Black History Month may be coming to an end, but you can still support Phoenix’s Black-owned restaurants through the rest of February and all year round. From pizza to Southern comfort food, this roundup has something for everyone to enjoy.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café
Founded by Elizabeth White, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, has been a community staple since the 1960s – earning a commendation from Governor Katie Hobbs as well as roster of famous diners that include Devin Booker and Jesse Jackson. Its lineup of Southern comfort food dishes includes fried catfish, fried chicken and smothered pork chops.
Big Bacon’s
Big Bacon’s offers Midwesterners a taste of home with its extensive menu of Chicago-style soul food dishes such as pot roast, jerk chicken and fried pork chops. It’s led by Adriane Harris who was inspired to open the restaurant to bring her favorite classic, home-cooked meals to Downtown Phoenix.
CC’s on Central
Mother and son duo Devan and Sharon Cunningham opened CC’s on Central to bring their family recipes and love of Southern cuisine to Phoenix. The breakfast and lunch eatery’s menu includes a variety of classics like biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits and a roast beef po’boy.
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
The go-to chicken and waffles eatery was founded by Larry “Lo-Lo” White more than two decades ago in Phoenix and has become a favorite of locals and celebrities – like Charles Barkley and Shaq – alike. While it’s best known for its chicken and waffles, there are other great dishes to enjoy too, like the shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and catfish sandwich.
Monroe’s Hot Chicken
The newest restaurant concept by Larry “Lo-Lo” White brought Nashville’s signature hot chicken to Phoenix. At Monroe’s, you can enjoy the spicy chicken dish in whatever form you like best – whether it’s a chicken sandwich, chicken tenders or a chicken-topped salad. There are even vegan and gluten-free options! While the chicken is the star of the show, you can’t forget about the sides – like the cornbread mac and cheese, southern slaw and smoked turkey collard greens.
Chilte
James Beard-recognized Chef Lawrence “LT” Smith and his wife Aseret Arroyo started Chilte as a food truck before opening the popular concept as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2023. It’s quickly become a favorite for globally inspired Mexican fare with dishes like the quesabirria tacos, Smashy Burger and yuca fries.
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen
Dana Dumas’ love of baking inspired her to open SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, which serves a variety of Southern brunch favorites alongside her beloved baked goods and craft cocktails. Dishes include the French Toast N’ Fried Chicken, Creole Shrimp N’ Grits’ and a pulled pork hash.
Midwest Wings XL
Midwest Wings XL’s owner Kiara Adams is a nurse turned restaurateur, who wanted to bring the dishes she was raised with in the Midwest to her new home in Phoenix. She prides herself on not only serving customers delicious wings and loaded fries but also cultivating a warm and exciting place where people can gather and enjoy food together.
Dough Boy Pizza Co.
This pizza concept is known for dishing up authentic Neapolitan pies made with fresh ingredients, and thanks to Phoenix franchise owner Rhea Williams, the only location in the Western United States is conveniently located in Downtown Phoenix. Pizza lovers can choose from more than a dozen chef-driven signature pizza creations or build their own from a variety of topping options.
Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge
Que Quinn opened Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge last year in CityScape to serve as a lively and welcoming home for sports lovers to enjoy sporting events while enjoying fun variations of their favorite gameday eats like classic burgers, hot dogs, pizza and nachos. The Arizona Dog is a must-try, featuring a classic hot dog topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, green salsa, jalapeños, mustard, mayo, avocado and cotija cheese.
LATHA Restaurant & Bar
LATHA Restaurant & Bar, founded by Evelia Davis, was created to celebrate Africa and the diaspora’s diverse cuisines, with a menu that incorporates influences from Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Southern United States and a focus on ingredients sourced from local farms and fair-trade sources. In addition to its food and beverage program, LATHA serves as a place for the community to gather with live music every weekend.
