Explore Black-Owned Establishments and Black-Out Your Visit to Downtown Cincinnati!
Explore Downtown Cincinnati’s diverse Black-owned businesses, where history and innovation thrive. Visiting these establishments supports local Cincinnati Black entrepreneurs and fosters community growth. Discover Black-owned restaurants, eateries, nightclubs, and more in what locals refer to as Downtown, including Over-the-Rhine and the West End.
This article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Black-Owned Restaurants in Downtown Cincinnati
Memories Lounge
35 E 7th Street, Cincinnati, 45202 (Downtown)
513-500-6038
Facebook Reviews
Make a reservation
Memories Lounge offers a fresh dining space for Southern comfort meals with a creative culinary flair. The venue has a lively yet intimate setting that makes the space ideal for birthday celebrations, private events, and weekend nightlife. Live DJs, themed nights, and special events contribute to an ever-evolving entertainment calendar that keeps the venue fresh and engaging for returning guests.
Nolia Kitchen
1405 Clay Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-384-3597
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Make a reservation
Nolia Kitchen offers a chic and contemporary dining experience focusing on Southern cuisine. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere creates a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Chef and owner Jeffery Harris is a New Orleans native who prepares cuisine with sophistication and flair. The menu is full of comfort food favorites, from fried chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits.
Ollie’s Trolley
1607 Central Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214 (West End)
513-381-6100
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Order with Doordash, UberEats, Postmates, GrubHub
Ollie’s Trolley features a casual, counter-service style rather than traditional table service. The eatery’s renowned burgers and bbq have won the restaurant a devoted following. Restaurant goers can experience an unparalleled explosion of delectable flavors when visiting.
Pata Roja Taqueria
52 E Court Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-547-8226
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Right across the street from Zeigler Park, Pata Roja Taqueria provides high-quality, Mexico-City-style street food, including tacos al pastor, steak, baked fish, and birria. The taqueria has a bar serving various Mexican-inspired drinks, including margaritas, tequila, mezcal, and a selection of Mexican beers. The bar area is lively and inviting and a great spot to enjoy a drink while waiting for a table or complementing a meal.
Soul Secrets
1434 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-721-7685
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Order online
Make a reservation
Soul Secrets serves traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken, smoked sausage, collard greens, and mac and cheese. The menu also includes a variety of seafood dishes, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant features a bar area serving various beverages, including Southern-inspired cocktails, wines, and local beers. Outdoor seating and exceptional table service are offered.
Black-Owned Dessert and Coffee Shops
BlaCk Coffee Lounge
824 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-802-5228
Google reviews | Yelp reviews
Order online
BlaCk Coffee Lounge’s menu boasts various espressos, pastries, and home-brewed coffees, like the ‘Wakanda’ blend. Cold-pressed juices and light bites for breakfast or lunch are also available. The ambiance is modern and stylish, featuring contemporary decor with artistic elements that create a cozy yet dynamic environment. The lounge has a welcoming vibe, making it a popular spot for socializing, studying, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Makers Bakers
1801 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-807-9748
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Order online
The eatery specializes in artisan crackers, cheesecakes, custom cakes, cookies, and street food. Makers Bakers take pride in creating handmade products with delicate flavor and craftsmanship, using quality goods and locally produced ingredients. Makers Bakers has a modern, artisanal vibe focusing on craftsmanship and quality. The bright and airy interior features an open-concept design that allows customers to see the baking process of the chefs.
Sugar
6 W. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-884-0787
Google Reviews | Yelp Reviews
Order online
Sugar offers gourmet desserts such as freshly baked cookies, cakes, dessert jars, and more. Each dessert item is handcrafted in small batches using high-quality handcrafted sugar. The restaurant also offers unique surprise items such as jumbo cinnamon rolls, cake jars, mini pies, and jumbo pastry pockets. The restaurant provides various seating options, including cozy booths, intimate tables for two, and larger communal tables for groups.
Related Article: Must-Try Black-Owned Eateries in Downtown Cincinnati
Black-Owned Clothing, Jewelry, and Apparel Stores
BlaCK OWned Outerwear
822 Elm Street (OTR)
513-407-3496
Offers tracksuits, jackets, tees, shorts, pants, hoodies, coats, vests, hats, pullovers, and more for men, women, and children. The brand often partners with community organizations such as Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati Reds to support initiatives and events that promote cultural awareness and community development. These partnerships help to reinforce the commitment to community involvement.
Jolie Bouscule Clothing Boutique
1243 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
The Clothing and accessory boutique offers a range of styles, from casual lifestyle pieces to elegant evening wear. This includes pants, shirts, jackets, skirts, jewelry, and more. The one-of-a-kind pieces are sleek, versatile, and beautiful, available at a storefront in OTR.
Junebug Jewelry Designs
1327 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-568-8408
The accessory boutique sells natural stone necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, handcrafted mixed metal, Argentium silver, and co-handcrafted Jewelry Designs. It has carved out a niche in the jewelry market by focusing on unique designs and building solid, handcrafted customers. The one-of-a-kind and limited-edition designs are bold and beautiful, available at a storefront in OTR and online.
Pink Rich Charm Bar
1411 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-203-3737
This custom jewelry and accessory storefront is in a trendy boutique setting. The store offers a fun, interactive experience for designing personalized charm bracelets and necklaces with hundreds of unique charms. Whether seeking a meaningful gift, a statement piece, or a creative outlet, Pink Rich offers a way to express personal style through every custom creation.
Black-Owned Beauty and Hair
Skin Haven Aesthetics
1412 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-837-1116
Owned by Nijah Williams, Skin Haven offers skincare treatments such as deep pore cleansing, facials, and more. The clinic provides customizable spa day packages, such as facials, massages, body treatments, and more to meet client needs. The spa offers a tranquil and soothing environment with ambient lighting, calming music, and comfortable treatment rooms. Clients can unwind and enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation.
The Lash Experience by Marie
1243 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-259-5129
Various lash services include volume sets, introduction sets, repair sets, refills, removals, and hybrid sets. Whether for a corporate event, casual style, or self-care, the OTR eyelash extension parlor provides various lash services. All lash technicians at The Lash Experience by Marie are licensed professionals with specialized training in eyelash extensions and related services.
Related Article: Cincinnati natural hair salons can give you the look you want!
Black-Owned Furniture and Interior Design Stores
Galerie on 12th
522 East 12th Street, 1st Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-834-8833
A boutique furniture and appliance store offering modern and luxury home pieces like furnishings, health equipment, entertainment merchandise, and decor at an affordable cost. Galerie on 12th has drawn buyers nationwide with excellent prices, a gorgeous showroom, and over-the-top caring and accommodating staff. The furniture boutique is by appointment only. Call today to make an appointment!
Switch Lighting & Design
126 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-721-8100
A modern lighting, furniture, and design emporium in Cincinnati’s West Fourth Street Historic District. Switch is a retailer of the finest in modern commercial and residential lighting and a full-service design shop for commercial and residential developments in Cincinnati. The store offers a carefully curated selection of lighting fixtures, including chandeliers, pendant lights, sconces, floor lamps, and more. Designs are featured by renowned brands and artisans, ensuring that customers have access to the latest trends and highest quality products.
Black-Owned Nightclubs and Lounges
Cinema OTR
1517 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-818-5058
Cinema OTR is a journey through time. Dedicated to celebrating the best of ’90s R&B, Hip-Hop, and classic Black films, the Black social venue sets the stage for an unforgettable Friday and Saturday night experience. The bar is known for the well-crafted cocktails that appeal to diverse tastes. Cinema occasionally features live bands, and the food menu pairs well with the drink menu. Step in, relax, and enjoy the nostalgia while exploring Cincinnati’s nightlife.
LoVe on Fourth Nightclub
138 W 4th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (Downtown)
513-818-5058
A vibrant downtown Cincinnati nightclub offers an upscale and chic atmosphere. The club is known for its energetic vibe, emphasizing high-quality music, stylish decor, and exceptional service. VIP experiences and bottle services are available, ensuring guests have a memorable night. The venue also hosts private events and themed nights, catering to a diverse crowd. The Owner, Rico Grant, has other notable establishments in the area, such as Cinema OTR.
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge
1432 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
513-381-1300
In the heart of OTR, Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge offers an intimate setting with live jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul music. Catch the right vibes during Thursday nights or R&B Happy Hour and unwind during the week. The lounge boasts an impressive wine list featuring a variety of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from renowned vineyards worldwide. The food menu complements the drink offerings, featuring a selection of gourmet small plates and appetizers.
Black-Owned Yoga, Massage, and Wellness Experiences
Zencinnati
1307 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
[email protected]
A holistic wellness studio designed to provide accessible self-care experiences for the Cincinnati community. The mission is to cultivate a space where individuals can explore mindfulness, relaxation, and holistic healing by offering various wellness services, including yoga, meditation, sound baths, and massage.
Black-Owned Entertainment, Activity, and Workspace Venues
Kiwavi HQ
1805 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
470-344-3889
A multilevel, multipurpose meeting space dedicated to giving People of Color a place to get creative work done and hang out. Located in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district, Kiwavi HQ serves as a “third place,” offering more than co-working or event space by fostering growth and connection in a welcoming environment.
We Outside Outdoor Adventures
207 Woodward Street, Floor 1, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (OTR)
[email protected]
outdoor adventure company focusing on reconnecting historically underrepresented communities to nature through culturally relevant outdoor events, wellness experiences, and bold storytelling. The brand blends culture, health, community, and adventure to redefine being outdoorsy.
Related Article: Girls’ Day Activities for African American Women in Cincinnati
Supporting Downtown, OTR, and West End Black-owned businesses enriches Cincinnati’s community and culture. Each visit contributes to the success of local entrepreneurs and fosters a more robust, more inclusive economy. Embrace the opportunity to discover new favorites and connect with inspiring individuals who make a difference in the city.
Every purchase helps build a more vibrant and diverse community. Start exploring Downtown Cincinnati, OTR, and the West End today, and be part of the positive change.
All restaurants are subject to an Ohio health inspection. Health inspections are periodic check-ins to ensure restaurants are running safely and clean for guests. Food safety certifications are given to restaurants that meet the current food safety standards. Ohio public health records can be requested at any time.
The businesses featured in this article are listed in The Voice of Black Cincinnati’s database and meet all submission criteria. Business owners interested in being considered for this or future articles must submit to the database. The Voice of Black Cincinnati is excited to highlight more Black-owned businesses.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Images provided by Adobe Stock.
