QC Black Owned Eateries
Celebrating Black History month is a great reminder to support Black owned business in the Quad Cities. We have several Black owned restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops to devour all year long.
Aunt Bea’s Cafe
Pull up a stool at the counter and Aunt Bea will tell you all about how business has been going for the past 30 years as she whips up your order on the grill. This family restaurant serves up omelets, pancake meals and homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Stop in for lunch or dinner and Auntie will be standing behind the counter fixing ribs, meatloaf, fried catfish and a spaghetti dinner. This is down-home southern cooking!
2429 9th St., Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 793-0905
HOURS:
Monday - Tuesday: 8am - 7pm
Wednesday: 8am - 3pm
Thursday-Saturday: 8am - 7pm
Sunday: Closed
Bayside Bistro
This scratch kitchen is full of love! Ms Tish and Darryl Howlett have been the magic behind Bayside Bistro in Rock Island. Accommodating many diets, such as keto, gluten free, and vegetarians, the bistro has something delicious for everyone. Thirsty? Slurp down a homemade Arnold Palmer or ginger lemon tea, smoothies, and cold press juices. They also offer catering for your next big or small event.
2704 18th Ave., Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 468-8028
HOURS:
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 3pm
GruBeez
Chow down on some comfort food in West Davenport at GruBeez. This family owned restaurant is the go to spot in the QC for Buzz worthy food. Antonio and his wife, Juanita, opened Grubeez in 2014 and it’s been the spot for cheeseburgers, Taco Tuesday, and their Philly Rolls (Philly steak that’s rolled up and deep fried). Don’t skip out on their wings or spicy slaw and be sure to check their daily specials that could include a T-bone steak or Buffalo Mac and Cheese.
226 N Pine St., Davenport, IA 52802 (563) 323-1404
HOURS:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday - Sunday: 12pm - 8pm
PeeWee’s Restaurant
A Rock Island icon, PeeWee’s is THE place to grab Soul Food in the QC. For the past six years Will Clay has been serving up the best fried pork chops, ox tails, catfish and do not miss out on the sides! Collard greens, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, cole slaw, and cornbread are just the beginning of the sides on the must order list. The food is made to order, so we suggest calling ahead of time to place your order for takeout. Be sure to add a peach cobbler or sweet potato pie to your order, you won’t regret it!
2035 Martin Luther King Dr., Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 283-7930
HOURS:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 7pm
Sunday: 11:30am - 5pm
Skylight Luxury Lounge
Opened at the end of 2022, Skylar Willingham brought a luxury wine bar to the city of Rock Island. Serving wines from around the world, by the glass or bottle, Skylight is a chic date night spot or a relaxing evening for girls and guys night out. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming comedy shows, concerts, enrichment activities, and other special events.
HOURS:
Tuesday - Thursday: 1pm- 11pm
Friday - Saturday: 1pm - 1am
Sunday - Monday: Closed
Taste of Ethiopia
Genet Moraetes learned to cook from family while growing up in Ethiopia and has brought African cuisine to the Quad Cities. Step out of your comfort zone and come experience new flavors, tastes, and textures that come with Ethiopian cuisine. Start with a sambusas, a thin pastry shell stuffed with yummy goodness with delicious flavors. You also have to try the tacos, flour tortillas filled with steak, jalapenos, onion, and ayib (Ethiopian cheese). If you’re still wanting more, the Combination Platter is a must have. A combo of six sides is served on spongy Injera (sour fermented pancake-like flatbread) to sop up the incredible flavors that Genet is serving.
*Taste of Ethiopia is closed for the month of February for their family trip.
102 S Harrison St., Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 424-1848
HOURS:
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Thursday: 5pm - 8pm
Friday: 11am - 2pm ; 5pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday: 11am - 2pm ; 5pm - 8pm
Wholly Grinds Coffee Shop
Revs. Darryl and Kimberly Thompson as well as their kids are keeping the Quad Cities caffeinated. From energy drinks to ice mochas to smoothies and shakes, Wholly Grinds in Rock Island sure will perk you up. Don’t miss out on their waffle breakfast sandwiches and delicious pastries to accompany your cup of joe. No need to get out of your car, use their pull up window for an iced coffee made with coffee ice cubes. They have leveled up the coffee game in the QC.
2409 11th St., Rock Island, IL 61201 (309) 430-3044
HOURS:
Monday- Friday: 6am - 4pm
Saturday: 6am - 2pm
Sunday: Closed
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What are your favorite Black owned restaurants in the QC? Share your comments to hype them up!
Elly is a transplant from a global citizen to a Quad Citizen. She has traveled to 30 countries and all seven continents, including Antarctica. She loves everything about food. Eating, cooking, and inspiring others to try new flavors and cuisines. When she is not writing about the QC food scene, she is spending time with her friends and family, thrift shopping, and continuing her travels around the world.