Dig into these Black-owned restaurants and bars in the Cincy Region

Food is culture and one of the best ways to get to know a region and its people. Dig into Cincy’s dining scene and grub out on barbecue, West African cuisine, Cajun and creole dishes, locally roasted coffee, sweets, and more at these Black-owned restaurants in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.  

Black-owned breakfast and coffee joints

BlaCk Coffee Lounge

Located in downtown Cincinnati, this specialty coffee shop is inspired by hip-hop and community. Be sure to grab a pastry or sandwich to accompany your beverage. And don't miss their original apparel shop, BlaCk OWned, just next door.

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

Chef Christian Gill's Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey serves up homemade biscuits with jams and butter, three types of gravy, or as a hearty sandwich. Their location in Florence offers indoor and outdoor seating and carryout.

Cream + Sugar

This homey coffee shop near Xavier University serves gourmet coffee, espresso, specialty drinks, and breakfast and lunch fare. Dine in at Cream + Sugar or take your goodies to go.

Saturday Morning Vibes Cereal Bar

At SMVCB, Cincy's first cereal bar, you can enjoy cereals from around the world in addition to classics you know and love - mixed up with a variety of fun and creative toppings. 

Black-owned barbecue in Cincy

These places will hook you up with some delicious, finger-lickin' barbecue.

Alabama Que

The restaurant's name and the food pay homage to the state where the owner grew up, Alabama. Alabama Que's menu includes ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, salmon, and their claim to fame–Turkey Tips.

Dada Smokes

Dada Smokes is a catering and food delivery business based in Newport, Kentucky. You can find them slingin' their delicious smoked meats and sides around town at various venues. Follow them on social media to find out where they'll be next.

Just Q'in

Just Q'in is known for its excellent brisket, and other freshly prepared options including many vegetarian and gluten-free sides, but its mission makes them more than a great barbecue restaurant. They are a for-profit social enterprise that hires, develops, and trains individuals with barriers to employment.

Sweets & Meats BBQ

The husband and wife duo that operate this Sweets & Meats BBQ has been honored with awards for their delicious food and business accomplishments. Grab carryout from their permanent location in Mt. Washington or their popular food truck as it travels around the region.

Black-owned Southern favorites, seafood, and more

These restaurants are serving up everything from burgers to southern favorites to West African Senegalese fare.

The Aperture

The Aperture is a Black-owned fine dining restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The menu features "mezze-style" dishes, with small portions designed to be shared as appetizers. Chef and Owner Jordan Anthony-Brown was named a James Beard semifinalist for Best Emerging Chef in America.

Nolia Kitchen

Nominated for a James Beard Foundation award, chef Jeff Harris brings classic southern flavors with a unique spin to his restaurant Nolia Kitchen in the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. 

Darou Salam African Halal

Darou Salam is a cozy spot in Northside that serves authentic West African Senegalese food. Get some to-go and pair it with a drink on the patio of Northside Tavern just next door.

Ollie's Trolley

Ollie's Trolley is a takeout-only restaurant serves burgers, ribs & other Southern-style food from a vintage trolley car in the West End.

Soul Secrets

This local favorite serves up some of the best southern fare you'll find in the Cincy Region! From fried chicken and whiting to hoppin john and sweet potatoes - Soul Secrets is a MUST-try spot in Over-The-Rhine. 

Black-owned sweet treats

Who doesn't need a sweet treat? We aren't judging! Check out these local spots for some tasty treats.

Sugar

Everything at Sugar is tempting, so it will be hard to decide between homemade cookies, brownies, banana pudding, crispy bars, and more. Order online or stop by their bake shop in Over-the-Rhine. 

Sweet Petit Desserts

The name says it all. Sweet Petit Desserts specializes in delicious, small-bite desserts like cake pops, mini cupcakes, mini brownies, and more. Order online from their website and schedule a pickup. Check out their baking classes if you want to learn all of their baking secrets!

Black-owned breweries and bars in Cincy

From breweries to bars - unwind at one of these watering holes.

Esoteric Brewing Company

Cozy and hip brewery located in Walnut Hills that focuses on pure, locally sourced and organically grown ingredients.

Cinema

Popular bar and lounge dedicated to 90s R&B, hip hop, and classic black films. Check out Cinema in the historic Over-The-Rhine neighborhood. 

Nostalgia Wine and Jazz Lounge

Celebrate Cincinnati's rich musical heritage and love of wine at Nostalgia. This intimate lounge features live traditional and contemporary jazz & soul music sets three nights a week and over forty wines by the glass with a focus on highlighting minority and female winemakers.   

The Pike 2 Bar & Grill

Drop into The Pike 2 for drinks and dinner! Enjoy a menu of classic bar food favorites - wings, burgers, double deckers and more. Be sure to check out their calendar of events for live music, bingo and other special events. 

Looking for more Black-owned businesses in Cincy?

• Click here to find more Black-owned restaurants on Yelp.
• Here is a searchable database of Black-owned businesses compiled by The Voice of Black Cincinnati.
• Click here for a guide to Black-owned businesses in Cincinnati's Northside community.