A plate of fried chicken and rice at a Black-owned restaurant in Detroit
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Black-Owned Restaurants & Businesses in Detroit (2026 Guide)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Detroit's Black-owned food and business scene runs from the Avenue of Fashion on Livernois to New Center, Midtown and the northwest side. This guide rounds up Black-owned soul food restaurants, barbecue, jazz and dinner spots, salons, nail studios, bakeries, bookstores and tax help across the 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 Detroit

    Soul food, brunch spots and Southern classics · 6 places

    Top picks: Baker's Keyboard Lounge, Southern Smokehouse

    See all 6

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

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

    See all 3

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

    Bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and gifts · 8 places

    See all 8

Black-owned tax preparers and bookkeepers in Detroit

1 place

Top picks in Detroit

Our favorites across every category
  • Soul food Top pick

    Livernois near Eight Mile

    Baker's Keyboard Lounge

    Must tryLamb chops with collard greens

    Historic jazz club serving soul food, owned since 2011 by Eric Whitaker and Hugh Smith. It reopened in June 2026 after renovations with a refreshed menu;...

    20510 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48221

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food Top pick

    Northwest Detroit (McNichols corridor)

    Southern Smokehouse

    Must tryBrisket, fried chicken and banana pudding

    Carry-out-only soul food and barbecue kitchen run by brothers Kevin and Dwayne Hayes; Dwayne trained under chef Milos Cihelka at The Golden Mushroom. Hot food is...

    14340 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48235

    View details Directions Call

FAQ

Where can I find the best soul food in Detroit?

Motor City Soul Food on West Seven Mile is a local favorite for cafeteria-style plates. Southern Smokehouse on McNichols is the pick for barbecue and soul food, and Baker's Keyboard Lounge on Livernois pairs Southern food with live jazz.

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

Northwest Detroit, Midtown, Avenue of Fashion, Downtown and Livernois near Eight Mile 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 Charlotte

Sources

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