According to a study from LendingTree, Atlanta is home to the most Black-owned businesses in the U.S. With more than 10,000 Black-owned businesses to support around metro Atlanta, here are just 16 establishments to check out, ranging from a sober cocktail bar and plant nursery to activewear brands and award-winning restaurants.
*=woman owned
#=LGBTQ+ owned
For a refreshing beverage
The Sober Social (*) – the first and only completely “dry” bar in Atlanta – offers a zero-proof twist on nightlife in Castleberry Hill with carefully crafted non-alcoholic cocktails, drinks infused with CBD, and energizing herbal tea blends. Over at My Coffee Shop in East Lake, the menu mostly consists of coffee and breakfast food, but the popular basil lemonade is truly worth a visit. If you’re into wine, make a beeline to 3 Parks Wine Shop (*) in Glenwood Park or the Old Fourth Ward. Owner Sarah Pierre and her team will be happy to guide your selections and introduce you to new wines through wine flights and tasting events.
For a taste of the South
If you live in Atlanta, you probably already know all about Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours (*#) on Huff Road in Blandtown. The Michelin-recognized restaurant, owned by Chef Deborah VanTrece, is a beloved spot for modern and global takes on soul food dishes like Southern marinated fried chicken, hoisin glazed oxtails, and confit jerk duck. Check out weekend brunch here, too. For a taste of Gullah Geechee cuisine, visit Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar (#) nearby on Marietta Street. Try the okra gumbo, the Afta Church Plate, or the Smotha’d Poke Chops.
For a sweet treat
With locations in Home Park and North Druid Hills, Sublime Doughnuts is an Atlanta favorite, offering doughnut flavors like strawberries and cream, A-Town Mocha, and Butterfinger. Both locations are open 24 hours. The North Druid Hills location is also kosher-certified.
If you’re looking for a classic and nostalgic reminder of home, head to Auntie Kim’s Poundcakes (*) in Cumming for a slice of classic pound cake made fresh daily. The shop includes gluten-free options and will eventually feature vegan choices. Auntie Kim’s ships nationwide.
For an upscale, international dessert experience with a Southern twist, check out ChéRené Macarons and More (*) for macarons and other French patisserie desserts. Gift boxes and catering are available.
For something to read
44th and 3rd Bookseller (*) is a family-owned, multi-cultural, independent bookstore in West End. Along with curating books from Black authors, 44th and 3rd hosts poetry nights, book club events, and lectures on Black issues. For rare and classic books by Black authors, stop by For Keeps Books (*) in downtown Atlanta, open Thursdays through Sundays. Over in Stone Mountain Village, check out The Vibrary (*) wine bar and book shop. Purchase books by Black and brown authors, then relax with a glass of wine and a charcuterie board while reading.
For a closet refresh
Anwuli Eyewear (*) is an eyewear brand created and designed intentionally with Black and African facial features in mind by optometrist Dr. Nwamaka Ngoddy. Whether you need prescription lenses, stylish sunglasses, or some frames for fashionable fun, Anwuli has a diverse array of colorful and unique styles to choose from. Atlanta includes 12 locations throughout the metro area.
To add some fun to your workout routine, grab a colorful and patterned fitness set from Vertical Activewear (*). Not only is the brand a Black woman-owned activewear company, but it’s also a sustainability-focused manufacturer for other activewear brands in Atlanta.
Souk Bō’hēmian (*#) is a “bazaar for bohémes” where culture meets curation. Wander into the shop at Ponce City Market for high-quality clothing, accessories, fragrance, and other beautiful home goods.
To connect with nature
The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm works to provide everyone access to affordable, high-quality produce, offer gardening and agricultural training to families to enable them to feed themselves, and create future generations of urban agriculturalists. The farm is currently harvesting herbs, broccoli, kale, turnip greens, turnip roots, and collards. To purchase, contact the farm and schedule a visit at 404-788-2434 or email at info@themetroatlantaurbanfarm.org.
Owned by Quianah Upton, Nourish Botanica (*) is a shop and community garden encouraging connection through plants, flowers, and wellness. Nourish Botanica is moving from its Joyland location, but you can still purchase fresh and dried flower arrangements from their website at nourishbotanica.cafe.
For a directory of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta, visit blacklanta.org.