Must-Visit Black-Owned Restaurants

Fishnet Stall, Mount Vernon Marketplace

The historic Mount Vernon neighborhood is filled with boutique hotels, restaurants, historic buildings, and museums, including the Walter’s Art Gallery where you can visit their extensive collection of African Art. After which, head on over to the Mount Vernon Marketplace for a bite to eat at the Fishnet stall.  The marketplace is home to a variety of food options, from Korean Bowls to fresh shucked oysters.

Fishnet is a “scratch” kitchen where they prep their own fish and use everything from head to tail.  Using every part of the fish keeps their broths bright and fresh and their prices down, while delivering delicious, fresh, and creative fish dishes. My favorite is the Baltimore Bomber. OH EM GEE! This huge flakey piece of white fish with onions, cheese, lettuce, and the best lemon aioli ever will leave you completely satisfied. There are three stalls inside the marketplace with liquor licenses if a libation is what you desire and several counters throughout to enjoy your meal.  The salmon avocado salad is another favorite not to be missed.

Their prices range from $9 for their salmon croquets to $19 for their crab dip. Fishnet also has branded merchandise for sale. Half of the proceeds of their merchandise go to support Black women chefs and restaurants.

Fishnet Stall (enter in the front and walk to the rear) 520 Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201

Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Closed on Mondays

Terra Café

Terra Café – 101 East 25^th Street is more than a space to grab a great bite to eat. Chef Terence Dickson (Chef T as he’s affectionately known) has created an experience that is satisfying on so many levels.  The aroma catches your attention just outside the door. Once inside, the work of local artists covers exposed brick walls and, depending on the evening of your visit, your ears may be treated to the tunes of a local band or spoken word performer. 

This casual dining establishment has an extensive menu that includes a solid blend of American and Afro-Caribbean fare. The atmosphere is laid back and very social. In the warmer months, Chef Terence opens the “Jerk Garden” the outside dining area where lively events and entertainment also take place. Reservations are highly suggested. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. The jerk dishes are highly recommended!

Tuesday–Thursday & Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Closed on Mondays | https://terracafebmore.com/ 

Vegan Juiceology

Native Baltimorean and Owner of Vegan Juiceology, Dominique Allen, opened her shop with very specific goals in mind for the business and the community that it serves. Since opening in August of 2021, they offer healthy plant-based food and drink options in what was otherwise a food desert. Dominique and her team serve quality, fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, bowls, sea moss, vegan burgers, hand-cut fries, fruits, salads, and more. Their philosophy? “Healthy food alternatives fuel the body, soul, and mind.”

The team takes pride in its sustainable practices, including farm-to-bottle, handcrafted juices, and their Rinse, Recycle, Reuse, Reduce Bottle Return program; it gives you a discount for each bottle you return to be recycled. 

The shop is an entire vibe with its vibrant colors, accented by the logo and the brightly colored bottles of juice on display. I especially enjoyed the Emerald Elixir, a combination of fruit, kale and ginger root. I could taste and feel the goodness. 

The interior was designed by local interior designer Tiffani Reidy of Reidy Creative (Black-woman business owner). She’s a vibe all by herself. The shop is in an area that is under redevelopment. Its neighbors, Cuples Tea House and Cajou Creamery (a plant-based frozen dessert company), round out the block. All Black-owned businesses.

413 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | 443-438-3694 | Tuesday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | https://www.veganjuiceology.com/ 

Cuples Tea House

Cuples Tea House, owned by local husband and wife team, Eric and Lynette Dodson, describe their business as an “urban tea experience.” Cuples got their start back in 2015 selling unique blends of loose teas at local fairs, farmer’s markets, and outdoor concerts. The five initial blends have grown to 50 varieties of tea. Also available are specialized tea accessories, and educational workshops. 

Through their brand they are devoted to elevating the tea experiences for the modern tea connoisseur. Not solely focused on taste, their desire is to inspire healthier communities by educating people about the many medicinal benefits of drinking tea and emphasizing the consumption of drinks that are not sugar-laden. 

The tea house is decorated in warm black and brown hues that invite you to sit down and cozy up… well, with a cup of tea. The menu consists of confectionary delights with vegan options, tea flights, sandwiches, tea lattes, soups, and sandwiches. Stop in and try a cup, you won’t be disappointed. Then head next door to Cajou Creamery to try their vegan frozen desserts.

409 N. Howard St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | 667-930-3930 | https://cuplesteahouse.com/

Bar One Baltimore

Bar One Baltimore is one of the newest additions to the chain of restaurants/clubs owned by Peter Thomas of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame. The restaurant is positioned in a prime area in the upscale neighborhood of Harbor East, right on the waterfront. The cuisine is a fusion of Afro-Caribbean dishes combined with favorites of American Southern fare. Think rich tasty oxtails or jerk chicken offered on the same menu with chicken and waffles.

The décor can be described as contemporary and plush with a distinctly modern edge. The atmosphere is upscale and laid back. The crispy-skinned snapper is a delight for the eyes, nose, and mouth! Entrees range from the high end of $85.00 per plate to the low end of $37. Happy Hour takes place on weekdays from 4 pm to 7 pm.  If you’re looking for an after-hours bite in Baltimore, this is the place to go! It is one of the few restaurants that can satisfy those late-night food cravings with extended hours all week.

1000 Lancaster St., Baltimore, MD | 443-438-7858 | Monday–Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM | Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM | https://www.baronebaltimore.com/

Taharka Brothers Ice Cream

Taharka Brothers Ice Cream “Made in Baltimore” is an employee-owned, majority Black-owned business whose icy confectionary delights began taking Baltimore by storm back in 2009. Each current owner began with the company the same way — by scooping ice cream.

Inspired by Ben & Jerry’s motto to change the world –founder, Sean, worked with a team of young entrepreneurs (current owners Kowfi and Mike among them) to create a company that would do just that. Each full-time employee can become an owner of the company after 15 months of employment. Their motto: “We hope each scoop inspires cultural understanding, economic empowerment, and community engagement.”

You can find Taharka Brothers Ice Cream in several locations across the city and it is available for delivery. They have a stall in R. House, a community-based food hall located in the Remington neighborhood, The Broadway Market in historic Fells Point, and the Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. Each location offers ice cream by the scoop and pint. Check out their website to see what locations offer special flavors. Visiting the R. House location? Also check out other Black-owned food stalls, such as STEM, specializing in veggie and vegan-based dishes, and Creole Soul, serving New Orleans-inspired soul food.

301 West 29^th St. (R. House) | 1640 Aliceanna St. (Broadway Market) | 1065 S. Charles St. (Cross Street Market) | https://www.taharkabrothers.com/ 

Blk Swan

If Jay Z’s rhyme “All Black Everything” were a restaurant, The Blk Swan located in Harbor East would be the epitome of it! From the black in its name, to the owner, Chris Simon, every detail was chosen specifically to denote blackness. Black dishware, bare ware, and a dramatic background of black walls, it is black excellence at its best. 

The upscale dining experience is everything Baltimore native and Executive Chef Saon Brice set out to create: a special experience that melds upscale dining in an atmosphere that is chic, while being laid back, welcoming, and …. black. 

With beautifully prepared menu items like the signature Blk Velvet Buttermilk Pancakes, available on their brunch menu, the food is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Meals served in black dishes on white marble tables add visual drama to the whole experience. The special cocktail menu offers creative drinks like the concrete rose, a delicate blend of vodka, pomegranate, and lime. 

Be clear, the Blk Swan is there to service all clientele. In an article for the Baltimore Sun, owner Chris Simon says that he “has intentionally taken black things and presented them in a sleek and sophisticated way to shape the way people see Blackness.” 

1302 Fleet St., Baltimore, MD 21202 | 443-552-1945 | info@eatatblkswan.com www.eatblkswan.com

Teavolve Café & Lounge

Teavolve Café & Lounge located in Baltimore’s upscale Harbor East neighborhood is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer over 30 varieties of loose-leaf teas, boba, locally-roasted coffee, and espresso beans. Teavolve also serves up unique cocktail blends created with tea. In addition to their regular fare, plant-based options are available. My favorite, the salmon taco, is to die for (as are the shrimp and grits). 

If sweetness is your weakness, you’ll be happy to choose a dessert from their selection of sweets from local makers. Sweet specialty latte drinks are also available on the menu. Prices range from the high end of $25.00 to $9.00 for breakfast sandwiches. After a bite to eat, you can take a leisurely stroll along the water.

Prior to the pandemic, the café and lounge used to have a deejay spinning on Friday evening and hosted game nights and other fun events, a practice soon to be reinstated. The atmosphere is laid back and comfortable, with dining tables and sofas in the lounge area. 

1401 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | 410-522-1907 | teavolvecafe@gmail.com | https://teavolvecafe.com/

Capital Lounge & Restaurant

Capital Lounge & Restaurant (CLR) is a cornerstone establishment in Baltimore’s Black Arts District. Located on historic Pennsylvania Avenue, the joint harkens back to its heyday. A cool laid-back environment that offers entertainment from local bands and spoken word artists, plus Sunday brunches, and the biggest ode to Baltimore — special crab nights!

Their specialty is their overstuffed baked potatoes (pictured). The heavily loaded spuds are all named after the famed performers who used to grace the stages, bars, and lounges many decades ago. My favorite is the Miles Davis – loaded with shrimp, crab meat, chopped chicken, and a melted cheese crab sauce. Other items include the Duke Ellington — a loaded veggie baked potato, and the BB King BBQ loaded with chicken and barbecue sauce. Their prices range from $30 to $12 for entrees. 

1531 Pennsylvania Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 | 410-523-9300 | https://www.capitalloungebaltimore.com/ 

Baltimore Seafood

Baltimore Seafood is located near the Canton waterfront just south of downtown Baltimore adjacent to Fells Point, another tourist destination. The old-school nautical décor creates a relaxed atmosphere that puts you in the mood for seafood. The seafood menu is extensive, with offerings that include the Maryland blue crab by the dozen or half dozen, and a host of other local seafood favorites.

They are best known for the seafood boil bags. You can choose a bag from the menu or create your own combination with add-ons. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Old Bay seasoning for your bag mixed with the lemon seasoning option! They offer a happy hour from 3-7pm on weekdays that includes drink and food specials, as well as a fixed weekly/daily special menu. 

Monday–Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thursday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 | Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

This is a medium-priced restaurant with entrees ranging from $15-$26.

 2324 Boston St., Baltimore, MD 21224 | 410-624-5166 | https://www.bmoreseafood.com/