In recent years, Jacksonville, Florida has become a hub for foodies and restaurant enthusiasts alike, with a diverse array of culinary options available. Among the city’s culinary gems are its black-owned restaurants, which offer a unique blend of flavors and cultures. From Southern comfort food to Caribbean-inspired dishes, these restaurants serve up a taste of Jacksonville’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Here are the 9 best black-owned restaurants in Jacksonville.
Top 9 Black-Owned Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida
1. Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant
Image Credit : Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant
Richard and Cathy Jones manifested their culinary confidence through Shut Em Down Authentic Southern Restaurant. The name reflects their ambition to outshine culinary competitors in the area.
This eatery is a haven for traditional Southern flavors, with a menu rich in family recipes passed down through generations. While fried chicken and pork chops are the stars of the show, other Southern favorites such as smothered pork chops, oxtails, meatloaf, and collard greens play significant roles.
The restaurant is expanding its presence in Jacksonville with a second location in the pipeline. For those preferring to dine at home, DoorDash delivery service is available.
If you want fried chicken and pork chops cooked fresh and seasoned to perfection, try Shut Em Down now.
Address: 6315 San Juan Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 503-1979
Website: https://www.shutemdownasr.com/
Owner: Richard and Cathy Jones
2. Austin’s Soul Food
Image Credit : Austin’s Soul Food Restaurant
Austin’s Soul Food, owned by Alissia Austin, is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary retreat that feels much like home. Warm staff and a cozy atmosphere complement the menu, rich in Southern comfort food.
Besides fried chicken and oxtails, offerings extend to collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie. Engaging with the community beyond the restaurant, Austin’s Soul Food maintains an active Facebook page for updates, photos, and promotions.
Address: 4807 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Operating Hours: Thursday – Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 619-7006
Website: https://web.facebook.com/jaxsoulfood/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Owner: Alissia Austin
3. Soul Food Express
Image Credit : Florida Times-Union
Soul Food Express, steered by Raymond Collin, is synonymous with comfort, affordability, and flavorful Southern cuisine. The menu, beyond Fresh Whiting, Oxtails, and Chitterlings, offers Fried Chicken, BBQ Ribs, and Fried Okra.
The restaurant extends its hospitality beyond its premises by offering catering services for various events, ensuring a comforting feast is just an order away.
Address: 1227 E 21st St, Jacksonville, FL 32206
Operating Hours: Thursday – Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 634-0018
Website: http://www.soulfoodexpressjax.com/
Owner: Raymond Collin
4. My Season Chicken and Ribs
Image Credit : My Season Chicken and Ribs
My Season Chicken and Ribs is a culinary narrative penned by Alvin and Lawanda Brooks, a testament to their dedication to serving stellar chicken and ribs barbecue.
The menu doesn’t stop at the barbecue but ventures into other comforting Southern dishes such as collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie.
Affirmative reviews on Yelp and Google, along with an active website for updates, photos, and promotions, keep the community enticed and engaged, making My Season Chicken and Ribs a cherished spot in North Jax.
On your visit, you won’t only be served fresh off the kitchen order, but you will also be greeted by the cooks and owners in person. How’s that for hospitality?
Address: 2971 Blake Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 566-5302
Website: https://www.myseasonchickenandribs.com/
Owner: Alvin and Lawanda Brooks
5. Blu Diner
Image Credit : GrubHub
Blu Diner, managed by Leola Coleman, offers more than just a meal; it offers a lively dining experience. The restaurant is revered for its authentic Southern-style dishes such as chitterlings, oxtails, ribs, pork chops, turkey wings, necks, and liver onions.
The joy of dining here is amplified on nights when live music performances resonate through the diner, making every bite rhythmic.
They maintain an active presence on Instagram, providing updates and engaging with their community. Many patrons have expressed satisfaction on Yelp and TripAdvisor, praising both the food and the vibrant atmosphere.
Address: 5868 Norwood Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32208
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 766-7774
Website: https://web.facebook.com/bludiner/
Owner: Leola Coleman
6. Soul Food Bistro
Credit Image : Soul Food Bistro
Soul Food Bistro, under the proprietorship of The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship of Jacksonville, has carved a niche for itself with its extensive menu.
It’s a haven for those seeking a hearty meal, offering a range of pork, beef, seafood, and numerous chicken dishes, with oxtail and chicken wontons among the crowd favorites.
They extend their service beyond the restaurant by catering to various events, earning them a reputable stance in the community.
Address: 5310 Lenox Ave suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 3220
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
- Wednesday (10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Saturday – Sunday (10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 394-0860
Website: https://www.thesoulfoodbistro.com/
Owner: The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship of Jacksonville
7. Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge
Image Credit : DoorDash
Owned by Celestia Mobley, Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge is a cultural hub where culinary and artistic expressions blend harmoniously.
Renowned for its fried chicken, ribs, and pork chops, Jazzy’s takes pride in featuring different artists almost nightly, providing a stage for talent and an enriched dining experience for guests.
This unique blend of food and live performances has garnered high ratings and positive reviews on Yelp and Google, making it a notable spot in Jacksonville’s vibrant dining scene.
Address: 901 King St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday (4:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday – Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
- Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 813-7178
Website: https://www.jazzysrestaurant.net/
Owner: Celestia Mobley
8. Fat Mamaz
Image Credit : Uber Eats
Fat Mamaz is a quaint eatery where traditional Southern dishes get a delightful twist. Serving an array of comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs, and fries, each item on the menu is a hearty serving of homeliness with an extra touch of flavor.
The restaurant’s active engagement on Facebook keeps the community informed about the latest offerings and promotions. The simplicity yet tastefulness of Fat Mamaz has been acknowledged through high ratings and positive reviews on Yelp and Google, solidifying its place in the hearts of many.
Each restaurant holds a unique space in Jacksonville’s dining sphere, contributing to the rich culinary tapestry with its distinctive offerings and experiences.
Address: 7307 103rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Phone no: (904) 661-1997
Website: https://web.facebook.com/fatmamazllc
9. Eva’s 1925 Sports Bar & Grill
Image Credit : Grubhub
In the lively backdrop of Jacksonville, Eva’s 1925 Sports Bar & Grill emerges as a gathering point for sports fans and culinary explorers. At Randolph Blvd, under the stewardship of Titia Jackson, this venue melds the thrill of sports with a satisfying dining escapade. The decor, a casual finesse sprinkled with sports memorabilia, crafts an inviting milieu to root for your favored teams.
The culinary repertoire at Eva’s 1925 is a nod to hearty, flavorful dishes with standouts such as Wings, Curry Shrimp, Jalapeno Poppers, and the lauded Seafood Mac & Cheese. Each menu item is a journey of flavors, embodying the hearty essence synonymous with a quintessential sports bar.
The legacy of satisfaction Eva’s 1925 has fostered is apparent in the glowing ratings and commendations on platforms such as Grubhub and Yelp. Patron testimonials underscore the establishment’s unwavering dedication to service and quality.
Engagement extends beyond the physical premises of Eva’s 1925, with its vibrant Facebook page serving as a conduit for updates, photos, and promotions, keeping the community connected.
Address: 736 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday (7:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight)
- Thursday (7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
- Friday (9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
- Saturday (9:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight)
- Sunday (5:00 p.m. – 12: 00 midnight)
Phone no: (904) 553-7514
Website: https://www.evas1925.com/
Owner: Titia Jackson
10. Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine
Located in the core of Jacksonville, Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine captivates seafood aficionados. The restaurant, an embodiment of the owner Celestia’s adoration for fresh, coastal flavors paired with hearty southern hospitality, is a true gem.
The ambiance, adorned tastefully, mimics coastal serenity, offering an oasis amidst the urban hustle of Jacksonville. The diligent staff ensures each dining experience transcends the ordinary, positioning Celestia’s not merely as a restaurant but as a coastal retreat right within the city’s heart.
Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine has accolades for its fresh oysters, succulent shrimps, and perfectly seared fish. High ratings and positive reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor echo the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.
For the latest happenings, photos, and promotions, their active Facebook page is the go-to place.
Address: 6765 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32219
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Phone no: (904) 551-6089
Website: Celestia’s Coastal Cuisine – Seafood Restaurant in Jacksonville (business.site)
- Owner: Chef Celestia Mobley
11. Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar
Where elegance intertwines with culinary brilliance, Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar stand. This upscale establishment in Jacksonville combines fine dining and casual ease.
The menu is a graceful dance of contemporary cuisine, with meticulous attention mirrored in each dish. The wine bar, with its thoughtfully curated selection, promises the perfect accompaniment to the culinary delights.
The ambiance, a blend of elegance with comfort, soft lighting, and plush seating, crafts the perfect milieu for a romantic rendezvous or a refined gathering. Pink Salt goes beyond mere meals, offering a refined dining saga that’s both memorable and exhilarating.
Through a blend of exquisite culinary offerings, serene ambiance, and exceptional service, Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar emerge as a hallmark of fine dining in Jacksonville.
The establishment has been lauded with high ratings and positive reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, echoing their exceptional service and culinary offerings.
Stay in the loop with the latest at Pink Salt Restaurant and Wine Bar by following their active Instagram page, a hub for updates, photos, and promotions.
Address: 1018-2 Margaret St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Phone no: (904) 438-5173
Website: https://www.pinksaltrestaurant.com/
Owner: Chef Richard Robinson
In conclusion, Jacksonville’s black-owned restaurants offer a unique and flavorful experience that should not be missed. Not only do they provide delicious cuisine, but they also represent the city’s cultural diversity and rich history. So, the next time you’re looking for a great meal, consider visiting one of these fantastic establishments and experiencing the rich flavors of Jacksonville’s black-owned restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-Owned Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida:
No. These restaurants in Jax welcome all people regardless of race or color.
If you take a look at their distribution on the map, these restaurants seem like they are concentrated in a small area of Jacksonville, but that’s only because this region is also the center of business and commerce in the country. The general regions closer to St. Johns is marked by denser populations, so it only makes sense that these restaurants are built where potential customers are more likely to come from. There are still significantly plenty of black-owned restaurants in other parts of Jax.
No. On the contrary, these grassroots restaurants are often on the more affordable end of things. It’s their simplicity, affordability, and familiarity that make these restaurants popular, so they will always try to keep their prices inexpensive and accessible.
Some do, but most of these establishments do not serve alcoholic drinks.
Yes, all these dining establishments provide veggie dishes such as collared greens and salads. However, to avoid disappointment and misunderstanding, calling them ahead of time might still be a great idea.
Some do, but most of these establishments do not serve alcoholic drinks.
Yes, all these dining establishments provide veggie dishes such as collared greens and salads. However, to avoid disappointment and misunderstanding, calling them ahead of time might still be a great idea.
Yes, plenty of these restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for their customers.
These restaurants specialize in various cuisines, from Southern comfort food to Caribbean-inspired dishes, seafood, and more.
The hours of operation vary depending on the individual restaurant. It’s best to check their website or social media pages for their hours.
Some of these restaurants offer outdoor seating or patio areas, while others do not. It depends on the individual restaurant and their location.
Yes, many of these restaurants have a social media presence and website where customers can stay updated on their menus and events.
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