Detroit’s Black-owned restaurants everyone should’ve tried by now

By on Fri, Feb 10, 2023 at 10:44 am

Detroit is a city with a rich culture, a whole lot of soul, and great food. It's also one of the Blackest big cities in America. Despite this, we often see many non-Black faces and businesses getting highlighted when looking for places that represent Detroit.

We've compiled a list of Black-owned Detroit restaurants that we think everyone who has ever stepped foot in the 313 should have tried by now.

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Breadless 2761 E. Jefferson, Suite A, Detroit; 313-474-2870; eatbreadless.com Breadless is EXACTLY what you think it is, a breadless sandwich shop that uses leafy greens as a substitute for bread.
Courtesy of Breadless

Breadless

2761 E. Jefferson, Suite A, Detroit; 313-474-2870; eatbreadless.com

Breadless is EXACTLY what you think it is, a breadless sandwich shop that uses leafy greens as a substitute for bread.
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Petty Cash 20050 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-380-6336;pettycashdetroit.com Petty Cash is a high-end small plates and cocktail restaurant tucked on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion.
Viola Klocko

Petty Cash

20050 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-380-6336;pettycashdetroit.com

Petty Cash is a high-end small plates and cocktail restaurant tucked on the Livernois Avenue of Fashion.
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SuperCrisp 4830 Cass Ave., Suite C, Detroit; 313-474-8880; supercrisp.com Chef Mike Ransom’s karaage fried chicken sandwich at his other restaurant Ima was so popular that he decided to open another shop dedicated to it. Beyond the famous fried chicken sandwich, SuperCrisp also offers burgers and fries topped with Asian flavors like kimchi and wasabi. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available.
SuperCrisp/Instagram

SuperCrisp

4830 Cass Ave., Suite C, Detroit; 313-474-8880; supercrisp.com

Chef Mike Ransom’s karaage fried chicken sandwich at his other restaurant Ima was so popular that he decided to open another shop dedicated to it. Beyond the famous fried chicken sandwich, SuperCrisp also offers burgers and fries topped with Asian flavors like kimchi and wasabi. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available.
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Soul on Ice 8867 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-646-4601; soulonice.com Dubbed the Detroit Drinking Den, Soul on Ice is a soul-food inspired bistro and lounge that also offers live entertainment throughout the week.
Courtesy of Soul on Ice

Soul on Ice

8867 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-646-4601; soulonice.com

Dubbed the Detroit Drinking Den, Soul on Ice is a soul-food inspired bistro and lounge that also offers live entertainment throughout the week.
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Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles 19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229; kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com Founded by former NFL player Ron Bartell, this chicken and waffle eatery serves food that will provide all the comfort your soul needs. After closing in 2019 for kitchen renovations, the Avenue of Fashion mainstay reopened this year better than ever. Courtesy photo

Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles

19345 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-861-0229; kuzzoschickenandwaffles.com

Founded by former NFL player Ron Bartell, this chicken and waffle eatery serves food that will provide all the comfort your soul needs. After closing in 2019 for kitchen renovations, the Avenue of Fashion mainstay reopened this year better than ever.

Courtesy photo
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Detroit Vegan Soul 19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-766-5728; detroitvegansoul.com Having a desire to make healthy food more accessible, Detroit Vegan Soul’s mission is to help people live healthier lives by offering a menu full of great tasting and nutritious vegan food.
Detroit Vegan Soul/Facebook

Detroit Vegan Soul

19614 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-766-5728; detroitvegansoul.com

Having a desire to make healthy food more accessible, Detroit Vegan Soul’s mission is to help people live healthier lives by offering a menu full of great tasting and nutritious vegan food.

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Yum Village 6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-334-6099; yumvillage.com Yum Village in Detroit’s north end is full of Caribbean and West African dishes like jerk chicken, maafe, jollof rice, suya fried chicken, smoked pepper fries, and several vegetarian options.
Yum Village / Facebook

Yum Village

6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-334-6099; yumvillage.com

Yum Village in Detroit’s north end is full of Caribbean and West African dishes like jerk chicken, maafe, jollof rice, suya fried chicken, smoked pepper fries, and several vegetarian options.

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Detroit Pizza Bar 7316 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-646-4601; thedetroitpizzabar.com This pizzeria is located in Detroit’s historic Bagley neighborhood, and not only are the employees all residents of the city, the pizza names are a nod to the neighborhood.
Detroit Pizza Bar

Detroit Pizza Bar

7316 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-646-4601; thedetroitpizzabar.com

This pizzeria is located in Detroit’s historic Bagley neighborhood, and not only are the employees all residents of the city, the pizza names are a nod to the neighborhood.
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Joe Louis Southern Kitchen 3100 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-788-8338; joelouissouthernkitchen.com Joe Louis Southern Kitchen surely is a knockout when it comes to Southern breakfast staples.The restaurant features classics like, buttermilk biscuits, croquettes and rice, shrimp and grits, country fried steak, and much more.
Lee DeVito

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen

3100 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; 313-788-8338; joelouissouthernkitchen.com

Joe Louis Southern Kitchen surely is a knockout when it comes to Southern breakfast staples.The restaurant features classics like, buttermilk biscuits, croquettes and rice, shrimp and grits, country fried steak, and much more.

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Lobster Food Truck & Pitstop 10405 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-406-5854; thelobsterfoodtruck.com The Lobster Food Truck & Pitstop is what the dreams of lobster lovers are made of. From lobster mac-n-cheese, fried lobster bites, and of course, a lobster roll (hot or cold), it gives Detroit a taste of the sea all year round.
The Lobster Food Truck/Facebook

Lobster Food Truck & Pitstop

10405 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-406-5854; thelobsterfoodtruck.com

The Lobster Food Truck & Pitstop is what the dreams of lobster lovers are made of. From lobster mac-n-cheese, fried lobster bites, and of course, a lobster roll (hot or cold), it gives Detroit a taste of the sea all year round.

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Ima 2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit | 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit | 32203 John R. Rd., Madison Heights | imanoodles.com Located in Corktown, with newer outposts in Midtown and Madison Heights, this Japanese eatery is run by chef-owner Mike Ransom. Filling menu items are created with a base of either rice or udon noodles and they're freaking delicious. Try the Midtown location's spicy karaage chicken sandwich.
Tom Perkins

Ima

2015 Michigan Ave., Detroit | 4870 Cass Ave., Detroit | 32203 John R. Rd., Madison Heights | imanoodles.com


Located in Corktown, with newer outposts in Midtown and Madison Heights, this Japanese eatery is run by chef-owner Mike Ransom. Filling menu items are created with a base of either rice or udon noodles and they're freaking delicious. Try the Midtown location's spicy karaage chicken sandwich.

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Baobab Fare 6568 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com Opened by immigrants, Baobab Fare brings East African fare, coffee, and fresh juices to Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. Their signature dish is Nyumbani, a slow-simmered beef dish served with fried plantains, peanut stewed spinach, and coconut rice.
Google Maps

Baobab Fare

6568 Woodward Ave., Suite 100, Detroit; 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com

Opened by immigrants, Baobab Fare brings East African fare, coffee, and fresh juices to Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. Their signature dish is Nyumbani, a slow-simmered beef dish served with fried plantains, peanut stewed spinach, and coconut rice.
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Louisiana Creole Gumbo 2051 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-567-1200 | 13505 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-397-4052 | 29216 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills | detroitgumbo.com Louisiana Creole Gumbo has been a staple in Detroit’s Eastern Market since 1970. More than 50 years later, the cajun restaurant expanded to the suburbs and opened a new location in Farmington Hills.
Kelley O'Neill

Louisiana Creole Gumbo

2051 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-567-1200 | 13505 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-397-4052 | 29216 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills | detroitgumbo.com

Louisiana Creole Gumbo has been a staple in Detroit’s Eastern Market since 1970. More than 50 years later, the cajun restaurant expanded to the suburbs and opened a new location in Farmington Hills.
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Trap Vegan 20198 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-340-2988; trapvegan.com Dope. Healthy. Good AF. This vegan fast-food restaurant offers plant-based burgers, smoothies, acai bowls, and salads. When Trap Vegan opened in November of 2021, they sold out the first day — that’s how good it is.
Trap Vegan /Facebook

Trap Vegan

20198 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-340-2988; trapvegan.com

Dope. Healthy. Good AF. This vegan fast-food restaurant offers plant-based burgers, smoothies, acai bowls, and salads. When Trap Vegan opened in November of 2021, they sold out the first day — that’s how good it is.
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ImaginATE 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-633-8899; imaginaterestaurant.com Owned by Chef Omar Mitchell, ImaginATE uses technology and creativity to elevate the fine dining experience. ImaginATE makes dining entertaining with the addition of Le Petit, a digital dining experience that shows animated chefs and characters preparing your order digitally before the server presents your real plated meal.
ImaginATE/Facebook

ImaginATE

401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak; 248-633-8899; imaginaterestaurant.com

Owned by Chef Omar Mitchell, ImaginATE uses technology and creativity to elevate the fine dining experience. ImaginATE makes dining entertaining with the addition of Le Petit, a digital dining experience that shows animated chefs and characters preparing your order digitally before the server presents your real plated meal.

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Good Cakes and Bakes 19363 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-468-9915; goodcakesandbakes.com Owned by April Anderson and Michelle Anderson, this Livernois Avenue organic bakery has been in the spotlight since it opened — and we know why. Look no further than Good Cakes’ lemon gooey butter cake, strawberry crunch cake, and 7-Up pound as well as a mouth-watering selection of cupcakes and cookies. Vegan? They’ve got you covered with whole cakes in red velvet, double chocolate, carrot, and lemon pound cake varieties.
Good Cakes and Bakes/Facebook

Good Cakes and Bakes

19363 Livernois Ave., Detroit; 313-468-9915; goodcakesandbakes.com

Owned by April Anderson and Michelle Anderson, this Livernois Avenue organic bakery has been in the spotlight since it opened — and we know why. Look no further than Good Cakes’ lemon gooey butter cake, strawberry crunch cake, and 7-Up pound as well as a mouth-watering selection of cupcakes and cookies. Vegan? They’ve got you covered with whole cakes in red velvet, double chocolate, carrot, and lemon pound cake varieties.
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Bert's 2727 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-2030; bertsentertainmentcomplex.com If you haven't been to Bert's Saturday morning barbecue cookout, you're missing out. The slabs of ribs and smoked sausage are cooked on a massive outdoor charcoal grill, filling Eastern Market with mouthwatering smells. Plus, they have karaoke.
Bert's Marketplace/Facebook

Bert's

2727 Russell St., Detroit; 313-567-2030; bertsentertainmentcomplex.com

If you haven't been to Bert's Saturday morning barbecue cookout, you're missing out. The slabs of ribs and smoked sausage are cooked on a massive outdoor charcoal grill, filling Eastern Market with mouthwatering smells. Plus, they have karaoke.
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Central Kitchen and Bar 660 Woodward Ave. #4a, Detroit; 313-963-9000; centraldetroit.com Co-owned by Dennis Archer Jr., Central Kitchen and Bar offers unique takes on classic dishes like burgers and salads.
Central Kitchen and Bar/Facebook

Central Kitchen and Bar

660 Woodward Ave. #4a, Detroit; 313-963-9000; centraldetroit.com

Co-owned by Dennis Archer Jr., Central Kitchen and Bar offers unique takes on classic dishes like burgers and salads.

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Sweet Soul Bistro 13741 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-862-7685 This westside bar and restaurant is located at McNichols and Schaefer Highway. The bistro takes bar food and the legacy of Motown and weaves them into a menu that’s full of mouthwatering dishes.
Sweet Soul Bistro/Facebook

Sweet Soul Bistro

13741 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-862-7685

This westside bar and restaurant is located at McNichols and Schaefer Highway. The bistro takes bar food and the legacy of Motown and weaves them into a menu that’s full of mouthwatering dishes.

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Chef Greg's Soul 'N' The Wall 10009 Curtis St., Detroit; 313-861-0331; facebook.com/Chef-Gregs-Soul-N-The-Wall In 2007, Greg Beard opened Greg's Soul 'N' The Wall in the tiny brick storefront that used to house Brothers on Curtis near Wyoming Road. Since then, the soul food favorite has revived the Boogaloo Sandwich, a more sophisticated cousin to the Sloppy Joe, that was created in Detroit in the 1960s.
Tom Perkins

Chef Greg's Soul 'N' The Wall

10009 Curtis St., Detroit; 313-861-0331; facebook.com/Chef-Gregs-Soul-N-The-Wall

In 2007, Greg Beard opened Greg's Soul 'N' The Wall in the tiny brick storefront that used to house Brothers on Curtis near Wyoming Road. Since then, the soul food favorite has revived the Boogaloo Sandwich, a more sophisticated cousin to the Sloppy Joe, that was created in Detroit in the 1960s.

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