Enjoy Black Owned in the Derby City
Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Derby but there is more to the most populated city in the state of Kentucky than just horse racing. While its best known icon is the great Muhammad Ali, there is more to know when it comes to Black History and Culture in the area. From food to art, Louisville is an important city. With the Ali Center, and its status as an important shipping hub, there are plenty of reasons to visit the area and take part in the Black Owned Businesses and Culture in the area. This guide is a great way to get you started. When you’ve looked through this, make sure that you give the rest of our listings a look right here.
The greatest Heavyweight boxer of all time called Louisville his home and Muhammad Ali is one of the things that the city is the most proud of. The Ali center is a monument to the man, his legacy, and the inspiration that he was for millions. While there is indeed a museum to highlight the man, it is also to the home for the Center for Humanity and Justice which curates community-engaged programs designed to foster respect, challenge systems of oppression, and promote positive social change.The center has several permanent exhibits as well as hosting traveling exhibitions and events. It is a must visit on your stop to Louisville.
The Roots 101 African Museum opened in 2020 to showcase African American History, Culture and Art. The exhibits in the museum reflect a broad swathe of African American History from our earliest history coming from Africa to modern art and music. It is a great place to stop and take in culture on your visit to Louisville.
The Kentucky Center for African American heritage is a collaborative effort to bring recognition to the African American Heritage of the region. It is a vital space for the preservation of black culture in the area. It also functions as an art space for both visual and performing artists to have a platform as well as an event center.
Louisville Cream is a great place to stop in and get a scoop. Their artisan small batch ice cream is full of the flavor and deliciousness that you expect to cool you down on a hot summer day. Their classic and rotating assortment of flavors are made from the best local ingredients. For those who are fans but can’t make it to the shop itself, you can still enjoy by visiting one of their retail partners across the city.
While the building it calls home may be old, the food served by Chris Williams at Four Pegs is anything but. This restaurant and bar is at the forefront of gastropubs, with a creative menu to delight carnivores and vegetarians alike. The owner also makes sure to give to positive causes in the city as well. Stop in for top notch chili, smokehouse classics and more.
Don’t let the name fool you because Chicagos Jerk tacos is not just about that, though that is where it begins. This Caribbean food truck and ghost kitchen in the West End of Louisville is delivering on flavorful food and great service. You can also get jerked chicken or steak in a quesadilla or the now popular “walking tacos”. For a fusion you will keep thinking about long after its done, try Chicago Jerk Tacos.
The Black Italian is an italian restaurant that also has a dash of soul. They want to fill your belly with fresh and filling meals while making it a bit easier to spend time as a family. This faith based business not only has their restaurant and does catering, but they offer family meal packages so that you can order, pick up and have meals done easily, so that you can spend that time with the ones you love.
Brendon’s Catch 23 is the premier seafood and steak destination in Louisville. The menu features fresh seafood that is flown in daily for the chefs. From there you will get an upscale environment in which to enjoy your meal. Celebrate that special occasion or just make it a romantic night out with Brendon’s Catch 23.
This fun restaurant and bar makes a great way to enjoy a meal in Louisville. It has a mixture of southern classics and new american cuisine that will make your mouth and stomach happy. Enjoy chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes and so much more when you stop by their main street location.
If you’re looking for something to do with your young kids, then Playground Abode is here for you. This indoor playground for children under 8 is a great way to help them burn off some energy. Stop in for a good time or even better, set up a birthday party for your toddler and their friends.
Vinyl is making a huge come back and thats a good thing for Better Days Records. This Louisville record store has two locations for you to get that fix for your vinyl habit.
Blak Koffee is the third place that cities like Louisville need in black neighborhoods. This coffee shop offers a place for people to meet, discuss business, or just fellowship with the community. Come get a cup of coffee, a sandwich, or breakfast while you build with others.
Hip Hop Sweet Shop is the place to go when that sugar craving hits you. This Hip Hop themed dessert shop is bringing you everything for your inner child’s desire from cookies, to pies, to banana pudding and more, all with a hip hop vibe. But that is just the beginning because there is also ice cream and you know they have awesome extreme milkshakes too. Let your sweet tooth run wild at the Hip Hop Sweet Shop.
Started in 2017 by Deyago and Dawn Urrutia, Georgia’s Sweet Potato Pie Company is about more than just serving the delicious pies. This company is giving back to the community by giving children free books to encourage a lifetime love of reading. One way that they achieve this is through their Pies of Promise libraries throughout the city of Louisville. When you support this business, you do more than just keep their doors open, you help to build a community resource that will give back for years to come.
Original Barry’s is not just the place to get an authentic cheesesteak in Louisville. It is a testament to faith by its owner, Barry Washington who went from the streets to becoming saved, and eventually a business owner. Now this family owned business is serving up Philly style cheesesteaks, fries and more to people to bring them together.
