From America’s heartland—check out these Black-owned plant-based eateries.
Whether you’re a Midwest native or find yourself on a road trip through middle America, you won’t want to miss these all-vegan restaurants owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs. From vegan Soul Food and Creole-inspired eats to authentic Ethiopian fare and comfort food cuisine, these eateries are proudly serving their communities with delicious plant-based dishes. To get in on the action, check out these seven Black-owned vegan restaurants in the Midwest.
Soul Veg City
Chicago, IL
Soul Veg City has been a Chicago Southside destination for over 40 years—that’s four decades of delicious plant-based Soul Food. Located in the Greater Grand Crossing community, the vegan eatery is currently under the ownership of Arel Brown and Lori Seay. Pop in for cruelty-free Southern eats from Jerk Nachos and Cajun Shrimp N Rice to Soulful Steak and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches.
Courtesy of Soul Veg City
The Black Vegan
Chicago, IL
Specializing in plant-based comfort food, The Black Vegan features dishes like BBQ Portobello Wings, Jackfruit Sliders, and Fried Pickles. This Black-owned vegan restaurant started as a pop-up and opened its brick-and-mortar location in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood in the summer of 2021. The restaurant is owned by Sparkle Le’Star Rucker, one of the youngest restaurant owners in the Windy City!
Courtesy of The Black Vegan
Detroit Vegan Soul
Detroit, MI
This Black-owned Soul Food restaurant has been serving the Motor City since 2013. Owned by Kirsten Ussery and Erika Boyd, Detroit Vegan Soul is an Eastern Michigan destination restaurant. Plant-based menu mainstays include the Oyster Mushroom Po Boy, Okra Stew, and Soul Platter, featuring “Catfish” Tofu, mac ‘n’ cheese, smoked collards, candied yams, black-eyed peas, brown rice, and a cornbread muffin.
Courtesy of Detroit Vegan Soul
Trap Vegan
Detroit, MI
After identifying a need for vegan-friendly eats on the go, owner Jasmine Raiford and crew created this fast-casual eatery. Soon, another vegan Detroit favorite was born! Featuring loaded burgers with house-made patties, fruity smoothies, fresh salads, IG-worthy acai bowls, saucy cauliflower bites, and nachos topped with all the fixings, Trap Vegan has your plant-based cravings crushed!
Courtesy of Trap Vegan
Trio Plant-Based
Minneapolis, MN
After being wrongfully arrested and maintaining his innocence through multiple felony charges, Louis Hunter is giving back to his community in a delicious way. In 2019, Hunter became the sole owner of Trio Plant-Based, the first Black-owned vegan restaurant in Minneapolis. The drool-worthy menu offers burgers, wraps, and Soul Food offerings like the For Your Soul Bowl, featuring mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, BBQ jackfruit, crumbled cornbread, and maple butter.
Courtesy of Trio Plant-Based
Nile Vegan
Columbus, OH
Serving up delicious Ethiopian cuisine, Nile Vegan is a Midwest must. Inspired by his Ethiopian heritage, chef and owner, Siyum Tefera, has filled the menu with authentic and comforting dishes. Start with an order of sambusas, followed by Ye Atakilt Alicha (a curried vegetable medley eaten with injera), and snag a brewed Ethiopian coffee for your trek home.
Courtesy of Nile Vegan
Twisted Plants
Cudahy, WI
In the name of sharing vegan comfort food with the Milwaukee community, husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Arielle Hawthorne started Twisted Plants in 2019. Whether you’re a Wisconsin native or are just passing through the Badger State, you won’t want to miss this Black-owned vegan restaurant featuring plant-based burgers, comfort food appetizers, and dairy-free milkshakes.
Courtesy of Twisted Plants
