To celebrate Black History Month, we’re encouraging people across the country to #SpendLikeItMatters at Black-owned businesses in their communities. Last year, you helped us grow our database in Southern California, and we wanted to share a few of our favorite Black owned businesses in Los Angeles!
These are some awesome Black owned businesses in Los Angeles, and we challenge you to help us grow our database in the City of Angels even more so we can continue to be an ever-growing resource for your community.
EAT
A sweet potato pie is only good if you can taste the love. For over 60 years, this Los Angeles bakery has been satisfying locals with their famous sweet potato pie, pecan pie, and the hybrid sweet potato pecan pie. In addition to their most famous offerings, they serve up peach cobbler and a variety of moist cakes. Owner Jeanette Bolden is a third generation owner of the bakery, and continues its traditions with pride.
The menu at Jeremy McBryde and Mark Walker’s Comfort LA restaurant pays tribute to the influential people behind their recipes and their lives. Serving up locally sourced and organic comfort food dishes like Cousin Kina’s Mac & Cheese and My Momma’s Beans & Rice, the spot is best known for its take on fried chicken wings.
DRINK
Delicious vegan food? Ethically sourced coffee? Sign us up! Hot and Cool Cafe is a chill Leimert Park hang that boasts an innovative menu, art gallery, and awesome event calendar. Owner Tony Jolly opened the cafe in 2018, envisioning a unique hub for artists and performers to gather and utilize. If you’re stopping in for the first time, order a vegan ‘soul bowl’ (BBQ ‘chicken,’ mac and cheese, and collard greens) or some yummy cauliflower ‘wings’ with a delicious latte, tea, or smoothie.
Watts Coffee House has been an absolute community cornerstone since it re-opened in 1997. At this special place, you’ll find traditional soul food entrees, prepared with love. Regulars stop in for their fried chicken, grits, and waffles — along with that sweet cup of joe, of course. You’ll be transported to a world of diner’s past when you join your loved ones for breakfast at this legit L.A. classic! Fun fact: The original Watts Happening Coffee House was destroyed during the 1965 Watts Riot.
Whether you’re planning a boozy brunch or a weeknight date night, Post & Beam is sure to impress. Drawing inspiration from classic soul food, the restaurant menu is chock-full of amazing meals like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and sweet potato pie. Also known for their phenomenal pizza and handcrafted cocktails, there’s a little something for everyone. The restaurant has been under the ownership of Chef John Cleveland who continues to refine the food and atmosphere. Fun fact: The restaurant sources booze from Minneapolis favorite, Du Nord.
SHOP
Reflecting on his childhood, Malik Mohammad realized there were few children’s books that featured Black characters, and the literature he read impacted his own perception of African American history. Inspired to change this for others, he opened his very own community bookstore, Malik Books, in 1990. Today, people of all ages can find a brilliant selection of books covering topics like history, self-help, romance, children’s books, biographies, and more. Fun fact: Malik Books often hosts book signing events with beloved authors!
Reparations Club is an innovative concept shop is a space that is “curated by Blackness.” When you support this independent, Black-owned bookshop, you’ll notice their selection of books and home goods have been very carefully tailored by owner Jazzi McGilbert and her customers. The team works tirelessly to fulfil orders, answer questions, and provide quality customer service. Stop in to browse their selection of excellent titles, records, clothing, and more — they have a cozy couch and an awesome space to spend your afternoon!
EXPERIENCE
The Barbershop Club is a special member’s only barber, social club, and therapist’s office all-in-one. Built to provide a special social atmosphere for men in creative fields, the space is reminiscent of a sexy, old-fashioned barbershop with vintage chairs and decor. You’ll find that the diverse fraternity is unique to itself and is the perfect place to eat, drink, work, shop and relax. Their philosophy attends to men’s social, psychological and physical health through a lens of diversity and inclusion as directed by owner Woody Lovell. The shop opened in 1991 and continues to welcome new members.
Joshua Engle has a fitness philosophy like no other. His workout, the Metcon workout was born in 2018, a combination of weight lifting and versa climbers that allowed clients to see awesome results in their fitness goals. His workout hits all three metabolic systems in just 30 minutes and is known for its impact and intensity. His gym, The Method is also host to a variety of personal trainers who love to show clients a kickass workout!
#SpendLikeItMatters at these Black owned businesses in Los Angeles.
Check our guides to Black-owned businesses in other cities like San Diego, Portland, Oakland and East Bay and Seattle.
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