The Best Black-Owned Businesses to Explore in Denver

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate the occasion, we put together this list of Black-owned businesses in Denver and beyond. 

From delicious restaurants, bakeries, and brunch spots to jewelers and mattress stores, these Denver Black-owned businesses are worth a stop year-round. 

Black-Owned Restaurants in Denver 

African Bar and Grill

Lakewood 

The Osei–Fordwuo family has been serving up the most delicious flavors of Africa in this Lakewood mainstay since 2004. Stop by to enjoy traditional dishes like fufu, spicy jerk stew, and more in a cool establishment that honors its African heritage, along with a sizable cocktail menu (the palm wine and African Queen cocktail are highlights). 

Jabo’s Bar-Be-Q

Greenwood Village

Chef Dwight “Jabo” Lawson has had more than 50 years to hone his Louisiana barbecue recipe, so it’s no surprise it’s easily some of the best in town. He originally opened his restaurant in Five Points back in 1992, and it’s since moved to Greenwood Village, where people come from all over to try slow-smoked barbecue and an array of more than 22 varieties of sauce made from scratch. Be sure to try the Utah Sconuts, which are made of light, airy pastry bread with a homemade honey butter on top for good measure. 

Nola VooDoo Tavern

Northeast Denver

This Black-owned business near downtown Denver serves up all the joys of New Orleans cooking without the Louisiana humidity. Bar owner Henry Batiste grew up in New Orleans, and his restaurant is full of inspiration from his mom and grandmother’s original recipes. Some of the highlights are Cajun favorites like gumbo and etouffee, and if everything on the menu just looks too good, you can sample multiple dishes through the New Orleans sample platter! 

TK’s Surf and Turf Kitchen

Southeast Denver

This Black-owned restaurant in southeast Denver is a favorite of TikTokers, who love to marvel at “The Works,” a $60 signature plate made up of two crab clusters, 12 shrimp, one lobster tail, and a chopped beef sausage. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, there are plenty of other seafood dishes to love here, from build-your-own alfredo to lobster bisque. 

Photo: via TruBlu Images

Black-Owned Breweries in Denver 

Novel Strand Brewing Company

Baker neighborhood

This Black-owned brewery in the cool Baker neighborhood is all about serving up the cozy, relaxing vibes that we’ve all come to expect from Denver breweries. Whether you’re snagging hand-crafted coffee or tea from the cafe or trying one of their crisp and unique beers, you’ll want to stick around here for a while, whether it’s in the comfy taproom or the pet-friendly patio. 

Spangalang Brewing

Five Points

This Black-owned brewery near downtown Denver mixes the vibes of the craft beer world with the jazz and urban culture of the Five Points neighborhood that it calls home. The beer menu includes everything from hard seltzer to hazy IPAs and imperial stouts. If you’re craving a change of pace, you can also order wine, cocktails, or a variety of non-alcoholic options. Be sure to plan your visit around one of its fun trivia nights or community events

Photo: via Shutterstock.com

Black Owned Brunch Spots in Denver 

Le French

Denver Tech Center

This restaurant, founded by Senegalese French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia, prides itself on serving up some of the best Parisian-involved cuisine around — with a unique twist. This Black-owned business near the Denver Tech Center is open for brunch on weekends. Each dish is made from scratch using fresh ingredients from local suppliers, and the brunch menu includes everything from small plates to sweet and savory crepes to croque madame. 

TeeLee’s Teahouse

Five Points

As Denver’s historically African American neighborhood, Five Points is full of amazing Black-owned businesses — and TeeLee’s Teahouse is easily one of the highlights. Founder Rise James has been hard at work curating the perfect community gathering space, where patrons can enjoy good conversations, soothing tea and tea-infused cocktails, a menu full of soups, salads, and sandwiches, and plenty of live events throughout the week. 

Whittier Cafe

City Park

This Black-owned Denver coffee shop specializes in sourcing coffee from nations throughout Africa. Since Sunday brunch can last well into the afternoon, be sure to stay until 2 p.m. to watch a traditional East African coffee ceremony featuring a clay pot “jebena.” In addition to a variety of espresso beverages, this spot also serves burritos, pastries, and paninis. It also happens to have a bar with African beer and honey wine.

Photo: via The Shop at Matter

Black-Owned Businesses in Denver 

The Better Mattress

North Denver, University Hills, and Lone Tree

The Better Mattress, which has three locals throughout the metro area, is the first Black-owned and operated mattress company in Colorado. This family-owned business first opened in 2020, with the mission of delivering a better sleep experience at a better value. While this company has an online presence, be sure to stop by one of the physical stores for a customized experience. 

Black + Blossomed

Curtis Park

Breigh Jones-Coplin grew up in Memphis and came to Denver to obtain her master’s degree in sports psychology. While she was planning her wedding, she realized she had a talent for creating floral arrangements — the start of her journey to founding Black + Blossomed. This Black-owned floral shop near downtown Denver specializes in exquisite designs for everything from businesses to weddings. 

The Hair & Image Studio Inc.

Lowry

Sometimes, you just need to call in the “glam squad,” and there’s no better place to do just that than the Hair & Image Studio in Lowry. This Black-owned salon prides itself on bringing together a blend of diverse cultures and creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for everyone who walks through its doors. Whether you’re looking for a color treatment, skincare, or just a run-of-the-mill haircut, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at this award-winning business.

Jeffrey B. Jewelers

Cherry Creek

Jeffrey B. Jewelers prides itself on being the only Black-owned, fine diamond, full-service jewelry in Colorado. It also prides itself on the service, with the owner — Jeffrey B himself — often found working with customers alongside his son, Christian. 

The Shop at Matter

Lower Downtown

This Black and woman-owned bookstore in downtown Denver showcases creative works by hundreds of Black, brown, indigenous, and queer writers and artists. In addition to the books themselves, you can find a variety of stationery, art supplies, clothing, and more that reflect the values of these communities.

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