Come Out to Support Our 11 Favorite Local Black-Owned Restaurants in Cincinnati

Black lives have always mattered, but 2020 helped the world understand this concept on a national level that spread across the globe. Black owned restaurants are a local staple of Cincinnati with some having been around for nearly two decades, while others got their footing in recent years. This year, we are seeing that these delicious restaurants serving everything from Soul and Jamacian cuisine to American comfort food classics get the recognition that they deserve! Here are our top seven favorite black owned restaurants in Cincinnati with some history to go along. 

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1. Conscious Kitchen 

Vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving delicious healthy options

2912 Vine St. | Cincinnati | consciouskitchen513.com

Sometimes, one of the most difficult things to accomplish is finding a restaurant with vegetarian options, let alone vegan options! Look no further, because with Conscious Kitchen you have all the options you need -- complete with vegan cheese and portobello mushroom burgers. They offer a wide variety of options with a small menu -- but their small menu boasts bold flavors that will make your tastebuds dance! 

Don’t worry if you’re a die hard meat eater because this place has it all, not just vegan and vegetarian options, but delicious meat options as well! From a ground turkey burger to a turkey BLT and classic cuban sandwich, there is a delicious meal on the menu for everyone. 

“One of the best locations in Cincinnati for vegan/health options! Great carryout/delivery menu. Their fresh cut fries are YUMM for those who like greasy foods too.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Conscious Kitchen 

2. Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ 

“Pig Roasts A Specialty,” and more of your favorite barbeque delicacies 

7633 Dixie Hwy. | Florence | eddiesplace

Eddie’s is another restaurant working with a limited yet delicious menu. Here you are sure to find all of your favorite barbeque comfort food classics from a selection of sandwiches to fish and rib dinners to the pig roast specialty and a mountain of sides to choose from, you will leave Eddie’s with a warm and full belly! 

If you’re in need of catering, this is the place to order from! They also have a dining area for events that can hold up to 70 people. So, the next time we’re able to have big events, keep Eddie’s in mind. 

“I have yet to find another barbecue place yet to come close to my favorites in Cincinnati! This comes close to what I would say is a true authentic experience great smoked ribs and pulled pork will def eat there again.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Eddie’s Southern Style BBQ

3. Goodie’s Southern Style BBQ

Serving Kansas City style BBQ with hand-rubbed meats smoked in-house

7440 Hamilton Ave. | Cincinnati | goodiesbarbeque.com

Goodies has been in Cincinnati for years serving Kansas City style barbeque with meats that are hand-rubbed and smoked in-house for the perfect down-home taste. The owners recommend you try their pulled pork, rib tips, and buffalo cheese sticks because those are their customers favorites! An outing to Goodies comes with a family-friendly atmosphere and a feeling of home, so when you go, you’ll be inducted into the family. 

If you end up loving this place as much as we do -- don’t worry because you can buy a bottle of their BBQ sauce for your fridge at home. If you’re not too full after your lunch or dinner, they offer a number of delicious desserts from banana pudding to sweet potato pie. If you’re in the area, you have to try this place at least once.

“I have been comparing Goodies rib tips to every other rib tip I get. NOTHING compares to Goodies! I have been on a mission trying to find something even close and can't.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Goodie’s Southern Style BBQ

4. Island Frydays

The best place in Cincinnati to get Jamacian cuisine 

2826 Vine St. | Cincinnati | islandfrydays.com

As seen on the Food Network hit, Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, and you can watch the clip on their website too! Born in 2009 by owner and Jamacian native, Leo Morgan, he had a dream to bring his Carribean cuisine to the Queen City and cook for those who lived in the Cincinnati community. If you’re looking to find island hospitality, music, and food in the big city -- this is the best place to be! 

Here you will find Caribbean classics from jerk chicken to fish sandwiches, brown stew, and curry. If you want the inside scoop -- the dishes that were featured on Triple D were jerk chicken and the escovitch snapper dinner. So, you might want to add these to your priority list when you visit Island Frydays. 

“If you want to try some amazingggggggggg Caribbean food right here in Cincinnati, you have to go to Island Frydays! This is literally one of my favorite restaurants in Cincinnati.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Island Frydays

5. Ollie’s Trolley 

Serving the best burger in Cincinnati.. Or maybe even the world! 

1607 Central Ave. | Cincinnati | olliestrolley

Serving food out of their vintage yellow and red trolley and with the best burgers around, sometimes even placed among the best burgers in the world -- if you’re looking for a delicious lunch this is the place to go. Ollie’s Trolley is often referred to as one of the best delicacies in the neighborhood and is recommended by everyone around. All we have to say is try it for yourself and you’ll be hooked! 

Marvin Smith, the Ollie of Ollie’s trolley, catered five of Barack Obama’s campaign events before his election to the presidency. You can find pictures of Marvin posing with both Barack and Michelle Obama all over the outside of his trolley. This place is a true American gem to say the least. Whenever you go, try the Ollie’s burger!

“The best hamburger ever! Love the ollie fries to ..staff was really kind and professional. Highly reccomend them .Mr Ollie a true Queen city legend..love it Paul [ BIGDADDYKING!] King” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Ollie’s Trolley 

6. Park Place Restaurant 

American style foods with a healthy, yet delicious twist 

1185 Kemper Meadow Dr. | Cincinnati | parkplacerestaurant

Park Place Restaurant is a family-friendly eating experience dedicated to serving clean food to hungry customers. By clean food we mean they are a non red meat restaurant, so you won’t find any beef or pork here. What you will find are delicious chicken wings, turkey wings, fish and chips, and unexpected additions like fish tacos and fresh spring rolls. 

They have a small menu, but perfected each item on their menu. You can try a delicious artisan flatbread or our favorite -- fried pickles! If you’re in need of some accompanying spirits, they have a fine selection of wines and liquors. 

“This is probably my new favorite spot for fried fish now.  Came here for spoken word night that they have every Thursday and was very impressed.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Park Place Restaurant 

7. Rasheedah’s Cafe 

A restaurant determined to serve halal and classic comfort foods to community members 

5922 Hamilton Ave. | Cincinnati | rasheedahscafe.com

Rasheedah’s Cafe has been serving delicious comfort food classics to the Cincinnati community since its debut in 1993. For the past 14 years, they have been serving amazing home-cooked meals and halal dishes. In fact, the restaurant was born out of a need for halal dishes in the Cincinnati area. 

At Rasheedah’s you will find daily specials as well as beef short ribs, jerk chicken, salmon croquettes, and our favorite -- delicious mac and cheese. All your soul food needs will be accomplished with a trip to this restaurant!

“Rasheedah's was phenomenal. The service was great, and the food was absolutely DELICIOUS! The amount of food we got, especially for the price, was almost unreal. I will definitely go back, and I will definitely eat the cornbread again when I go.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa card for Rasheedah’s Cafe 

If you’re looking for a place to experience delicious Soul food classics, American must haves, and Jamacian specialties -- your amazing eating experience is right here on our list. Try one or try them all, but be sure to stop in to one of these local black owned businesses and give them a try. You and your belly are sure to leave happy and full with a smile on your face after a trip to one of these local hits in Cincinnati!

8. Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey

Rustic eatery that is known for its savory elevated comfort dishes

1201 Broadway St | Over-the-Rhine | boomtownbiscuitsandwhiskey.com

Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey is the ultimate destination for enjoying fresh, elevated comfort food. From the Pullen’s Poutine appetizer to the French Dip sandwich, every dish here is dripping with flavor. 

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of shareable plates, sandwiches, late-night snacks, sides, and desserts. Cocktails, drafts, and whiskeys are also available to accompany your plates. 

“Wow!!! I absolutely love biscuits so a visit to Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey was a no-brainer for me. This little OTR restaurant is packed with flavor. Each of the dishes I tried were phenomenal! 10/10 recommend ordering the biscuit and gravy flight for the table (or for yourself!!) to get a taste of each homemade gravy on the menu.” - Yelp Review

9. K&J Seafood

Popular restaurant that offers hearty portions of fresh seafood plates

1801 Race St | Over-the-Rhine 

If you’re a huge seafood lover, you need to try K&J Seafood. Located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, K&J Seafood offers hearty plates of fresh, flavorful seafood inside a laid backlaidback dining space. 

K&J offers a number of seafood platters including the Fried Lobster Platter, Fish Po Boy, Shrimp & Grits, Buckeye Basket, and Shrimp Taco. You can order a bottled drink or try K&J’s famous Mardi Gras Lemonade. Enjoy!

“Man the Bearcat Boil Wings are 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Should have ordered more! Also, their employees are so nice and friendly!” - Facebook Review

10. Esoteric Brewery

Black and Filipino-owned brewery that serves traditional Belgian styles

918 E McMillan | Walnut Hills | esotericbrewing.com

Esoteric Brewery is a popular Black-owned brewery located in Walnut Hills. Inside, you’ll find a chic lounge perfect for kicking back with friends and trying an assortment of Belgian-style beers. Hoppy, light, and dark beers are also available. Esoteric also offers a small selection of wine and cocktails. If you find yourself growing hungry, you can try some Korean fried chicken from the nearby Decial restaurant!

“The beers are incredible and the service exceeded our expectations over and over. There are so many craft breweries popping up but not all of them are outstanding. This one is. Whether you're sitting on a cozy banquette or a small couch in the corner with a friend or at a table set for four, there's a spot for everyone.” - Yelp Review

11. Alabama Que

BBQ restaurant that uses real smokers to cook its Southern-style smoked meats

2733 Vine St | Corryville | alabama-q.com

Finally, we have Alabama Que. Known as the home of the Turkey Tips, Alabama Que offers fresh Southern-style smoked meats and hearty side dishes. In addition to its famous turkey tips, Alabama Que also serves smoked chicken, pork rib tips, pulled pork, beef brisket, and smoked salmon. If you still have some room for dessert at the end, we recommend trying the banana pudding or peach cobbler. 

“We just ordered catering from Alabama Que last night and the food was fantastic! All of our guests complimented the delicious pulled pork and turkey tips. Thank you for the easy/quick pickup and making our party a tasty night!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Alabama Que. 

If you’re looking for a place to experience delicious Soul food classics, American must-haves, and Jamaican specialties, your amazing eating experience is right here on our list. Try one or try them all, but be sure to stop into one of these local Black-owned businesses and give them a try.