Detroit has over 700K African Americans, the largest demographic in Michigan, also making it one of the largest African American populations for a major US city, as well. The history and culture of Detroit is so rich. There is always something to do, and something going on, and the food choices are fantastic.
Check out some of these wonderful, African-American owned restaurants in Detroit. From soul food to seafood, you can find any kind of dining that suits your fancy and taste buds.
Central Kitchen + Bar
A popular brunch spot, Central Kitchen has a great selection of burgers and entrees. Businessman and attorney Dennis Archer, Jr. opened the restaurant about a year ago in the Financial District. With a modern yet rustic look, Central Kitchen + Bar offers brunch dishes like cured salmon flatbread and Belgian waffles, as well as shrimp and grits. The Central Burger consists of fried pickles, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, bacon, bistro sauce, inside a brioche bun. Central also serves fried cheese curds. Yum!
Savannah Blue
Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, this restaurant serves southern food “Detroit style.” A quick search and you’ll find fans raving about their menu, which includes dishes like seared salmon and their house fried chicken served with maple pecan sauce, complete with sides like collard greens, and sweet potato puree.
Kuzzo’s Chicken + Waffles
Kuzzo’s was opened by former Detroit Lions player Ron Bartell at the start of last year. It quickly garnered a lot of attention, and was soon voted as the best chicken and waffles restaurant in the city by The Metro Times. Their award winning chicken and waffles combos include the “What Up Doe” selection, which includes fried chicken, waffles, grits, with eggs and cheese. There’s also the “Tender Love” that comes with chicken tenders and a waffle, and then there’s “The Belle Isle Basket,” which consists of fried shrimp or southern fried catfish filets and a basket of chips as well as their signature tartar sauce.
Detroit Seafood Market
Also located in the downtown area, the popular Detroit Seafood Market has been around for quite some time and offers a variety of seafood options. The restaurant is owned by Kenny Akinwale and is located near the well-known Greektown area. Their menu includes dishes like seafood gumbo, paellas, stuffed Atlantic salmon, steamed Alaskan king crab, and more.
Detroit Vegan Soul
This west village restaurant is quickly becoming a city staple and was opened by two African American women, Kirsten Ussery-Boyd and Erika Boyd. Their menu features southern classics made with completely vegan ingredients. Dishes like BBQ Tofu and Smothered Tempeh show just how creative these ladies are, making southern food for vegans and the health conscious.
Photo Credit: Porsha Monique For Rolling Out
Dime Store
One of the owners, Jeffrey Alexander is African American, and this year, this restaurant won in four categories at the Best Of Hour Awards: Best Sunday Brunch, Best Creative Breakfast, Best Business Breakfast, and Best Business Lunch. Located in the Chrysler Building, Dime Store calls itself an American Brunch Bar featuring all the breakfast and brunch essentials in a warm and usually bustling environment.
