Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Classes, Date Idea, Drinks, Food, Shopping, Sports & Active Life
Event website:
https://joyraft.com/event/black-owned-businesses-in-boston-2024-boston-448443
It’s Black History Month which means Boston is alive with celebrations of Black culture and education about Black history. One of the best ways to support BIPOC communities this month (and every month) is by patronizing local businesses. Check out these Black-owned businesses here in Boston.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Know another great Black-owned spot? Let us know in the ongoing conversation on the Joyraft app!
by Celina Colby
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Where: Dorchester
Info: Comfort Kitchen, recently announced as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award, serves up innovative dishes inspired by the African diaspora, plus cocktails, and a cafe setup during the day.
Where: Seaport
Info: This lively, glam restaurant and jazz club dishes up innovative Southern-inspired dishes, craft and large format cocktails, and live entertainment five nights a week.
Where: Union Square
Info: Savor authentic homemade, Boston-style BBQ (yes, that’s a thing) at this new grab-and-go spot in Union Square situated right near Bow Market.
Where: Seaport
Info: Enjoy craft cocktails and a vibey atmosphere at this Caribbean-style bar and restaurant by Grenada native Chef Olrie Roberts.
Where: Around Boston
Info: This locally made boozy ice cream company crafts flavors like Chocolate Brownie Bourbon, Espresso Martini, and Margarita Sorbet. Find them in locations around Boston like DeLucas Market on Newbury Street and Charles Street and on the menu at the BPL Map Room Tea Lounge.
Where: South End & East Boston
Info: Both MIDA locations serve delicious Italian dishes featuring handmade pastas and fresh, local New England seafood.
Where: Back Bay
Info: This chic, all-day cafe serves brunch and dinner plus espresso beverages, pastries, French wines and cocktails. The menu is inspired by classic Parisian dishes but with a global twist. You can come for breakfast, a coffee and work session, a date night, or all three.
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Where: Back Bay
Info: This boutique cannabis dispensary located on Newbury Street offers tinctures, vapes, edibles, accessories, and more for the contemporary consumer. Their shared profits business model puts money directly back into BIPOC and local communities.
Where: Jamaica Plain
Info: This mother-son brick-and-mortar boutique is all about good energy and positive feeling. They sell crystals, carvings, sage, incense, candles, and more plus they offer Reiki and Tarot Readings by appointment.
Where: Dorchester
Info: Whether you’re new to the mat or a longtime yoga lover, 4 Corners has classes for every taste and skill level as well as guided meditation.
Where: South End & Nubian Square
Info: JET Boston offers a supportive gym environment programs for yoga, pilates, strength training, personal training, weight lifting, even programs designed for new moms and dads.
SHOPPING
Where: Union Square
Info: Browse unique and often handmade items from different regions of Africa including high fashion clothing items, nourishing skincare offerings, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, and more.
Where: Roxbury
Info: Boston’s only Black-owned bookstore offers a wide range of titles, particularly focusing on BIPOC stories for all ages. They also host author talks with local and national authors and illustrators.
Where: South End
Info: Black Owned Bos. is a fantastic online resource for Black businesses, including a robust directory of local shops and services, but they also have a brick-and-mortar shop in the South End featuring products from Black-owned businesses and curated gift boxes.
Where: Online
Info: These handcrafted wire jewelry items range the gamut from delicate and minimal to creative and statement-making. Best of all, they’re local and affordable.
Where: South End
Info: This local wine shop categories wines by their body, rather than varietal or region, to create a unique tasting and shopping experience. They provide tastings, an urban cellar, and a monthly wine club.
Where: Roxbury
Info: Support a local flower shop (especially at this romantic time of the year)! Giselle’s has been designing beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets for more than 20 years.
EXPERIENCES
Where: Brighton
Info: Learn how to make clean and transparent beauty and wellness products like candles, sugar scrubs, and perfume at this craft workshop studio and shop.
Where: Dorchester
Info: This beloved local roller rink has sessions almost every night of the week, some for all ages, some for kids specifically, and some 18+. They also have an arcade, billiards, and food offerings on site.
Where: South End
Info: Wally’s is a South End institution. It’s the oldest family-owned and operated jazz club in Boston and this hole-in-the-wall gem still showcases live music every night of the week.