Shrimp and grits at a Black-owned restaurant in Charlotte
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Black-Owned Restaurants & Businesses in Charlotte (2026 Guide)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Charlotte's Black-owned food and business scene stretches from Uptown and Beatties Ford Road to the West End, University City and Camp North End. This guide rounds up Black-owned soul food restaurants, barbershops, coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques across the Queen City, so you know exactly where your money goes.

Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.

Pick a category below to see every spot, with must-try picks, addresses and directions.

  • Black-owned soul food restaurants in Charlotte

    Soul food, brunch spots and Southern classics · 7 places

    Top picks: Mert's Heart and Soul, Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish, The Original Chicken 'n Ribs

    See all 7

  • Black-owned hair salons, braiders, nail salons and spas in Charlotte

    Braiders, silk presses, nails, waxing and spa days · 3 places

    See all 3

  • Black-owned bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and small businesses in Charlotte

    Bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and gifts · 5 places

    See all 5

Black-owned tax preparers and bookkeepers in Charlotte

1 place
  • Tax help

    North Tryon

    Rapid Tax

    Best forIndividual and small-business tax returns

    Family-run tax preparation firm started by Marshall Lowery from his kitchen table and led since 2011 by his daughter, owner and CEO Markeeyah Lowery. It prepares...

    6116 N Tryon St, Ste A, Charlotte, NC 28213

    View details Directions Call Website

Top picks in Charlotte

Our favorites across every category
  • Soul food Top pick

    Uptown

    Mert's Heart and Soul

    Must tryShrimp and grits, cornbread and Soul Rolls

    Uptown soul food restaurant opened in 1998 and owned by James Bazzelle, serving Southern and Gullah/Low Country dishes. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

    214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    View details Directions
  • Soul food Top pick

    Uptown / Dalton Village area

    Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

    Must tryFried chicken and fried fish

    Long-running local chain for fried chicken, fish and Southern sides. The Dalton Avenue location near Uptown opened in 2023 and added cocktails and live entertainment.

    413 Dalton Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206

    View details Directions

FAQ

Where can I find the best soul food in Charlotte?

Mert's Heart and Soul in Uptown is the best-known pick for shrimp and grits and cornbread. The Original Chicken 'n Ribs on Beatties Ford Road is a family-run classic, and Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish is the local favorite for fried chicken and fish.

Which Charlotte neighborhoods have the most Black-owned businesses on this list?

Uptown, West Charlotte, Fourth Ward, University City and Washington Heights each have several spots in this guide.

How was this list made?

We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the guide regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.

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Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Washington DCMemphis guide
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Sources

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