Not just during Black History Month, but throughout the whole year, Explore Oak Park and Beyond recognizes and honors the contributions and achievements Black Americans have made in history and continue to make today. Let’s support the Black‑owned small businesses in Chicago’s near west suburbs, from neighborhood storefronts to homegrown brands.
We do our best to include all the area’s incredible Black‑owned local businesses in this guide, which is why we’re continually updating it. And we are always excited to welcome new Black business owners to the community. Below are the many African American–owned businesses and organizations where you can find handmade goods, fabulous salons, delicious meals, and more.
Goods and Experiences
2 Sistah's Afrocentric Boutique
2 Sistah's Afrocentric Boutique is the place to go in Oak Park for African and African-inspired clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Owned by two sisters, as the name implies, 2 Sistah's is stocked with beautiful and colorful African prints, as well as trendy styles and silhouettes.
16 Suitcases
16 Suitcases is a well-curated boutique in Oak Park carrying the chicest apparel, accessories, and gifts for women. It carries favorite name brands and new labels that will soon become favorites. You'll never have an "I have nothing to wear!" moment when you shop at 16 Suitcases.
Afriware Books
Afriware Books in Oak Park is more than just a bookstore. It's a hub for Black culture and a place to celebrate the voices of the Black community. Since 1993, it has provided a platform for authors, artists, and advocates to showcase their work, as the team believes in the power of storytelling. It’s currently open by appointment only!
Blerds Underground
Blerds Underground might be the coolest spot in the multiverse, let alone in Chicago's near west suburb of La Grange, to find comics and collectibles. It also hosts gaming tournaments, making it a great place to meet like-minded folks. You'll love the cozy shop’s friendly and knowledgeable staff as much as its extensive selection of comic books and related products.
Casa de Puros
Casa de Puros is a cigar lounge that’s been in business for 15 years. Previously located in Forest Park, the lounge recently moved to a larger space in Maywood. In addition to its public smoking area, there’s a VIP room at the back of the store, complete with high-back leather chairs and a fireplace, plus a curation of finely crafted cigars for sale.
Civinte
Civinte Candle Bar in Oak Park not only offers richly scented vegan candles, but it also enables customers to create their own custom-crafted fragranced candles in-store. Made with clean-burning vegan coconut wax, the custom candles will be poured and ready to take home on the same day. You can also book a private candlemaking party.
Comedy Plex
Comedy Plex is a cool comedy club located in downtown Oak Park that hosts both established and up-and-coming stand-up comedians, as well as open-mic nights and classes in improv for adults and children. The club can also be rented out for corporate and team-building events that are sure to be a blast.
Goddess Accessories
Goddess Accessories in Maywood is a treasure trove of fashion finds. From trendy jewelry to chic handbags, this boutique offers something for every fashion-forward individual.
Kinfolk Marketplace
Kinfolk Marketplace is a collective consignment shop in Broadview offering everything from clothing to decor. More than 20 vendors currently sell here, and the marketplace welcomes new sellers as well. Whether you're looking to pick up something unique or hoping to declutter your home, Kinfolk is the place to find new homes for your treasures and new treasures for your home.
Patch Party Club
Patch Party Club in Westchester has everything you need to personalize clothing, cell phones, footwear, and more. In addition to unique and classic patches, charms, and enamel pins, it sells hats, jackets, and sweatshirts, so you don't have to search elsewhere for unadorned items to adorn. It also hosts events and classes.
Sensationz African Boutique
Sensationz African Boutique in Hillside is Black-owned and family-owned, with a beautiful array of African dashikis, dresses, headwraps, and other apparel. You’ll find men's, women's, and children's clothes in the most amazing prints, colors, and silhouettes.
Studio 928
Studio 928 in Oak Park is a vibrant hub for creativity and self-expression. Offering a range of art classes and workshops, from painting to pottery, this studio provides a welcoming space for artists of all skill levels to explore their talents. With its supportive community and expert instructors, it’s a perfect place to unleash your inner artist.
Sugarcup Trading
Sugarcup Trading in Oak Park carries the sweetest, most stylish clothes for little ones as well as gifts and toys from around the world. Conveniently located next to sister store 16 Suitcases, it's sure to become your kids' favorite store.
Salons, Spas, and Fitness Studios
Glitter Nail Salon
Glitter Nail Salon in Oak Park offers an extensive range of manicure and pedicure services, including acrylic and gel nails and deluxe spa pedicures. If you're celebrating a birthday, promotion, or engagement, you can make it extra special by booking a private spa party.
Love Locs Natural Hair Salon
Love Locs Salon specializes in cutting, styling, and caring for natural Black hair. Come here to get locs, loc extensions, braids, twists, and more classic hairstyles. The Westchester salon can also help you out with some restorative haircare when your tresses need a little TLC.
Luxe Wax Studio and Spa
Luxe Wax Studio and Spa in Brookfield is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. Specializing in body and facial waxing, brow and lash tinting, and spray tans, this spa offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Pampered Princess Spa
Pampered Princess Spa in Broadview is a haven for all the little princesses in your life. In addition to offering manicures and pedicures, this boutique spa lets them create lip gloss, shimmer lotion, and fragrances. With its adorable atmosphere and skilled staff dedicated to providing top-notch service, the Pampered Princess ensures every visitor feels like royalty from the moment they walk through the door.
Styles 4 Kidz
Styles 4 Kidz is a nonprofit organization in Oak Park that serves multiracial, transracial adoptive, and foster families who lack the knowledge and resources to care for their children's textured hair. The organization offers programs, workshops, and training to support families and provide them with the tools to properly manage their child's hair type. Styles 4 Kidz is dedicated to empowering families and providing them with the resources they need to care for their children's hair with confidence.
Wrist Work Cuts
Wrist Work Cuts in Westchester is a family-friendly barbershop that creates looks for hair of all textures. Whether you prefer fades or locs, the barbers here will have you loving your style so much, you'll be coming back again and again.
Food and Beverage
Addis Cafe | Oak Park
Addis Cafe invites diners to embark on a journey through the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. The charming eatery offers delicious coffee and traditional dishes such as savory, fragrant stews served with injera bread. With its warm ambiance and delectable offerings, Addis Cafe is a beloved destination for those seeking a taste of Ethiopia in the heart of Oak Park.
Cajun Boil & Bar
Cajun Boil & Bar is a casual dining spot in Oak Park that serves fresh seafood boils and Southern comfort food loved by locals. This lively establishment encourages guests to enjoy shared plates and bar favorites, and it prides itself on its flavorful sauces. With upbeat music, multiple TV screens, and a fun atmosphere, Cajun Boil & Bar is the perfect place to catch up with friends over delicious food.
Chicago’s Chicken Shack
Chicago’s Chicken Shack in Broadview has consistently been voted as serving some of the best chicken around by residents. Along with fried chicken—in either hot or mild sauce and topped with lemon or black pepper—it serves fried fish filets and fried shrimp baskets. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door, and we understand why.
Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles
Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles in Oak Park is beloved for its soulful comfort food. Serving up delicious combinations of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, this restaurant offers a taste of Southern hospitality in the heart of Illinois.
Chubby’s Hot Chicken
Chubby's Hot Chicken brings the heat to Forest Park with its take on Nashville hot chicken. Along with platters of chicken accompanied by fried okra, coleslaw, and other sides, it offers burgers, fish sandwiches, and fiery nachos.
Creative Cakes by KeeKee
Creative Cakes by KeeKee in Melrose Park is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Its custom baked creations, crafted with quality ingredients and an attention to detail, bring sweet dreams to life.
CrumbCrusher
CrumbCrusher is a family-owned kawaii-inspired bakery in Oak Park with something for everyone, including people who are vegan, gluten-free, or allergic to nuts. The cozy shop features a rotating list of specialty flavors alongside Mexican vanilla, red velvet, and other core favorites.
D&D's Place
D&D's Place in La Grange offers classic and not-yet-classic doughnuts, including fruit-glazed yeast doughnuts and gooey caramel doughnuts that earn rave reviews. The apple fritters and the vanilla and chocolate long johns are other favorites, but whatever you choose, your sweet tooth will surely thank you!
Daisy’s Treats & Bakery
Daisy's Treats & Bakery in Brookfield has desserts certain to satisfy just about everyone. In addition to cakes and cake pops galore, you’ll find ice cream in flavors as varied as apple crisp, cotton candy, and Tennessee toffee, along with sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes, and shaved ice. And let’s not forget the taffy grapes and dipped strawberries!
Harvest 365
Harvest 365 in Forest Park boasts an international menu of bold dishes that will transport you around the world. You can enjoy the buffet on the premises or order for pickup.
The Jungle Plate
The Jungle Plate invites you to savor classic and contemporary West African and Caribbean cuisine. You'll find such iconic dishes as jerk chicken and jollof rice with your choice of chicken, fish or goat, as well as vegan egusi and fufu: proof that you don't have to travel far for a delicious and authentic meal.
Just Like Mama's
Just Like Mama's makes soul food with real soul, the kind you can find cooking in a kitchen down South. This Maywood restaurant, catering company, and events space has an extensive menu of classic Southern comfort food, including macaroni and cheese, smothered and fried chicken, meatloaf, collard greens, banana pudding, okra, and fried shrimp. If you're lucky, you may even find oxtails and pot roast, both of which are offered only as specials, available when you come by.
Kingston Market African & Caribbean Groceries
Kingston Market is the perfect place to experience a taste of the Caribbean and Africa in one convenient Maywood location. The family-owned grocery store stocks all the meats, produce, spices, and other ingredients you need to create authentic meals at home. Those looking for a quick and easy meal will appreciate the variety of mouthwatering dishes available to enjoy on-site, including favorites like jerk chicken and red snapper.
Krazy-Grapes
Krazy-Grapes in Westchester is elevating this favorite fruit by coating it with innovative flavors, candies, and cereals. Try the White Sox–themed grapes dipped in cookies and cream or the Cubbie Blue Raspberry option. For those who don't love grapes, there are dipped strawberries and apples, hand-packed ice cream, Italian ice, nachos, cupcakes, and more.
Kribi Coffee
Kribi Coffee Air Roastery is dedicated to raising the standards around sustainable coffee and bringing it to their customers, one cup at a time. You can try one of the rotating specialty drinks, such as the RBG Matcha for Women’s History Month, or grab a nitro cold brew if you’ve got a lot to get done. Hungry? Try one of the delicious pastries like the Bonjour Bakery pain au chocolat or a savory rosemary bagel. Locations in Oak Park and Forest Park.
Lickle Jamaica Restaurant
Lickle Jamaica will satisfy your craving for a taste of the island nation in the heart of Maywood. From juicy jerk chicken to melt-in-your-mouth plantains, there's no shortage of delicious dishes on the menu.
Mulata Kitchen and Coffee
Mulata Kitchen & Coffee in Oak Park is a culinary oasis that combines Latin American flavors and gourmet coffee. This cozy, charming café is the perfect spot to enjoy empanadas, salads, or hearty Brazilian dishes such as feijoada along with expertly brewed coffee and espresso drinks.
Priscilla’s Ultimate Soul Food
Priscilla's Ultimate Soul Food is family-owned and -operated in Hillside. Southern comfort food such as fried catfish, pot roast, and fried green tomatoes is made with love and served with a smile.
Robinson's No. 1 Ribs
Robinson's No. 1 Ribs in Oak Park is a legendary barbecue joint renowned for its mouthwatering ribs and savory smoked meats. With a commitment to quality and flavor, this family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious Southern-style barbecue in the heart of Illinois since 1982.
Smoothie King
Smoothie King in downtown Oak Park makes it easy, and delicious, to get the nutrients you need. The smoothies are made with whole fruits and organic veggies, and you can customize them to suit your requirements. You can also order equally healthful bowls topped with fruits, nuts, and other goodies.
Surf’s Up
Surf's Up in Maywood serves up seafood, wings, and tacos with a commitment to using the freshest ingredients. Along with items such as the famous lobster-and-shrimp sandwich and the grilled catfish salad, it offers a range of vegetarian dishes that are just as satisfying.
Tee Tee’s Sweets
Tee Tee's Sweets is a family-owned business in Oak Park that has been delivering sweet treats for more than 20 years. The owner, a self-taught cake decorator, has honed her skills over the years, and it shows in the spectacular designs of her custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for events of all sizes, from birthdays to weddings to corporate functions.
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants
Todd & Holland Tea Merchants is a paradise in Forest Park for those who love a cuppa, offering a wide selection of premium loose-leaf teas from around the world. The knowledgeable staff provides a personalized tea experience tailored to each customer's preferences. The boutique also sells teapots, trays, mugs, and other accoutrements that make thoughtful gifts.
The View 1701 | Broadview
The View 1701 is a gorgeous restaurant and events space in Broadview with unbeatable vibes, craft cocktails, and crowd-pleasing food ranging from shrimp and grits to surf and turf. Once you step in, you'll feel as if you've been transported to an upscale resort. Don’t miss the weekend brunch with live music and the Wings Wednesdays.