Updated, June 2024
In honor of Juneteenth today, we’re re-sharing our updated list of Black-owned businesses located in North Brooklyn.
Juneteenth, commemorating the date in 1865 when the news of the end of slavery reached the shores of Galveston, Texas, first earned federal holiday status four years ago, though it has long been observed within the Black community.
Nearly 60% of Greenpoint and Williamsburg residents are white, which makes supporting the Black and BIPOC populations in our neighborhood all the more important.
Thick Ice Cream (208 Graham Ave.)
This relative newcomer (they opened last year) can already be seen in grocery stores across the borough. And with innovative flavors like deep fried caramel pecan cornbread and mango and caramel flan, it’s easy to see why Adriane Stewart’s ice cream shop has earned a following. With the ongoing heat wave, it’s the perfect time to stop into the Graham Avenue storefront.
Bushwick Grind Cafe (63 Whipple St., Unit 1L)
The East Williamsburg shop has been serving the community since 2015. They’re equally committed to quality artisan coffee and fun events for all of North Brooklyn to enjoy. Bushwick Grind was even covered by ABC’s Local-ish segment, which you can view here.
Stuart Cafe & Cinema (79 West St.)
This tiny movie theater, owned by Emelyn Stuart, is a treat to escape to for screenings of mainstream and artsy films. They have a generous Happy Hour special and an extensive food menu.
Action Burger (292 Graham Ave.)
This comic book themed burger joint is home to over 250 free arcade games from the 80s and 90s. Pay it forward and order mac and cheese bacon burgers, deep fried pizza rolls, plus family-sized boozy slushies.
Sweet Science (135 Graham Ave.)
This neighborhood cocktail bar is the type of cozy spot you want to settle into and never leave. Check out their hearty specials, such as a 10-hour braised oxtail lasagna and jerk-seasoned baby back ribs.
Celsious (115 N. 7th St.)
This laundromat for the aesthetically and eco- inclined is run by sisters Corinna and Theresa Williams. Environmentally friendly detergents, dryer balls, stain sticks and more are also for sale in Celsious’ online shop.
Kokomo (65 Kent Ave.)
Opened at the height of the pandemic era, Kokomo’s outdoor dining oasis is always bustling. Owned by Ria Graham and her husband, Kevol Graham, Kokomo serves pan-Carribbean cuisine with a fun Brooklyn twist (boozy brunch!). The vibe is certainly worth visiting for, and the jerk chicken and spicy island pasta are musts.
Hairenomics Mane Bar (69 West St.)
The first Black-owned salon in Greenpoint, Hairenomics Mane Bar is a one stop shop for all things hair and beauty. Owner Tamara Laureus has extensive experience as a celebrity hair stylist “The goal for every client is to leave with positive energy and feeling beautiful,” the website says. Aside from hair, the salon offers nail and makeup services.
Williamsburg Music Center (367 Bedford Ave.)
Williamsburg Music Center first opened in 1981 and is still going strong. The jazz venue, owned by legendary composer, conductor & musician Gerry Eastman, offers live music from Thursday through Sundays. “During the time of opening WMC, Williamsburg was at the peak of violence, poverty, and discrimination for People of Color living in NYC,” says the venue’s website. “One of the many reasons Gerry sought out to open WMC was to provide a safe space for POC musicians to perform; and to honor the African musical diaspora.”
A Taste of Heaven (251 Jackson St.)
Husband and wife team Tony and Melody Vergara offer up home-cooked soul food classics, like collard greens, mac and cheese, rice and peas, and candied yams. Each meal ranges in price from $11 to $20, and portions are large, so you get the bang for your buck.
Le Paris Dakar (141 India St.)
Le Paris Dakar offers up sweet and savory crepes with a Senegalese twist. Husband and wife duo Mouna and Thierno first opened up two locations in Bed-Stuy and have now made their Greenpoint debut. Stop by to try bissap, the national drink of Senegal.
For more Black-owned establishments to support in Brooklyn, download the app EatOkra, which maps Black-owned restaurants, follow @BlackOwnedBklyn on Instagram.
Stuart Cinema is fully operational & showing new movies. I just watched Ant-Man there yesterday. http://www.stuartcinema.com
One patronizes a business because of a good deal at a good price.
If you do it because of race/gender/other demo it is discriminatory, divisive, and eventually hurts the business involved since demo comes first and quality/good deal comes second if at all.