The Best Black-Owned Bites Nearby
As New Yorkers, we’ve seen first hand the affects the pandemic has had on the restaurant industry. With many of our favorites struggling to stay open or sadly closing. Minority-owned restaurants especially have struggled at a disproportionate rate. In honor of Black History Month, we curated a list of Black-owned restaurants you can support right now. Best of all, all of the restaurants are close to our luxurious NoMad coworking space. Why not order takeout from one of these places on your next lunch break?
Gooey on the Inside
See the menu here.
First on our list, a must try desert haven. Gooey on the Inside was created by a self-proclaimed emotional eater and food obsessed Chic from Canada via the Caribbean. The journey all began for her from a ‘compact’ kitchen in a Chelsea apartment in NYC where she had this crazy idea that she could make the perfect cookie. One that was crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
With a passion for all-things cookies, Kafi’s goal was to recreate these time honored classics and experiment with flavors and different ingredients in order to offer a unique take on an old favorite.
Sweet Chick
See the menu here.
What started in Brooklyn has now expanded across the country. Second on our list, the “American Cuisine with a Southern Twist”. Sweet Chick has been providing mouth-watering classics since 2013. Most famous for its chicken and waffles, Sweet Chick has also formed a strong relationship with the NY hip-hop community.
They have teamed with local rap legend Nas in addition to featuring pop up concerts with Slick Rick and Mobb Deep, and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon. They were also had a feature on First We Feast with Joey Bada$$.
Negril Village
See the menu here.
Taking things up a notch, the third on our list features upscale dining with Carribean flares. Negril Village promises to entertain your soul as well as your palette in a hip & classy environment. The latest installment in the Negril chain specializes in Nu Caribbean cuisine or what is dubbed “New York Savvy Caribbean cuisine”.
Boasting an impressive two levels, the restaurants décor can be described as contemporary yet natural. The spacious dining room, on the upper level, features bamboo floors and seashell lined walls; while the Rhum lounge, on the lower level, warms you with its raisin interior, red lacquer floors, and in-house DJ.
Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
See the menu here.
Adding another desert must have to our list. Mikey Likes It has been a staple in Lower East Side and Harlem. Founded by Michael “Mikey” Cole, his love for cooking only parallels his love for people. “We’re just trying to push the boundaries of what companies are doing with ice cream,” he says. “And we do this by using the best ingredients and building lasting relationships with local businesses, customers and other great people.”
Mikey has created custom ice cream flavors for notables like Hillary Clinton and Jay-Z, and garnered national coverage from leading publications including The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, Essence and New York Magazine. He’s also been featured on The Food Network’s The Kitchen, and is a regular on CBS’s hit show That Other Pregame Show.
Jamrock Jerk
See the menu here.
Finishing off our list of Black-owned restaurants is one that unfortunately will not open until April 2020. They made our list for their one of a kind authentic Jamaican cuisine perfect for any time of day. Starting from humble beginnings operating at fairs and festivals, Jamrock Jerk has become the first of its kind in New York City, a legally permitted street cart furnished with the equipment necessary to produce the authentic ‘Jamaican Jerk’ experience, customized and contoured with the artistry synonymous with the islands.
Looking for more tasty suggestions? Check out our other posts here!