Many have written about the important connection between food and the soul–from the emotional connection of home-cooked meals to bringing people together. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to support Black-owned restaurants and bring more people to the table? We asked RumbergerKirk employees to share their favorite Black-owned restaurants and recommend their favorite menu items. The recommendations will be used for firm luncheons during the month of February and will be added to our rotation of restaurants we support throughout the year. While our listing is by no means a complete list of the vast array of options in our community, we encourage you to experience the dishes they offer and consider adding them to your personal rotation of restaurants. Enjoy exploring!

Birmingham

• Al’s Deli and Grill – RK staff recommendation: Hummus, the baked potatoes or the gyro.
• Broad Street Po Boys (Pitzitz Food Hall) – A wide variety of both traditional and unique po’ boy offerings.
• Eugene’s Hot Chicken – RK staff recommendation: Mild chicken (unless you like it spicy!), fried okra, and mac & cheese.
• Post Office Pies – RK staff recommendation: Jalapeno cheese bread and any of the salads.
• Rodney Scott’s BBQ – RK staff recommendation: Smoked chicken and all the sides.
• Yo Mama’s – Promises a “taste of home everyday.”

Miami

• Blvd Bae’s– A very nice spot to enjoy brunch on Biscayne.
• House of Wings (Historic Overtown area) – Offers over 60 flavors! Spicy Garlic is the RK staff recommendation.
• Lil Greenhouse Grill – Comfort food that comes from the heart; Began as a food truck and grew into the restaurant it is today. RK staffer says the brunch is highly recommended.
• Maams Jamaican Restaurant (Aventura area) – Offering a great selection of Caribbean cuisine. RK staff recommendations: oxtails, brown stew chicken, and cabbage.
• Red Rooster Overtown – Incorporates vibrantly decorated with African American Memorabilia, R&B music, and serves comfort food celebrating the roots of American cuisine and the diverse culinary traditions of the neighborhood. The club upstairs, The Pool Hall, hosts poetry nights and Caribbean parties and there is a creamery on the first floor.
• Rosie’s Restaurant – One RK team member’s favorite who said, “Chicken and biscuits and the crispy potatoes are chef’s kiss!”
• Smith and Webster – Recently opened to great reviews and looks to have a great ambience.
• The Mustard Seed BBQ – One RK staffer’s “holy grail for BBQ.” The star is their Mustard BBQ sauce which she enjoys with their ribs.
• Miami Beach is hosting the Soul Vegan Food Festival at Lummus Park from February 24- 26. with vendors offering plant-based African American and Caribbean cuisine, tastings, and activities for children starting at $20 for general admission.
• Visit Historic Overtown, a small community between the Wynwood and Downtown area, that is filled with history and culture. It’s home to The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater that operates as an entertainment center as well as an archive for Black culture.

Orlando

• Angel’s Soul Food & BBQ – Serving up passionately cooked southern style brilliance.
• Plus Café Bakery & Restaurant – Serving a variety of Caribbean cuisine.
• Smokey Jay’s Bar-B-Que – Authentic Southern Bar-b-que.
• Pattie Lou’s Doughnuts – Custom-made donuts made to order while you watch.
• Sister Honey’s Bakery – Award winning artisan baked goods. Made fresh daily with premium ingredients.
• Gou-Oui Cookies –  Big tasty cookies in the SODO District.
• You might also wish to try a restaurant from the Orlando Date Night Guide or The Hungry Black Man’s” Top 10 Black Owned Restaurants 2021.

Tallahassee

• Halisi Africa – Afro-fusion Boutique & Cafe.
• Olean’s Café – Home-cooked soul food.
• Pineappetit – Island-inspired dishes.
• TC Bakery – Delicious desserts from recipes from the owner’s southern grandmother’s cookbook.
• Black-owned franchises: Slim Chickens and Jersey Mike’s

Tampa

• 7th & Grove – Offering delectable southern classics with an upscale flair.
• Augustine’s Cheesecakes – Specializing in mini cheesecakes, but “biggie’s” available by pre-order.
• Jacqui B’s Food Trailer – Recommended items: Basa sandwich and the chicken wings.
• Jazzy’s BBQ – Real smoked BBQ; Founded by former Bucs player and wife (a former Bucs cheerleader)
• Jerk Hut (Jamaican) – Featuring the intriguing, unique, and delicious adventure of Jamaican cuisine
• Konan’s bbq–  RK Staff recommendation: Bbq chicken.
• Kreyol Delight (Haitian) – RK Staff recommendation: Black rice, rice and peas, pickliz, and griot.
• Mama’s Soul Food – RK Staff recommendation: Meatloaf, kettle chicken and all the sides.
• Mr. B’s Southern Kitchen – Gathers the neighborhood to feed the body and the soul.
• Rack City Ribz – RK Staff recommendation: Beef ribs, brisket, beans and potato salad .
• Soulful Flavors Crave- RK Staff recommendation: Seafood Rice, Turkey wings, Oxtails over Rice.
• Queen of Shiba (Ethiopian)- RK Staff recommendation: Sautéed Beef/lamb and mixed vegetables.
• You may also wish to try restaurants from these lists: Creative Loafing: 25 Black-owned Restaurants in Tampa or Black Restaurant Week: 15 Awe-inspriing black-Owned Eateries in Tampa & St. Pete.