If you’d like to celebrate the Black hospitality community, support Black-owned businesses, try amazing new food for incredible prices, restaurants and shops all over the city are taking part in Chicago’s Black Restaurant Week (CBRW24), Feb. 11 through Feb. 25. This year CBRW24 also includes themed days for professionals such as educators and essential workers, as well as holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday
Over 50 Black-owned restaurants, bars, shops, and catering services will be offering a plethora of deals on brunch, dinner, and beverages. Despite CBRW’s growth since its inception in 2016, Lauran Smith, founder, is happy the event is still rooted in service.
“For me it’s about making sure people are aware of what’s around them. Some of us don’t venture out in our own neighborhoods and once we do we can notice a lot of different things”, said Smith on a phone call earlier this week.
The event was originally a way for Smith to coax customers into the doors of a few restaurants that her friends owned. Now, in its ninth year, CBRW boasts specials and prix-fixe menus from most of the premier and up and coming Black-owned restaurants in the city. According to Smith, participating owners see more followers on social media, out of town visitors, increased catering orders and profit during CBRW. Smith says she sees the event becoming a Chicago tourist attraction and eventually attracting the support of hometown celebrities like the Obamas, Chance The Rapper, and Larenz Tate.
We took a deep dive through CBRW24’s list of participating restaurants highlighted some of the best deals and experiences below.
14 Parish (644 E. 53rd St.)
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, 14 Parish’s Caribbean flare and extensive rum collection feels like a tropical getaway. The restaurant’s CBRW24 deals include discounted appetizers such as coconut shrimp for $12.23, elote for $6.24 and a jerk chicken club for $13.24. Head to 14 Parish for a perfect tiki nightcap and fried dough.
Batter and Berries (3462 Vollmer Road, 2748 N. Lincoln Ave)
This popular, eclectic brunch spot now has two locations — one in Lincoln Park and one in Olympia Fields. “The Collab”, which will be available at both locations for $24.24, includes a cocoa rum chicken and waffle à la mode with hot molasses sauce. Batter & Berries also has a dessert collaboration with Black-owned ice-cream shop Shawn Michelle’s and Mount Gay Rum. You don’t want to miss this.
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar (3225 W. Addison St. Suite C)
Chesa’s is a Creole and Cajun eatery with a twist — every item is gluten free. From a food truck to a ghost kitchen, to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, this Black woman-owned establishment has consistently offered some of the best cajun food south of the Mississippi. Enjoy brunch on Saturday or Sunday for $24.24 per entree. Offerings include Black Angus short ribs and red grits, a catfish skillet and fried chicken and fried beignet waffles. Chesa’s is also offering a mimosa flight for $24.24 or bottomless mimosas for $28.24.
Soul Prime (1969 N. Halsted St.)
At this Keith Lee approved restaurant you’ll find elevated soul food for brunch and dinner. You can enjoy their prix fixe menu for less than $50. The cheesy, collard green dip — which has gone viral for its unique, cheesy flavor — and silky garlic parmesan wings are available for an appetizer. Second course options include golden fried chicken and a smoked salmon cesar. A CBRW24 cocktail is also available for $13.24.
The Black Vegan Restaurant (2300 S. Kedzie Ave.)
If you’re vegan and looking to get the full CBRW24 experience, look no further. The Black Vegan Restaurant has a vegan italian beef ($14.24), vegan ribs ($12.24), and a shrimp burger ($13.24) and more on offer.
TNT Rooftop Restaurant (5405 W. Madison St.)
Austin’s only rooftop restaurant is offering a prix-fixe menu for $49.24 per person. Slide to the West Side and enjoy Buffalo cauliflower or wings, blackened salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and TNT’s infamous cookie skillet and ice cream.
The Duplex Chicago (3137 W. Logan Blvd.)
If you’re into craft cocktails and a live DJ, you don’t want to miss this Logan Square restaurant. The Duplex’s CBRW24 prix fixe menu is $59 for three courses. The chestnut gnocchi, pork roast, and olive oil cake with honey whipped ricotta and raspberry jam are just a few showstoppers you don’t want to miss.
Sundays Catering (Online Only)
If you’d like to participate in CBRW24 in the comfort of your own home or have an event coming up, place a catering order with Sunday Catering. D’Usse wings with fries, Rasta pasta, and trio pasta with lamb chops are available. Order here.
You can find a full list of participating restaurants, shops, and caterers at https://chiblackrestaurantweek.com/.
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