Columbus is home to an abundance of Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, food trucks and cultural spaces that fuel the city’s soul — and there’s no better time to explore them than during the vibrant summer months and the weekend of the iconic Jazz & Rib Fest on The Scioto Mile, July 18-20, 2025.
This 3-day itinerary invites you to experience the bold, dynamic, and deeply rooted flavors of Columbus' Black culinary traditions, from family-run soul food kitchens and island-inspired eateries to plant-based innovators, streetwear boutiques, neighborhood bars, and live music lounges. This isn’t just an itinerary — it’s an invitation to explore, connect, and celebrate. So come hungry, come curious, and come ready to experience the best of Black Columbus.
The Rainy Day Coffee from Bottoms Up. Source: EatPlayCbus on Instagram.
DAY 1: A Soulful Start
MORNING:
Start your day at Black Kahawa Coffee, where East African beans and culture take center stage.
AFTERNOON:
Grab lunch at Flavor 91 Bistro, known for its eco-conscious eats like grass-fed burgers and crispy fish sandwiches. If you're craving heat, swing by Ena’s Caribbean Kitchen for spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, and sweet plantains.
Need a pick-me-up? Stop by Bottoms Up Coffee where every cup helps fight infant mortality in Columbus.
EVENING:
Catch a soulful dinner at Creole Kitchen, where po’boys, gumbo, and jambalaya transport you to New Orleans. Afterward, enjoy cocktails and live music at Blu Note Jazz Café, or hit Waves Bar & Kitchen for a laid-back local crowd and great playlists.
Long Street Cultural Wall. Source: Experience Columbus.
DAY 2: Diaspora Delights
MORNING:
Ease into the day with a visit to Upper Cup Coffee in Olde Towne East, serving strong espresso, good vibes, and perfect for a relaxed morning reset. While you're in the area, check out the Long Street Cultural Wall and walk through some of Columbus' Black History. View more impactful places to visit in Columbus.
AFTERNOON:
Ready for flavor? Stop by Hoyo’s Kitchen for Somali bowls bursting with slow-roasted meats, coconut curry, and colorful sauces.
Then walk it off with some local shopping: explore Sole Classics (streetwear), Ransom Supply (plants + home goods), and Pivot Boutique (sustainable fashion), all Black-owned and full of personality.
EVENING:
Savor a plant-based twist at Can’t Believe It’s Vegan, where comfort food meets health goals — their loaded fries and Philly cheesesteak will surprise you.
Later, kick back at Saturn’s Sports Bar for good food and people.
Donna's Delicious Dozen. Source: Jasmine Lawrence for Experience Columbus.
Day 3: Brunch, Beats & Black-Owned Eats
BRUNCH:
Start your Sunday right at Drunch Eatery & Bar with shrimp & grits, chicken & waffles and mimosa flights that’ll keep the table buzzing. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from Donna’s Delicious Dozen.
AFTERNOON:
Explore the Bronzeville neighborhood or spend time at Streetlight Guild, a Black-led cultural space hosting poetry, open mics, and performances throughout the year.
Feeling hungry again? Swing by JD’s Kitchen or Lady Nays Caribbean & Soul for Sunday dinner classics, from seafood boils to gumbo to oxtail.
EVENING:
Wrap your weekend with a jam session or open mic at Savoy Club, where the music is live, the vibes are grown and the soul is strong.
CBUS Soul Tip:
Wherever you go, support Black-owned businesses by tagging them on social, leaving a review, and recommending them to your circle. Your dollars and your voice help sustain culture, community, and legacy.
BONUS: Jazz & Rib Fest (July 18-20, 2025)
If visiting in July, don’t miss Columbus’s iconic Jazz & Rib Fest.
- Enjoy live jazz along the Scioto Mile.
- Support Black-owned rib vendors, BBQ pop-ups, and local drink stands.
- Shop Black-owned vendors and celebrate Black culinary culture with every plate.
