A Guide To Black-Owned Seattle

Written by Nourisha Wells

Seattle’s Black history may not be as firmly cemented in America’s collective cultural consciousness as that of other cities like Chicago, Atlanta, or Tulsa, but if you take a closer look, you will see a vibrant Black community that has left a distinctive mark on American culture. In the mid-19th century, pioneering businessmen Manuel Lopes and William Grose arrived in Seattle, laying the foundation for the city’s Black community. The Central District emerged as a hub for Black residents during the early 20th century, and continued to be a neighborhood that much of Seattle’s Black community called home.

As is the case in many cities across the country, gentrification has reshaped this neighborhood over the past decade. In response, Black Seattleites have led a movement to reclaim and take up space in the traditional Black centers and beyond, leading to a revitalization of the Central District. Many cornerstones of Seattle’s Black food, art, religious, and commercial landscapes are located in the area, and no trip to the city is complete without a visit. Ahead, some of the Black-owned businesses in and around it that are well worth adding to your itinerary.

Where Homestyle Cooking Meets Pacific Northwest Ingredients

Communion Restaurant

The moment you pass the threshold at this restaurant run by a mother-and-son team, you’ll feel like you’re coming home. It might be the staff that greets you as if you were a neighbor stopping by for a quick hello; maybe the music playing in the background, reminiscent of a summertime cookout; or it could be the collection of family photos and artifacts on the walls. But the homestyle feel is definitely driven home by the exquisite food and drink menu, which combines the Southern culinary comforts with flavors reflecting the diversity of the Pacific Northwest: think dirty rice with Laotian sausage, fritters made from Nigerian black eyed peas, or deviled eggs topped with tobiko fish roe. Plan ahead and make a reservation, since tables can fill up quickly.

Simply Soulful Café

Simply Soulful is where to go when you’re craving traditional soul food like shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, braised oxtails, fried pork chops and all the sides you expect at Sunday dinner. Place your order at the counter, (don’t forget dessert) then find a seat in the cozy dining area where floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light and provide the perfect people-watching conditions while you dine. It’s not uncommon for the owners to stop by to ask how you’re enjoying your meal, or to just shoot the breeze. There’s also a regular rotation of local musicians performing, so be sure to check the events calendar before your visit. Because Simply Soulful is in the heart of the Central District, it is the perfect choice for lunch or early dinner while exploring the local attractions.

Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack

Seattle is no mere hop, skip, or jump away from the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a taste of the islands while in the Pacific Northwest. In business for over 15 years, Island Soul has dished up meals showcasing the flavors of the islands and the Louisiana Bayou, with an atmosphere as vibrant as the menu. Whether you opt for brown stew chicken, oxtail stew, or a catfish po boy, expect hearty portions and strong drinks. You might struggle a bit to find parking in the surrounding neighborhood, but it will all be worth it when you take your first bite. Island Soul’s sister restaurant Arleana’s recently opened in the east side city of Kirkland, and is also worth a visit.

JuneBaby

The menu at JuneBaby is a celebration of the resilience and creativity of Black folks in America. The menu features Southern staples like buttermilk biscuits, collard greens and ham hocks, lemon pepper fried catfish, and Creole gumbo, while incorporating notes of the Northwest through seafood and regional vegetables. Nightly specials range from jerk pork chops to BBQ to fried chicken, and the dessert menu is stacked with tempting options like banana fritters and pecan chocolate chip pie. The cherry on top is that a meal at JuneBaby means you’ve eaten at one of James Beard’s “Best New Restaurants in America.” Be sure to book a reservation in advance, since the crowd size can often match the reputation.

Explore Intentional Spaces and the Great Outdoors

Northwest African American Museum

Located in the 115-year-old Coleman School (the first school in the city that welcomed African American students), this must-visit museum focuses on members of the Black diaspora in the Pacific Northwest, whether they are transplants from the South who arrived during the Great Migration, or recent immigrants from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and other African nations. Rotating exhibits and lecture series spotlight prominent Black community figures and elders, and honor pivotal moments in the local civil rights movement, while events bring the community together to enjoy local music, artists, and food, often just outside the museum in Jimi Hendrix Park (named after the rock icon, who was born and raised in Seattle). Check the museum’s calendar for dates and details.

ARTE NOIR & Onyx Fine Arts Collective Gallery Onyx

This art and cultural center houses a retail space featuring wares crafted by local Black creatives, a gallery featuring rotating exhibits with pieces from more than 400 artists who are a part of the collective’s roster, and a recording studio. Just outside the space, located in Midtown Square at the corner of 23^rd and Union, you’ll see more markers of Seattle’s arts landscape in the form of street art and community murals that speak to the past, present and future of the Central District.

Wonder of Women International WOW Gallery

WOW Founder Veronica Very Davis envisioned a place where visitors could combat the trauma of racial discrimination with images and stories depicting the power and promise of Black people, with a focus on Black women. In 2021, she channeled her vision into the launch of this striking gallery space located in the Pacific Place shopping center downtown. The mission of the gallery is to provide healing and liberation to Black communities, and particularly Black women, through the power of images and stories. Inside the space, which is decked out with uplifting artwork and affirmations, interactive installments invite you to create your own art by tapping into your personal memories and your own storytelling abilities. Regular programming also includes lectures, courses, and community events, and there’s a gift shop where you can purchase candles, journals, T-shirts and other collectibles emblazoned with empowering mantras like “Dear Sista, I see you.”

Miles Hike Club

There’s no denying the natural beauty that greets you from the moment you fly over Seattle. Everywhere you look there are lush green trees, glimpses of the Puget Sound, and majestic snow dusted mountains. The Emerald City is gorgeous, and it shines brightest when you take time to get up close and personal with its ubiquitous nature. That’s where the Miles Hike Club comes in. This Black-owned collective of skilled outdoor enthusiasts leads guests on a variety of hikes through stunning local terrain including forests, meadows, lakes, and waterfalls. With hikes tailored to various ability levels and customized to fit your schedule and interests, it’s a convenient way to soak in Seattle’s great outdoors.