Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is celebrated all across the country to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. Now, 159 years later, there are countless ways to reflect on the past and celebrate freedom through music, dance, food, parades, and family time. A great way to learn more about the traditions surrounding Juneteenth is to spend the federal holiday visiting local, Black-owned restaurants where the food and atmosphere honor culture and soul.
Alvin & Friends
14 Memorial Hwy, New Rochelle; 914.654.6549
Cuisine: Southern and Caribbean comfort food
Special Juneteenth Hours: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Known for its elegant atmosphere, gorgeous art, and — most importantly — Caribbean and Southern cuisine, Alvin & Friends brings a satisfying blend of comfort and style to Westchester. While admiring one of the many bright oil paintings created by owner Alvin Clayton, feast on a delectable range of dishes including the traditional shrimp and grits as well as the classic jambalaya.
This Juneteenth, Alvin’s offers a happy hour special that goes all night from 5 p.m. until closing at 9:30 p.m. Alvin Clayton will also host a free talk at the Vanda Gallery at 379 Huguenot Street in New Rochelle from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Juneteenth, previewing the summer exhibition, “Aqua: Spirit of Summer.”
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Break Bread Not Hearts
914.268.8437
Cuisine: Stir fries, sides, and baked goods
Chef D’Amour Green has mastered the art of combining community and cultural values with delicious meals and baked goods. This environmentally ethical and socially conscious business attends local farmers’ markets, festivals, and private events to share signature stir-fry dishes and the Bird Box filled with chicken thighs, plus seasonal baked goods like brownies with blueberries, bananas, and basil.
Catch the divine Black Power Stir-Fry at the Pelham Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 16 at Wolfs Lane Park from 3-7 p.m., during which time you can also pick up a Chocolate Dank or Ginger Zing along with the Rasta’d Shrimp Potato Salad, which is sure to exceed expectations. As they say themselves, at Break Bread Not Hearts, love is always the main ingredient.
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Cravin Jamaican Cuisine
109 Main St, Ossining; 914.432.7776
74 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.358.5111
529 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.588.9202
Cuisine: Jamaican
Wednesday Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (White Plains), 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Ossining), 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Mount Vernon)
Savor the authentic flavor of Jamaica any time of day with breakfast options such as ackee (fruit that belongs to the lychee family and is native to tropical West Africa) and saltfish or succulent lunch and dinner choices like curry goat, oxtail, jerk chicken, and veggie stew. If you get lucky, you might even be able to try the rich and creamy Rasta pasta before it sells out. Cravin Jamaican Cuisine celebrates a wide variety of colorful, spicy, and fun foods that make for a perfect Juneteenth spread.
While in White Plains, attend the White Plains Library Juneteenth dance performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. In Mount Vernon, join the Juneteenth Celebration in Hartley Park from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19.
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Read More: Black-Owned Restaurants in Westchester to Order From Right Now
Jolo’s Kitchen
49 Lawton St, New Rochelle; 914.355.4928
Cuisine: Vegan Caribbean juice bar and café
Wednesday Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chef Jolo moved to New York from Haiti with a dream to create a cheery and welcoming space to share his cuisine and his Rastafarian way of life. He emphasizes fresh produce and natural, plant-based ingredients when planning his ever-changing buffet. This Juneteenth, Jolo’s will have a pop-up event at the restaurant as part of the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit Jolo’s pop-up for colorful wellness juices and a hearty vegan meal, including ginger chicken and jerk falafel.
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Pik Nik BBQ
45 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.5600
Cuisine: Barbecue
Wednesday Hours: noon to 8 p.m.
Smoked daily, the barbecue here is top-tier and served with complementary side dishes for a perfect balance. Pair the smoked pastrami with a side of kale ‘n’ apple slaw for a satiating meal or grab a smoked bird box if you’re in a rush. The real standout at this corner barbecue nook is the buttermilk fried chicken. Made from a free-range bird, it’s a modern version of a down-home dish.
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