It’s time to celebrate entrepreneurship in Milwaukee while offering support to Black-owned eateries during Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week, which takes place Tuesday, April 25 through Sunday, April 30.

It's the eighth year for the annual event which encourages diners to patronize Black-owned businesses throughout the city. The grassroots initiative was founded by BlankSpaceMKE, an urban art cooperative founded by Bridget Robinson and Symphony Zawadi in an effort to raise awareness about social entrepreneurship and support the sustainability of local, Black-owned businesses. 

Over the past eight years, participating restaurants have regularly seen a significant boost in profits during Black Restaurant Week – some nearly doubling their sales –  assisting them in keeping their doors open during these challenging times.

How to participate

To kick off the week of deliciousness, families and supporters are invited to celebrate the 8th year of Milwaukee Black Restaurant week by gathering together and support the businesses inside the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, 3536 West Fond du Lac Avenue on Tuesday, April 25 from 3 to 7 p.m.

From there, diners are encouraged to show their support by visiting any Black-owned restaurant and documenting that visit by posting a photo of your receipt on social media using hashtag #MBRW23. 

Your visible participation allows BlankSpaceMKE to gather data from the week to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative economics and the significance of the local dollar to sustain businesses.

So go out, try a new place you've never been before and show up for our city!

Participating restaurants

This list includes restaurants who explicitly signed up to participate in Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week.  For more Black restaurants to support, check out our guide to Black-owned restaurants in the area.

1700 Pull Up
1848 W Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 899-0005
1700pullup.com
Serving: Soul food

Belli's Bistro
2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
bellisbistro.com
Serving: American cuisine, cocktails

Big Daddy’s BBQ and Soul Food
9201 W. Capitol Dr., (414) 455-8059
facebook.com/profile
Serving: barbeque, soul food

Brooks' Balanced Kitchen
731 N. Jackson St., 
facebook.com/BrooksBalance
Serving: Healthful breakfast and lunch offerings

Brownstone Social Lounge
524 N. Water St., (414) 210-4824
facebook.com/brownstonesociallounge
Serving: Pub fare

Confectionately Yours
Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 617-7575
1920 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., (414) 617-7575
cy3gbakery.com
Serving: Desserts (at Sherman Phoenix); breakfast and lunch on MLK Dr.

Crave BBQ
4923 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 509-6278
Serving:  BBQ

Delicious Bites
6538 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 909-3372
thedeliciousbites.com
Serving: Grab and go salads, sandwiches, fresh baked sweet treats

Funky Fresh Spring Rolls
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 732-1531
funkyfreshspringrolls.com
Serving: Healthful bowls, specials, frozen spring rolls

Grandma’s Hands
2721 N Blaine Pl., (414) 455-3685
grandmahands64.wixsite.com
Serving: Soul food

Happy Days Day Bar
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 301-1027
facebook.com/happydaysdaybar
Serving: cocktails

Junior's Smoked BBQ
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., (414) 215-0052
facebook.com/juniorsmokedLLC
Serving: Smoked meats, sides, sandwiches

Rise & Grind Cafe
2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., (414) 249-3846 (temp. closed)
Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W Fond Du Lac Ave.
Eatrisengrind.com
Serving: Breakfast, lunch

Turning Tables Tavern & Eatery
1040 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 210-3451
turningtablesmke.com
Serving: ever changing menu from multiple chefs