Now is the time to carefully consider the products you’re using, the restaurants you’re supporting, and the businesses you frequent. Money is political, and so is who you choose to support with your dollars.
To support the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s imperative now more than ever to focus attention on Black-owned and operated businesses. We’ve compiled a list highlighting 10 Black-owned restaurants across the Bay Area for you to consider ordering your next meal from. Of course, there are many, many more — you can find a more comprehensive list here, compiled by San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho.
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Please also consider giving to this GoFundMe from the Bay Area Relief Fund to help businesses that have been damaged in recent days.
Alameda County
1. Red Bay Coffee Roasters—Oakland
Red Bay Coffee Roasters is committed to serving the community. It has grown significantly since opening in 2014 and has become a favorite for many Oakland residents. Now serving free coffee for a day of service during protests, Red Bay has shown that it cares about its community and seeks to create unity.
Red Bay was founded by Keba Konte, a renowned artist and food entrepreneur. The founder now has a podcast called Coffee Dojo, where he speaks on culture and creativity, sitting down with fellow creatives near and far. A favorite at Red Bay is the iced charcoal latte, a sweet drink with a black tint to it. Expect the freshest of roasts and lots of flaky pastries.
More info: RedBayCoffee.com
2. Cupcakin’ Bake Shop—Berkeley
Offering a wide array of decadent desserts, Cupcakin’ Bake Shop owner Lila Owens has built her business from the ground up and strives to maintain a creative and eco-friendly culture. During my time studying at Berkeley, I frequented the bakery many times, loving the positive energy of the shop and the amazing selection of sweets.
More info: CupcakinBakeShop.com
3. Everett and Jones Barbeque—Hayward, Berkeley, and Oakland
Started by Dorothy Everett in 1973, Everett & Jones Barbeque has been serving people ever since. All of its restaurants and retail products are family owned and operated. Order takeout or delivery and help celebrate 47 years of business. There are multiple locations in Berkeley, Oakland, and Hayward. The portions are hefty: Choose from mac and cheese, ribs, brisket, potato salad, and more.
More info: EandJBBQ.com
4. Rob Ben’s Restaurant & Lounge — Emeryville
Oakland native Marshawn Lynch is the person to thank for this Emeryville soul food restaurant, which opened in 2018 and serves breakfast and dinner. Many menu items are named after family members or neighborhoods in Oakland. We recommend the East Oakland drink for a citrusy sweet taste. The Momma Lynch dish is also a favorite, featuring a combination of fish, wings, and pork chops.
More info: RobBensRestaurant.com
Contra Costa County
5. The Lettuce Inn — Concord
As a café that focuses on the well-being of its community, the Lettuce Inn was founded to inspire people and help them choose healthier meals. It currently offers delivery and takeout till 2 p.m. Be sure to stop by and support the always-smiling staff and enjoy lots of vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. A personal favorite is the vegan taco salad, which comes in a corn tortilla with a heaping portion of cashew cheese and walnut meat.
More info: TheLettuceInn.com
6. Way to Life Foods — Antioch
You can find this family-run East Bay restaurant working at a number of farmers markets right now, and you can order takeout from the Antioch location. The team at Way to Life Foods is known to make excellent vegan dishes, including some of the tastiest granola in the East Bay and plenty of other nutritious vegan foods.
More info: WayToLifeFoods.com
San Francisco County
7. The Vegan Hood Chefs — San Francisco
Ronnishia Johnson and Rheema Calloway are the Vegan Hood Chefs, providing soul food with an excellent vegan twist. They have been fighting against social inequity in the San Francisco area for years and are beloved figures in the vegan community. Johnson and Calloway provide communities of color with healthy food filled with love. You can choose to create your own meal from the wide array of “meats,” vegetables, and greens. Signature dishes include the vegan chicken Alfredo, vegan tacos, and curry fried rice.
More info: TheVeganHoodChefs.com
8. Hazel Southern Bar & Kitchen — San Francisco
Hazel Southern Bar & Kitchen, located in the mid-Market area of San Francisco, serves delicious and fresh Southern comfort food. Owner Jamie Boatner opened the restaurant in 2017, and it has gained a loyal fan base. The restaurant is currently offering curbside pickup — preordering is required. Choose from a brisket sando, catfish po’boy, oxtail and rice, a “pound-o-wings,” and more — you can’t go wrong. You can add a bottled specialty cocktail to your order, including the Porch Pounder, made with vodka, watermelon, fresh citrus, and grenadine.
More info: HazelSF.square.site
Solano County
9. Ruthie’s Caribbean Kitchen — Vallejo
If you’re craving some savory and classic Caribbean dishes, Ruthie’s in Vallejo is ready to meet your needs. All meals are affordably priced, and the restaurant is currently offering takeout. Owner Ruth is originally from St. Lucia and is known to be an incredibly warm and friendly host. Make sure to try the smoothies and the oxtails.
More info: RuthiesCaribbeanKitchen.business.site
10. Just Crack’N — Fairfield
Just Crack’N in the Fairfield area is a reasonably priced, high-quality place to get your seafood fix. There are also locations in Pittsburg and Antioch, and the company has even expanded to Las Vegas and Atlanta. It offers specials all day—don’t miss the mouthwatering garlic noodle and grilled crawfish dish.
More info: JustCrackn.com
