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Spending your money wisely is one of the best ways to show up for the community and support things you care about.
If your goal is to lift up the Black community and support Black entrepreneurs, San Antonio is home to numerous businesses serving up Black excellence daily. Indeed, they’re so abundant, that we chose just to focus just on food-oriented businesses for this slideshow — and we’re far from mentioning all of them.
In addition to Black-owned restaurants in San Antonio, there are also medical offices, gyms, beauty salons, growth strategists, dance studios, consumer products companies and other businesses worth supporting. See our 2024 list for even more Black-owned ventures worthy of your dollars.
Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine
2026 Austin Hwy., (210) 590-0515, jamaicajamaicacuisine.com
Owners Dee and Angelo Gordon grew up living a Jamaican lifestyle and graciously wanted to share that experience with their adopted hometown, the Alamo City. Offering authentic fare, Jamaica Jamaica lets you enjoy bites like jerk chicken while appreciating the culture. Go for a traditional plate like the oxtail or go for something with a San Antonio twist. Fiery jerk tacos, anyone? Credit: Nina RangelCredit:Photo via Instagram / 225urbansmokeThe Big Bib BBQ
Multiple Locations, thebigbib.com
Serving up meat by the pound and flavor by the mile, The Big Bib’s blend of herbs, spices and smoking woods make sure every bite is just as good as the last. Credit: Instagram / bigbibbbqnbFreight Fried Chicken
312 Pearl Parkway, Building 6, instagram.com/freightchicken
Early in the year, renowned chef Nicola Blaque of The Jerk Shack launched this fried-chicken concept inside the Pearl’s Bottling Department food hall. Credit: A.J. Creative for Freight Fried ChickenSauce’s Southern Kitchen Location Varies, (210) 577-6396, saucesa.square.site
Sauce’s Southern Kitchen’s been serving authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine to San Antonio residents since 2015. You can expect classics like gumbo, catfish and jambalaya that’s so good that you’d think you’re in the heart of the Big Easy. Check out their socials to see where they are serving up owner “Chef Sauce’s” exclusive recipes from their mobile food truck. Credit:Facebook / Sauce’s Southern Kitchen Cajun & Creole CuisineAsukar Specialty Cakes
700 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 764-9614, myasukar.com
Asukar is the place for extravagant custom-made cakes. From wedding cakes to birthday cakes to even corporate gifting, Asukar will bake and design a cake with details specific to your needs. Diners in Fair Oaks Ranch can now visit Asukar’s cafe for sandwiches, snacks and sweets. Credit: Ana Isabel PhotographyHarmon’s BBQ
102 S Main St, Cibolo, (210) 658-8889, harmonsbbq.com
The BBQ may be smoked slowly, but you’ll have a hard time not eating it fast. Harmon’s serves up flavorful ‘que by the plate, combo, sandwich and more. They offer up all the essential meats and fixin’s you need for a real Texan style meal. Credit:Photo via Instagram / harmonsbbqCredit: Instagram / tankspizzaTony G‘s Soul Food Multiple Locations, tonygssoulfood.com
It’s hard to find a Sunday brunch that beats authentic Southern comfort food accompanied by live jazz music. Tony G’s is a crowd favorite for a reason. After all, you can’t go wrong with a place that makes peach cobbler from scratch daily. Credit:Photo via Instagram / tonygssoulfoodDeeWillie’s Bar-B-Que
12130 O Connor Road, (210) 387-7452, deewilliestxbbq.com
DeeWillie’s Bar-B-Que is a must-try. This longtime spot offers food made by barbecue lovers for barbecue lovers. It’s worth heading to the Northeast side to chow down on some of their brisket. Credit: Photo via Instagram / deewilliestxbbqThe Jerk Shack 10234 TX-151, (210) 776-7780, thejerkshacksatx.com
Chef Nicola Blaque’s West Side Jamaican hotspot is a consistent mention in restaurant roundups for its wild flavors, hefty portions and good eating.The jerk chicken is obviously a big seller, but they also offer jerk ribs, plantains and mac and cheese. Just keep in mind, you might want to get there early, because they often sell out! Credit:Photo via Instagram / thejerkshackManna Reign Chocolates
(207) 756-5728, facebook.com/mannareignchocolates
From truffles to bonbons to gluten free brownies, Manna Reign Chocolate is a one stop shop for chocoholics. Catch them at a farmer’s market near you, or place a custom order via email. Credit:Photo via Instagram / mannareignchocolates
Multiple Locations “Food was so good. I ordered the 1/4 mushroom burger. Patty was very flavorful. Nice atmosphere, people were friendly.” – Imelda G. Credit:Photo via Instagram / marksoutingSip-It Daiquiris To-Go
Multiple Locations, drinksipit.com
SipIt Daiquiris hit the ground running in January of 2020. Since then, the daiquiri drive-thru has opened six locations in San Antonio and beyond. SipIt offers a wide variety of different daiquiri flavors including seasonal specials, combination flavors and virgin drinks. Credit:Photo via Instagram / drinksipitCredit:Photo via Instagram / sweetyamsorganicChatman’s Chicken
1747 S. W.W. White Road, (210) 359-0245, facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063501675540
For some of the best fried chicken in San Antonio, head to this hidden gem that gets it right. Owner Eddie Chatman can take all the credit for these authentic bites, seasoned to perfection and served crunchy. This small joint packs in big flavors with sides like fries, macaroni ‘n’ cheese, okra and collard greens, to name a few. Credit: Courtesy Photo / Chatman's ChickenBest Wings Wayne’s Wings, Multiple locations, wayneswingssa.com Credit: Facebook / Wayne’s WingsCarmens De La Calle
320 N. Flores St., (210) 281-4349, carmensdelacalle.com
The food may be the primary draw at this downtown wine and tapas spot, but it also hosts flamenco nights and books jazz and world music. Just check its website to see what’s on the calendar.
Photo by Torence B. White via Instagram / surrealtymz Credit:Photo by Torence B. White via Instagram / surrealtymzSmashin Crab
Multiple Locations, smashincrab.com
Get your seafood fix at one of Smashin Crab’s several locations. Whether you’re in the mood for boiled seafood, po’ boys or cajun fries, the Smashin Crab has got you covered. Credit:Photo via Instagram / smashincrabSouthern Roots Vegan Bakery
6208 S. Flores St., (210) 279-9414, southernrootsvegan.com
Southern Roots offers an extensive menu of vegan and gluten-free donuts, cookies and brownies and vegan cinnamon rolls that are to die for, perfect for those who get joy from indulging in sweets.
Photo via Instagram / southernrootsbiz Credit:Photo via Instagram / southernrootsbizChi Chi Birds Hot Chicken
Various Locations, (210) 387-7452, facebook.com/chichibirds
Known as “San Antonio’s original pop up for hot chicken,” Chi Chi Birds Hot Chicken continues to crank out crispy, spicy birds that have gained their own cult following. Credit:Photo via Instagram chichibirdshotchickenTryst Kitchen + Cocktails
1915 Broadway Suite # 111, (210) 233-8809instagram.com/tryst.sa
Veteran San Antonio restaurateurs opened Tryst this summer. The Pearl-area eatery focuses on a creative mix of Creole, Cajun and soul food specialties. Credit: Sanford NowlinAfrican Village
10918 Wurzbach Rd #131, (210) 467-5102, africanvillage.business.site
Whether you’re acquainted with any of the cuisines to come from the continent of Africa or not, you’ll be happy dining at African Village. Specializing in Ethiopian fare, the Wurzbach Road spot serves up dishes like kinche and firfir.
Photo via Yelp / Stephen M. Credit:Photo via Yelp / Stephen M.Mr. A Ok’s Kitchen
5532 Walzem Road, (210) 642-4181, mraokskitchen.com
Chef Steven Harris has been active in SA’s food scene for more than two decades, and opened his restaurant in June 2018. Inspired to become a chef after seeing his mother and grandmother make from-scratch Southern fare, Harris today brings the cuisine to San Antonians with Mr. A Ok’s Kitchen, named after his late father. The menu features Southern favorites including chicken fried steak and oxtails. Credit: Facebook / Mr. A Ok's KitchenAmen Cafe Eritrean & Ethiopian Restaurant 5115 Fredericksburg Rd., (512) 940-3349, amencafe.com
If you’ve been craving good Ethiopian food, Amen Cafe is the answer to your prayers. The regional cuisine also has many delicious options for vegetarians. Expect large platters with a variety of sauces on a spongy, fermented pancake-like flatbread called Injera. Oh and don’t get prissy on us. Here, you eat with your hands. Credit: Instagram / cafe.amen