Black Chicago Restaurant Week has returned for its 11th year, highlighting Black-owned restaurants across the city and nearby suburbs. The event aims to promote local businesses and encourage residents to explore diverse culinary options.
The week-long celebration, founded by Lauran A. Smith, features nearly 40 participating restaurants offering special prix-fixe menus and discounts from Sunday through February 22. New additions this year include Mahari, a pan-African restaurant in Hyde Park, and Elements in Bellwood, which recently received a Banchet Award. Returning favorites such as Bronzeville Winery, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, and Chemistry Chicago are also participating.
Smith launched Black Chicago Restaurant Week to support Black-owned eateries and stimulate the local economy. “Launched by founder Lauran A. Smith to support Black-owned eateries, Black Chicago Restaurant Week encourages diners to expand their palates while giving a boost to the local economy.”
Mahari has quickly become popular since opening inside the former La Petite Folie space at 1504 E. 55th St., offering brunch items like French toast flambé with brioche bread and seafood étouffée with prawns and crawfish tails.
Chicago’s Home Of Chicken & Waffles continues its participation from both its Bronzeville location at 3947 S. King Drive and its Oak Park outpost. Menu highlights include Monique’s Love—a fried chicken breast served with a choice of waffle or sides—and Gleatha’s salmon salad.
Haire’s Gulf Shrimp returns this year as well, known for Louisiana-style dinners and signature “bomb bags” filled with shrimp. After the passing of owner Finnie Haire in 2021, his wife Aisha Murff took over operations and opened a new South Loop location in 2024.
Another newcomer is Strugglebeard Bakery at 5221 S. Harper Court in Hyde Park, offering treats such as vegan oatmeal raisin cookies called the Hipster and Firedoodle snickerdoodles made with premium cocoa powder.
For a full list of participating restaurants, visit the Chicago Black Restaurant Week website.
