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Black-Owned Bakeries, Bookstores & Sweet Shops in New York City (2026)
By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026
Spend your cake, ice cream and book money with Black-owned businesses. This list covers 7 spots, including two bakeries, an ice cream shop and four bookstores, in Harlem, Bed-Stuy, Washington Heights and Crown Heights.
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.
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Black-owned bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and small businesses in New York City
7 places-
Shops & bakeries
Harlem (Manhattan)
Lee Lee's Baked Goods
Don't missRugelach (chocolate, raspberry or apricot)Small Harlem bakery run by Alvin Lee Smalls, known for rugelach as well as sweet potato pie and fruit pies.
283 W 118th St, New York, NY 10026
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Shops & bakeries
Harlem (Manhattan)
Sugar Hill Creamery
Don't missChairperson of the Board (cream cheese and blueberry)Family-owned ice cream shop founded by Petrushka Bazin Larsen and Nick Larsen, with additional shops in East Harlem and Hamilton Heights.
184 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10026
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Shops & bakeries
Harlem (Manhattan)
Grandma's Place
Don't missChildren's books and educational toysChildren's book and toy store run by Dawn Harris-Martine for more than two decades, with titles on Harlem history and representation.
84 W 120th St, New York, NY 10027
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Shops & bakeries
Washington Heights (Manhattan)
Sister's Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center
Don't missBooks by Black authors and community eventsBookstore and cultural center founded in 2000 by Janifer Wilson and her daughter Kori Wilson, focused on African American literature.
1942 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10032
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Shops & bakeries
Bed-Stuy (Brooklyn)
Je T'aime Patisserie
Don't missFlavored croissants; peach cobblerFrench-style pastry shop opened in 2023 by pastry chef Jatee Kearsley, with a weekly rotating menu of croissants, tarts and creme brulee.
471 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11216
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Shops & bakeries
Crown Heights (Brooklyn)
Cafe con Libros
Don't missMonthly book subscription; coffeeFeminist bookstore and coffee shop owned by Kalima DeSuze, focused on stories of women and girls.
724 Prospect Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216
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Shops & bakeries
Bed-Stuy (Brooklyn)
BEM | books & more
Don't missCookbooks and food memoirs by Black authorsBookstore and cafe opened in October 2025 by sisters Gabrielle and Danielle Davenport, stocking cookbooks and memoirs by Black authors and serving coffee, beer and wine.
373 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
FAQ
Can I order online?
Some of these shops sell online or offer pickup and delivery. Tap Website on a card where there is one, or call ahead to check.
Which New York City neighborhoods have the most spots on this list?
Harlem, Bed-Stuy, Washington Heights and Crown Heights each have places on this list.
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 list 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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Sources
- The Best Black-Owned NYC Restaurants You Can Support (Time Out New York)
- A Starter 50+ List of Black-Owned Businesses in Harlem You Can Support Right Now (The Curious Uptowner)
- Black-Owned Bookstores in NYC (NYC Tourism + Conventions)
- This Brooklyn bookstore and cafe only stocks cookbooks and memoirs by Black authors (Time Out New York)