Keay Explores

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses in Austin: A Guide to Food, Drinks, Beauty & More

As Black History Month approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and highlight Black-owned businesses in Austin and surrounding areas like Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, and Bee Cave. As a Black American myself, it brings me so much joy to showcase the beauty, history, and strength of our community.

Despite Austin’s criticisms for its lack of visible diversity, the Black community here is thriving! From social groups like Where Y’all At Though ATX and Young Black Austin to countless incredible businesses, there are plenty of ways to connect and support.

The History of Black Austin

In 1971, the Community United Front (CUF) took a bold stand against systemic inequities, placing billboards along I-35 that exposed the harsh realities of East Austin: “rats-roaches, and people with the lack of FOOD, CLOTHING, JOBS and the… AMERICAN DREAM.” Led by Larry Jackson, the CUF and groups like the Brown Berets worked tirelessly to address segregation and the economic exclusion of Black and Latino/a/x residents. Programs such as free breakfasts, daycare, and community grocery stores emerged, redefining the American Dream as one rooted in equality, opportunity, and empowerment.

Thriving East Austin Community

Despite systemic racism and unequal city services, African Americans built a flourishing East Austin community. The area became a hub for Black-owned businesses, music venues, and culture, much of which is preserved by the East End Cultural Heritage District. Landmarks like the George Washington Carver Library and Museum highlight the legacy of early Black families, including the Fontaines, Andersons, and Simonds, while Sharon Hill’s The Empty Stairs further documents the rich history of East Austin.

Cultural Preservation Amid Gentrification

Today, the fight to preserve East Austin’s history continues. Activists and organizations like DiverseArts Culture Works and the Blackland Community Development Corporation (CDC) lead efforts to protect cultural landmarks and maintain affordable housing for low-income families. Walking tours and publications also educate the public about the neighborhood’s history. While gentrification poses challenges, these efforts ensure the vibrant legacy of Black Austin remains alive, highlighting the resilience and contributions of its community.

Tours & Experiences

Black Austin Tours – Guided by Austin native Javier Wallace, this tour highlights the deep roots of Black culture and history in Austin.

Soul Food & Southern Cuisine

  • Mama’z Soul Kitchen – 5903 Wellington Dr, Austin, TX 78723 – A hidden gem serving authentic Southern comfort food.
  • Y’all’s Down Home Cafe – 2000 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681 – Southern classics like jambalaya and peach cobbler in a New Orleans-inspired atmosphere.
  • TaterQue – 1202 FM 685 STE B5 B6, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Famous for loaded, stuffed potatoes and barbecue-inspired creations.
  • Down South CaJJun Eats – 15424 FM1825, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – A vibey spot for chicken sandwiches, seafood boils, and gumbo with live DJ sets.
  • Lillie Mae’s Comfort Food – 101 N S Lexington St, Manor, TX 78653 – Soul food at its finest, made with love and tradition.
  • The Rolling Rooster –  13717 Mopac Service Rd, Austin, TX 78727 – Known for soul food staples like chicken and waffles, catfish, and oxtail.
  • Gossip Shack – 1615 Grand Ave Pkwy #110, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Austin’s go-to spot for wings with bold flavors.
  • Mr. Catfish – 1144 Airport Blvd Ste 220, Austin, TX 78702 – Specializing in Southern Cajun favorites like catfish and gumbo.
  • The Potluck –  5700 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745 – Austin’s first and only 24 hours wing and cajun destination. 
  • Whip My Soul –  11416 N FM 620 Unit F and G, Austin, TX 78726 –  Family-owned business specializing in homemade southern dishes like grandma used to make!
  • Watts-That Soul Food & More – 4925 Craigwood Drive, Austin, TX 78725
  • Roots Chicken Shak – 1801 E 51st St, Austin, TX 78723
  • Austin’s Very Own Saltt – 2525 W Anderson Ln. ste 130 bldg 3, Austin, TX 78757 – Cooking that defines the vibrant flavors of Southeast Texas.
  • Lonestar Crabshack – 1100 Grand Ave Pkwy, Pflugerville, TX 78664

Jamaican & Caribbean Cuisine

  • Bikkle Jamaican Restaurant – 3023 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 – Authentic Jamaican flavors with modern twists.
  • Iwayne’s Caribbean Kitchen – 5002 Hamilton Rd, Austin, TX 78759 – Vibrant Caribbean eats bursting with spices.
  • Tony’s Jamaican Food – 2700 W Pecan St Suite 650, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – A taste of Jamaica in Central Texas.
  • Winston’s Kitchen – 2103 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748 – Jamaican comfort food made fresh, from jerk chicken to rice-and-peas.
  • Nyam Cuisine – 730 Shady Ln, Austin, TX 78702 – A food truck serving Caribbean-Latino fusion dishes.
  • Tailat Kitchen – (Nigerian Cuisine) – 5933 Westminster Dr, Austin, TX 78723

BBQ & Meats

  • SLAB BBQ & Beer –  9012 Research Blvd C4, Austin, TX 78758 & 2701 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745 – 6218 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX 78745 – Dirty South BBQ with a hip-hop vibe.
  • Willie’s Bar-B-Que – 4505 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78721 – East Austin’s iconic BBQ spot.
  • Sam’s BBQ – 2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Family-owned since 1957, specializing in slow-cooked BBQ.
  • Distant Relatives – 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744 – BBQ inspired by the African diaspora with rich spice profiles.
  • Brown’s BBQ – 1901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78704

Desserts & Sweet Treats

  • Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls – 16051 Dessau Rd Suite F, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Creative cinnamon rolls with unforgettable flavors.
  • Luv Fats Ice Cream – 7135 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 – Coconut milk and avocado-based dairy-free ice cream.
  • Suga’s Cakery – 1100 Grand Ave Pkwy #112, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Scratch-made cupcakes, cookies, and Southern desserts.

Vegan & Healthy Eats

  • Community Vegan – 1124 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Plant-based comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
  • Dia’s Market – 812 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757 – Specialty grocery store and deli with locally sourced items.
  • Sheena’s Pickles – To purchase, visit Antonelli’s Cheese Shop at 4220 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751 – where pickling transforms into an irresistible art form, fusing the finest fresh, organic, and locally sourced produce from the vibrant heart of Austin, TX.

African Cuisine

  • Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant – 2804 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78705 – A long-standing favorite for authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Taste of Ethiopia – 3801 S Congress Ave #107, Austin, TX 78704 & 1100 Grand Ave Pkwy Suite 100, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Family-owned, serving cultural Ethiopian dishes since 1991.
  • Lady T Kitchen African Restaurant – 15608 Spring Hill Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Specializing in authentic African dishes and catering.

Burgers, Bites & Casual Eats

  • Anything’s Baked Potato – 1326 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702 – Build-your-own loaded baked potatoes.
  • Ike N Aves – 900 E Braker Ln #105, Austin, TX 78753 – Home of burgers and comfort bites.
  • Boss Hogg Burgers – 108 E Main St, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Craft burgers with bold flavors.

Daiquiris, Wine & Cocktails

  • Paradise On Ice Daiquiris – 1700 Grand Ave Pkwy #150, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – Tropical vibes and flavorful drinks.
  • Austin Daiquiri Factory – 2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Top-notch daiquiris with a local flair.
  • 11 Degrees Daiquiri – 2700 W Pecan St #202, Pflugerville, TX 78660 – A local favorite for frozen cocktails.
  • Retail Therapy Cocktail Lounge – 120 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701 – Relax with unique cocktails in a chic atmosphere.
  • Wine Sensation – 409 N Mays St, Round Rock, TX 78664 – The local wine bar that serves wine from around the globe, scratch made food with love, with all the local fun and familiarity of Round Rock
  • The RSRV – 3415 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Wine bar.

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Bird Bird Biscuit – 1401 W Koenig Ln, Austin, TX 78756 – 2701 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 – Iconic buttermilk biscuit sandwiches perfect for breakfast or lunch.
  • JP’s Pancake Company – Gourmet pancake and dessert catering for private events and festivals.

Historic & Cultural Venues

  • Victory East – 1104 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 – A historic Chitlin’ Circuit venue showcasing live music and rich heritage.
  • Busy Signal – 1104 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 – Elegant and historic speakeasy, hosting talents such as Billie Holiday, Ike and Tina, and BB King.

Health

Beauty

  • Beautician Mix – 808 Ken St, Austin, TX 78758 – Beauty supply store with unique offerings.
  • Manu Royal Touch – 11011 Domain Dr Suite 112, Austin, TX 78758 – Haircare and styling with exceptional service.
  • Leander Beauty Supply – Behind Leander Nutrition, 11880 Hero Way W Suite 107, Leander, TX 78641
  • 29Eleven The Salon – 1311 S Mays St Unit B, Round Rock, TX 78664
  • Kane’s Barber Shop – 1122 Airport Blvd Suite A, Austin, TX 78702
  • Sistah Sistah Beauty Supply – 251 N Bell Blvd ste 114-a, Cedar Park, TX 78613
  • Generations Barber Shop – 1500 South A W Grimes Blvd #100, Round Rock, TX 78664 & 15424 Farm to Market Rd 1825, Pflugerville, TX 78660
  • Loc’s 101 Studio – 1105 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Home Services

Specialty & Miscellaneous

Why This Matters

Exploring and supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t just about spending money; it’s about celebrating culture, fostering community, and preserving history. Austin’s Black community has a rich heritage and continues to contribute to the city’s vibrant identity.

If you have suggestions for more businesses to add to this list, drop me a comment or reach out! I’d love to expand this growing guide.

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