While Black History Month in Philadelphia is a time filled with cultural performances, demonstrations, and historical celebrations, it is also a time to celebrate the African American culinary experience. With its deep roots in African American history, Philadelphia is home to more than fifty Black-owned restaurants and establishments.
Many of these eateries feature “soul food,” a tradition originating in the southern United States during the 19th century. After the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, Black communities and churches often hosted celebrations in which they would serve an array of fried fish and chicken, greens, black-eyed peas, and more. These foods are native to the southern states but have made their way into states across the country through generations of cultural traditions and experiences.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of Philadelphia’s favorite Black-owned restaurants and establishments to see their interpretations of the historical culinary tradition:
Breakfast/Brunch
Arterial Coffee: The first stop on our list is Arterial Coffee, located in Powelton Village. The shop is owned by the Brown Sisters, Sharaine and Sharla Brown, who grew up picking coffee cherries with their grandmother in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Arterial Coffee is the perfect spot for you early birds looking for a morning coffee or a quick breakfast bite!
Brunch N: This luxurious brunch spot can be found on the corner of Vine and N. 13th Street in Chinatown! Brunch N is a local Black woman-owned and operated establishment that brings its visitors the comfort of historical soul food with a fun modern twist. Brunch N’s menu features unbelievable brunch classics like shrimp over grits, fried chicken benedict, and peaches and cream cheese stuffed french toast.
Aksum: For our third and final breakfast stop, we are shouting out Aksum Cafe! Located on West Philadelphia’s Baltimore Avenue, this Mediterranean Cafe features recipes from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Stop in to Aksum Cafe this month and try some of their featured soul food dishes including Moroccan chicken and waffles, spiced shrimp and grits, and Moroccan eggs benedict.
Lunch
Pretty Girls’ Cook: If you’re on the lookout for a unique dining experience, Pretty Girls Cook is the perfect lunch spot for you! The restaurant resides on North Marshall Street and serves up a handful of tasty American dishes such as ‘Lobsta Mobsta’ loaded fries and ‘Sinful Salmon’ grilled cheese. This month, try out this female-owned business with a menu that pushes boundaries and has a variety of different options for all types of palate!
All the Way Live: Up next is a joint you won’t want to miss! This restaurant dishes out raw and vegan meals that will blow your mind! All the Way Live, located in Germantown, is Philadelphia’s first vegan/raw food restaurant. The establishment is owned by a mother-daughter duo who are extremely proud of what they’ve built. Head on over to experience their extraordinary food today!
Dinner
South Restaurant & Jazz Club: Located in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood, this swanky jazz club restaurant serves Southern American food that will be sure to make you feel right at home. Experience comfort cooking and smooth live music at South Restaurant & Jazz Club! The club is owned by two brothers, Robert and Benjamin Bynum, who have won several awards and honors for their work in the community.
48th Street Grille: Rounding this category off is 48th Street Grille, which sits in the heart of West Philadelphia! The Grille offers Caribbean-American food that is sure to surprise you and offers catering through their very own chef, Carl Lewis! Known for their exceptional service and wallet-friendly pricing, you’ve got to check it out!
Dessert
Banana Mousse: Looking for a sweet treat after dinner? Head on over to Banana Mousse, a mother-daughter-owned dessert shop featuring handmade milkshakes and mousses. Step into the world of whipped desserts this month and try out their homemade sweet potato mousses and Fruity Pebbles milkshakes!
Lokal Artisan Food: This Black-woman-owned and operated business is all about french toast! Founded by Temple grad Charisse McGill, Lokal Artisan Food can be found at several locations throughout the city selling their renowned french toast bites and french toast coffee. Lokal Artisan Food has also recently released their new french toast beer made in collaboration with Yards Brewing Company, making owner Charisse McGill the first Black woman in Pennsylvania with a signature beer on the market.
Sweet T’s Bakery: For our final stop of this dessert roundup, we recommend Sweet T’s Bakery! Sweet T’s is believed to be the first Black-owned bakery in Reading Terminal Market’s history and has been selling various sweet potato treats (ie. sweet potato pie, sweet potato cheesecake, etc.) since 2014.
This Black History Month, make a statement by visiting Black-owned restaurants that boost diversity, opportunity, and equality in our community. These mentions are just a few of many in Philadelphia that need your support! Supporting Black businesses can be done during any month of the year, so be sure to check out these spots and stay tuned for next week’s blog where we tackle Philly PR Girl’s most influential Black individuals from history!
