June 14, 2025| 7 min. read : today, while sipping my iced coffee downtown…
Y’all. Let me be real for a minute.
Sometimes I walk through downtown Phoenix and have to pause like: Damn, we really out here. But what’s crazy is — a lot of folks don’t even realize how many Black-owned businesses are tucked into these blocks. I’ve lived here long enough to watch some of these businesses pop up, thrive, and become real staples in the city. And I’ll be honest — even I still discover new ones sometimes. It’s like little hidden gems you don’t always catch unless somebody puts you on.
So that’s what I’m here for. Consider this one of those “let me put you on real quick” kind of posts. This ain’t just about food (even though we got plenty of that). This is about wellness, fitness, art, fashion, culture — all of it. And the best part? It’s all Black-owned, right here, sitting in the middle of Phoenix — but folks keep saying there’s “no real Black scene” out here.
So whether you’re new to Phoenix, visiting, or born and raised but never really explored downtown like that — this guide is for you. These businesses are quietly building culture, creating safe spaces, and reminding us that Black entrepreneurship is alive and well, even in the desert.
Alright. Let’s get into it. I broke it down so you can find exactly what you need — whether you’re trying to eat, shop, get your hair done, catch a vibe, or get that body right. Bookmark this. Screenshot it. Share it. Let’s support our people.
Food & Drink
Monroe’s Hot Chicken — 45 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Downtown’s go-to for Nashville hot chicken, but with its own Arizona twist. Black-owned and full of flavor — crispy, spicy, and always worth the line. Try the Monroe’s OG with extra heat if you’re feeling bold.
Midwest Wings XL — 201 E Washington St #109, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Wings how they’re supposed to be done — juicy, sauced right, and cooked to perfection. A solid pre-game or lunch spot if you work downtown.
Big Bacon’s — 719 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Comfort food, big portions, and those bacon-loaded dishes that hit every single time. Brunch dates or cheat days — this is the spot.
The Grind by Chic Chef — 45 W Jefferson St suite J, Phoenix, AZ 85003
More than just coffee — The Grind brings a whole vibe with Black-owned energy behind every latte and pastry. Quick pick-me-up or casual meet-up spot.
Dough Boy Pizza Co. — 455 N 3rd St Suite #1210, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Downtown’s Black-owned pizza plug. Thin crust, loaded toppings, and slices that never miss.
ATL Wings — 330 E Roosevelt St Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Black-owned and known for their crazy sauce options — from “ATL Style” to “Honey Habanero” to “Red Hot Ranch.” Perfect for takeout, catering, or just crushing a dozen on your lunch break.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe — 808 E Jefferson St
A Phoenix institution since 1964. Family-owned, Black excellence, and soul food that tastes like Sunday dinner every day of the week.
LATHA Restaurant & Bar™ — 628 E Adams St
Upscale dining with global flavors and a sleek atmosphere. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you just want to treat yourself.
Chilte — 765 Grand Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Creative modern Mexican with a chef-driven edge. Black-owned and always pushing culinary boundaries.
Lounges, Bars & Events
Tap That Downtown — 909 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Self-pour beer and wine bar where you pay by the ounce and try a little (or a lot) of everything. Chill vibes and perfect for group hangs.
Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge — 50 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
Your Black-owned sports bar option downtown. Games on all the screens, good food, stiff drinks, and solid energy every night.
SpinRoom PHX (Speakeasy inside Stadium Sports Lounge)
A hidden speakeasy right inside Stadium. Intimate lighting, craft cocktails, and a grown & sexy vibe — perfect for when you want something a little more low-key and exclusive.
Events
Vegan Social — 918 N 2nd St Phoenix, AZ 85004 A plant-based marketplace that hosts monthly pop-up events highlighting vegan Black-owned vendors, music, and culture. Always a vibe.
ACRES Community Creators Marketplace — 610 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix
A hub for small businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs — with rotating events, pop-ups, and networking opportunities for the community.
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Yoga Hause — 200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
A wellness sanctuary right in the middle of downtown where you can tap into yoga, mindfulness, and community care. Black-owned space to help you breathe and realign.
UR Tangled Truth — 200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Specializing in natural hair care — locs, braids, and protective styles. Your crown is safe here.
Track Club Fitness — 915 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Not your average gym — this place blends high energy, music, and fitness with a social twist. Black-owned and full of good energy.
Weight Room — 620 W Adams St Phoenix, AZ 85003
Focused on strength training, personal coaching, and building community through fitness. Trainers here know how to motivate and push you right.
University of Speed, Agility, Quickness (S.A.Q.) — 620 W Adams St Phoenix,
Specialized sports training for athletes and youth looking to develop their skills and athleticism. Black-owned performance training right downtown.
3Eighteen Training — 200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Private training sessions catered to your goals — whether it’s weight loss, toning, or performance.
Art, Photography & Creative Studios
Blok Photo Studio — 1002 E Pierce St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Perfect for photographers, content creators, and brands. Clean, professional studio space with a variety of backdrops and lighting setups.
Bake Media Productions — 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
A creative media agency offering video, photography, and full content production services — Black-owned storytelling with high production quality.
Glow Frame Initiative — 455 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Custom neon signs, light art, and installations — creative Black-owned business bringing color and light to downtown Phoenix.
MuseTease Prints — 1 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Custom prints, designs, and creative services for both personal and business projects. Black-owned design energy that can level up your brand.
Black Theatre Troupe — 1333 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
An absolute Phoenix staple. Celebrating Black stories and experiences through live theater since 1970.
Fashion, Apparel & Style
Straw & Wool — 610 E Roosevelt St
Fedora lovers — this is your home. High quality, handcrafted hats with a luxury touch. Black-owned and fly.
The Thread — 130 N Central Ave
Boutique streetwear shop serving up curated pieces you won’t find at the mall. Black-owned drip for your everyday or special events.
Industry Standard — 128 E Roosevelt St
Streetwear with edge — small-batch drops and designs that stand out. Support Black creatives and stay fresh.
The Garment League — 815 N 1st Ave
More than fashion — The Garment League is a nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship, and elevating fashion entrepreneurs.
Alterations and Creations — 214 W Roosevelt St
Tailoring, alterations, and garment customization. They’ll get your fits right, whether it’s a wedding, interview, or night out.
Residential & Development
Archwood at Eastlake — 1401 E Van Buren St
Black-owned real estate development bringing affordable and community-centered living to the heart of the city.
Downtown Phoenix isn’t lacking — we’ve been here. Black entrepreneurs, creatives, business owners, chefs, trainers, and visionaries are creating spaces where we can all feel seen and supported. And now you know where to find them.
So next time somebody says “there’s nothing Black-owned downtown” — just slide them this list.
Black Phoenix Arizona 
Whats the word?