From bakeries, barbecue and burger spots to boutiques boasting clothing, plants and candles, show your support for black members of the community by shopping, dining and sipping at these Cincinnati businesses.

This is obviously not a comprehensive list. In May, Cincinnati City Council member Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney also launched a new initiative: #CincyBuyBlackThursdays, asking locals to support black-owned businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Kearney relaunched an online directory of black-owned Cincinnati businesses. “We all must work together so that we not only survive, but thrive,” she said.

Businesses currently listed include professional services, childcare, therapists, beauty salons, photographers, law firms, bakeries, boutiques and more. You can ask to have your name, contact info, website and description listed in the directory at no charge.

Photo: Liz Davis
Maize OTR 1438 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Maize specializes in a unique fusion menu that honors traditional recipes from across Latin America, with an emphasis on Venezuelan cuisine. The menu is colorful and varied, with dishes from across the region that complement one another while retaining their traditional roots — such as Peruvian ceviche, Mexican street corn and Venezuelan cachapas and asado negro. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ollie’s Trolley 1607 Central Ave., Over-the-Rhine Located in a bright yellow and red trolley car, Ollie’s Trolley is a soul food staple in the Cincinnati area. Ollie’s serves a variety of smoked pork, including ribs, rib tips and pulled pork, plus plenty of sides, like collard greens, buttered corn and potato salad. Photo: Jesse Fox
GO(O)D Co. Apparel 1323 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine This clothing and accessories company wants “individuals to wear who you are and live what you believe.” Photo via Facebook.com/goodcoapparel
Sugar 6 W. 14th St., Over-the-Rhine Andrea Sutton Lee turned her baking hobby into a business by opening Sugar in January of 2016, recently opening a storefront in OTR. Sugar offers a wide variety of sweet treats, ranging from Oreo chocolate chip cookies and cookie sandwiches to brownies and “Sugar Fix Jars,” basically a jar full of layered cake and icing — plus cookie pies and pound cake. And they can all be delivered to your door. They also offer monthly subscription “Sugar Fix” boxes that are overflowing with delectable sweets.Photo via Facebook.com/Sugar513
Goodies BBQ 7440 Hamilton Ave., Mount Healthy Goodies knows their pork butt — pit-smoked slowly ’til the fat has completely dissolved and a crunchy, caramelized crust has formed on the outside. Lip-smackin’ rib tips and Buffalo wings are complemented by standard Southern sides of collard greens, red beans and rice or mac and cheese. For those not tempted by the sauce, there’s the fish sandwich or fried okra. Peach cobbler and sweet potato and chess pies are available. Photo via Facebook.com/GoodiesBarbeque
Just Q’in 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills Owned by Matt Cuff, Walnut Hills barbecue joint Just Q’in is “committed to the mission of Faith, Love and BBQ,” and offers their smoked brisket, ribs, chicken and more coupled with classic barbecue sides. Photo: Lindsay McCarty Photo: Lindsay McCarty
Originalitees 2809 Woodburn Ave., East Walnut Hills Originalitees offers community pride apparel for state, city and neighborhood communities. The shop offers everything from shirts to socks and even sells face masks. Its original designs are both fashionable and affordable. Photo via Facebook.com/OriginaliTees
Triple J’s BBQ 2343 E. Sharon Road, Sharonville Triple J’s BBQ dishes out soul food specialties from their food truck all around Cincinnati. The menu offers a variety of smoked meats from barbecue chicken and smoked wings to holiday specials like a whole smoked turkey or spiral ham. Photo via
K&J Seafood Co. 2516 Clifton Ave., Clifton/University Heights This local restaurant offers fresh, Louisiana-style seafood with a large menu that satisfies non-fish eaters as well. Try their popular seafood fries or their shrimp tacos or their Cajun boiled eggs. Photo via kjseafood.com
Cream+Sugar Coffeehouse 3546 Montgomery Road, Evanston Cream+Sugar Coffeehou seserves breakfast toast, oatmeal bowls, and lunch items from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The coffee house offers an “eclectic and artistic vibe,” all while advocating for inclusion and serving as an inspiration for children of color. Photo via Facebook.com/creamandsugarcoffeehouse
Mango’s Tropical Oasis 7121 Dixie Highway, Fairfield Mango’s keeps the beach close to home and when you need a tropical getaway with good food and frozen drinks, you can find it in Fairfield. Find Southern classics like shrimp po’ boys and fried fish, or spice it up with a chicken Baja enchilada or some chicken wings. Photo via Facebook.com/MeetMeAtMangos
Hutch Baby 1209 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Hutch Baby opened its doors in Over-the-Rhine in the fall of 2019, after moving from the Kenwood Mall. The upscale boutique offers sustainable clothes for baby, toddler and big kids and offers them a space to play while parents shop. Photo via Facebook.com/hutchbaby
AJ’s Cheesesteaks 4900 Montgomery Road, Norwood Regularly found in the Norwood BP parking lot, this food truck offers eight different takes on the classic philly cheesesteak, including jalepeño swiss and smoked bacon ranch phillies. All styles can be made with chicken or beef based on your mood or preference. AJ’s also makes wings with four different sauces and you can complete your meal with fries, regular or loaded. Photo via AJ’s Cheesesteaks’s Facebook
BlaCk OWned Outerwear 822 Elm St., Downtown Owned by Means Cameron, BlaCk OWned Outerwear offers tracksuits, jackets, shirts and hats for men, women and children at its downtown retail shop. Its mission statement is “to promote black ownership while challenging societal inequities through fashion and storytelling.” Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Pata Roja Taqueria 1324 Main St., Over-the-Rhine Pata Roja Taqueria serves cheap, Mexico City-style street food. Stop by its pop-up window at The Takeaway OTR to enjoy its spit-roasted pork and pineapple taco or pair chips with its tangy “salsa especial” for an authentic experience. Photo via Facebook.com/PatarojaTacos
Sweet Petit Desserts 1426 Race St., Over-the-Rhine Army veteran Taren Kinebrew comes from a family of bakers. She used the family pastry knowledge passed down for generations to open Sweet Petit Desserts in August of 2009. Her petite treats are small in size, but pack a huge flavor punch and are designed to enjoy, but not over indulge. Find old favorites like Rice Krispy Treats or discover a new love like her petite fours, which is pound cake covered in a confectioner’s glaze. Photo via Facebook.com/sweetpetitetk
Sweets & Meats BBQ 2249 Beechmont Ave., Mt. Washington Sweets & Meats is a food truck-turned-brick and mortar in Cincinnati that offers carry-out and catering. Their menu features smoked meat options including a pulled pork sandwich and baby back ribs all the way to homemade sides like sweet potato casserole and loaded baked potato salad. There are family-sized options as well so you can share some of that sweet, smoked goodness with the whole crew. Photo via Facebook.com/SweetsandMeats
Davis Cookie Collection Permanent location coming soon to 4926 Reading Road, Bond Hill; Currently operates out of the Findlay Kitchen at Findlay Market This local sweet shop specializes in gourmet desserts, offering over 15 varieties of cookies, in addition to brownies and cookie cakes — all created without any additives or preservatives. Varieties range from chocolate chip to strawberry shortcake. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options. The bakery is in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar location in Bond Hill, but offers their cookie collections (sold by the dozen) online and at local businesses like Jungle Jim’s, Sunny Blu Coffeehouse and Conscious Kitchen. Photo via Facebook.com/DavisCookieCollection
District 78 2908 Vine St., Corryville This Corryville boutique offers immersive home decor that can compliment any mood. They offer homemade candles, as well as kits to make your own at home and bundles with candles, sage and spray. They also offer a variety of plants and cards and take custom orders. Photo via Instagram.com/ByDistrict78
Teranga Restaurant 8438 Vine St., Hartwell This African-American fusion restaurant offers a diverse and affordable menu. Find $6 meals, like the Senegalese Senburger, or full dinners like grilled tilapia and Jamaican oxtail with rice and peas. It’s a great place to try West African dishes such as Michoui Gigot (stuffed lamb leg with onion sauce). Sides range from couscous and French fries to fufu and attiéké. Photo via Teranga’s Facebook
Alabama Que 2733 Short Vine St., Corryville Alabama Que proudly boasts on their website that they are the “home of the turkey tips.” This restaurant was founded by Dwan Ward in 2008, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. An Alabama native, Ward’s restaurant oozes Southern charm and a food truck was added to the business to keep up with growing demand. Some meat options include smoked chicken, beef ribs, smoked salmon and, of course, the famous turkey tips. Photo via Facebook.com/AlabamaQueFanPage Photo:facebook.com/Alabama Que
Express Wings 7617 Reading Road, Roselawn Express Wings doesn’t just do wings well. Enjoy their chicken sandwich that rivals some of its corporate competitors, or try their famous chicken and waffles. Photo via Facebook.com/ExpressWings513/ Photo: facebook.com/Express Wings
Jazzy Sweeties 1006 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills Jazzy Sweeties is a bakery that can bust out custom cakes or be your sweets supplier for cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, donuts and more. With 20 different cake flavors, 10 different fruit fillings and 11 different gourmet fillings, the possibilities are almost endless. Photo via Facebook.com/JazzySweetiesBakery/
Blossoms Florist 8711 Reading Road, Reading Serving Cincinnati’s flower needs for over 30 years, Blossoms Florist Inc. has garnered several awards for its wedding services. The shop is only doing delivery right now, but appointments can be made by calling 513-531-7673. Photo via Facebook.com/blossomsflorist
BOL Founded by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Angel Moore, they wanted to take their passion for acai and share it with the Cincinnati community while offering a health-conscious option to the food truck mix. Choose from one of their seven bols, including the Maui Wowie Bol and the Queen City Bol or “create your own!” They have plans to open a brick-and-mortar in the future, but offer their fresh and fruity eats via delivery through GrubHub or DoorDash. Photo via Facebook.com/BOL
Colourfro Colourfro was founded by Augustine Paa Kwesi Osei, an African immigrant who wanted to show off the beauty of Africa through fashion. Colourfro offers colorful T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts for men, women and children inspired by the colors of the vibrant African kente cloth. Visit their website to shop online. Photo via colourfro.com
Conscious Kitchen 2912 Short Vine St., Corryville Located on Short Vine near the University of Cincinnati campus, this health-conscious eatery offers a chef-crafted menu of items like salmon, turkey or portabella mushroom burgers; “aquatic” egg rolls with salmon spinach and feta; and even carrot fries. Photo via Facebook.com/ConsciousKitchen513
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey 1201 Broadway St., Pendleton The Pendleton restaurant is inspired by the trappings of the American frontier and California’s 19th-century gold rush. At Boomtown, the true delight comes plated. The signature biscuit isn’t a run-of-the-mill thousand-layer flaked baked good. It’s a buttery, soft disc with a close crumb and a browned, lightly bubbled top that no breakfast chain can compete with. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Aunt Flora’s Current operating without storefront Aunt Flora is well-known both locally and nationally for her spin on comfort food, including her famous cobbler, appearing on both Martha Stewart’s and Oprah Winfrey’s TV shows. She’s currently operating without a storefront and focusing strictly on her delicious desserts, which you can order by calling 513-227-7938. Photo via Facebook.com/AuntFloras
Burnett’s Soul Food 1012 E. McMillan Ave., Walnut Hills If you love soul food, hearty sides and delicious desserts, you can find it all at Burnett’s. Photo via Facebook.com/Burnetts-Soul-Food
Darou Salam Restaurant 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside Darou Salam from the outside may seem small. Underneath trees with a bar sharing the same building, you may even miss it at a quick glance. Although humble in appearance, this is Cincinnati’s best kept secret for authentic African food. Darou Salam offers Senegalese cuisine ranging from Lamb Dibi — which is grilled lamb paired with an onion-mustard sauce, Firir, fried whole tilapia (yes with the head, but don’t be scared, it’s tasty) and Bissap Sorrel, a famous Hibiscus juice and Senegalese favorite. Photo via Contributed by Owner to Google Photos
Island Frydays 2826 Short Vine St., Corryville Island Frydays is the definitive restaurant to break out of culinary monotony featuring authentic Caribbean cuisine made by former University of Cincinnati football captain and Jamaica native Leo Morgan. Though the restaurant has a petite and unassuming interior, they pack a whole lot of flavor. Photo via Facebook.com/IslandFrydays
Just Cookin’ 1144 California Ave., Bond Hill Monica Williams had to move her popular carry-out on West 15th Street in the West End to make way for the FC Cincinnati stadium and has since relocated to Bond Hill. She reopened Just Cookin’ in April — in the midst of the pandemic — in the building on California near Paddock Road previously owned by longtime soul food caterers and restaurateurs the Ropers. Williams serves rapid-fire carry-out of hearty, home-cooked soul food inspired by her grandparents and their Southern roots. Photo: Nick Swartsell
Revel OTR 111 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine The boutique winery and event space specializes in promoting local, regional and family-owned wineries. Revel makes it own small-batch house wine, 44 barrels at a time, and serves it in juice glasses. It also carries cool and fun wine cocktails. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Wing Champ The King of Wings 2343 E. Sharon Road, Sharonville Sharonville-based Wing Champ offers hickory-smoked Swank Wings with 14 different types of sauces. Some of their sauces include: Hotlanta Peach, pineapple Caribbean mango, Zesty Orange, mild Buffalo and spicy garlic. If mouthwatering wings are not for you, they also offer salads, soups, sandwiches and more. Photo via Facebook.com/OriginalWingChamp
Copa Lounge 1133 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine Copa Lounge is a nightclub and eatery located in Over-the-Rhine. Photo via Facebook.com/COPAOTR