Detroit is famous for its expansive art museums and community. But do you know that it is also a great place to explore food and culture? Many Black-owned restaurants in Detroit serve amazing Southern soul and comfort food. These food joints are defined by their inviting atmosphere, excellent hospitality, and innovative cooking techniques. So whenever you are in town, don’t forget to have a memorable dining experience at one of the restaurants below.
9 Black-owned Restaurants Detroit
1. Sweetwater Tavern
Sweetwater Tavern, owned by Jeffrey Cain, is conveniently located in the center of Detroit’s historic district. It is famous for its authentic homemade food, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, and chicken wings. The unique flavor of these big, meaty, and crispy wings is unmatched in Detroit. The restaurant continues to mesmerize not only Detroiters from East and West but also celebrities and high-level politicians.
Address: 400 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 11 AM to 2 AM
2. Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles is an award-winning Black-owned restaurant in Detroit. The Metro Times voted it as the best chicken and waffles restaurant in 2015. People love visiting it for delicious waffle combos and Southern comfort food like sautéed shrimp, fried shrimp, and red velvet waffles. You can also opt for vegetarian-friendly alternatives here. This restaurant in Detroit is almost always crowded, which shows its widespread appeal.
Address: 19345 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM – 4 PM and weekends from10 AM–6 PM
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3. Ima Izakaya
Do you wish for a lavish dining experience? Go straight to Ima Izakaya in Detroy and feel astounded as you are transported into a 14-seat bar and waiting area on a vibrant floor-to-ceiling stained glass vestibule. The restaurant is most known for its bar, which has ten beer taps, craft cocktails, mocktails, and 30 Japanese whiskeys. A brainchild of chef Mike Ransom, Ima Izakaya is also a popular place for ramen, pho, udon, soups, sushi, rice, snacks, sandwiches, and the restaurant’s signature handmade broths. The minimally decorated interiors with emphasis on plants and greenery further add to the charm of this place. Undoubtedly, it was the 2023 James Beard nominee for Best Restaurant in the Great Lakes region.
Address: 2100 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 12 to 10 PM
4. Baobab Fare
Those looking to taste East-African-inspired food and drink should certainly pay a visit to Baobab Fare. It was founded by refugees from Burundi and represents the spirit of “Detroit Ni Nyumbani,” or Detroit is Home. It opened recently in 2021 and grew so quickly that it expanded to the Soko East African Market and Waka East African food truck. Some of the most popular East-African African-inspired items in its menu are tropical juices, chicken grill roast, tender beef, and flash-fried fish. It also serves vegan meals.
Address: 6568 Woodward Ave Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48202
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM; and Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM
5. Fusion Flare Kitchen & Cocktails
Experience American and soul food cuisine at its finest at Fusion Flare Kitchen and Cocktails. This Black-owned restaurant in Detroit’s Plymouth Road began in 2018 by Mashelle Sykes. The restaurant uses fresh and local ingredients to prepare its mouth-watering dishes that are quite reasonably priced. Its chicken sandwiches, veggie stir-fries, crispy chicken and waffles, and salmon croquettes have many patrons. The diverse menu has many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Address: 16801 Plymouth Rd, Detroit, MI 48227
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 12 PM to 9 PM and Wednesday from 3 PM to 9 PM
6. Savannah Blue
Savannah Blue is a top Black-owned restaurant in downtown Detroit known for its seafood, soul food, and cocktails. The family-friendly restaurant has a welcoming and warm ambiance. Moreover, the food, prepared using fresh ingredients, is affordable. Some tasty soul food items here are shrimp and grits, chicken, sweet potatoes, and greens. You can also visit it to enjoy a range of non-alcoholic beverages with your friends.
Address: 1431 Times Square, Detroit, MI 48226
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 PM, and Sunday from 3 to 8 PM
7. Good Cakes and Bakes
Founded in 2013, Good Cakes and Bakes is best known for organic and vegan baked goods made from scratch. It is owned by two Black women, April Anderson and Michelle Anderson. April is passionate about creating delicious cakes and bakes. The bakery is loved for its positive and friendly atmosphere. All of its delicacies are made using locally grown, organic, and natural products. This restaurant was also a semi-finalist for Outstanding Bakery in 2023. It offers cookies, pastries, cakes, and cupcakes, making it a haven for those with a sweet tooth.
Address: 19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221
Opening hours: Tuesday from noon to 8 PM and Wednesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM
8. Sweet Potato Sensations
Sweet Potato Sensations was born out of an interesting event that occurred during the marriage of the founders, Jeffery and Cassandra Thomas, in 1976. Jeffrey loves sweet potatoes, while Cassandra doesn’t. So, when Jeffery asked to have sweet potatoes during their marriage, his wife created sweet potato cookies to satisfy him. The cookies were loved by all, which led to the rise of Sweet Potato Sensations. Today, the bakery serves an assortment of items, from sweet potato pies to cakes and cookies. Their sweet tooth menu includes cream cheese pound cake, sweet potato sweetie pies, and even sweet potato ice cream.
Address: 17337 Lahser Rd Detroit, MI48219
Opening hours: Thursday from 12 PM to 7 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM
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9. Detroit Vegan Soul
Detroit Vegan Soul is a unique, 100% vegan soul food restaurant. It provides comfort food made from organic and plant-based ingredients, all of which are free of additives, dairy, refined flour, eggs, or animal by-products. Kirsten Ussery and Erika Boyd launched this black-owned vegan restaurant. The idea for this restaurant came when Erika’s father passed away from cancer. This incident inspired Erika and Kirsten to adopt a vegan lifestyle. The restaurant offers many items that, when eaten, will make you forget the taste of non-vegetarian food.
Address: 19614 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Opening hours: Wednesday and Friday from 12:30 to 5:30 PM, Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 7:30 PM, and Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30 PM
Concluding Words
Now you have the lowdown on the best Black-owned restaurants in Detroit. We have especially included places from different parts of Detroit, so no matter where you are, a great eatery is near you.
