By Aidan Taylor By Aidan Taylor | June 15, 2022 | Culture Lifestyle Feature
Juneteenth is a federal holiday taking place on June 19th celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African American citizens in the U.S. It has been celebrated in different communities across the country for years and was finally recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden.
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New York City has been a hub for African American culture since its inception, so what better way to celebrate than to get out into the community and support the local Black-owned businesses and restaurants that are flourishing today. From an iconic Harlem seafood restaurant to a Caribbean dining experience in Brooklyn to a Parisian-style clothing boutique in NoMad, this list will inspire some ideas on ways to celebrate this momentous holiday and support local Black communities.
328 Malcolm X Blvd. / Website
Founded by Sylvia Woods in 1962, this iconic Harlem landmark restaurant has been dishing out flavorful soul food for over 55 years. From barbeque ribs and candied yams to fried catfish and collard greens, there’s something at this popular uptown gem for everyone in an environment that feels like home.
275 Church St. / Website
Named after filé, the key ingredient in gumbo made of sassafras leaves, this gumbo bar brings the tasty cajun dish from Louisiana to Tribeca. Inspired by the owner's grandfather’s love of seafood and spice, this establishment’s signature dish is customizable gumbo cooked in steam kettles right in front of guests. They also have other classic creole bites like crawfish bread, collard greens and black-eyed pea salad, making for a New Orleans culinary adventure in the middle of Manhattan.
41 Carmine St. / Website
Located in the heart of the West Village, this 100% vegan comfort food restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a tasty brunch or mouthwatering dinner. With menu items like chick-un and waffles, mac and cheese and Korean BBQ wings, this black-owned restaurant is a must-try. Plus, with live music and events on the lower level, you can enjoy an array of performances while sipping on great drinks and munching on fantastic food.
65 Kent Ave. / Website
This Caribbean restaurant in Brooklyn offers an immersive dining experience with great food, unique drinks and a vibrant design filled with rich colors and bright artwork. The restaurant features classic Caribbean dishes with a modern twist. With drinks like the Plantini, a blend of Bacardi and plantain purée, and dishes like the red pepper jerk chicken, this popular spot has something new to try for everyone.
271 W 119th St. / Website
An elevated dining experience in the heart of Harlem, B Squared has everything from fantastic cocktails to delicious seafood. Standout items include the “Indira Sandia” with gin, Aperol, St. Germaine, tonic and watermelon as well as the squid ink lobster tagliatelle. Enjoy all of these and more in the warm and inviting speakeasy-like environment.
95 Orchard St. / Website
Black and female-owned, this oat milk soft serve spot is the place to be. You can design your own soft serve choosing from an array of bases, sauces and coatings or choose from their pre-designed treats like the strawberry shortcake, a sweet cream base with a strawberry crumble and strawberry sauce coating for a delicious and Instagrammable dessert.
Various Locations / Website
Their motto is “Paint like Picasso. Drink like Van Gogh” and that just about sums up this super fun painting experience with a twist. With locations in Harlem and the Lower East Side, guests are able to take painting classes while indulging in an open bar full of artist-inspired cocktails like the Mona Lisa margarita and the Basquiat ice tea. Perfect for a small get-together with friends, a birthday party or even a date night, this spot is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
7 W 25th St. / Website
Inspired by Parisian boutiques, this NoMad clothing store offers chic designs with clothes for all styles. Founded by Deborah Koenigsberger, a model and stylist, this store oozes chic French design and timelessness. The clothes range from elegant pieces to trendy items all while staying true to French sophistication and class.
564 Woodward Ave. / Website
The worlds of furniture, interior design and contemporary culture all intersect at this design store. Founded in 2017 by Ed Be and Jared Blake, the duo has transformed their small curated furniture shop into a warehouse full of their own designs and designs from their extended team and beyond. The contemporary pieces blend modern touches while still paying homage to the past.
200 Eastern Pkwy / Website
The Brooklyn Museum is hosting a wide array of Juneteenth events this year to celebrate the holiday. Beginning with Good Company Bike Club’s Freedom Ride, a biking trip with stops and landmarks for the black community, the rest of the day features dance performances, poetry readings and more to celebrate the day.
Photography by: Udayaditya Barua/Unsplash
