4 Amazing Black-Owned Restaurants in Denver… well, the Denver Metro Area. They are listed below, but first, here are some interesting facts about Denver.
A Little Denver Black History
Did you know Denver is only 4.1% Black?
That number is jarring! The Five Points neighborhood was ranked one of the West’s “largest and most prosperous Black urban enclaves with a thriving business district” in the early twentieth century. There were three newspapers, several fine hotels, and a vibrant cultural and music scene. Yes, the Black community who resided in Denver most certainly experienced Jim Crow, desegregation, and the backlash that accompanied the experience of the Jim Crow era.
Of course, there were key players in Colorado who worked hard to take down the KKK and other racist establishments in and out of Colorado. There was a large resort called Lincoln Hills, in Gilpin County because, back then, Black people would have been barred from most other places, this was created for Black people to enjoy the outdoors. You can learn more about Colorado’s Black history here.
Today, we see and understand that Denver is not the most diverse city but, nonetheless, there are still thriving black-owned businesses in and around Denver that I want to highlight to celebrate Black History Month, Denver style, it starts and ends with eating!
4 Awesome Black Owned Restaurants in Denver
Let me know what you think after you try these!
Located just West of Colfax and York, Smith + Cannon Ice Cream is filled with Philly-style ice cream. There are amazing flavor combinations and they change with the seasons (they even have vegan ice cream). You’ll definitely want to try the Whiskey Barrel Coffee. You can sample everything and the good vibes are worth the stop!
Welton Street Cafe sits in the heart of the historically Black Five Points neighborhood in Denver. The family-owned Welton Street Cafe has been serving the community classic and delicious soul food since 1999. They are currently in the process of moving and working hard to keep their business alive. You can stop in and dine with them and support them here.
Sylvester and Theodora bring authentic African flavors to Denver in traditional dishes like “pap” and Chakalaka, East African “samosa and chapatti,” North African “Couscous,” West African “Fufu” and “Jollof,” and Central Africa “Cassava, Plantains, and peanut dishes.” This family-owned restaurant surely won’t disappoint.
If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know how incredible the food is. Jessie’s brings a taste of Bourbon Street to the front range.
I strongly encourage you to visit and support these small businesses now and always.
Are you drooling yet?