Take BART to these Black-owned eateries

The bright exterior of Bissap Boba is hard to miss. Photo courtesy of SFGate.

Since 1976, American presidents have designated a theme for Black History Month. This February, the theme is "African Americans and the Arts," which includes the incredible culinary influence African Americans have made in the U.S. Luckily, the Bay Area has many sensational Black-owned eateries to choose from. And while Black History Month is the perfect time to try a new one, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic Black-owned restaurants near BART to enjoy all year long. 

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San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Peaches Patties.

Peaches Patties  | Embarcadero

Looking for lunch with a view? Peaches Patties in San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building offers a taste of Jamaica on the waterfront. Founder and Executive Chef Shani Jones specializes in homemade, fresh Jamaican patties (savory pastries filled with meat and vegetarian fillings) but also offers flavorful meals, like the Jerk Chicken and Rasta Stew. Grab a bench outside and watch the ferries come and go as you savor Jamaican spices and sip freshly brewed Jamaican ginger beer from this popular Black-owned restaurant. Take BART to Embarcadero and find perfect patties 0.2 miles away at the Ferry Building (1 Ferry Building).

Photo courtesy of Voodoo Love.

Voodoo Love | Montgomery

Recently featured on "CHOPPED!" (Season 54, Episode 9), owner Eva Morris creates traditional Cajun dishes with West Coast style. Conveniently located in picturesque Belden Place, the meals at this Black-owned restaurant are savory, sustainably sourced and made with love. Take BART to Montgomery and head 0.3 miles to 56 Belden Place. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Anthony’s Cookies | 24th St Mission 

Anthony Lucas started baking on a whim while attending San Francisco State to study accounting and engineering. His tasty cookies inevitably grew in popularity, and the self-taught baker quickly evolved from a home oven to large industrial convection ovens. He currently sells thousands of cookies every week! Popular flavors include Classic Chocolate Chip, Cookies and Cream and Toffee Chip. Take BART to 24^th St Mission and find sweet treats 0.2 miles away at 1417 Valencia Street.

Photo courtesy of Z Zoul Café.

Z Zoul Café | Civic Center/UN Plaza

In Sudan, "Zoul" means “friend.” The Z Zoul Café is the perfect place to connect with old friends and new through flavorful food. Aref and Dalia Elgaali’s casual Sudanese restaurant brings a little taste of their homeland to San Francisco. Aref recreates savory dishes from family recipes, like lentil soup and seasoned fava beans, while Dalia specializes in sweet treats, like rice pudding. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza and go 0.3 miles to 295 Eddy Street.

Photo courtesy of Bissap Boabab.

Bissap Boabab | 16^th Street Mission 

One of many fantastic Black-owned restaurants near BART, this West African eatery owned by Marco Senghor from Senegal is a delight for the tastebuds as well as the ears. Live music includes Afrobeats, Reggaeton, Salsa and Zouk, to name a few. Flavorful food, like okra stew and African empanadas infused with sounds from around the world, make Bissap Boabab a fun, colorful and unique dining experience. Take BART to the 16th Street Mission Station, and Bissap Boabab is 0.3 miles away at 2243 Mission Street.

East Bay

Photo courtesy of Burdell Soul Food.

Burdell Soul Food | MacArthur 

Chef and owner Geoff Davis lovingly named Burdell after his grandmother. The soul food restaurant is centered on nostalgia, including family recipes and the forgotten impact of Black farmers, artisans and culture on cuisine and hospitality in the U.S. Expect local produce, a fun, family-style option with Braised Oxtail, and an extensive wine list. Take BART to MacArthur to find this delicious soul food 0.7 miles away at 4640 Telegraph Ave.

Photo courtesy of RÊVE Bistro.

RÊVE Bistro | Lafayette

A cozy and classic French Bistro operated by chef Paul Magu-Lecugy, RÊVE Bistro is an award-winning Black-owned restaurant near BART featuring comfort food, like steak frites, cassoulet, French onion soup and much more. There’s a beautifully landscaped heated garden patio in addition to indoor dining. Take BART to the Lafayette Station and stroll 0.5 miles to 960 Moraga Road F.

Photo courtesy of Catherin Varnell on Google Images. 

Sobre Mesa |12th St./Oakland City Center

Readers might recognize Sobre Mesa’s chef Nelson German. A Top Chef (Season 18) contestant, his Afro-Latino kitchen provides delicious seasonal cuisine, creative cocktails, up-tempo music and a lush and vibrant atmosphere. The tapas menu includes fresh ingredients and pairs well with signature cocktails. Stop by at happy hour for a taste of both. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and his delicious concoctions can be found 0.2 miles away at 1618 Franklin Street.

Photo courtesy of Kendejah Restaurant. 

Kendejah Restaurant | San Leandro

Dougie Uso opened Kendejah Restaurant to bring the tastes of Liberia to the Bay Area. Daily specials include attieke with red snapper and jollof rice, a special blend of fried rice with mixed vegetables, chicken, red and black beans and plantains. The food is savory, not spicy. For those looking for a little kick, ask for Uso’s signature hot sauce. Order food to go and dine on the veranda while relaxing and enjoying this tasty Liberian cuisine. Also, keep your eyes peeled for food trucks, sometimes found at Bay Area food festivals, Lake Merrit, or downtown Oakland. Take BART to the San Leandro Station and head 0.4 miles to 197 Pelton Center Way.

How are you celebrating Black History Month?

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