Durham's Black-Owned Businesses

What you may not have read in your school textbooks was the thrilling historical narrative of Durham's unapologetic position as successful urban epicenter at the turn of the century. Thriving among the likes of Tulsa, OK and Richmond, VA, Durham's tireless communities of color bolstered the construction of early Durham. Black-owned brick and Black-owned banks rose despite the searing systemic wounds of Jim Crow America.

Today, Durhamites of color are reclaiming history with present-day business ventures. Our community has responded, helping us source Black-owned businesses in Durham to offer support to, now and every single day to come.

Black Wall Street was a hub of Black-owned businesses in the early 1900s and
Durhamites are reclaiming history with present-day ventures. With 200 Black-owned businesses in Durham, it’s possible to seamlessly plan a fun and authentic 48-hour trip focused on supporting Black excellence. Plan your trip based on our guide to things to do, places to eat and drink, and where to stay while you're here, all supporting Black-owned restaurants, shops, inns and more. For a more comprehensive list of businesses, refer to our directory of Black-owned businesses.

Breakfast, Brunch and Cafés

Start your stay on a high note with a caffeinated beverage at Rod Lawson's Narrative Coffee Company. Now that you're awake and working up an appetite, get yourself some delectable chicken and waffles at the always-bustling Dame's Chicken and Waffles in East Durham. For a Creole-inspired breakfast experience, head to Nzinga’s Kitchen in Hayti. Your mouth will water over its Creole shrimp & grits, croissants and Po’ Boys. Sit down for brunch at Flavor Hills downtown if you're interested in modern Southern comfort food with a Caribbean twist. Indulge in their catfish and grits or chicken bliss stack, or keep things light with the honey jerk chicken Caesar salad.

Lunch Spots

Head over to the Rockwood neighborhood where you’ll find the freshest fish you’ve ever tasted at Saltbox Seafood Joint. Say hi to Chef Ricky Moore, 2022 James Beard winner for Best Chef in the Southeast, and save room for dessert from Black-owned Durham bakery Chez Moi, known for their Brown Sugar Vanilla Rum Cake, which you can order online or find at various retail spots across the Bull City.

If seafood isn’t your thing, you’ll love Boricua Soul’s take on Puerto Rican food with a Southern twist at the American Tobacco Campus. The historic and nationally acclaimed Chicken Hut has served and supported the Durham community with its famously crisp fried chicken and soul food for over 60 years.

Check out East Durham’s South Driver Street, where you can shop through Black-owned businesses like Little Homestead Farm. Make sure to grab some sweets at East Durham Sweet Shoppe before heading to Proximity Brewing Company down the block for a beer.

Dinner and Drinks

Dinner at Lula & Sadie’s in the Lakewood neighborhood is a journey through Chef Harry Monds’ grandmothers’ Southern soul food recipes. Score a seat on the rooftop for a fun evening. Goorsha serves authentic Ethiopian food in the Brightleaf District. Take a group and order a combo platter or two for a festive evening. Ekhaya is a beautiful, intimate spot in American Tobacco Campus from chef and restauranteur couple Zweli and Leonardo Williams. Enjoy Bantu tapas and cocktails influenced by Zweli’s upbringing in Zimbabwe and East Africa.

If you're looking to catch the big game while enjoying a good meal, make your way to the Tipsy Bull at Golden Belt. The Pickleback 2 is also a great place to catch the game and enjoy a plate of wings while you sip on a drink. Stick around after the game at The Pickleback and party down until late with your friends. Book a tasting at HERitage Wine, where founder Ashley Rawlinson has created an inclusive space for people of color to feel welcome in wine spaces. For an intimate bar with hand crafted cocktails sounds up your alley, step through the doors at Primrose Bar and Lounge.

Sweets and Snacks

If you’ve saved room for dessert, try ooey gooey cookies from Ashleigh Bakes Daily downtown or take home gourmet treats from East Durham Sweet Shoppe.

History and Art

Take in history and be entertained with Whistle Stop Tours, where Aya Shabu incorporates the African dance and performance she learned under Baba Chuck Davis into her historic walking tours of the historic Hayti and West End neighborhoods. Meet at the Hayti Heritage Center to begin a tour, and be sure to check out the Lyda Moore Merrick gallery inside. Check their schedule ahead of time to see if your visit lines up with a special event. 2026 marks a new era for the center, and with it comes a new inaugural season of programming that will bring in performers, speakers and thinkers like Brandee Younger, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Amaryn Olmeda. Those looking for a classic art museum experience won't want to miss the NCCU Art Museum. The permanent collection highlights the works of Black artists like Richmond Barthe, Romare Bearden and Elizabeth Catlett and their exhibition schedule offers a wide variety of engaging pieces from artists both near and far.

Stay

Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast is among less than 2% of inns in the U.S. that are Black-owned. Monica and Daniel Edwards’ passion for Southern hospitality makes a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the century-old mansion that makes it feel like home.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Head downtown for a little shopping at Exotique, a boutique filled with authentic, fair-trade artwork, textiles and personal care items from the owners’ travels through Africa and beyond. Stand out with a handmade bow tie or necktie from Jada’s Men’s Accessories, located in the Lakewood District.

Head over to the Lakewood shopping center where you’ll find Bright Black., a studio and candle showroom celebrating Black greatness. For FOMO-worthy Bull City souvenirs, check out Bull City Apparel for limited-edition streetwear that will show your Durham pride.