Your Ultimate Guide to Black-Owned Businesses in Baltimore
Located at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, the beautiful Baltimore has created a character and culture all its own. Distinct from all its neighbors, once you touch down you won’t know where in the country you are. Not East Coast, not Southern, not NorthEastern, Baltimore has been able to encapsulate bits and pieces from the surrounding areas while simultaneously transcending influence, allowing Baltimore to forage a unique, attractive, and dynamic personality.
Being that Baltimore is just miles from America’s birthplace, it has rich American history. And being that it’s a critical character in the story of America, it also has incredibly deep-reaching roots that basket weave Black history and the Black experience and maintains a robust and vibrant Black American culture and social scene as well.
Take a minute for this ultimate guided tour to Black-owned Baltimore. You’ll find every type of business from every part of the African diaspora to fulfill every one of your needs and curiosities. You’ll find there’s so much more than just crab cakes in beautiful B-More!!!
(But there are still crab cakes. Don’t worry)
The first stop…
Mount Vernon
Known for its history, being home to the Washington Monument and the original copy of the Star Spangled Banner, Mount Vernon sits as the four-way intersection of artsy, historic, academic, and cool. The streets are lined with gorgeous mansions and impeccable architecture, and the avenues are filled with bookstores, museums, libraries, shops, and fantastic restaurants, allowing Mount Vernon to stay current while holding on to its classic Americana flair.
Specializing in both ready-to-wear and bespoke fashion, Different Regard is a clothing store that brings the modern man (and woman) to the next level. They’ve created a space for the Black-and-fashion-foward that is a rare and much welcomed find. What makes them special is that they provide a luxury experience with matching quality without pretense and preciousness. It’s not about trying to “look good,” but just looking good, if you can dig it.
For vintage style and sustainable fashion, Keepers Vintage is a women-owned business that blends style, aesthetic individuality, and consciousness. They have been awarded Best Vintage Baltimore, but beyond that and their many other accolades is the adoration from the community that stops in regularly for their highly, carefully curated selection of vintage goods. They believe good style and sustainability are all “a part of self love.”
For the writer or notebook lover (because that is definitely a thing), Paper Herald is the stationary store of bibliophilic fantasy. The owners spent a lot of time traveling and wanted to create a store that not only satisfies and inspires creativity and art but included unique items that bring the community into their world and bring the world to the community.
The super chic Doll House Boutique is go-to for the hip fashionista that really wants to stand out. They specialize in funky custom-made pieces and upcycled originals. They are dripping in style as well as local awards - and their outside displays always break necks for being daring, funny, and at times outrageous. Keeping the women forward, focused on, and cared for is the number one priority because “Every woman is a doll and deserves to be treated as such.” True indeed.
After all this shopping, you’re bound to work up an appetite, so stepping into Land of Kush will not only leave you filled and your taste buds in bliss, but your soul will feel less weighed down and nourished as well. Land of Kush is the premier vegan soul food experience. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s a welcoming space with a laid-back vibe that everyone loves.
To get that sweet tooth in check, Aunt Kelly’s Cookies on Antique Row is a must for a post-dinner treat or to take back to the hotel room (or finishing eating on the way there). Kelly Simmons is the owner and “Aunt Kelly” on the marquee and is true to the name because she even has her nephew help scoop the dough. She took her Southern roots and style of from-scratch baking, mixed in her childhood nostalgia of coming home to yummy cookies, and baked up something special.
Federal Hill
You might see cannons while walking through the historic Federal Hill, but don’t worry; they’re all replicas. The cannons pay homage to its vital role in the War of 1812 and represent its military importance through the country’s early history. Aside from the memorabilia, what’s attractive is getting lost in the engulfing views of downtown Baltimore and Inner Harbor and swept away by the gorgeous brick row-homes.
Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, in Federal Hill and also in Broadway Market in Fell’s Point, is an ice cream shop that is the newest idea in their tradition of community outreach. The company and ownership team began as a non-profit community engagement organization and took tragedy and turned it into purpose. They are an employee-owned company and definitely walk the walk when it comes to pouring back into the community. They get “it,” and they have “it,” and that “it” is “being successful, being a changemaker, making damn good ice cream and making people happy.”
Now nothing feels like an exercise of self-love or love for a certain special someone that chocolate dipped berries. Berries by Quicha offers a delicious selection of fresh fruit adorned with decadent chocolate, creative fillings, and delightful sprinkles. Quicha is a woman with a big smile that represents turning dreams into reality, taking small-kitchen passion and turning it into a booming business.
Donuts may be the most widely spoken love language, and Cloudy Donut Co. does not disappoint. There’s a reason they became famous on Tik Tok, delicious donuts and a tsunami of excited customer reviews and videos. But at one point, their future was almost…cloudy as well. While others closed during the pandemic, Cloudy Donut Co. used some ingenuity to remain open, and now they are the most sought out donut this side of the Potomac.
Life is stressful as time, and when you don’t want to go through a half dozen donuts, the best thing you can do is get it all out of you and onto paper through journaling. Drama MaMa Bookshop is the stationary and book-binding store that was created for just that - to be a safe space to journal and be your authentic self. Aside from a great selection of items, they also conduct workshops on journaling and allow you to bind your own journals. This shop is truly one for the soul.
“A bedroom is no longer a place to just sleep.” Phina's Fine Linens is a luxury bedding shop that offers a carefully vetted selection of bedding as well as home items and gifts to transform the bedroom into the sanctuary of peace and relaxation that it’s supposed to be.
Jewelry and accessories aren’t just meant to be visually pleasing, but they can convey a message or special significance as well. Pandora's Box Boutique nails this concept flawlessly with carefully selected, meaningful items. The owner’s vision is to “evoke a strong message of realness, humor, whimsy, and charm.” And there is no shortage of charm, wit, or style within Pandora’s Box
Charles Village
A gem in North Baltimore, Charles Village has one of the most colorfully charactered collections of architecture around. From porches to stained glass windows to different roof shapes, this eclectic variety of construction didn’t create a disunity but only further galvanized the craft and character of Charles Village, forming an even stronger sense of self and unique identity. Known for Johns Hopkins University and the Baltimore Museum of Art, it's a bountiful area of both art and academia.
Soul food doesn’t just come from the soul, it connects to the soul, and Terra Café is where the soul goes to come alive. They have approached soul food with equal parts respect, appreciation, and innovation and created a space for the community to come together and celebrate. Lovely Black art decorates the walls, brilliant Black talent visits to DJ or perform, and anytime throughout the week, it’ll feel like a mix of a revival and a reunion. “It felt like I went to a family member's backyard.”
If you’ve had too much food or donuts, a cleanse may be what the doctor orders, and Green House Juice Cafe is exactly what you need to get you right and light in a few days. In addition to tasty and healthy vegan smoothies and juices, they offer juice cleanse packages as well. They offer a beautiful balance to Black life, ensuring a Black future through healthy healing options.
Love, respect, and loyalty. These are values to live by, and these are the values that embody L.R.L Clothing. With so much darkness in the world, they’ve stepped out on faith, purpose, and meaning, hoping to offer up a change in what’s available for local fashion. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
Following in the deep tradition of local fashion brands, Ouftur has stepped out as an original, mixing clean comfortable sweatsuits with high-end streetwear aesthetics.
Charles Wright and N.W.A urged the public to express themselves, and NuLanguage created an entire brand around that ethos. Never straying from being bold and honest, their signature "Black America' cap was established during one of the many peaks of police violence, summertime of 2016. They are carrying the torch of speaking truth to power and truth through fashion.
Druid Heights
West Baltimore’s predominantly residential community, Druid Heights may owe its notoriety to being the birthplace of the iconic R&B group, Dru Hill. This neighborhood has heart and soul, classic row houses, and it isn’t far from downtown amenities.
There’s something about a bakery that provides the sense of family with a little extra sweetness. The Avenue Bakery not only offers delicious confections, but they stand with purpose and actively work to improve the community. Named after Pennsylvania Avenue, “The Avenue” (its nickname) was considered Baltimore’s thriving African American community for decades. They take the responsibility and weight of that name and use it to propel them and their community forward.
Everyone wins when God blesses communities with anchoring landmarks like Everyone's Place African Cultural Center. The owner, Olakekan Kamau-Nataki, has been in this store surrounded by books and culture since she was in diapers when her parents owned the store, and the fact that she is now in charge is something out of the storybooks.
Harbor East
Connecting the chic and cool with historic and cultured, Harbor East is an affluent, dynamic mixed-use area that gives you front row seats to the scenic waterfront while still being close enough to enjoy the bustling downtown. There’s a little something for every mood - the Civil War museum, trendy bars, fusion restaurants, and wonderful shops.
Who doesn’t love a great brunch? And who doesn’t want a great brunch every day? Teavolve has quickly risen as the go-to cafe for an incredible brunch menu, refreshing drinks, and a wide assortment of coffee, boba, and loose leaf tea. What’s most important is the environment - the space where the crowd is incredibly diverse and everyone is included, welcomed, and feels like they belong.
For a memorable and highly Instagrammable night on the town, Blk Swan is the move. Blk Swan is a New American restaurant boldly stepping into the new and barely chartered territory of "Urban Elevated" - a new dining concept that melds innovative takes on American food and soul food with the vibrance of a club all while maintaining professional hospitality with a refined overall experience. It’s grown, fun, and delicious.
Locust Point
A quiet neighborhood in South Baltimore, Locust Point is the center of Baltimore’s immigrant and industrial history and also the birthplace of our National Anthem at Fort McHenry Park. As the area continues to grow with time, you’ll find some of the oldest homes along with some of the newest developments.
Taking a twist on the classic summertime treat, shaved ice, Ice Queens (Black and women-owned) delivers nothing but crowd favorites with their signature snowballs. Truly invested in creating a sense of community, they hold neighborhood events, such as inviting Princess Tiana to hang out with the kids, and they are always available for a selfie for the ‘gram.
Probably the best place for a sip ‘n paint, Serenity Wine Bar is the city’s only self-serve wine bar. In addition to a fantastic selection of wine, they also offer other food items along with a fan-favorite brick oven pizza. The wine industry has always been known to be rife with barriers, but it’s clear that a little Serenity will go a long way.
Downtown
Baltimore’s central business district, Downtown, is the hub for business, professionals, and restaurants that cater to the quick pace of the business lifestyle. So, lunchtime is the busiest and most congested period of the day. Not a ghost town after 5 pm, recently there has been a rise in luxury downtown apartments, ushering in a new generation of young professionals that like to play in the same areas they work.
Healthy…ice cream…yes, absolutely! Cajou Creamery has taken the number one guilty pleasure and made it good for you. Their ice cream is handmade, dairy-free, plant-based, made with superfoods, AND they are mission-driven. They are Black-owned and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as worker-owner cooperatives. Not so much guilt anymore.
There’s nothing like a classic, and Next Phaze Café dishes out just that - classic, authentic soul food. It may put you to sleep, but you’ll definitely have a smile on your face. They promise bold flavors that “pop,” in a great environment, with terrific service.
Baltimore’s history, culture, and contribution to the greater American tapestry cannot go overlooked. The heavy focus on crab and seafood sometimes keeps the world focused around the water, but take a few steps on land and find a never-ending treasure chest of food, art, culture, politics, social engagement, craft, love, and community.