Starbucks is back in the news, and consumers are once again questioning where their dollars should go.
A few years ago, we published an article highlighting Black-owned coffee and tea businesses as alternatives to Starbucks. That list became one of our most-shared pieces because conscious consumers were actively seeking value-aligned options.
Today, with Starbucks facing renewed scrutiny, it’s the perfect time to update that conversation with a fresh list of cafés.
These businesses represent ownership, culture, and the kind of neighborhood connection that large chains simply can’t replicate.
Here are over 40 Black-owned cafés across 11 major U.S. cities to support right now.
New York City
NBHD Brulee, Harlem
Ginjan Cafe, Harlem
The Oma Shop II, Harlem
Brooklyn Tea, Bed-Stuy
Lips Cafe, Flatbush
Los Angeles
South LA Cafe, South Central
Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, Inglewood, DTLA, Eagle Rock
Dubb’s Organic Coffee Blends, West Hollywood
House Coffee Co, West Jefferson Blvd
Atlanta
Urban Grind, West Midtown
Black Bean Coffee Co, West End
Black Coffee ATL, Castleberry Hill
Portrait Coffee, Southwest Atlanta
Chicago
Sip and Savor, South Side
Afro Joe’s Coffee and Tea, Beverly
Build Coffee, Woodlawn
Overflow Coffee, South Loop
Muse Coffee Studio, Little Italy (Near West)
Detroit
Detroit Sip, University District
Detroit Brew-ti-ful Coffee House, Plymouth Rd District
In Harmony Café Sweets and More, Dexter Avenue
Simply Roasted, Downtown Detroit
Philadelphia
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, Germantown
Coffee Cream and Dreams, North Philadelphia
Brown Street Cafe, Southwest Philly
Bower Cafe, Center City
Haven Café, Grays Ferry
Alif Brew and Mini Mart, West Philly
Es Cafe Lounge, Northern Liberties
Washington, D.C.
Cafe Cino, Dupont Circle
Sankofa Video Books and Cafe, Georgia Avenue
Creative Grounds DC, North Capitol Street
Little Food Studio, Petworth
Grounded Plant Shop and Cafe, Anacostia
Jaliyaa Coffee Truck and Catering, Shaw
Texas (Houston + Dallas–Fort Worth)
Houston
Day 6 Coffee Co., Spring Branch
LIT Java, Pearland
Mo’ Brunch + Brews, Museum District
Kefita Coffee, Midtown
Dallas–Fort Worth
Soirée Coffee Bar, Trinity Groves
Tre Stelle Coffee Co, North Dallas
Brown Bag Coffees and Tea, Northwest Dallas
Billie Joe Coffee Co, Grand Prairie
New Orleans
Backatown Coffee Parlour, Treme
Cupcake Fairies Coffee, Bywater
St. Noir, Lower Garden District
Up & Adam, Central Business District
Seattle
Boon Boona Coffee, Multiple Locations
Avole Central District, Central District
Bonhomie Coffee Bar, Labour Temple
Winnie’s Cafe, Rainier Beach
The Station, Columbia City
Moments like this remind people to pay attention to where their dollars go. These cafés represent local ownership, culture, and community.
They create the kind of spaces that big chains cannot replicate.
If you want a place to work, meet, or simply enjoy good coffee, these shops are worth supporting.
