Black History Month Recommendations: EAT
Published on February 06, 2024
Throughout Black History Month, we’ll be sharing opportunities to support Black-owned businesses and organizations across the Queen City. However, instead of coming up with our own recommendations for where to EAT, DRINK, SHOP, and SUPPORT, we reached out to local Black influencers and asked for their recommendations.
Here are some Black-owned restaurants and food trucks where you can EAT during (and after) Black History Month!
Beyond Amazing Donuts
The interior of Beyond Amazing Donuts (left) and a close-up of some of the sweet treats (right). (@lorriashly)
“I love how Jasmine is not afraid of experimenting with different ingredients and flavors that you typically wouldn’t think of when it comes to donuts, such as Black Garlic and Honeycomb.” - @lorriashly on Beyond Amazing Donuts at 1730 Abbey Place
GG’s Grill
Wings (left) and collard green egg rolls (right) from GG’s. (@missblackfoodie)
“Specializing in southern contemporary cuisine, this female-owned food truck has a rotating menu packed with a variety of deliciousness ranging from collard green egg rolls, salads, kabobs, rice bowls, wings, fried fish, salmon bites, burgers, hot dogs, fries, and more. The owner and her team have a passion for creating comforting and flavorful meals. They also deliver outstanding customer service with their people-first attitude. I fell in love with this food truck at first bite and can’t wait to visit again. Please visit the food truck’s Instagram page (@ggsgrill28216) for scheduling and location information.” - @missblackfoodie on GG’s Grill
Jimmy Pearls
Colorful plate of food at Jimmy Pearls. (@cltblackowned)
“Jimmy Pearls is an Afro-Southern restaurant inspired by Chesapeake foodways located in The Market at 7th Street. Recently nominated for a James Beard Foundation award, owners Oscar and Daryl have curated a menu that’s guaranteed to wow the taste buds. One of our personal favorites on the menu is the duo’s popular Uncle Gene’s Fish Sandwich paired with their field pea slaw.” - @cltblackowned on Jimmy Pearls at 224 East 7th Street
Jolof on Wheels
Fried salmon plate at Jolof on Wheels. (@thecharlitty)
“Chef Mo has one of my favorite go-to food trucks in the city! He brings the best of west African cuisine with his own special twist. My go-to order is fried salmon over jolof rice topped with extra onion sauce and extra green sauce! It never disappoints.” - @thecharlitty on Jolof on Wheels at 750 West Morehead Street
Lakou
Authentic Caribbean flavors at Lakou. (Shawn Sims)
“Eating around the African diaspora is getting easier in Charlotte. With our expanding Caribbean food scene comes Lakou, where ‘it’s all about the taste!’ You can savor the authentic flavors of Haiti and get your fix of delicious whole snapper, griot pikiliz, plantains, and more Wednesday through Sunday. Hours of operation vary so be sure to check their website.” - @ashaeatsworld on Lakou at 5630 North Graham Street
Lulabelle’s
The lamb chops at Lulabelle’s. (@msfoodieclt)
“Lulabelle’s is one of Charlottes newest BRUNCH spots. This Black-owned restaurant is located near North Lake Mall and is known for their great menu selection and crafted cocktails. They have mastered a deluxe menu with all the top favorites from the classic chicken & waffles to shrimp & grits any my favorite the smoked lamb chops. I recommend the Build Your Own Brunch which included a meat, eggs, grits, and waffle. The lamb chops were cooked medium well to perfection and the chicken wings were juicy and crispy! Doors open for brunch at noon, and I highly recommend making a reservation. This place has all the good vibes with live music and a DJ on select days.” - @msfoodieclt on Lulabelle’s at 9335 Center Lake Drive
Mariah’s Taco Spot
Mariah’s Taco Spot has oxtail tacos available. (@mariahstacospot)
“Black-owned food truck and brick & mortar! Mariah is serving up all the tacos, wings, ramen, and more! Once you’ve tried her food, you will find yourself making your way back every week. Everything is jammed packed with flavor and the service here is unmatched!” - @shiondafarrell on Mariah’s Taco Spot at 5234 South Boulevard
The Perfect Beet
The Perfect Beet branded apron ahead of cooking class. (@lorriashly)
“This is the perfect outing for groups, date nights, or even solo. Each class is different and is a true hands-on experience. You get to sit down and eat with the others in your class when you’re done.” - @lorriashly on The Perfect Beet at 3415 Westinghouse Boulevard
Renaldo’s Culinary Experience
Renaldo’s famous oxtail pizza. (@thadailyspecial)
“Renaldo’s boasts some of the best food in Charlotte in an area that typically has been relegated to only fast food. The team there has a large variety of great pizzas, pastas, and unique entrees that you won’t find anywhere else in town.” - @thadailyspecial on Renaldo's Culinary Experience at 1540 West Boulevard
CBI Certified Vendor Spotlight: Cuzzo’s Cuisine
The famous Lobster Mac & Cheese at Cuzzo’s Cuisine. (@cuzzoscuisine)
The Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) program seeks to enhance competition and participation of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs) in city contracting.
Cuzzo’s has been serving up traditional Southern food in Charlotte for a while now, and their lobster mac & cheese has become a thing of legend. Cuzzo’s Cuisine is currently open at 9601 North Tryon Street and in the food court of the Charlotte Premium Outlets on New Fashion Way.
If you made it all the way to the end of this list and you’re not hungry, you’re lying. Head to one (or all) of these mouthwatering options during Black History Month to support some of Charlotte’s Black-owned businesses. Make sure you tell them which of our local influencers sent you!
Next week, get ready for coffee, cocktails, and cups of tea when we release our DRINK list.