Hungry for some delicious local food to help keep you warm this winter? Us too. That’s why this February in observance of Black History Month, we’ve picked eight of our favorite Black-owned restaurants in Pittsburgh that are serving up meals that aren’t just delicious, but also nurturing to the soul. Featuring a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and even dietary regimens, show some extra love to Pittsburgh’s best Black-owned kitchens this month and enjoy a great meal or two!
Showcase BBQ
Showcase BBQ has some of the best soul food in the whole city, hands down. Its barbeque cheesesteak hoagies like the one shown above are pretty much a cult food item for hungry Yinzers, but you can count on Showcase for all the barbecue classics like smoked ribs, chicken, turkey, and all the best sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, and red beans and rice. Showcase BBQ will also be celebrating 20 years of deliciousness this year, so keep an eye out for their 2023 celebration!
Happy Day Dessert Factory
Looking for a sweet treat? Happy Day Dessert Factory might specialize in desserts of the chilled variety, but when the ice cream is this good, who cares if it’s cold outside? With more than 50 flavors of premium homemade hard-serve ice cream, everyone can find a flavor they love. Happy Day also offers water ice, frozen soft custard, frozen yogurt, and almond milk soft serve for dairy-free dessert lovers. Don’t forget about the cookies, waffle cones, ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and more… the sweet possibilities are endless!
Pure Grub
One of Pittsburgh’s best Black-owned vegan spots is Pure Grub, a kitchen concept serving up meal plans, grab-and-go dishes, catering, and more from its home base in Aspinwall and at pop-ups throughout the city. Everything from Pure Grub is gluten-free and dairy-free, and all ingredients are thoughtfully and responsibly sourced from vendors in the community. Pure Grub has also partnered with Abeille Voyante Tea Co. to stock coolers in the region with free food for anyone experiencing food insecurity, and every meal you purchase from Pure Grub helps further that mission!
ShadoBeni
Another vegan, Black-owned restaurant is ShadoBeni, a newer restaurant that serves plant-based versions of traditional Trinidadian cuisine with a twist. Named after an herb similar to cilantro, ShadoBeni features dishes that are healthy for both the soul and the body, made from scratch using natural ingredients and fresh produce. Of course, there is still plenty of flavor as well! Try classics like fried plantains, pineapple chow, jerk “chick-un” with turmeric rice, and even a crispy oyster mushroom sandwich, and wash it down with a healthy glass of sorrel.
Kilimanjaro Flavour
Kilimanjaro Flavour is a mobile catering company and food truck that offers some of the best, most authentic African food you can find here in Pittsburgh. In fact, Kilimanjaro Flavour was named the winner in the Best African Food category for Pittsburgh City Paper’s annual Best of Pittsburgh rankings! If you’ve never tried this truck’s Tanzanian specials, try one of their recently-shared dishes – a hot tamarind, black pepper, and honey porridge that’s savory and so delicious on cold winter days.
Walter’s Southern Kitchen
Lawrenceville spot Walter’s BBQ is obviously one of Pittsburgh’s most popular outdoor hangouts during the summer, but if you’re not ordering food while you’re there, you’re missing out! There are tons of options “for the table” that are great for sharing, including smoked wings and brisket queso fries, or your can choose your main meat and sides from a menu of Southern-style classics. For a little bit of everything, try the lunchbox special, which comes with your choice of meat, two sides, and cornbread!
Leon’s Caribbean Restaurant
Located on East Warrington Avenue in Allenton, Leon’s Caribbean Restaurant features a menu with flavor-packed classics that are sure to help you warm up this month! Favorites like Jamaican chicken and beef patties, jerk chicken, and curry chicken are beloved for a reason but don’t miss out on Leon’s tender goat curry, pepper steak, and the classic oxtail stew. Pro tip: Leon’s also carries Caribbean beverages like Jamaican soda, Ting, and Tropical Rhythms fruit and veggie juices.
Live Fresh Juicery
Health truly is wealth, and thanks to Live Fresh Juicery’s two locations in Homestead and the North Side, you can boost your health this winter with fresh, cold-pressed juices! In addition to its immunity-boosting, nutritious (and delicious!) juices and cleanse juice packs, Live Fresh features superfood smoothies, acai bowls, housemade nut milks, and three different wellness shots for maximizing your immunity. Best of all, everything is made from 100% fresh-cut whole fruits and vegetables.
