Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is celebrated across the country to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. Today, 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 and exploring delicious food at Westchester-based Juneteenth celebrations.
Alvin & Friends
14 Memorial Hwy, New Rochelle; 914.654.6549
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.
Break Bread Not Hearts
Catering; 914.268.8437
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, like the Black Power stir fry with Jammin’ jerk chicken and apricot sesame sauce, as well as seasonal baked goods like blueberry-banana-basil brownies.
Savor Green’s delectable meals at a number of Westchester Juneteenth celebrations, such as the Kensico Dam African-American Heritage Festival on June 22. No matter where you go to try his food, know that Green keeps consistent with his main ingredient: love.
Cantina Taco and Tequlia Bar
166A Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.461.3959
If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and delicious tacos, Cantina is your place this June. Menu items range from more traditional items like elote and Tijuana steak tacos to the creative cheeseburger empanadas and churro chips.
Start your Juneteenth celebration this year with a party at Cantina Taco and Tequila. Watch a Juneteenth Fashion Show, dance to live performances, enter giveaways, and indulge in the happy hour menu. If a night of great music, great people, and great tacos sounds as good to you as it does to us, head on over to Cantina on June 18.
Casaroma Café
391 Huguenot St, New Rochelle; 914.222.0851
Find your newest caffeine obsession at Casaroma Café, where drinks like the Cinnamon Agave Latte and Maduro Matcha are commonplace. This café was founded on the desire for a “community conscious company” surrounding the rich flavor of coffee. If you’re looking for a great place to spend an afternoon, be sure to check out the book club.
Outside of its brick-and-mortar location, Casaroma Café has a mobile coffee cart that will be making an appearance at the Juneteenth Plaza Party in New Rochelle on June 28. Get a delicious beverage and ring in summer during this local fest.
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
Ever been to a restaurant with a whole day dedicated to it? May 21 is Cravin Jamaican Day in White Plains, but any of its locations is a go-to come Juneteenth. 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.
If you’re visiting Cravin Jamaican in Ossining, keep in mind that Ossining has a Juneteenth calendar filled with events. Stop by any of the three Cravin locations to get great food, then head over to a festive celebration.
Related: Black-Owned Restaurants in Westchester to Order From Right Now
Jolo’s Kitchen
49 Lawton St, New Rochelle; 914.355.4928
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. Everyone who walks in is welcomed with a balanced meal and a plate of food guided by nature.
Find Jolo’s Kitchen at the Glen Island Juneteenth Celebration at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle on June 19 to try a hearty vegan meal, or head straight to the New Rochelle eatery, which will be open on the holiday. All are welcome to the place where “every day is like Juneteenth,” according to the restaurant. If you’re looking for a plant-based way to celebrate this year, Jolo’s Kitchen is the way to go.
Matrix on the Go
Food truck; 914.236.2817
Find authentic Jamaican cuisine on the move all throughout Westchester and the NYC area with Matrix on the Go. Try the salmon, which comes in jerk, sweet chilly, or garlic butter, to satisfy satisfy savory cravings. The Rasta pasta, shrimp or chicken is a favorite among customers, as well as the oxtail and mac and cheese.
Find Matrix on the Go’s schedule on Instagram, or catch the food truck at the Lincoln Park Conservancy’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 19. Matrix on the Go will be one of four delicious food trucks at the event, so save room to try all the delectable bites!
Pik Nik BBQ
45 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.5600
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. Keep an eye out for the gumbo and shrimp po’ boy, both rotating specials that come on and off the menu.
