Williamsburg is known for its creative energy, eclectic dining scene, and walkable streets, but it’s also home to a growing number of black-owned businesses in Brooklyn that deserve recognition and support. From soul food and Caribbean cuisine to bakeries and cultural spaces, these locally owned spots reflect Brooklyn’s diversity while offering memorable experiences just minutes from Arlo Williamsburg.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, planning a cultural itinerary, or simply exploring beyond the usual hotspots, supporting these businesses is a meaningful way to experience the neighborhood.
Black-Owned Restaurants in Brooklyn Worth Visiting
Here is a curated list of black-owned restaurants you can support during your visit.
Taste of Heaven – Soul Food Classics in East Williamsburg
Located about a 15-minute walk or a quick 5-minute rideshare from Arlo Williamsburg, Taste of Heaven is a beloved soul food destination known for comforting, homestyle dishes. The menu features crowd favorites like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens, all prepared with care and tradition.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy classic comfort food rooted in Southern and Caribbean influences.
Kokomo Restaurant & Lounge – Caribbean-Inspired Dining
Just a 2-minute walk from Arlo Williamsburg near the waterfront, Kokomo blends Afro-Caribbean flavors with a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. This black-owned restaurant offers jerk-seasoned proteins, rice plates, seafood dishes, and vibrant cocktails that reflect island heritage.
With upbeat music and a lively crowd, Kokomo works well for date nights, group dinners, or a festive evening out while supporting black-owned businesses in Brooklyn.
Simply Natural Grill House – Jamaican Comfort Food
Approximately a 10-minute walk from Arlo Williamsburg, Simply Natural Grill House is known for authentic Jamaican cuisine served in a casual, no-frills setting. Popular dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, and island-style sides packed with flavor.
It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed lunch or an early dinner that showcases Caribbean culinary traditions and community-centered hospitality.
Black-Owned Bakeries in Brooklyn for Sweet Treats
If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, here’s a black-owned bakery that hits the spot.
Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen – Baked Goods with Heart
About a 20-minute walk or short rideshare from Arlo Williamsburg, Yummy Tummy’s Kitchen is a local favorite for baked goods and classic desserts. The bakery is especially loved for cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and sweet potato pie that taste homemade in the best way.
Whether you’re grabbing a treat to go or ordering desserts for a special occasion, this spot highlights why black-owned bakeries in Brooklyn are essential to the neighborhood’s food culture.
Black-Owned Bars in Brooklyn & Community Drinking Spots
The broader Brooklyn nightlife scene includes standout spots that highlight black-owned bars in Brooklyn and invite locals and visitors alike to enjoy great drinks, music, and community.
Madeline’s
For example, Madeline’s in nearby Greenpoint offers a long bar with an extensive cocktail program, wine and beer selections, and a lively atmosphere that makes it a perfect destination for happy hour or a night out with friends, just a short rideshare from Arlo Williamsburg.
Sisters
Another excellent choice is Sisters in Clinton Hill (about a 20-minute rideshare from Arlo Williamsburg), a vibrant bar and restaurant with classic cocktails, craft beer, wine, and a welcoming space for socializing or celebrating, often with music and events that draw a diverse crowd.
Community-led bar crawls, pop-up cocktail events, and cultural celebrations across Brooklyn often feature these lounges and restaurant-bars within a short rideshare ride from Arlo Williamsburg, and these spaces frequently combine drinks, music, and social connection to create inclusive environments that support both nightlife and local entrepreneurship.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters
Choosing to dine, drink, and shop at black-owned businesses in Brooklyn helps strengthen local economies, preserve cultural traditions, and uplift voices that shape the neighborhood’s identity. These restaurants, bakeries, bars, and cultural spaces offer more than great food and entertainment; they foster connection, creativity, and community pride throughout Williamsburg.
From soulful comfort food and Caribbean flavors to sweet baked goods and live music, these Black-owned spots are all within walking distance or a quick rideshare from Arlo Williamsburg. After a full day of exploring and supporting the neighborhood, staying at Arlo Williamsburg keeps you close to the culture, creativity, and community that make this part of Brooklyn so special. We look forward to welcoming you to this culturally diverse neighborhood.
