8 Black-Owned Restaurants You Should Try Today
Feed your body and soul at these Bergen County eateries during Black History Month.
Food brings people together, which is one of the main reasons why celebrations big and small usually include a favorite meal. Surely, we’ve all snacked or feasted at family reunions, holiday get-togethers and summer cookouts—and many will do it this weekend while watching the big game at home or at a sports bar.
As we commemorate Black History Month in Bergen throughout February, celebrate the contributions of the Black community and get a great taste of the culture through food. Our county is home to many Black-owned restaurants that specialize in great cuisine; we’re talking seafood, soul food and more.
Below are eight of our favorites that you should try this month and throughout the year. Your tummies will thank you!
Buffalo’s Chicken, Wood-Ridge. This eatery serves everything from shrimp and fish to burgers and chicken.
*261 Hackensack St., 201.728.4717
Cafe Metro, Teaneck. This eatery has one goal: to make every customer leave with a smile. Inspired by the culinary expertise of a family member, Cafe Metro aims to share Caribbean American cuisine with their community. Some of their specials include oxtail, curry chicken and ducana.
166 W. Englewood Ave., Teaneck, 201.530.7500
CZEN Restaurant, Englewood. Craving the taste of modern Caribbean fare and Asian flavors? Enjoy both at this inventive eatery, which features selections like “Reggae Ribeye” and “Thailand Escovitch Fish.”
36 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, 201.431.9199
Golden Krust, Teaneck. This Caribbean restaurant was founded in 1989 by Lowell F. Hawthorne, an immigrant who wanted to achieve economic stability for his family. Today, it’s one of the nation’s largest Caribbean franchise chains. In addition to their restaurants, which offer flavorful Jamaican dishes, retail products are also available at many Golden Krust grocery stores.
1245 Teaneck Road Unit B, Teaneck, 201.862.1111
The Good Neighbor Juice Bar, Englewood. This family-run business offers cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shakes and bowls made from organic ingredients sourced from local sustainable farms. Beyond encouraging healthy dietary practices, the juice bar donates 10 percent of their gross earnings toward community development initiatives that benefit children from low-income homes in Englewood.
*18A S. Dean St., Englewood, 201.608.5333
Jerk’d, Hackensack. Specializing in Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and goat curry, the fast-order restaurant has been a favorite among locals and employees at nearby Hackensack University Medical Center.
*363 Essex St., Hackensack, 973.826.9232
Maggie’s Southern Kitchen, Teaneck. Make this popular eatery your go-to if you’re looking for classics like barbecue ribs, baked turkey dinners, meatloaf and more. P.S.: Don’t forget desserts—the cobblers are divine!
*1368 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201.883.5993
Paula’s Soulfood Café, Hackensack. This fast-casual restaurant offers comforting chicken, beef, seafood and vegetarian meals. Many items can either be steamed or fried, so the food is good for the soul and heart!
*331 Main St., Hackensack, 201.880.6888.
What are your favorite Black-owned restaurants? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
