Here’s Your Ultimate Guide of the Best Black-Owned Eateries to Visit during the Democratic National Convention
With the Congressional Black Caucus coming to Chicago in August, restaurants like Soul Prime, Soule and Turner Haus Brewery will be in the spotlight. Check out my exciting full list below.
So much has changed since the last time the Democratic National Convention (DNC) rolled into Chicago in 1996. First off, the Windy City’s status as a premium destination for dining has vastly improved. The city is now known for great eats beyond deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
Second, the local scene has taken it up quite a few notches with world-class, fine-dining destinations like Alinea, Ever and Esmé; excellent cocktail bars such as The Aviary, Best Intentions and The Violet Hour; and celebrated chefs like Stephanie Izard, Grant Achatz, Curtis Duffy and Erick Williams.
When Williams became the first Black Chicago chef to win a James Beard Award in 2022 for his Southern-inspired Virtue restaurant, he ushered in a new respect for culinarians who look like him. Suddenly, the mainstream media really started taking other Black chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, etc. seriously.
This will be so important to note as members of the Congressional Black Caucus and their community look for outstanding places to kick back in while they’re in town for the DNC in August. That occurs Monday, August 19 through Thursday, August 22, but attendees will certainly be here the weekend before the festivities begin.
This “awakening” of supporting Black culinarians has helped industry veterans like Royce Williams earn recognition —and attain a loyal following—for her Soul Prime restaurant, located in Lincoln Park. For years, this talented chef had been whipping up her version of Southern fare at various restaurants throughout the state. And when food personality Keith Lee visited Soul Prime last year and praised it on the popular social media platform TikTok, the video went viral and her business started to boom.
Soul Prime has been open for just over a year and continues to garner rave reviews for its brunch and dinner offerings. Williams’ menu is comprised of traditional soul food dishes that have been modernized without pretension.
Diners may comfortably order and enjoy their meals in the lounge or in the dining room, an intimate section at the rear of the establishment. For us, starting off with her signature Collard Green Dip was a no-brainer. It just sounded good and homey, with sautéed collards and mixed cheeses accompanied by housemade tortilla chips.
“I just love collard greens,” Williams says about why she swapped out the spinach or artichoke that traditionally stars in this appetizer. “Plus, it makes this dish make sense with the rest of the menu.”
It’s a great shareable dish indeed, plus who knew that collard greens would taste so great with cheese?! That was the only appetizer we ordered, so I have my eye on the Short Rib Street Tacos and Fried Green Tomatoes with Lump Crab during my next visit.
For entree and side dishes, we ordered Golden Fried Chicken tossed in housemade hot honey sauce; fried catfish; Cajun greens; the lobster mac and cheese special; and honey cornbread muffins. All were generously portioned.
I’ve got to say that while it was all quite excellent, we were thrilled with the generous amount of lobster meat in the mac and cheese. I’ve been to some of the most celebrated steakhouses in Chicago, and many are stingy with the lobster in their mac and cheese.
There was only one dessert, so we ordered it. It’s a good thing I love banana pudding, but I don’t love everyone’s banana pudding. Some restaurants serve theirs hot, while Soul Prime serves its offering chilled, my preference. It was perfect with bananas at the ideal ripeness and firm vanilla wafers (I do not like them soggy!). It was also not overly sweet, another preference of mine.
Soul Prime’s brunch service is apparently the place to be as well, according to some of the restaurant’s fans. That’s good to know, considering that it’s sometimes impossible to get into the wildly popular Batter & Berries, another Black-owned restaurant known for brunch in Lincoln Park. Soul Prime is a great alternative, plus it’s nice knowing you can make reservations.
The menu looks fantastic with such specialties as the Peach Cobbler Waffle, Short Rib Bowl, Catfish & Grits, and breakfast nachos made with black beans, turkey sausage, sunnyside-up eggs, jalapeño and melted cheddar jack. I will certainly be back.
Other Black-owned restaurants to consider during the DNC
14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar. The Caribbean-focused destination is situated in Hyde Park. It’s known for coconut-crusted shrimp, elote dipped in honey jerk butter, and sweet and spicy short rib. The rum selection, and rum-forward cocktails, is impressive.
Atelier. This is the only Chicago restaurant with a Black Michelin-starred chef. That’s exceptional in itself, yet chef Christian Hunter is one of the most inventive culinary artists to grace Chicago’s dining scene in a very long time. His Sunday suppers are when he really gets to have some fun. They’re five courses and served family style. You’ll find it in Lincoln Square.
Bocadillo Market. I’d like to see more love for chef James Martin, whose unique spin on Spanish fare doesn’t get discussed enough. His seasonal fare may be enjoyed during brunch, lunch and dinner, and oenophiles are encouraged to check out the well-curated Spanish wine list. Everything is shareable—order the duck confit paella—and the small market allows guests to take home their faves. It’s in Lincoln Park.
Bronzeville Winery. Regular deejay sessions. Kickin’ live beats. Decadent artwork. Black-owned wine and spirit brands. And chef Lamar Moore pulling it all together with elevated Americanized dishes like Sweet Potato Hummus, Lamb Prosciutto Potato Flatbread and Wild Mushroom Pappardelle. In its two short years, this chic establishment has become a staple of Bronzeville.
Bureau Bar & Restaurant. Long-time restaurateur Kenny Johnson quietly operates this vibrant eatery and cocktail lounge in the South Loop. Deejays regularly spin contemporary R&B and hip-hop for a crowd that crosses generations. Menu favorites range from the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls to grilled lamb chops served with garlic mashed potatoes.
Daisy’s Po’Boys and Tavern. With po’boys larger than your hands can handle and drinks stronger than The Rock, chef Erick Williams’ Louisiana-inspired restaurant is across the street from the award-winning Virtue, in Hyde Park. My favorites are the catfish, shrimp and roast beef po’boys; seafood gumbo and fried chicken.
The Duplex. Those looking to eat their way through Chicago should not miss this stunner, located in Logan Square. The Duplex’s best dishes range from creamy crab dip to the signature burger, a 6 oz. steak burger accompanied by smoked cheddar, bacon jam, tomato aioli under a seeded brioche bun. Another highlight is the guest chef program where local toques contribute some really special fare each month.
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods. Owned by the New Orleans-born Brian Jupiter, this colorful Wicker Park eatery is as authentic as it gets when it comes to Crescent City cuisine. I love that he’s got Short Rib Yakamein on the menu, but my favorite by far is the Po Man’s Seafood Tower. For $59, you’ll get a heaping platter of fried catfish, fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried crawfish and hush puppies. Crispy potatoes tossed in cayenne aioli sets off this dish nicely.
Justice of the Pies. The great Maya-Camille Broussard is behind this over-the-top pastry shop in Calumet Heights. Everything is big and bold here, from the giant lavender lemon cookies and sweet potato pie to the delightful soft serve topped with banana pudding. There are also savory treats, including seasonal quiches, grilled cheese and loaded tuna salad. There’s seating inside and along the sidewalk patio.
Peach’s Restaurant. There’s plenty to love about this charming breakfast and lunch spot in Bronzeville. Chef Cliff Rome has worked hard to ensure this establishment remains a fixture in the community. Menu highlights include salmon croquettes and grits; Breakfast Bayou Bowl (shrimp, alligator sausage, potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, scallions, cheddar, egg) and the signature Peach Bourbon French Toast.
Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream. This is no ordinary ice cream parlor. I’ve only visited the original Bronzeville location, but that’s where all the action is during warm weather. Far more enticing than Baskin Robbins, the menu offers decadent flavors you won’t see anywhere else: Lemon Pound Cake, Barack Supreme (chocolate and pralines), Lunchroom Butter Cookie, “My Momma’s Famous Slap Yo Son” Banana Pudding and vegan Raspberry Cookies & Cream.
Soule. Head to North Lawndale for Bridgette Flagg’s sensational soul spot that attracts NBA and NFL stars, rap legends and more when they’re in town. They’re coming for dishes like the Cajun salmon bites, surf and turf pasta, and signature shrimp and grits.
Taylor’s Tacos. Speaking of shrimp, the crispy shrimp tacos at this Black-owned taqueria are to die for. Situated in Little Italy, the little restaurant is co-owned by Maya Angela Mason and also features tasty sweet potato, steak and chicken tacos. It’s also BYOB, which is always a plus.
Turner Haus Brewery. Family owned and operated in Bronzeville, this venue may be the city’s only Black-owned brewery. What’s exceptional is how the owners collaborate with Black brewers across the country and add their beer to the menu. The establishment’s offerings are named in honor of female family members, such as Lola, an IPA made with peanut butter, basil and jalapeños paying homage to the co-founder’s beloved aunt.
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Lots of outstanding selections!
Moor's Brewing is also Black-owned and in the city, but this is a great list!