The City of Brotherly Love
Philadelphia has always been a city of resilience, creativity, and deep cultural roots and that energy is on full display when you explore its Black-owned businesses. Whether you’re walking through historic Germantown, dining in West Philly, or discovering art on South Street, there’s no shortage of flavor, talent, and entrepreneurship to experience. This guide features Black-owned spots, from soulful restaurants and artisan retailers to powerful cultural landmarks and boutiques redefining fashion. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or rediscovering it through a new lens, let this list be your go-to resource for supporting Black excellence in the heart of Philly.
Chestnut Hill Comic Book shop Multiverse is both a cool book store and a community hub for Philadelphia residents. Its owners have cultivated a great space that celebrates genre fiction in all of its forms. Stop in and grab everything from books themselves to collectibles, toys and games in a fun and welcoming environment.
Opened in 2015 the Colored Girls Museum has become an anchor institution in Philadelphia, representing a change in the concept of what a museum is and can do. Located in a 3 story Victorian house in Germantown, it is the first cultural institution to center the “ordinary” colored girl.They exclusively preserve, decode, and honor artifacts of colored girls, telling their story in their own personal way. It is not only a museum, but a home for artists, activists and the keepers of a culture that can be disrespected by outsiders.
For your fine jewelry needs, the Philadelphia Diamond Company is a jewelry store that is perfect for the most exquisite occasions. These knowledgeable certified Gemologists can make sure that you get the best gems for custom jewelry that includes engagement rings, wedding rings and more. Visit them for a personalized experience in their showroom and get great pieces for yourself and others as a gift.
Darlene Jones’ Star Fusion Express is a fusion food concept in Philadelphia that is known for its 17 flavors of wings and unique Spring Rolls like cheese steak and buffalo chicken. That is not all, because this restaurant also has standard fare like burgers and chicken sandwiches. Seafood is also on the menu with a variety of bowls and pasta to tingle your taste buds.
Located in West Philly, Toast Café is a Black-owned brunch spot that has quickly become a community favorite. It is known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service. The café offers a menu filled with comfort food classics like praline French toast, shrimp and grits, and oxtails. They also have a wing night every Thursday for those who love the atmosphere but want something other than a brunch menu. With its chic ambiance and flavorful dishes, Toast Café provides a welcoming space for all to enjoy.
Down North Pizza is about a lot more than food. This Philly pizza parlor is not only baking up delicious Detroit style pizza, but providing a community service. Down North is also known for their mission to help prevent recidivism by employing formerly incarcerated individuals and providing them with culinary skills and career opportunities. That’s a good enough reason to give them a try but they also serve up a mean pie, hand spun milkshakes and hand cut fries. If you have the opportunity, you should visit this nationally celebrated restaurant.
The idea of having high quality, freshly made pasta can be overwhelming for people. It brings up ideas of formal restaurants and an atmos[here that is less than casual. Army veteran Dan Lee experienced a more laid back ambiance when he visited Italy and decided to bring that back home to Philly. This restaurant allows customers to build their own pasta or noodle bowls with fresh and bold flavors. You can also get fresh pasta to take home and enjoy on your own.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, located in the Germantown neighborhood, is a Black-owned coffee shop and bookstore founded by scholar and activist Marc Lamont Hill in 2017. The space was created to provide underserved communities with access to books and a welcoming environment for intellectual and cultural engagement. Offering a curated selection of literature, high-quality coffee, and a variety of events such as author talks and community discussions, Uncle Bobbie’s is a hub for learning and connection in Philadelphia
If you are in the market for intimate apparel, take a stop into Expect lace, a luxury lingerie boutique from Shaw Lewis. Expect Lace provides a safe space for all women to explore their sensual side. The store is size inclusive with loungewear, robes, lingerie and more. You can even grab some items to spice up your nightlife as well with a selection of sexual wellness devices for solo entertainment and couples.o.
In Queen Village, Loomen Labs is an awesome place to visit for a unique experience. This scent and floral bar is zero waste and allows customers to create their own scents which are just for them. With a focus on sustainability, this also is a good place to visit for those who have environmental concerns and want to do something really different and fun.
Established in 1976, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is the first institution funded and built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret, and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. Located near the Liberty Bell, AAMP offers a range of exhibitions and programs that celebrate African American culture and history. The museum’s Virtual Campus provides online access to its diverse offerings, ensuring broader community engagement.
Saba Tedla thought about several names before deciding on Booker’s. The restaurant, inspired in part by Booker Wright, who was featured in the documentary “Booker’s Place: A Mississippi Story”. The restaurant features Southern dishes like classic fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and blackened catfish. However, the menu also has dishes like jerk oxtail and thai chili wings. You can also enjoy well crafted signature cocktails and mixed drinks too.
The Paul Robeson House & Museum in West Philadelphia preserves the legacy of Paul Robeson, a renowned singer, actor, and civil rights activist. Robeson lived in this house during the last decade of his life, and it now serves as a museum showcasing his contributions to the arts and social justice. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that highlight Robeson’s impact on American culture and history. The museum also hosts educational programs and community events to continue his mission of equality and empowerment.
Rush Arts Philadelphia is a community-driven art space that provides opportunities for local artists and curators, focusing on community revitalization and relevance. The gallery showcases works that intersect visual art and social action, reflecting movements like Occupy and Black Lives Matter. By offering exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops, Rush Arts fosters a creative environment that empowers artists and engages the surrounding neighborhoods.
Located at 725 South 4th Street in Queen Village, Moore Vintage Archive is a curated boutique offering high-end vintage fashion. Founder Keesean Moore specializes in designer womenswear from iconic labels like Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Yves Saint Laurent. Beyond fashion, the store features a collection of rare books and cultural artifacts, celebrating Black literature and history. Moore’s goal is to preserve the culture and history of fashion and provide and alternative to today’s over manufacturing and excessive consumption.
Everyone has an idea of what the best Philly Cheesesteak is. Taste Cheesesteaks, in Center City, is doing something totally different, putting a twist on the iconic sub (or hoagie). The menu gets creative with options like Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, and Salmon as protein options. There are also vegetarian selections like portobello mushroom and cauliflower. Get a new experience of a classic dish when you venture into Taste Cheesesteaks.
Another good spot to get a tasty breakfast or brunch is Breakfast boutique that has 3 Philadelphia area locations that you can visit. They offer modern twists on American favorites like waffles and French Toast with a focus on using regional ingredients and suppliers. Get fresh ingredients and great hospitality when you visit one of their locations.
