Shop Black-Owned Businesses in South Seattle
South Seattle is a diverse section of our beautiful city, and we feel lucky to call it home! This year, on Black History Month, we're highlighting the many Black-owned businesses that bring rich shopping options to our community. With everything from jewelry to plants, furniture to food, there's a shop for anything you need.
Food
AGELGIL ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT
This family-owned restaurant prepares delicious Ethiopian food, using homemade ingredients and following the style of traditional Ethiopian cooking. Perfect for meals with family and friends at an affordable price.
Bananas Grill
Bananas Grill makes delicious meals with Halal meats in a fast food format, so you'll have your food in no time! Looking for a restaurant to cater an upcoming event? Bananas Grill has you covered. Check out their menu with many options, including a Falafel Plate with Fries and Dolma.
CENTRAL CAFE AND JUICE BAR
In need of an energy boost or early morning jump start? Start your day with a tasty drink when you stop by this eco-conscious cafe for a smoothie or espresso. Your purchase not only supports this local business but also goes towards environmental efforts. To skip the line, place your order online.
Communion Restaurant & Bar
Communion's mission is to create a space where our community can connect over fresh, tasty food. With food that encapsulates the heart and soul of Seattle, restaurant owner Chef Kristi is inspired by Seattle's story. Featured on The New York Times "The Restuarant List 2021," Communion is known for its food and welcoming atmosphere.
EAST AFRICAN IMPORTS AND RESTAURANT
Check out East African Imports and Restaurant for delicious dishes, with each plate served on top of injera. They use spices such as Berbere, which includes 15 different spices. Stop by for dine-in or order takeout. You can also purchase spices to bring home!
Emma’s BBQ
Emma's BBQ is a staple family run restaurant in Rainier Valley. Pro tip: try their popular lemon cake, looks and tastes amazing! Check out their Facebook page for more information about this popular spot.
EMERALD CITY FISH & CHIPS
For those who love fish and chips, you'll love the selection of Alaskan cod, catfish, halibut, salmon, and chicken topped off with a side of chips. But those aren't the only things on the menu, there's also sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Restaurant owner Stevie Allen is passionate about sharing the recipes he learned from his Grandmother, combining them with the style of the Pacific Northwest.
Fat’s Chicken & Waffles
Fat's makes some of the best fried chicken & waffles! With options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course brunch, their comfort food has stellar reviews. The restaurant has influence from New Orleans and is decorated with a mural and furniture crafted by local artists.
HABESHA CAFE
In addition to a cafe, this local business features a restaurant, deli, and market, sharing Eritrean and Ethiopian delights with the Seattle community. Established as the first Ethiopian Market in Seattle, Habesha Cafe offers spices, drinks, and injera, an Eritrean and Ethiopian flatbread.
ISLAND SOUL
Check out this local bar to try soul food inspired by the Caribbean and Louisiana Bayou. With alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks to choose from, this is a perfect place to gather with friends. Note: indoor dining is for ages 21+.
JACKSON'S CATFISH CORNER
Start your meal off right with an order of their Jalapeno Poppers or onion rings. For the main course, choose from catfish, prawns, chicken, burgers, or hushpuppies. Owner Terrell Jackson carries on his grandparents' legacy in making catfish dishes for the community.
KAFFA COFFEE & WINE BAR
Kaffa Coffee serves Ethiopian dishes and coffee with an emphasis on using fresh ingredients. Check out their shop to purchase some of these ingredients and bring these flavors to your own cooking. Their commitment to making healthy, authentic food is evident in these yummy meals.
MESKEL ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT
Meskel has a long-standing tradition of cooking authentic Ethiopian food in a cozy restaurant environment for the past 25 years. Their menu features a Barbecue Special/Zilzil Tibbs, Red Lentils (with vegan options), and a Vegetable Combination. Give Meskel a try, you won't regret it!
PERCUSSION FARMS AND PRESERVES
Percussion Farms and Preserves in Central Seattle and Auburn is committed to providing People of Color with a space to access nutritious, healthy food. With a mission of undoing racism, this urban farm works for social justice. Show them your support by shopping, donating money or supplies, and volunteering.
QEERROO RESTAURANT
Stop by any day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (minus Sundays with an earlier closing time). This East African restaurant has a menu sure to make your mouth water with lamb gyro, chicken fillet sandwiches, holba, deep fried whole fish, and hamburgers.
SAFARI NJEMA RESTAURANT
Are you looking for a nearby restaurant with some of the best Kenyan cuisine? Safari Njema offers entrees of fish (Tilapia), beef, goat, chicken, and vegetarian options. Just let them know your preference for a stewed or curried meal and don't forget to add two sides. Not to mention, their sides are as equally amazing such as pilau, a spiced Basmati rice.
SHIKORINA PASTRIES
How does a vegan chocolate cake or caramel apple pop tarts sound for dessert? Shikorina Pastries has a large variety of cookies, brownies, cakes, and other desserts to choose from. If you're looking for nut-free, vegan, and gluten-free options, they have a great selection to choose from. Their business focuses on using ingredients that are fair-trade, sourced in the region, and organic.
SUNSET CAFE
This Ethiopian restaurant is a gem located in Rainier Valley. If you're looking for a convenient meal option, order takeout! Their most popular dishes are combo meals: choose between veggie, meat, and the special sunset combo.
TACO CITY TAQUERIA
Stop by this taqueria to celebrate Taco Tuesdays. Get bottomless tacos for $20 paired with a drink purchase, which you can munch on while listening to the vibrant live music. But if you're looking for happy hour deals, stop by Monday through Friday from 3-6 PM. Bonus: happy hour lasts all day on Wednesdays!
UMAMI KUSHI
Umami Kushi can be found throughout Seattle in local cafes, serving Japanese okazu pans, yuzu kosho, and beignets. With a new option for pickup at their Rainier Beach location, you can order online to try these delicacies.
Plants & Flowers
boosh
Not only are plants fun to care for and beautiful to look at, but they're also great for the environment. BooSH is a plant nursery in Seattle that wants to share their enthusiasm for plants with you! Employees are sure to have some helpful tips about caring for your new plant baby. You won't want to miss out on the array of plant pots to choose from.
FLOWERS JUST 4 U
Wanting to give a token of appreciation to a family member or friend? Flowers Just 4 U makes ordering flowers easy, with pick-up and same-day delivery options. They've got you covered with flowers for every occasion or when you want flowers just because.
FORTUNATE ORCHARD
Look no further! The flower arrangement of your dreams is right here in the heart of Seattle. Fortunate Orchard offers a floral subscription, so you can receive flower arrangements sourced from both their very own garden and throughout the west coast. They also offer delivery to Seattle addresses. If you're looking to have flowers at your next special event, call Fortunate Orchard!
Home Goods
MADE SPACE
Made Space elevates the voices, art, and entrepreneurship of Black creatives. Check out their website regularly to see the multitude of events they offer, whether you're into musical performances or simply connecting with community.
JACOB WILLARD HOME
Jacob Willard Home is ready to restore, refinish, and find the right upholstery for your furniture. Their services can give you a brilliant vision for interior design that is personal to you. They even have a shop coming soon! Stay in the loop by following them on Instagram.
Health & Beauty
EARLS CUTS & STYLES BARBERSHOP
Earls says it best, they're "more than just a barbershop it's the pulse of its community." Barbers at Earls have amazing skills in giving stylish haircuts that boost confidence. Schedule an appointment on their website today!
Queen Care
QueenCare has indulgent skincare products to add to your routine that will keep your skin rejuvenated and healthy. Their products are made with love and natural ingredients, using aromatherapy to share positive energy. Though their location in Columbia City is closed right now for renovation, they have another store in Central District and offer shipping options. Whether you want a bath bomb, candles, or a spa experience set to bring home, check out QueenCare's website today.
Clothing & Jewelry
TOURE APPAREL
Wanting to add something new to your wardrobe? Toure Apparel offers clothes that you will love and feel confident wearing. They even make products personalized for you by printing custom designs on tee shirts and vinyl. Looking for a little extra shine? They also offer customized gold grill (teeth).
OLA WYOLA
Ola Wyola sells an array of crystals and soul chain jewelry, featuring crystals infused with energy. With options of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and belly chains, there are many crystals and types of jewelry to choose from. Check out Ola Wyola's website to learn more about the products and services they offer.