Chicago, known for its diverse communities and rich cultural tapestry, is home to many BIPOC-owned businesses making waves in the Windy City. From mouthwatering eateries to innovative wellness centers, here are ten BIPOC-owned businesses you need to check out on your next Chicago adventure.

1. Virtue Restaurant
Location: Hyde Park
Category: Southern American Cuisine
Chef Erick Williams’s Virtue Restaurant brings soulful Southern cuisine to Hyde Park. With dishes that pay homage to his African American heritage, Virtue offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss their famous blackened catfish or the indulgent mac and cheese.

2. Semicolon Bookstore
Location: River West
Category: Bookstore
As Chicago’s only Black woman-owned bookstore, Semicolon is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a community hub that celebrates literature, art, and culture. They frequently host events and have an excellent selection of works by BIPOC authors.

3. Brew Brew Coffee and Tea
Location: Pilsen
Category: Café
This Guatemalan-owned café serves up some of the best coffee in the city. With beans sourced directly from Central America, Brew Brew offers a taste of home for Latinx Chicagoans and a delicious cup for all coffee lovers.

4. Luv Spa
Location: South Loop
Category: Wellness
Owned by Korean American entrepreneur Sarah Chung, Luv Spa offers a range of wellness services inspired by Korean spa traditions. From facials to full-body treatments, it’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

5. The Silver Room
Location: Hyde Park
Category: Retail
More than just a boutique, The Silver Room is a cultural institution. Owner Eric Williams has created a space that sells unique jewelry, clothing, and art, while also hosting community events and an annual block party.

6. Parachute
Location: Avondale
Category: Korean-American Cuisine
Chef Beverly Kim’s Michelin-starred restaurant blends Korean flavors with American techniques. The result? Innovative dishes that push culinary boundaries. Their bing bread is legendary.

7. Batter & Berries
Location: Lincoln Park
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
This Black-owned breakfast spot is famous for its creative takes on French toast. With flavors rotating daily, there’s always something new to try. Be prepared for a wait on weekends – it’s that good!

8. Piloto 151
Location: Logan Square
Category: Co-working Space
Founded by Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, Piloto 151 offers a vibrant co-working space that caters to Chicago’s diverse entrepreneurial community. It’s an excellent spot for networking and getting work done in a motivating environment.

9. Brown Sugar Bakery
Location: Greater Grand Crossing
Category: Bakery
Stephanie Hart’s Brown Sugar Bakery has been satisfying Chicago’s sweet tooth for years. Known for their caramel cakes and wide variety of cupcakes, this bakery brings a taste of homemade goodness to the South Side.

10. Yo Soy Underground Café
Location: Pilsen
Category: Café/Art Gallery
This Latina-owned café doubles as an art gallery, showcasing work from local BIPOC artists. With a menu featuring Mexican-inspired drinks and snacks, it’s the perfect spot to sip a horchata latte while admiring local art.

These ten businesses represent just a small fraction of the amazing BIPOC-owned establishments in Chicago. We can help create a more inclusive and vibrant local economy by supporting these and other diverse businesses. So next time you’re in the Windy City, why not skip the chains and try one of these unique spots? Your taste buds (and conscience) will thank you!

Remember, the best way to support these businesses is not just to visit once but to become a regular customer and spread the word. Share your experiences on social media, leave positive reviews, and tell your friends. We can help these incredible BIPOC-owned businesses thrive in Chicago and beyond.

Other things to do in Chicago

Tour the Pilsen Murals 

Looking to immerse yourself in Chicago’s local Latinx community?  Try touring the Pilsen murals. Influenced by ancient Aztec culture, the Pilsen Murals are crafted in the spirit of the Mexican government-funded public education projects. The murals, located in southside Chicago, are a study in art activism. Concentrated on the Lower West Side and Pilsen, you’ll find many of the murals located on 18th street.

Stop by Chinatown Square

Chinatown Square is a two-story outdoor mall located in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. There you’ll find many cultural goods, restaurants, and boutique stores. The square is full of commissioned artwork and includes the “Chinese in America” Mural containing hand-cut glass directly from China-sourced specifically for this mural.

Outdoors in the Chi

Want to infuse a little luxury into your final Chicago summer days? A luxury picnic on the lakefront or in Millenium Park seems like the perfect fit. While keeping all Covid-19 precautions in mind, the Sanni siblings have created an amazing outdoor experience, perfect for the final Chicago summer days.

Visit The DuSable Museum of African American History

The museum leadership has taken a cautious approach to reopen amid the pandemic and is still operating at limited capacity, but there are many new exhibitions on display to be excited about. The Kara Walker collection is on display through Oct 16, 2021.