One of the best ways to support Reno's growing Black population is to experience the culture and community through authentic cuisine, and personal connections and experiences.
Black-Owned Restaurants
Show your love and support to some of the best Black-owned businesses in Reno Tahoe, according to our friends at Yelp.
Jamaica Jerk Spot
For authentic Jamaican flavors on the go, check out Jamaica Jerk Spot in Reno. This vibrant food truck serves up bold, island-inspired dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail and flavorful plantains. With its rich spices and homestyle cooking, this woman-owned spot is perfect to satisfy your Caribbean food cravings.
M&M's Southern Cafe
For a hearty, homestyle Southern dish, turn to M&M's Southern Cafe. This relaxed, family restaurant in Sparks offers dishes such as chicken and waffles, seafood gumbo, biscuits and gravy, and rib and fried chicken dinners.
Papa What You Cookin'
The Basement’s newest restaurant, Papa What You Cookin’, specializes in New Orleans-inspired soul food and rich homemade pastries and desserts. First-time restaurateur, chef and owner, William Lyons serves up pies and cakes by the slice or ordered whole, such as peach cobbler and Southern caramel cake, over 20 flavors of homemade sorbet and more. At the top of the menu, order shrimp and grits, baked chicken wings or the po’ boy of roast beef and gravy.
The Recipe Box
For a sweet treat (or a few!), head to The Recipe Box where you’ll find delectable treats reminiscent of of family recipes passed down to owners Dominique and Davery. Shop delicious desserts like blueberry crumble cheesecake and banana cream pie in store or online, or find The Recipe Box items at local businesses throughout Reno.
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Black-Owned Bars & Coffee Shops
The Z Bar
Known as a landmark in Reno's Midtown District, The Z Bar is a local classic favorite. The Z Bar is a premier craft cocktail bar and lounge, featuring a relaxing atmosphere and a large patio area with fire pits. The bartenders and mixologists at Z Bar offer a unique twist on its libations, from a hot chocolate with peanut butter whiskey or peppermint schnapps to keep warm in the cooler months to a strawberry balsamic cocktail with a sweet-and-savory flavor. Stop by and participate in one of their karaoke nights. You might spot the owner bartending or mingling with the crowd!
Lighthouse Coffee
With three locations across Reno and Sparks, fuel up your day with a freshly roasted cup of coffee at Lighthouse Coffee, a family-owned and operated coffee shop. All locations serve a selection of coffee, smoothies and breakfast items such as quiche, bagels and scones. Their coffee beans are sourced from fair-trade farms and roasted locally in Sparks. If you like what you taste, take a bag or two home with you.
Rising for People Coffee Company
Rising for People Coffee Company is the newest coffee spot to open in Reno Tahoe. From farmer-to-cup specialty single-origin coffee beans, this woman-owned coffee shop offers small batch specialty grade organic coffee. Proceeds from each order go toward planting and adopting a Mangrove tree in Madagascar and Sugar Pine tree in Lake Tahoe. Fuel up with a traditional cup of coffee, their Thai tea concentrate or a flight of specialty coffee beverages.
Black-Owned Retail
Yateou
Yateou is a local, clean beauty brand specializing in sustainable products made from 10 ingredients or less. Yateou, derived from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, means exceptional. They enable people to invest in their well-being and embrace their authenticity through self-care and wellness products. Yateou features a unique experience to investing in your well-being with ADE, their patented consumer-facing robot, allowing for experiential retail and memorable moments.