Celebrate National Black Business Month by supporting these 16 Black-owned restaurants in Colorado, from soul food and BBQ to Ethiopian and Jamaican cuisine.
Trying new restaurants is one of life’s simple joys. As summer winds down, there’s no better excuse to get out and discover somewhere new. This August, you can celebrate National Black Business Month by supporting Black-owned restaurants across Colorado and trying something new and delicious.
I’ve rounded up some of the best Black-owned restaurants throughout the Centennial state from the Front Range and into the Rocky Mountains. Check them out and show them some love.
Front Range
Ras Kassa’s
Address: 802 S. Public Road, Lafayette, CO
Ras Kassa’s has been a Colorado staple since 1988. Originally opened at the corner of Highway 93 and Eldorado Springs Drive in Boulder, the beloved restaurant is now located in Lafayette. Owner and chef Tsehay Hailu serves authentic Ethiopian meat and vegan dishes made from family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
The best way to experience Ras Kassa’s is by ordering one of its “Feast for Two” platters, which includes two glasses of wine or beer along with an assortment of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, giving you a full taste of the menu. Meals are traditionally served communally with injera, a soft, spongy flatbread that’s used in place of utensils.
Susan’s Samosas
Address: Various pop-up locations
Susan’s Samosas customers walk away with delicious food and a whole lot of inspiration. Owner Susan Ngnani has faced adversity since the age of 6, beginning in a Kenyan orphanage before surviving a decade-long civil war in Sudan. At 18, she came to the United States, where she learned a new language, adapted to a new culture, and built a new life. After graduating from college, Susan began a career in early childhood education, but when she lost her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was forced to change course. Thus, Susan’s Samosas was born through determination and the desire to provide for herself and her son.
Today, Susan handcrafts a variety of both savory and sweet samosas inspired by East African and Indian flavors, with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans.
You can find Susan’s Samosas at the Boulder, Longmont, and Nederland farmers markets, as well as at Nude Foods Market in Boulder, Ruby’s Market in Denver, and PineMelon throughout the Denver metro area.
Raska International Cuisine
Address: 128a W Laurel St., Fort Collins, CO 80524
Since 2008, Raska International Cuisine has been bringing the bold flavors of Ethiopia and Africa to Fort Collins. Owner Hanna Selassie, who is originally from Ethiopia, draws inspiration from her homeland while incorporating influences from West Africa and the Caribbean to create a unique fusion of international cuisine.
The menu ranges from mild to spicy and features everything from traditional Ethiopian favorites, like doro wat and tibs, to curries, lentil dishes, fresh salads, and hearty vegetarian platters. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, and farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible. You can even purchase Raska’s bottled Ethiopian sauce to bring the bold flavors to your own kitchen.
Rock City Pie and Ice
Address: 1386 US-287, Broomfield, CO 80020
Rock City Pie & Ice’s story begins in Detroit, where owner and chef Jason Dascoli was born. Today, he’s passionate about bringing authentic Detroit-style pizza to Broomfield. Detroit-style pizza is known for its rectangular shape, airy dough, and crispy, caramelized cheese crust. At Rock City, each pie is made perfect with a great deal of care, attention to detail, and technique. Before baking, the pizza’s crust is fermented for 48 hours. This process results in a crust with an impeccable crunch and incredible flavor.
The menu has everything from classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas to creative specialty pies topped with ingredients like Calabrian chiles, ricotta, Italian sausage, and roasted mushrooms. Beyond pizza, you’ll also find appetizers like house-made meatballs and arancini, plus authentic Italian ice in a selection of rotating fruit flavors.
Denver Metro
African Grill and Bar
Address: 955 South Kipling Parkway, Lakewood, CO, 80226
For over 20 years, owners Sylvester and Theodora Osei-Fordwuo have been serving Colorado with authentic African food, beers, root drinks, bitters, wine, good African music, and amazing drummers and dancers from across the continent. The menu at African Grill and Bar celebrates the diversity of African cuisine, featuring dishes from regions throughout Africa, including Ghanaian favorites like jollof rice and fufu, along with samosas, chapatti, couscous, plantains, stews, and more.
All their food is cooked without dairy products, flour, or sugar, and each dish encapsulates the flavors and traditions of African cooking. Beyond the restaurant, Sylvester and Theodora are also very active in supporting communities in Ghana through their Donate4Africa efforts. African Grill & Bar also hosts live music and cultural events, showing guests the beautiful music and traditions of Africa alongside the food.
NOLA Voodoo Tavern
Address: 2222 Bruce Randolph Ave, Denver, CO 80205
Travel to New Orleans without leaving Denver. Owner Henry Batiste, a former New Orleans resident, is the person to thank for bringing authentic Louisiana flavors to the Mile High City. NOLA Voodoo Tavern serves some of the best Creole food in Denver, combining traditional Louisiana recipes with Cajun and Creole favorites passed down through generations.
All menu items are made from scratch, with dishes ranging from classic gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and crawfish étouffée to New Orleans favorites like po’boys, muffalettas, and fried seafood platters. With plenty of variety on the menu, including gluten-free and vegan options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Along with its Creole and Cajun dishes, NOLA Voodoo Tavern offers New Orleans-inspired drinks and a welcoming atmosphere that adds to the dining experience and transports you right to the French Quarter.
Whittier Cafe
Address: 1710 East 25th Avenue, Denver, CO, 80205
If you love coffee, you have the continent of Africa, where coffee was first discovered, to thank for it. As “Denver’s only African espresso bar,” Whittier Cafe honors coffee’s place of origin by sourcing beans from various African nations. But Whittier Cafe is more than just a coffee shop. It has earned the nickname “The Social Justice Coffee Shop” for its commitment to community activism and providing a gathering place for political organizers, community activists, and others working toward positive change in Denver.
As one of the few Black-owned businesses in Five Points, a historically Black neighborhood that has experienced significant gentrification, Whittier Cafe carries on a legacy of community and advocacy. Owner Milete Birhanemaskel was born in Ethiopia and was forced to leave her home country due to civil unrest. Her experiences, and her family’s history of activism, helped shape the spirit of social justice that continues to define Whittier Cafe today.
In addition to its incredible coffee, Whittier Cafe serves African beer and wine, teas, and light bites like pastries and breakfast items. Every Sunday at 2 p.m., you can experience an East African coffee ceremony, where coffee is roasted, brewed in a traditional clay pot called a jebena, and shared the way it has been for generations.
Welton Street Cafe
Address: 2883 Welton Street, Denver, CO, 80205
If Welton Street Cafe sounds familiar, it might be because it was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” The family-owned neighborhood staple first opened on Welton Street in 1999 when Flynn and Mona Dickerson wanted to share the Southern-Caribbean recipes they grew up with in the Virgin Islands. After financial hardship forced the restaurant to close in 2022, Welton Street Cafe returned to Five Points in 2024 in a bigger, updated space. More than 25 years later, Flynn and Mona, along with their four children, continue to own and operate the cafe, showing that family really is at the center of everything they do.
Welton Street Cafe is known for its Southern-Caribbean comfort food, with favorites like fried chicken, catfish nuggets, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, oxtail stew, smothered pork chops, jerk chicken, and beef patties. The menu also features classics like shrimp and grits, gumbo, and peach cobbler, all made from the Dickerson family’s recipes. Beyond the food, Welton Street Cafe has become known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and commitment to bringing the community together.
Le French
Addresses: 846 Albion St, Denver, CO 80220
4901 S. Newport St., Denver, CO 80237
Dreaming of a trip to Paris? Lucky for you, sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia of Le French bring a taste of Paris to Denver. Born in Senegal and raised outside Paris, the chef sisters specialize in French cuisine infused with global flavors inspired by their Senegalese heritage. Their dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and they’re open for lunch and dinner during the week (Tuesday-Thursday), with brunch Friday through Sunday.
The menu features French classics like croque-monsieur, French onion soup, steak frites, and crêpes, alongside globally inspired dishes like shakshuka, lamb tagine, and avocado tartine. If you stop by for brunch, you’ll also find a selection of pastries, espresso drinks, and classic French breakfast favorites. Le French has two Denver-area locations: one at Belleview Station and another in the 9+CO development.
Trybal African Speakeasy
Address: 1670 Champa St, Denver, CO 80202
If you’re looking for a fun reason to dress up and hit the town, hit up Trybal African Speakeasy. It is one of the most unique speakeasies in Denver, and it’s the only African speakeasy in the United States. Getting in is part of the experience. They use a knowledge-based entry system where you have to learn a fact about African culture before receiving a QR code that grants access to the hidden space.
Once inside, you’ll find walls decorated with African art, Afrobeats entertainment, and an atmosphere designed to celebrate the cultures of the continent. The menu features authentic African cuisine, including suya, puff puffs, fried plantains, Bantu salad, and more, alongside an extensive cocktail menu with drinks like the Zamani Espresso Martini, Pineapple Juju, and Hibiscus Old Fashioned. Beer, wine, and mocktails are also available. An upscale dress code is strictly enforced.
If you visit in August, you’ll also be supporting Trybal’s next chapter. The speakeasy recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to expand its cultural programming, including VAVA Nights, a live music series featuring African and diaspora artists, new menu offerings representing additional African countries, and original artwork from artists across Africa.
Mountain Towns
Mawa’s Kitchen
Address: 305 Aspen Airport Business Center F, Aspen, CO 81611
Craving a taste of luxury? What better way to satisfy that craving than a trip to Aspen—Colorado’s Silver Queen city. Tucked away in the Aspen Airport Business Center, Mawa’s Kitchen is a hidden gem run by executive chef Mawa McQueen, a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist and recipient of the 2022 Colorado Governor’s Minority Business Award.
Mawa’s Kitchen blends Mediterranean, French, and African influences, with American classics. What truly sets the restaurant apart is Mawa’s creative vision and dedication to using fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons but includes dishes like Moroccan lamb tagine, African-inspired chicken, shakshuka, seafood dishes, fresh salads, and house-made pastries.
The restaurant also offers special events throughout the year. Right now, if you go on a Saturday, you can enjoy live jazz music alongside your brunch.
Southern Colorado
Smoke Something
Address: Location varies; just their Facebook for the location details
The best BBQ in Pueblo is probably in the last place you’d think to look: a Cash Pawn parking lot. That’s one of the frequent and popular spots that pit master Rashee and his wife Tracy, also known as the “Pit Diva,” have been serving seriously good barbecue from their Smoke Something BBQ food truck for the past seven years.
They’ve got everything from barbecue classics like chopped brisket, pulled pork, and ribs to smoked hot links, burnt ends, and chicken leg quarters. As pit master, Rashee smokes every cut of meat himself before serving it alongside loaded potatoes, loaded mac and cheese, collard greens, pineapple baked beans, potato salad, and much more. In addition to the food truck, Smoke Something BBQ also offers catering for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more.
High Grade Foods Jamaican Restaurant
Address: 1020 South Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Get a taste of Jamaica right in Colorado Springs at High Grade Foods. Chef and owner Everton Cameron has been cooking since the age of six and began his professional career at just 20 years old. Through years of dedication, he built a reputation as a talented chef throughout Jamaica before bringing his love of island flavors to Colorado Springs. Over 20 years later, High Grade Foods has both a full-service restaurant and a food truck that travels throughout the metro area, along with full-service catering for events of all sizes.
The menu is full of authentic Jamaican options and American classics, including jerk chicken, curry chicken, braised oxtail, ackee and saltfish, beef patties, fried plantains, and coconut rice and beans. If you’re visiting the food truck, you’ll also find creative dishes like jerk burritos, jerk sandwiches on coco bread, and jerk chicken wings.
Dem Citi Thangz
Address: Chapel Hills Mall, 1710 Briargate Blvd 429, Colorado Springs, CO 80920. Located on the second floor next to Macy’s.
Dem Citi Thangz brings the flavors of Chicago straight to Colorado Springs. Located inside Chapel Hills Mall, this humble spot will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about mall food. Everything is cooked to order, and their signature item is the Chicago-style puff, which is a flaky, deep-fried pastry stuffed with savory fillings like taco, Reuben, gyro, buffalo chicken, pepperoni, and more.
And the puffs are just the beginning. The menu also features Chicago favorites like Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, wings, fish and chips, catfish dinners, and loaded fries, along with healthy donuts, CinnaBons, and even a secret menu with more creative options.
Luchals
Address: 6436 South US Hwy 85 87, Ste M, Fountain, CO 80817
Luchals is a veteran-owned, family-owned, and Black-owned restaurant dedicated to welcoming everyone and bringing joy to the community. Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has become known for its Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and commitment to bringing people together.
Executive chef and co-owner Chantal Lucas is a graduate of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts’ Boulder campus and a five-time culinary medalist, earning two gold, two bronze, and one silver medal. Her husband and co-owner, Travares Lucas, is a former Fountain firefighter and EMT. Together with a management team made up entirely of African Americans and veterans, they’ve built a restaurant that extends beyond great food and into the community. Alongside the restaurant, Luchals also operates a food truck that serves the metro area and can be booked for special events and catering.
The menu features Southern favorites like fried catfish, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, gumbo, Cajun shrimp mac and cheese, crab cakes, and wings tossed in a variety of house-made sauces. They also offer burgers, sandwiches, seafood platters, brunch, and plenty of gluten-free options. Luchals also hosts a variety of community events, from book clubs to giveaways and outreach programs, making it a gathering place for the Fountain community.
Four by Brother Luck
Address: 321 N Tejon, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Four by Brother Luck describes itself as “a love story between the desert and the mountains.” That story is told through a seasonal four-course tasting menu that brings together local wild game, river fish, farm harvests, and foraged ingredients into a thoughtful dining experience. Inspired by the hunter, the gatherer, the fisherman, and the farmer, each menu highlights in-season ingredients sourced as close to home as possible.
The restaurant is owned by award-winning chef Brother Luck, whom you might recognize from “Top Chef,” “Beat Bobby Flay,” or “Chopped.” He’s also been nominated by the James Beard Foundation. While the menu changes throughout the year, expect creative dishes featuring Colorado ingredients, handcrafted pastas, fresh seafood, house-made breads, and inventive desserts, all paired with an extensive wine and cocktail program.
