LA’s vibrant Black community is worthy of celebrating year-round as an integral part of the fabric of our city of angels. During Black History Month, though, we’d like to remind you to support Black-owned businesses—from restaurants and cafes, to kid’s activity centers and yoga studios, here are some of our favorite LA Black-owned businesses for parents and kids.
Black-Owned Indoor Playgrounds & Creative Spaces in Los Angeles
Design Hive
Your little engineers and mini-creators will enjoy designing and being innovative in this process-based design and technology studio founded by two former veteran LA teachers. Kids can explore crafting, create their very own marble tiles, design their own LED wands and custom-designed jewelry through their various workshop options. They also host private parties and you can check their site for virtual engagement opportunities. Please note, they recently instituted a policy that all guests must be fully vaccinated, regardless of age. This means they are pausing programs for children ages 4 and under.
5368 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: designhivela.com
A Toast 2 Artistry
A paint and sip experience for all ages to have fun painting with two-hour painting sessions that allow you to create a masterpiece with the people you love in the comfort of your own home, their studio, or any preferred location. Virtual parties are also available.
256 S. Locust St.
Inglewood
Online: atoast2artistry.com
Bounce
This kid’s gym offers entertainment options for your littles for any occasion, big or small. They host birthday parties, offer private classes, access to a bounce house, and rent their play equipment. Their coaches inspire fun times for all! They are currently offering outdoor classes in two park locations.
9618 W. Pico Blvd.
Pico/Robertson
Online: bouncela.com
Black-Owned Restaurants, Cafes & Dessert Shops in Los Angeles
CENTRAL LOS ANGELES
Happy Ice
Not your ordinary shaved ice/sorbet treat in the least as Happy Ice is a whole experience to embark on. Made from a “secret recipe” from Philadelphia, these icy desserts are bursting with colors and flavors that will make all your senses happy. They have a retail location as well as truck locations. Check their site for details on where to get your Happy Ice. Try their Cherry Bomb and Sour Apple Lush and you will keep coming back for more! Added bonus, all flavors are dairy free, nut free, gluten free and vegan friendly.
7324 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: happyicela.com
Flavors from Afar
This eatery will give you a real world experience with its revolving menu featuring international cuisine with a twist. Created by chefs who were former refugees and asylum seekers—the dishes they offer reflect the chefs’ vibrant cultures. For every meal purchased, Flavors from Afar donates non-perishable foods to a low-income family.
1046 S. Fairfax
Carthay Square
Online: flavorsfromafar.co
Stevie's Creole Cafe
Voted as “the best gumbo this side of New Orleans” by the Los Angeles’s late, great food critic Jonathan Gold, Stevie’s Creole Cafe has delectable Creole cuisine bursting with flavors. Make sure you taste their Smokey Fried Chicken and, of course, don’t leave without trying their famous Seafood Gumbo. To finish off your heavenly meal, indulge in their Peach Beignets made with fresh peach juices and cinnamon sugar. Divine!
5545 Pico Ave.
Mid-City
Online: steviescreolecafe.com
Bludso's Bar & Que
You don’t need to go all the way to Texas to get their signature BBQ thanks to Bludso’s Bar & Que featuring all the signature dishes from this Southern state. Owned by Kevin Bludso, he has created an empire out of his BBQ dishes and includes side dishes worthy of entree-status, like their Texas Cheese Fries made with brisket and pickled jalapeño.
609 N. La Brea Ave.
Fairfax
Online: barandque.com
EAST LOS ANGELES & DOWNTOWN
Fixins Soul Kitchen
Offering authentic American soul food in a modern, hip “Black excellence” experience that guarantees your taste buds will be dancing for joy.
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A150
Los Angeles
Online: fixinssoulkitchen.com
Bloom & Plume Coffee
This is not your ordinary coffee shop as not only does it serve tasty brewed coffee beans, it offers an aesthetically beautiful atmosphere featuring luscious greenery and art galore meticulously designed by co-owner Maurice Harris. Take time out of your day to enjoy a cup of Auntie Mabel’s Flat White flavored with sea salt.
1638 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles
Online: bloomandplumecoffee.com
Chicken N Chips
Bringing Australian-inspired Rotisserie Chicken to Angelenos, Chicken N Chips will satisfy all your chicken sandwich cravings coated with their extraordinary signature rub. Pair your BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich with their signature fries made with unique herbs and spices.
2728 Fletcher Dr.
Atwater Village
Online: chickennchips.com
Big Man Bakes
The Big Man, William “Chip” Brown, was once a physician-in-training, but he is now a bonafide baking star with his moistly sweet cupcakes made to perfection. He has all your favorite traditional yummy cupcake flavors, like red velvet and carrot cake, and takes it to a whole other level with caramel apple (perhaps a nice substitute to apple pie?!) and mounds cupcakes with all the chocolate goodness you could ever dream of.
413 S. Main St.
DTLA
Online: bigmanbakes.com
Poppy & Rose
Because Angelenos love their brunch spots, make sure to check out Poppy & Rose because this restaurant will elevate your brunch game. Best known for its chicken and waffles, they are open until 3 p.m. and serve both breakfast and lunch. Think outside the “brunch” box by ordering their açaí bowl filled with bananas, berries, cacao nibs, wrapped in a coconut bowl that will make your brunch look as delectably crafted as it is tasty.
765 S. Wall St.
DTLA
Online: poppyandrosela.com
SOUTH LOS ANGELES
Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen
This brunch spot is owned by two LA natives who are dedicated to bringing creative spaces that inspire community and connection. They offer nutritious and mouth-watering breakfast and lunch meals all day along with coffee, juices and pastries. They have three locations in the Los Angeles area.
4427 W. Slauson Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: findyourhilltop.com
Azla Ethiopian Eatery
Serving a modern vegan take on Ethiopian food, this restaurant boasts nutritious and delicious food that honors its Ethiopian roots and flavors. They are believers in the value of family and friends coming together around the dinner table to inspire conversation and connections.
4309 Leimert Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: azlavegan.com
Earle’s
What was once a hot dog stand has become LA’s hot dog destination serving the Crenshaw community and the greater Los Angeles area for 30 years. Founded by brothers from Brooklyn, Cary and Duanne Earle, Earle’s offers all the tasty delights of a decadent hot dog with all the fixins made from whole food ingredients. They also have plenty of vegan, vegetarian and Kosher options, including Vegan Wednesdays and Kosher Beef Saturdays.
3864 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: earlesrestaurant.com
Swift Cafe
The essence of Swift Cafe captures the importance of offering nutritious and delicious food in communities of color where unhealthy options may be more readily available. Chef-owner Kyndra McCrary has developed an array of wholesome dishes without ever sacrificing taste in consultation with a nutritionist to provide quality food and affordable prices. Their smoothies are like no other, especially the Tiramisu one with all the dessert goodness in one drink.
4279 1/2 Crenshaw Blvd.
Leimert Park
Online: swift-la.com
Harun Coffee
This community based coffee shop, gallery and select shop offers coffee imported from Ethiopia and Tanzania which is roasted in Arcadia, CA. Their gallery hosts art shows every 2 months and they also have a shop with a variety of merchandise, such as hats and apparel, from mostly local and artist owned brands.
4336 Degnan Blvd.
Leimert Park
Online: harunintl.com
South LA Cafe
Go to South LA Cafe for the coffee and leave with a deep connection to the community it serves and be inspired to contribute to the worthy causes they support. They provide healthy and affordable food and drinks through their cafe and store. They live and breathe social justice by making positive changes to improve food insecurity among its community members by giving groceries to those in need as well as by promoting health education and resources to its community.
1700 Browning Blvd.
South LA
Online: southlacafe.com
Elaine’s Bread Pudding
The owner of this dessert shop took the grief he felt from the passing of his mother, Wanda Elaine, to inspire his love of baking which ultimately resulted in a successful baking company specializing in his mama’s signature fresh baked bread pudding. He expanded her recipe to now include 25 different bread pudding flavors all worthy of savoring each bite. Outside of bread pudding, they also offer chocolate and cobblers. They operate through pop-up locations so follow them on Instagram and check their website for more details.
Online: elainesbreadpudding.com
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Art Delectables
Is it possible to have your cake and eat it too without feeling guilty about it? Thanks to Art Delectables, created and owned by pastry chef extraordinaire “Chef Simone,” you most definitely can. Art Delectables is an organic gourmet catering company specializing in cheesecakes and other “delectable” desserts made with wholesome ingredients, all organic, ⅓ of the sugar from a traditional dessert, but with all the sweet-tasting decadence of the desserts you love. They offer a cheesecake bar as well as the most stunning high tea desserts that are displayed with gold leafs and the most beautiful treats.
15215 Keswick St.
Van Nuys
Online: artdelectables.com
Lou, the French on the Block
Newly re-opened thanks to the generous donations of community members, this French bakery and cafe brings Paris right to you with their pastries, sandwiches and cakes which are très magnifique. It was created and is owned by a Parisian couple who have mastered the art of French baking one croissant at a time.
4007 W. Riverside Dr.
Burbank
Online: louthefrenchontheblock.com
Uncle Andre’s BBQ
Tasting their fried chicken alone is worthy of a drive to the Valley to savor in all its Southern culinary goodness.
11715 Moorpark
Studio City
Online: uncleandresbbq.com
Mom's Haus
All your Louisiana favorites are served in this family-owned restaurant providing Creole soul recipes with plenty of Southern hospitality and charm to make you feel like you’re in the Big Easy.
14062 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys
Online: eatmomshaus.com
WESTSIDE
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYuEbuuJuVZ/?hidecaption=true
Fleurs et Sel
What started as a hobby during the pandemic, has turned into a full-blown successful business and for good reason. Just one cookie in and you'll definitely need to order more. To get your hands on one (or a dozen) of these sweet treats, keep an eye out for Fleurs et Sel's weekly cookie drops via Instagram. Also check-in for pop-up shops around town at fun venues like Platform LA, The Grove and Palisades Village.
Online: instagram.com/fleursetsel
Bayou Grill
Feast in all the tasteful delights of authentic New Orleans cuisine featuring the Tiger Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich and the most exquisite catfish outside of New Orleans. They serve all the Creole classic favorites like Jambalaya and Gumbo which are made with all the right New Orleans flavors.
1400 N. La Brea Ave.
Inglewood
Online: bayougrille.net
Undergrind Cafe
Choose breakfast all day and savor the Spanish Lover Burrito or go veggie with the Veg-Out Burrito. If lunch is more your jam, we recommend trying their signature Gumbo made with a glorious combination of shrimp, chicken, and beef sausage.
2713 S. Robertson Blvd.
Beverlywood
Online: undergrindcafe.com
Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken
The absolute best destination to get your fried chicken fix. But, Honey’s Kettle is a feast beyond just fried chicken. You will never get your fill of their homemade honey biscuits, their fresh corn on the cob, or their delectable mashed potatoes with gravy. Beyond that, they have sandwiches, fish ‘n’ chips, and salads to satisfy all your cravings. Don’t forget to wash this all down with their Cool Blueberry Mint Shaker Lemonade.
9537 Culver Blvd.
Culver City
Online: honeyskettle.com
Stuff I Eat
Vegan cooking doesn’t have to be devoid of any flavors. Stuff I Eat brings this point home with its mouth-watering vegan food full of textures and fresh herbs and spices that all come together for one memorable feast. Some of the popular dishes include BBQ Tofu, Mac n Cheese and their Organic Soul Food Platter.
114 N. Market St.
Inglewood
Online: stuffieat.com
SOUTHSIDE
Bossy Bundts
If you ever wanted to try a kaleidoscope of bundts in one location, Bossy Bundts is your place. They prepare beautiful bundt cakes with all the flavors you crave including red velvet, strawberry crunch, golden chocolate, and coffee cake. Beyond bundts, they serve cobblers, cookies, brownies, and party treats. Follow them on their Instagram and their website for their latest pop-up locations.
310-817-0873
Online: bossybundts.com
Black-Owned Health, Beauty & Wellness Businesses in Los Angeles
Sole Soul Creations
Founder and owner Shayla Paige created this business of natural healthy beauty products inspired by her own struggles with eczema and her passion for natural beauty ingredients. Sole Soul Creations sells soaps, natural deodorants and luxury body butters in the most beautiful packaging.
Online: solesoulcreations.com
Simply Wholesome
Set in a historical landmark serving its community for over 30 years, Simply Wholesome is a health and wellness combination restaurant and store dedicated to supporting the well-being of its customers through wholesome food choices, nutritional counseling, natural haircare products, and black-owned health products.
4508 W. Slauson Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: simplywholesome.com
CurlyKids & CurlyChic Hair
This brand is on a mission to encourage little boys and girls to embrace their natural beautiful curls by providing hair care products that give extra moisture and conditioning while not being sticky, greasy, or heavy at a price affordable to the masses. Their hair products are sold at Walmart, Sally Beauty, Target and Kroger stores as well as online.
Online: curlykidshaircare.com
Kindred Space LA
Their mission is to provide prenatal and postpartum care to members of their community. Co-owners, co-creators and Licensed Midwives, Allegra Hill and Kimberly Durdin run Kindred Space LA which provides complete prenatal support, including screening and lab work, as well as extensive postpartum assistance including lactation consultations. Donate to this community-minded organization by contributing to their latest effort to create a South Los Angeles Birth Center.
2610 Southwest Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: kindredspacela.com
Black-Owned Bookstores in Los Angeles
Eso Won Books
Find everything from children's board books and coffee table books to novels and non-fiction, written by and about African American people.
4327 Degnan Blvd.
Leimert Park
Online: esowonbookstore.com
Reparations Club
This unique concept shop and creative space offering books for little ones and grown-ups alike.
4636 W. Washington Blvd.
Mid-city
Online: rep.club
Black-Owned Gift Shops & Home Decor Stores in Los Angeles
Cultural Interiors
Discover treasures and trinkets from the Caribbean, West Africa, Japan, Mexico, South America and beyond.
4421 W. Slauson Ave.
Windsor Hills
Online: culturalinteriors.com
Reflektion Design
Find African print fabric and accessories, including face masks, crossbody bags, baskets and more. Fabrics are sourced from around the world, and handmade in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Online: reflektiondesign.com
Aklia's
1515 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood
Online: aklias.com
Shades of Afrika
Located in Long Beach, this "mind, body, spirit shop" offers everything from books and beads to incense and sage. They also carry their own line of hair and skincare products.
1001 E. 4th St.
Long Beach
Online: shadesofafrika.com
African American Museums & Non-Profits in Los Angeles
The Knowledge Shop
The Knowledge Shop, a secondary education resource for disadvantage kids in LA focused on STREAM Enrichment, founded by Carlton Porter (President/Co-Founder) & Yolande Beckles (CEO/Co-Founder)—were, as one parent said, "Total lifesavers to so many families during the pandemic—helping kids with school and more when so much was remote and many parents were essential workers who couldn’t stay home."
Today they offer Saturday Science for kids, Coding Bootcamp, a vigorous after school program for kids and teens, Sunday piano lessons, summer camps and more. They also offer power empowerment classes for parents and support groups like NAAAPY (National Association of African American Parents and Youth)—an organization that addresses the needs of Black and African American families, and more importantly, those of their children.
2723 W 54th St.
Los Angeles
Online: theknowledgeshopla.com
The Underground Museum
This hidden gem is more than an art gallery; it's a family run cultural space, offering free meditation and yoga, along with speakers, movie screenings and more. Reopening at the end of Jan. and we couldn't be more excited.
3508 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: theunderground.museum.org
Watts Towers Arts Center Campus
Located in the heart of Watts, The Watts Towers Arts Center provides classes in painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, and more. During the last weekend of September, Watts Towers Arts Center also produces the Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival.
1727 E. 107th St.
Watts
Online: wattstowers.org
African American Firefighter Museum
Housed in historic Fire Station 20 in South LA, this off-the-radar museum opened in 1997 to honor the first 100 years of African-American firefighters in LA. It is currently the only free-standing African American Firefighter Museum in the United States. Admission is free!
1401 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: aaffmuseum.org
California African American Museum
Located in the heart of Exposition Park, CAAM is a hub of resources to explore the African-American diaspora in Los Angeles and beyond. Check out their events, including kids, teens & family workshops.
600 State Dr.
Exposition Park
Online: caamuseum.org
—Carmen Garcia-Shushtari
Do you have a business you’d like to see included? Email us at blm@tinybeans.com
Feature image: BJ the Photographer & Simply Wholesome via Yelp
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