Cierra Lemott 
Home-cooked meals are great, but sometimes you want to switch things up and eat something you usually don’t. Eating at the same restaurants over and over gets boring. I often find myself feeling like I’m running out of spots to visit. If you’ve ever felt the same, I’m here to help. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone: curing your hunger and supporting a Black-owned business.
*Harold’s Chicken Shack
If you’re from Chicago, I shouldn’t even have to tell you about Harold’s. It’s hands down some of the best chicken in the city and the mild sauce makes it even better. They sell everything from chicken to pizza puffs to catfish and it all hits different.
Menu: https://menupages.com/harolds-chicken/1208-e-53rd-st-chicago
*Home of the Hoagy
This is probably my favorite restaurant ever. My mom put me on because she discovered it when she was in high school. It still tastes the exact same as the first time I went when I was a kid. Honestly, I think this is one of the only places that can give Harold’s a run for their money when it comes to their sauce. If you go here, I recommend getting a steak sandwich and fries with sauce.
Menu: https://zmenu.com/home-of-the-hoagy-and-the-famous-steak-sandwich-chicago-online-menu/
*Dock’s
Another hit that my mom put me on to. If you’ve ever been to Dock’s, you’ve probably had the Fishwish sandwich and a Dockberry shake. If you haven’t, you definitely should. Your tastebuds will thank me. They offer more than that though. Shrimp, chicken, catfish, fries, and sandwiches are just a handful of items on their menu.
Menu: https://postmates.com/merchant/docks-chicago/menu
*Dat Donut
Chain donut restaurants are cool and all, but if you want a donut that’ll make your tastebuds smile, you should definitely get some Dat Donut. They don’t just sell donuts either. They have cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, muffins and sandwiches too.
Menu: https://www.datdonut.com/menu
*Lem’s Bar-B-Q
BBQ is good all year, but sometimes you don’t wanna make it yourself. If that’s the case, you should hit up this restaurant. Everytime I go pass, the line is wrapped around the building. People won’t wait in long lines like that for food that isn’t top tier.
Menu: http://lemsque.com/menu/
*Brown Sugar Bakery
Craving something sweet? If you go here, you’ll definitely leave satisfied. Pies, cakes, cupcakes, brownies, puddings, and more are what you can look forward to. (Aside from what they offer, isn’t the name super cute?)
Menu: https://www.brownsugarbakerychicago.com/menu
*Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
If you want some good eats but want it to be vegan or vegetarian, Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is the place to go. The name isn’t a joke either. With their vast menu, you really wouldn’t believe that their dishes don’t contain any meat.
Menu: https://cantbelieveitsnotmeat.com/menu/
Stay tuned for part two where I put you on to some more good eats. Make sure you go support a Black business today.
By Cierra Lemott, Freshman, Columbia College Chicago
Instagram & Snapchat: @cece.kodak
