. Archive CLT is a coffee shop filled with throwback items from Black culture, such as HBCU yearbooks, posters and first-edition books. This café offers the unique experience of enjoying an iced latte and pastry as you flip through a vintage JET magazine.
Beyond Amazing Donuts
Neighborhood: Montford Park
A local favorite donut pop-up expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in 2023. Beyond Amazing Donuts, B.A.D. for short, is the brainchild of owner Jasmine Macon. The shop offers six staple flavors, along with a cinnamon roll, and four seasonal offerings inspired by North Carolina agriculture. Swap sweet for savory and try the Black Garlic Everything donut.
Blue Bison Coffee
Area: Citywide
Affectionately named after her alma mater’s mascot, the Howard University Blue Bison, you can find Mia Kennedy’s mobile coffee trailer around the Charlotte area. Order the fan-favorite Georgia Avenue Blend from this cozy coffee carriage, a dark roast with notes of dark chocolate that’s named after the street near Howard University.
The Coterie Concept
Neighborhood: South End
Shop and sip wine at The Coterie Concept, a tasting room and boutique that specializes in high-quality wine and fine champagne from North Carolina and beyond. Visit during one of the Sip and Shop pop-up markets, hosted by local and national merchants. Or stop by for weekly specials like half-off wine flights and discount wine spritzers.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Neighborhood: University City
Cuzzo's Cuisine is best known for Southern fare with bold flavors. Cuzzo’s delicious menu ranges from wings, fried shrimp, veggie plates, red velvet waffles, chicken tenders, tacos and more, but the restaurant’s claim to fame is lobster mac and cheese. Cuzzo’s is also getting ready to open a new location at the Charlotte Premium Outlets.
Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown
A childhood favorite, milk and cereal, gets an elevated twist at Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar. Order your favorite cereals as bars, bowls or milkshakes. Creative concoctions include the Unicorn Breath, featuring Lucky Charms, Fruity Pebbles and strawberry drizzle that turn the milk pink, and the Mucha Lucha with Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Detour Coffee Bar
Area: Citywide
No matter where you are in Charlotte, you can always find Detour Coffee Bar. Established in 2019 by a former bookstore barista with a passion for people, community and coffee, this mobile coffee truck is known for serving locally roasted coffee and espresso. Try a seasonal latte or refreshing smoothie with a to-go pastry.
Enat Ethiopian
Neighborhood: Optimist Park, Plaza Midwood
With locations at Optimist Hall and East Charlotte, chef and owner Tina Tedla is making it her mission to introduce diners to Ethiopia’s rich culture and cuisine through Enat. Literally translating to “mother” in Amharic, one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia, Enat pays homage to many of Tedla's mother's recipes. Sample staples like injera (spongy bread,) tibs (stir-fried meat and vegetables) and tikel gomen (cabbage and carrots).
Freshwaters
Neighborhood: Uptown
Inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisines, Clifton and Sharon Freshwater opened their namesake restaurant in 2015. Freshwaters is the place to be if you’re looking for a menu that consists of boldly flavored appetizers, deeply satisfying entrees and homemade desserts. Stop in to enjoy nicely cooked crab cakes, delicious fried catfish or succulent grilled prawns.
Hip Hop Smoothies
Neighborhood: Northwest Charlotte, Uptown, East Charlotte
We got “Nuttin’ But Love” for Hip Hop Smoothies, a delicious, made-to-order smoothie shop offering guests the sweet opportunity to roll alongside while they drop sick beats and even sicker treats. The funky-fresh offerings include the coconut milk-based C.R.E.A.M, Red Bull-based Turn Down for What and juice-focused Gin and Juice smoothies.
Jimmy Pearls
Neighborhood: Uptown
Jimmy Pearls is an ode to Afro-Southern food, located at The Market at 7th Street. The menu features seafood options that blend Southern and coastal cuisines, such as crispy fried shrimp, creamed corn fritters served with tomato jam and Uncle Gene’s Fish Sandwich with homemade hot sauce. Keep an eye out for seafood-themed events hosted at The Market.
JINYA Ramen Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown, SouthPark
JINYA Ramen Bar is best known for its slow-cooked broths, simmered for 20 hours in-house. Walk into the Uptown or SouthPark location and you’re greeted by a lively, eclectic atmosphere and Japanese scratch-made menu items. Try a bowl of something delicious and be sure to take a pic by the Japanese whiskey display.
The JUGO Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
Sip fresh-pressed juices from The Jugo Bar. Inspired by owner William Fulton’s travels, these juices boast in-depth flavor profiles that may surprise you, such as Pineapple Jalapeno Cilantro and Bell Mango. In addition to juices, Jugo also offers flavored waters and 23 varieties of handcrafted lemonade. Find Jugo at its NoDa tasting room and area farmers markets.
Lulu’s Express Fry House
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Formerly known as Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood, Lulu’s Express Fry House is the rebranded concept of a local favorite. Lulu’s is known for serving Maryland flair with a southern twist. The menu consists of house specials like Lulu’s Shrimp & Grits, crab cakes and Honey Old Bay Wings.
Mad Dash Kitchen
Neighborhood: Uptown
Chef Corey Jones opened Mad Dash Kitchen at The Market at 7th Street in 2020. Try his fan-favorite fried chicken sandwiches, including the Dasher Chicken Sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, cole slaw, house-made pickles and dash sauce on a challah bun. The Mad Dash menu also includes patty melts, tacos and loaded fresh-cut fries.
Mert's Heart & Soul
Neighborhood: Uptown
Mert’s Heart & Soul, one of Charlotte’s most notable Black-owned restaurants, has hosted famous diners like comedian Kevin Hart, President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden, while also being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Treat yourself to one of the Gullah-inspired dishes, such as shrimp and grits, Charleston red rice and award-winning macaroni and cheese. Make sure you save room for a slice of cake.
Nacho Average Truck
Area: Citywide
Owned by Ashley Troxler, Nacho Average Truck is bringing nachos with a twist to the masses across Charlotte. You can enjoy homemade toppings on a bed of chips, lettuce or pork rinds. In addition to nachos, the truck also offers quesadillas, burritos and a Margarita Kit that features new flavors every week.
Nick & Mike Bar and Grill
Neighborhood: University City
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Nick & Mike Bar and Grill is the place to be. Located in the University City area, Nick and Mike are serving up delicious appetizers and burgers, a wide variety of specialty cocktails and a warm atmosphere to relax. Word on the street is that Nick’s wings are a star dish.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
Area: West Charlotte
Decompress at The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary. Owner Sherry Waters wanted to provide a space for people to unwind with a warm cup of tea. Sip an herbal tea, like the best-selling jasmine green tea, in the cozy, welcoming lounge. A trip to Pauline’s is perfect for a solo date or afternoon outing with friends.
The People’s Market
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
The People’s Market is so much more than just an eatery – it’s a place for community. Located in Elizabeth, this market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bakery, bar and coffee shop all in one space. Start the day with a hearty fried chicken and eggs breakfast platter or grab a salad, sandwich or personal pizza to-go.
Popbar Charlotte
Neighborhood: NoDa, Camp North End
If decadence on a stick is your thing, then make sure Popbar Charlotte is on your list. These local franchises, owned by Kia Lyons, serve up 40-plus rotating gelato and sorbet flavors, from classics like chocolate and vanilla to the more unique green tea and passion fruit. Explore the menu for seasonal options, along with premium dippings and toppings.
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Where’s the beef? Not at Romeo’s, but you’d never know it. Romeo’s Vegan Burgers is a 100% plant-based food truck and restaurant in Charlotte, dishing out vegan-friendly burgers, fries and shakes. Even non-vegans swear by the flavors and spices these dishes bring to the table. The burgers feature vegan buns, plant-based cheese and homemade vegan sauce.
Roy’s Kitchen & Patio
Neighborhood: NoDa
One of NoDa's popular spots, Roy's Kitchen & Patio has a laid-back vibe with a heavy reggae soundtrack. Stop in to try perfectly seasoned island fare, like the juicy rotisserie chicken, oxtails or curry goat. If the weather permits, grab a tropical drink and hang out on the large patio.
Salata
Neighborhood: Uptown
In the mood for a delicious salad? Salata is the spot. This Uptown eatery is owned by two investors, with former ties to the Charlotte Hornets, and features over 50 toppings and a dozen signature dressings. Not in the mood for a salad? Customize a wrap and warm up with a side of house-made soup. Don't forget the limeade.
Sub-One Hoagie House
Neighborhood: Uptown
A Charlotte culinary landmark, Sub One Hoagie House is a quaint neighborhood staple offering subs, sandwiches and everything in between. The New Jersey Steak, with chopped steak, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, special sauce, oil and vinegar is a fan favorite. However, the chicken hot hoagie and The Italian, served hot, are also winners.
Two Scoops Creamery
Neighborhoods: South End, Plaza Midwood, Lake Norman
The only thing sweeter than the homemade ice cream and toppings is the story of how Two Scoops creamery came to be. A group of best friends came together to open an ice cream parlor that offers over 32 staple flavors, as well as rotating seasonal flavors. One seasonal flavor to get excited for? Vanilla Fudge Brownie.
Urban Sweets Co.
Neighborhood: South End
Urban Sweets Co. inspires customers to live sweetly. This is easy to do as this ice cream shop specializes any an array of confections, including more than 25 rotating ice cream flavors like Queen City Cream that takes vanilla to the next level. Stop by the South End location or catch Urban Sweets’ mobile ice cream carts around the city.
Ve-Go Food Truck
Area: Citywide
With a focus on providing healthier takes on classic dishes, this award-winning food truck specializes in great-tasting vegan fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kick the day off with Peach Cobbler Pancakes or wind down with wheat-based BBQ Ribz or dairy-free Truffle Mac and Cheez dinner entrees. Find this food truck in the Charlotte and Concord areas.
Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Weathered Souls Brewing Co. owner and head brewer Marcus Baskerville is best known for brewing barrel-aged stouts like the award-winning Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout. Not a beer drinker? Stop by the brewery’s LoSo Cocktail Lounge or order a bite from the food menu curated by renowned chef, Greg Collier.
Article originally written by Tierany Griffin. Updates by Arielle Patterson in January 2023.
