Barbecue ribs at a Black-owned restaurant in Memphis
  1. City guides
  2. Memphis

Black-Owned Restaurants & Businesses in Memphis (2026 Guide)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Memphis is a soul food and barbecue city, from The Four Way in Soulsville to Cozy Corner on North Parkway. This guide rounds up Black-owned soul food and barbecue restaurants, spas, bakeries, dessert shops, coffee 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 Memphis

    Soul food, brunch spots and Southern classics · 8 places

    Top picks: Alcenia's, Cozy Corner BBQ, The Four Way

    See all 8

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

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

    See all 3

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

    Bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and gifts · 6 places

    See all 6

Black-owned tax preparers and bookkeepers in Memphis

1 place

Top picks in Memphis

Our favorites across every category
  • Soul food Top pick

    The Pinch / Downtown

    Alcenia's

    Must tryFried chicken with hot-water cornbread

    BJ Chester-Tamayo opened this restaurant in 1997, using her mother's recipes, and is known for greeting guests with a hug. Lunch runs Tuesday to Friday, with...

    317 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

    View details Directions
  • Soul food Top pick

    North Memphis (North Parkway)

    Cozy Corner BBQ

    Must tryRib tips and the pulled pork sandwich

    Nationally known barbecue spot co-founded by Desiree Robinson and featured in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine and Saveur. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm.

    735 N Parkway, Memphis, TN 38105

    View details Directions Call Website

FAQ

Where can I find the best soul food in Memphis?

The Four Way in Soulsville is a Memphis landmark for soul food. Alcenia's downtown is famous for Southern plates and hospitality, and Cozy Corner BBQ is the classic for barbecue.

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

Downtown, Midtown, Bartlett, Soulsville and The Pinch 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.

More city guides

All city guides
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in US citiesChicago guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in ChicagoHouston guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in HoustonAtlanta guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in AtlantaPhiladelphia guide
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 DCCharlotte guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Charlotte

Sources

Back to blog