Black-Owned Restaurants in Charlotte
Charlotte’s Black-owned restaurants are serving up delicious cuisine with a side of culture.
by Arielle Patterson
The Queen City’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of flavors, particularly from the city’s Black chefs, restaurateurs, mixologists and more. Indulge in soul food staples, vegan dishes, homemade desserts, handcrafted beverages and more from these Black-owned food and drink businesses in Charlotte.
3rd & Fernwood
Neighborhood: Midtown
From the restaurateur duo behind Leah & Louise, Greg and Subrina’s latest dining concept is 3rd & Fernwood. Driven by seasonal ingredients and Southern flavors, 3rd & Fernwood offers an all-day menu that includes dishes like a fried chicken thigh sandwich, pan seared trout and plantain pudding for dessert.
Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Discover authentic Ethiopian cuisine, prepared with fresh vegetables, top cuts of meat and exotic spices, at Abugida. This restaurant is an excellent option for vegetarians, with choices like the filling Vegetarian Sampler. If Ethiopian is new to your palate, the helpful staff can 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
Beyond Amazing Donuts, B.A.D. for short, is the brainchild of owner and pastry chef 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.
Bird Pizzeria
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Bird Pizzeria owner Kerrel Thompson spent his time learning how to craft his own pizzas in 2020. Two years later, alongside his wife Nkem, the couple opened Bird Pizzeria, specializing in gourmet East Coast-style whole pies. The local shop recently expanded to a full-service dining room, in addition to its pick-up window.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Neighborhood: University City, Southwest Charlotte
Cuzzo's Cuisine is best known for Southern fare with bold flavors. Cuzzo’s delicious menu ranges from wings, fried shrimp and filling plates to red velvet and peach cobbler waffles, but the restaurant’s claim to fame is lobster mac and cheese. You can also find Cuzzo’s at the Charlotte Premium Outlets.
Detour Coffee Bar
Area: Citywide
Established in 2019 by Mike Hargett, 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.
Don's Restaurant
Neighborhood: Uptown
7th Restaurant & Lounge may have a new name, but you can expect the same delicious food and craft cocktails at Don’s Restaurant. Enjoy signature, low-country dishes like chicken and waffles for brunch and the Creole Coastal Medley for dinner.
Enat Ethiopian
Neighborhood: Optimist Park, Plaza Midwood
Literally translating to “mother” in Amharic, one of the many languages spoken in Ethiopia, Enat pays homage to many of chef and owner Tina 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; satiating entrees like crab cakes, fried catfish and grilled prawns; and homemade desserts.
Hip Hop Smoothies
Neighborhood: Uptown, Camp North End, East Charlotte
You’ll have “Nuttin’ But Love” for Hip Hop Smoothies, a delicious, made-to-order smoothie shop with locations at The Market at 7th Street and Camp North End. 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.
JINYA Ramen Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown, SouthPark
JINYA Ramen Bar is best known for its slow-cooked broths, simmered for 20 hours in-house. Both the Uptown and SouthPark locations offer a sleek, modern setting to enjoy contemporary Japanese cuisine like mini salmon or tuna tacos, small plates and bowls to complement your ramen.
The JUGO Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
Sip fresh-pressed juices from The Jugo Bar. Inspired by owner William Fulton’s travels, these juices, flavored waters and handcrafted lemonades boast in-depth flavor profiles that may surprise you, such as Pineapple Jalapeno Cilantro and Bell Mango. Find Jugo at its NoDa tasting room and area farmers markets.
Lorem Ipsum
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Fascinate your senses at Lorem Ipsum, a listening bar from award-winning mixologist Justin Hazelton located at Hotel Refuge. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or nonalcoholic beverage as you listen to a curated selection of music and watch the visuals projected onto the wall.
Lulu’s Express
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Formerly known as Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood, Lulu’s Express 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 has been dishing out fan-favorite chicken sandwiches including the Dasher Chicken Sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, coleslaw, house-made pickles and dash sauce, at Mad Dash since opening in 2020. This Market at 7th Street food stall also offers 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 former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden and was 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, and save room for a slice of cake.
Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish
Neighborhood: Uptown, North Charlotte, East Charlotte
You’ll feel right at home with the comforting cuisine at Mr. Charles Chicken and Fish. Of course, you can expect crispy fried chicken and fish, such as catfish, croaker, flounder and whiting, on the menu, as well as Southern sides that will make you smile.
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 and burritos.
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. This local spot serves up delicious appetizers, wings and burgers, as well as a wide variety of specialty cocktails, in a warm atmosphere to relax.
Original Chicken 'n Ribs
Neighborhood: Washington Heights
Original Chicken ‘n Ribs has dished out fried chicken, pulled pork, fish and the favorite Fat Boy burger since the restaurant was listed in “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” Southern staples like mac and cheese, chicken livers and gizzards, and homemade cobbler have delighted diners for more than 70 years.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
Area: West Charlotte
Decompress at The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary, perfect for a solo date or afternoon outing with friends. 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.
The People’s Market
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
The People’s Market is so much more than just an eatery – it’s a place for community. This restaurant and market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an on-site bakery, bar and coffee shop. Start the day with a hearty chicken biscuit or grab a salad, sandwich or personal pizza to-go.
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
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.
Salata
Neighborhood: Uptown, Lower South End, SouthPark
Salata is a fast-casual eatery owned by two investors with former ties to the Charlotte Hornets and features over 50 toppings, a dozen signature dressings and fan-favorite limeade. Not in the mood for a salad? Customize a wrap and warm up with a side of house-made soup.
Spice
Neighborhood: Uptown
Experience “vibe dining” at Spice, where you can enjoy a globally influenced menu, cocktails and upbeat music. Open until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, order sharable small plates and sushi at the stylish bar or in the dining room.
Sub-One Hoagie House
Neighborhood: Uptown
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
Neighborhood: 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.
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.
