The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in Tennessee

You will find an incredible variety across the state. While traditional soul food, classic meat-and-three plates, and world-class Memphis barbecue anchor the culinary scene, you can also explore gourmet artisan pizza, plant-based vegan comfort food, and much more. 

If you want a side of history with your meal, head to Swett's in Nashville, which has been family-owned for seven decades and sits near historic Jefferson Street, or The Four Way in Memphis, which famously hosted icons of the Civil Rights Movement like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s.

Yes! Spots like Radical Rabbit in Nashville offer fully plant-based, vegan soul food pop-ups (including grilled vegan BBQ ribs and jackfruit sandwiches), while many traditional restaurants feature vegetarian-friendly sides and options.

Owned by the same family for seven decades, Swett's has been serving up some of the best soul food in Nashville since 1954. Today, Swett's is more than just a restaurant; it's a cherished gathering place and has been since its founding amidst the Civil Rights Movement. Diners can enjoy Southern comfort food favorites and traditional "meat n' three" picks at this culinary cornerstone which is one the best Black-owned restaurants in Nashville. To learn more about Nashville's history in the Civil Rights Movement, travel a short mile to Historic Jefferson Street, the home of over 80 Black-owned businesses in Nashville. Here, you can tour the newest Tennessee stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail: Jefferson Street Sound Museum. 

• Menu Highlights: Enjoy soul food favorites like the crispy fried chicken, crumbly cornbread, and collard greens.
• Address: 2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209 
• Hours: Open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM 
• Parking: Free parking lot available on-site for guests 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom

Slim and Husky's Pizza and Beeria made Nashville history as the first Black-owned business to open their doors on the well-traveled Broadway. Known for more than their mouth-watering pies, Slim and Husky's is a celebratory culmination of art, music, and pizza. Although they have since moved away from the Broadway location, they now have brick and mortars spanning Nashville, Memphis, Franklin and Antioch. Slim and Husky's is beloved for their community-focused presence, and people cannot get enough of their inventive takes on satisfying classics. 

• Menu Highlights: Try the Hot Chicken Pizza, the vegan pizza: Nothing But a "V" thang or their distinguished cinnamon rolls.
• Addresses: 
  • Nashville: 911 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208 
  • Antioch: 5270 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch, TN 37013 
  • Franklin: 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
  • Memphis: 634 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103 
• Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM (varies by location)
• Parking: Street parking and dedicated venue lots depending on the specific neighborhood location 
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible across locations

Known as the original catalyst of Nashville Hot Chicken, Thornton Prince III is a man of legend. Prince loved the vengeful hot chicken his lady served him so much that he perfected the recipe and opened the original hot chicken restaurant in 1945 — putting the dish on the map. There are six heat levels ranging from Plain to XXXHot (which is not for the faint of heart). In addition to the chicken, Prince’s has a variety of delicious traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw and pickles. This Nashville staple now has two locations, making it even easier to stop in and give it a try.

• Menu highlights: The original Nashville hot chicken spot serving its iconic spice levels, classic plates and chicken-and-bread traditions
• Addresses: 
  • Nolensville Pike: 5814 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 
  • Assembly Food Hall: 505 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 
  • Tanger Outlets: 4060 Cane Ridge Pkwy, Antioch, TN 37013 
• Hours: Typically open daily from 10:30 AM/11:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM 
• Parking: Free parking (Nolensville/Tanger) or paid downtown parking garages (Assembly Food Hall) 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities at all storefronts

Radical Rabbit is a Black-owned, woman-owned, vegan pop-up restaurant concept selling delicious soul food in Nashville. Created by a vegan Nashvillian, "Rad Rab" has proven that plant-based food can be soulful, taste delicious, and remain all-natural. Explore their pop-up calendar to see where you can sample their amazing offerings. Looking for more vegan restaurants? Use this guide to plan your vegan stops across Tennessee.

• Menu Highlights: Among the only Black owned vegan restaurants in Nashville, indulge in grilled vegan BBQ ribs, buffalo hot fried jackfruit or a vegan chicken n' biscuit with sweet potato butter.
• Address: Richland Park Farmers' Market (4701 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209)
• Hours: Currently, you can find Radical Rabbit at the Richland Park Farmer's Market every Saturday until 12 PM.
• Parking: Free street and neighborhood parking surrounding Centennial Park/Richland Park 
• Accessibility: Paved market walkways are wheelchair accessible

Serving up "love and care" since 2010, Jojo's Fish House in Murfreesboro is proud to be an 85% scratch kitchen. They are known for their fried fish dishes with tilapia, whiting, and locally famous catfish. Soul sides are also a fan favorite with classics like mac and cheese, fried okra, and banana pudding. Dine at this Black-owned restaurant in Murfreesboro and enjoy the lively atmosphere with mural-lined walls in this diner-style fish house.

• Menu Highlights: Explore made-in-house teas and kool-aids. You can't go wrong with a catfish plate that includes freshly battered and fried hushpuppies and any two sides.
• Address: 123 NW Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 
• Hours: Open daily starting at 11 AM 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot available for diners 
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrance, interior, and restroom

History buffs with an empty stomach listen in: The Four Way in Memphis has got you covered. Getting its start in 1946, the Four Way is one of the longest running soul-food restaurants in Tennessee and one of the top Black-owned restaurants in Memphis. As one of the only 1960's establishments where Black and White diners regularly sat together in Memphis, this special spot served many famous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rosa Parks and Aretha Franklin are just a scratch on the surface of the powerful individuals who ate the beloved food. The current owner, Patrice Bates Thompson, continues the 80-year-old legacy of "serving love on a plate to people from all walks of life."

• Menu Highlights: Get your dose of soul food in Memphis at The Four Way with fried green tomatoes, candied yams, or turkey and dressing are phenomenal choices to accompany your delectable plate of baked catfish. 
• Address: 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126 
• Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM (Closed Monday and Tuesday) 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot for guests 
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible entrance and seating areas

Southern Living named The Bar-B-Q Shop restaurant one of the top 50 barbecue places in the South. One taste of the smoked meat drizzled with the Dancing Pigs BBQ sauce and seasoning and you’ll agree it’s one of the best. Opening in the 80's, this Memphis midtown eatery has gained so much notoriety over the years that they are featured in numerous culinary shows, newspapers, and magazines. See what all the buzz is about. 

• Menu Highlights: Don't leave without trying these world-famous ribs. To really go for it, try the barbeque spaghetti.
• Address: 1782 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday) 
• Parking: Street parking and small dedicated spaces nearby
• Accessibility: Accessible ground-level entrance

Find heaven in a plate of ribs. Sop up extra barbecue sauce with the last bite of your pork sandwich. Take a bite of melt-in-your-mouth barbecue beef. Welcome to Cozy Corner, where they pride themselves in giving you a memorable Memphis ‘que experience. Not only is this a Black-owned restaurant in Tennessee, it's also woman-owned. Owner Desiree Robinson was the first Black woman to be inducted into the American Royal’s BBQ Hall of Fame, and the proof is certainly in the pudding.

• Menu Highlights: Have a side of barbecue beans or cole slaw and finish off the meal with the delicious banana pudding or sweet potato pie.
• Address: 735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105 
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday) 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot available 
• Accessibility: Accessible ground-floor entrance and layout

Located within a historic home in downtown Jackson, Skillet Junction offers a unique all-day brunch experience. Take in the cozy ambience while you sit-back, relax, and get your brunch on all day long. Owned and operated by Jacob and Regina Richmond, their daughter has followed in their footsteps and opened an entrepreneurial venture of her own: Peppermint Addie's & Co. - an old-fashioned ice cream shop. Both businesses are located within the Neely House and can't wait to show you the best of where breakfast meets lunch. 

• Menu Highlights: Start your brunch off right with a mimosa flight. Choose between the savory crawfish omelet or sweet cream banana pancakes. Add beignets or lobster deviled eggs to fully round out the meal.
• Address: 312 E Main St (inside the Neely House), Jackson, TN 38301 
• Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 8 AM to 3 PM. Stop by this Black-owned brunch spot in Jackson and try it for yourself!
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot available for guests 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and ground-floor dining space

Dulcie’s Cafe is a family-run Jamaican kitchen in Knoxville whose roots stretch from Kingston, Jamaica, to Queens, New York, and now downtown on Gay Street. Founded by mother-daughter duo Sandra Allen and Jeneve Blake-Johnson, the business grew from a small food truck into two brick-and-mortar locations, all built to honor Sandra’s mother, Dulcie Sherriah, whose Kingston kitchen fed neighbors and embodied love through food. 

• Menu Highlights: Savor authentic Jamaican classics like slow-grilled jerk chicken, beef patties on cocoa bread, stewed curry chicken or the delectable, braised beef oxtail at this Black-owned and woman-owned restaurant in the heart of downtown Knoxville.
• Address: 512 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 
• Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 AM to 8 PM; Friday and Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday) 
• Parking: Free parking lot provided for guests 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom

Famed as one of the best 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurants in Tennessee, Lil Black Bear Cafe is a beloved hidden gem in the heart of Pigeon Forge. Opened in 2015 by retired chef Lynn Sherrod, this made-to-order breakfast and lunch spot has been recognized with many local culinary awards, such as the "Number One Cafe in Pigeon Forge in 2025" by RestaurantGuru.com. Extra fluffy pancakes, out-of-this world hospitality, and affordable prices make this cheerful cafe a must-visit on any Smoky Mountain culinary adventure.

• Menu Highlights: Diners love the Reese's peanut butter cup pancakes, the Rocky Top smoked bologna sandwich and the breakfast burritos. 
• Address: 3120 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
• Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday) 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot for cafe guests of this Black-owned restaurant in Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and parking lot

Chef Kenyatta Ashford is part of the expanding food scene in Chattanooga. He is the proud owner of Neutral Ground, a modern New Orleans style Po-Boy and Yakamein restaurant featuring "afro-creole" cuisine. Ashford was recently awarded the Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study Grant by the James Beard Foundation where he studied cuisines of the African American diaspora and West Africa. He has been featured in Travel Noire and The New York Times. Explore other James Beard recognized chefs and restaurants throughout Tennessee.

• Special Highlights: Chef-driven specials change seasonally, but you can always get a po-boy or smoked brisket meatball yakamein, all made in-house.
• Address: 801 Dodds Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404 
• Hours: Re-opening in Fall 2026 (Check social media channels for current pop-up schedules and updated daily operating hours) 
• Parking: Street parking available along Dodds Avenue 
• Accessibility: Street-level accessible entrance

Blue Orleans Seafood Restaurant serves up second and third-generation Cajun family recipes that will make your mouth water. Moving to Chattanooga in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Chef Mike Adams opened Blue Orleans in 2006 after losing his Creole-style food distribution company in New Orleans. Today, this Black-owned restaurant in Chattanooga's Southside continues to deliver a vibrant Cajun flare through the freshest ingredients and lively spices.

• Menu Highlights: Savor Chef Mike's Crab Cakes topped in Creole aioli with veggie paella or the Spicy Crawfish Etouffee with a Creole tomato rue base.
• Address: 1463 Market St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 
• Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 PM to 10 PM; Friday and Saturday, 4 PM to 11 PM (Closed Sunday and Monday) 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot for guests 
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom

Mother Bar in Knoxville is everything you want in a girly little cocktail and wine bar-- pink walls, fun floral drinks, and greenhouse vibes. Full of plants and Instagram-worthy botanical libations, bring your friends and stay all night for trivia, workshops, or just a classic night out. To further support Black-owned businesses in Knoxville: consider visiting Mother Bar owner, Jade Adams's, original flagship endeavor: Oglewood Avenue. Oglewood Avenue in Knoxville is a wonderfully popular plant shop whose mission is to "make all people, plant people."

• Menu Highlights: Try small bites and tapas to pair with your "silk chiffon" cocktail, espresso martini or any selection of curated wines.
• Address: 424 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 
• Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday starting in the afternoon/evening (Check Instagram for exact daily hours) 
• Parking: Free on-site parking lot available nearby 
• Accessibility: Accessible ground-floor entrance