Chicken and waffles at a Black-owned soul food restaurant in Chicago
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Black-Owned Restaurants & Businesses in Chicago (2026 Guide)

By Online African Shop Team · Last checked September 2026

Chicago has one of the strongest Black food and business scenes in the country, from South Side soul food institutions to bookstores, bakeries and spas that have served their neighborhoods for years. This guide rounds up Black-owned soul food restaurants, beauty and self-care spots, small businesses and tax preparers across the city, so you know exactly where your money goes.

Every business on this list was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom) and was checked as open in September 2026. Hours change, so call ahead before you go.

Jump to a section

  • Black-owned soul food restaurants in Chicago

    Soul food, brunch spots and Southern classics · 10 places

    Top picks: MacArthur's Restaurant, Soul Veg City, Virtue

    See all 10

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

    Braiders, silk presses, nails, waxing and spa days · 7 places

    Top picks: Curl Kitchen Salon, Glo On Braids & Natural Hairstyling

    See all 7

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

    Bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and gifts · 9 places

    Top picks: Brown Sugar Bakery, Justice of the Pies

    See all 9

  • Black-owned tax preparers and bookkeepers in Chicago

    Tax prep, bookkeeping and small-business help · 4 places

    See all 4

Top picks in Chicago

Our favorites across every category

FAQ

Where can I find the best soul food in Chicago?

For a sit-down dinner, Virtue in Hyde Park and Kitchen + Kocktails downtown are top picks. For classic cafeteria-style plates, MacArthur's on the West Side and Roy's on the South Side are local favorites.

Which Chicago neighborhoods have the most Black-owned businesses?

Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Chatham, Beverly and Austin all have strong clusters of Black-owned restaurants, shops and salons.

How was this list made?

We only included businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, then checked that each one was open at the listed address in September 2026.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link. We update this guide regularly.

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Black-owned restaurants and businesses in US citiesHouston guide
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Black-owned restaurants and businesses in PhiladelphiaLos Angeles guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Los AngelesDallas guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in DallasNew Orleans guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in New OrleansNew York City guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in New York CityDetroit guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in DetroitBaltimore guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in BaltimoreWashington DC guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Washington DCMemphis guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in MemphisCharlotte guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Charlotte

Sources

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