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Put your dollars toward local causes and neighbors you love during Black History Month and all-year long in Westchester County.
Reporting by Anaya Rojas and Niomi Nunez
Black History Month is about honoring Black achievements, both on a large scale and in our own backyards. There is no better way to do so than by supporting and celebrating Black-owned businesses in Westchester and indulging in top-tier eats at the same time.
Restaurants
Alvin & Friends
14 Memorial Hwy, New Rochelle; 914.654.6549
Cuisine: Southern and Caribbean comfort food
Known for the 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 from the traditional shrimp and grits to the classic jambalaya. The open dining area is an upscale and inviting space that welcomes foodies and art lovers alike.
Photo courtesy of Alvin & Friends
Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar
166 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.461.3959
Cuisine: Mexican
Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar keeps the fiesta alive in Westchester, bringing the party vibes with its diverse choice of tacos and fun, boozy cocktails. Get your taste buds jumping with the chorizo or rock shrimp tacos. This high-energy environment has lively music, ideal for a night out or chill dinner with friends. Don’t miss the new cheeseburger empanadas and house margaritas.
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Caribbean Thyme
51 Court St, White Plains; 914.368.8664
Cuisine: Caribbean
Made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, this buffet-style restaurant offers a wide selection of Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Pack your plate with savory curry goat, pepper steak, or butter shrimp paired with a classic side, like mac ‘n cheese, seasoned rice, or plantains.
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Cravin Jamaican Cuisine
109 Main St, Ossining; 914.432.7776
Cuisine: Jamaican
Cravin’ authentic Jamaican food? Look no further! This casual, no-fuss spot serves a satisfying selection of Jamaican staples: oxtail, rasta pasta, ackee and salt fish, and jerk chicken. Whether sitting down or on the go, expect the appetizing, authentic Jamaican home-cooked meal you’ve been cravin’.
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Golden Krust
178 Fulton St, White Plains; 914.682.7400
Cuisine: Caribbean
Celebrating more than 30 years of success and most known for its Jamaican beef patties, Golden Krust’s menu is gleaming with options — such as reggae fest meals, a diverse array of patties, and delectable baked goods. This colorful, sunset-inspired restaurant offers a golden experience in the heart of White Plains.
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Harbour Fish & Company
576 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.630.4790
Cuisine: Seafood
Calling all seafood lovers! Expand your horizons and swim through a delectable under-the-water-inspired menu, from lobster rolls to linguine with clams. And it’s all served in a bright and open atmosphere.
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Jamaica Kitchen
24 N Broadway, Yonkers; 914.476.3293
Cuisine: Jamaican
With a deliciously seasoned menu, Jamaican Kitchen provides traditional and hearty Jamaican meals from turkey wings and oxtails to banana pudding and coconut cake.
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Jolo’s Kitchen
412 North Avenue, New Rochelle; 914.355.2527
Cuisine: Vegan/vegetarian Caribbean
For vegans on a quest for healthy and tasty Caribbean food, look no further! Chef Jolo Moise’s menu follows Rastafarian dietary guidelines, relying heavily on fresh produce and natural, plant-based ingredients. The menu is full of vegan versions of traditional Caribbean dishes such as jerk falafel and vegan patties.
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Jungle Restaurant
9 W Grand St, Mount Vernon; 914.699.9555
Cuisine: Authentic Caribbean cuisine
Journey through an incredible forest of flavors largely influenced by Caribbean cuisine and check out the vast collection of rich and authentic dishes such as sweet chili salmon bites, braised oxtail, and the jungle special: jerk salmon pasta.
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Jus Jerk
266 E 3rd St, Mount Vernon; 914.560.4011
Cuisine: Jamaican cuisine
From delicious stew chicken to a tropical assortment of homemade juices, Jus Jerk serves all the Jamaican classics. Traditional entrées (made with fresh, high-quality ingredients) and notably warm costumer service will have you feeling like you’re vacationing in Jamaica.
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Krave
8 S Division St, New Rochelle; 914.740.7240
Cuisine: Caribbean
Perfect for a special occasion or night out on the town, this New Rochelle restaurant welcomes its customers with a 20-foot bar and serves a plethora of Caribbean dishes with modern twists. One bite of the flavorful jerk chicken tacos, and you’ll be “kraving” for more.
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Mangoville Meat & Grocery
133 S 4th Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.863.0116
Cuisine: Caribbean and seafood
Dine in, take out, or shop for groceries at Mangoville Meat & Grocery because this market has and does it all. Seafood lovers will enjoy the brown stewed red snapper or curry lobster tail while “sugarholics” dig into the luscious coconut and pineapple cake. While your meal is being prepared, shop the grocery section, killing two birds with one stone.
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Mint Premium Foods
19 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.703.6511
Cuisine: Specialty grocery store, restaurant
This inviting Tarrytown mainstay hosts an intimate restaurant in the back and a mesmerizing foods-of-all-nations market up front. Check out the elevated brunch and thank us later!
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The Ox Box Kitchen
691 E Lincoln Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.699.9799
Cuisine: Caribbean and fusion
Feed your soul and indulge in your Rasta pasta desires at this soul food restaurant that is casual in ambiance but rich in flavor. Pro tip: Check out the chef’s corner specialty jerk New York strip.
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The Pear Tree Hummingbird Grill
1101 Main St, Peekskill; 914.739.3570
Cuisine: Jamaican
Jamaica’s national bird is also the name of this Peekskill restaurant that makes every dish with love and passion. This father-son-run business specializes in turning its love of Jamaican culture into authentic flavorsome meals. From the Jamaican patties to the braised oxtail, the flavors hum together, creating a harmonious menu. Fly into The Pear Tree Hummingbird Grill, where the customer service is warm and flavorful dishes, made with care, are guaranteed.
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Pepe’s Place
560 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.632.7373
Cuisine: Seafood
Serving multicultural soul cuisine, Pepe’s Place standouts include aged reserve mac ‘n cheese, unique Tahitian vanilla bean yams, and spicy Thai chili jumbo shrimp.
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Pik Nik BBQ
45 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.5600
Cuisine: Barbecue
Smoked daily, the barbecue here is top-tier and served with complementary side dishes. Pair the new 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 BBQ nook is the southern fried chicken. Made from an organic bird, it’s a modern version of a down-home dish.
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Roc-N-Ramen
19 Anderson St, New Rochelle; 914.365.2267
Cuisine: Japanese with Caribbean flare
Ramen or jerk chicken? Why settle when you can have both? At Roc-N-Ramen, you get the best of both worlds. Flavors from the Caribbean are prepared with popular Japanese dishes to create novel and cohesive entrées you may not have thought to try.
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Steam House
128 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.371.1219
Cuisine: Traditional American and native Caribbean; steamed seafood
Are you having trouble finding a restaurant with hours that will accommodate your busy schedule? Well, look no further! Steamy and dreamy, this restaurant stays open into the late hours of the night and has daily happy hour. Serving both American and Caribbean specialties, the Steam House is all about convivence in both its flexible menu and hours of operation.
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Sweet Potatoes
393 North Ave, New Rochelle; 914.654.0500
Cuisine: Southern
Sweet Potatoes’ menu tells the story of its owner’s childhood. Carrying on his family’s culinary legacy, chef Sean Eggleston opened Sweet Potatoes to bring the soul-feeding flavors of the south to the north. And you’ll be happy he did. Dig into the fried catfish with a side of candied yams or give into your red velvet cupcake cravings; we won’t judge.
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Sweet Spice
6 Rochelle Pl, New Rochelle; 914.278.9453
Cuisine: Caribbean cuisine
Serving authentic Jamaican cuisine, Sweet Spice is all about classic, culturally significant dishes. Jerk chicken is grilled right before your eyes and it’s served alongside some of the finest fall-off-the-bone oxtail. Here, it’s “sweet, spice, and everything nice!”
Touch of Class Caribbean
990 Main St, Peekskill; 914.930.7958
Cuisine: Caribbean fusion
Combining American, Italian, and Caribbean flavors, Chef Mo offers everything from seafood stew to herb-crusted lamb, all plated intentionally and beautifully. Sip on a blended cocktail while Chef Mo crafts well-balanced dishes with nutritious ingredients. Desserts include guava passion cheesecake and the customer-favorite flourless chocolate cake, which is adored for its airiness and four-berry sauce.
1730 Wine Bar
61 William St, Mt Vernon; 914.667.0683
Cuisine: Wine bar and restaurant
Wine and dine a partner — or yourself — at this quaint, aesthetically delightful wine bar that pairs the top international wines with dishes from a wide-ranging menu. It also hosts live music events, including karaoke, perfect while sipping a smooth chardonnay and snacking on an eclectic charcuterie board. The floral, decorated patio makes for a romantic, al fresco experience.
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Catering
BK Soul Food and Catering
1131 Yonkers Ave B, Yonkers; 914.237.5083
Cuisine: Soul food
Inspired by soul food cuisine, with menu items like smothered pork chops and sides of collard greens and mac ‘n cheese, this small-scale restaurant establishment delivers healthy homemade meals, whether they’re enjoyed onsite or at a catered event.
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Break Bread Not Hearts: Cooking up Community
White Plains Caterer; 914.268.8437
Cuisine: Basmati rice stir fry and baked goods
Founded in 2012, Break Bread Not Hearts vows to spread community and love with every meal it creates. Made with locally sourced food, dishes like mango ceviche and one-love stir fry satisfy hearts and stomachs alike. Along with catering services, the business can also be found at farmers’ markets and leading cooking classes.
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Flavas Kitchen & Catering
5 Gramatan Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.663.2100
Cuisine: Jamaican
Expect Jamaican-inspired soul food, from curry chicken to traditional rice and peas, served in large, overflowing containers.
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Wrapper’s Delight + Double Dee’s Catering
Food Truck; 914.310.1062
Cuisine: Wraps and American food
Touring is what these “wrappers” do, making their way around Westchester (and beyond) catering to hungry bellies. They specialize in versatile wrap sandwiches, but also serve a wide variety of spectacular sides. Check out the mac ‘n cheese bites with signature Boom Boom sauce or cheesy corn ribs sure to turn you into a wrapper’s groupie from the first bite.
Cafés
BeanRunner Café
201 S Division St, Peekskill; 914.737.1701
Cuisine: Café
Standing since the 1850s, the remodeled BeanRunner Café offers a variety of coffee-inspired drinks and presents engaging live music perfect for a sip and show. Not a coffee fan? Don’t sweat! The menu includes a wide selection of fresh fruit smoothies, chai teas, and more. Indulge in breakfast or lunch, from Belgian waffles to Greek salmon, while admiring a rotating art exhibit.
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Bougie Brews
52 Main St, Yonkers; 914.410.4439
Cuisine: Coffee and tea
Owned by two lovers of music and culture, this sophisticated coffee and tea shop is a venue for music events, book clubs, open mics, and fabulous joe. With a small kitchen onsite, breakfast and lunch items are available to pair with your beverage of choice, whether that be a vanilla cappuccino, a matcha latte, or the house-blend coffee. Owners Charmaine Sanchez and Donte Charlton hope to create a community- orientated coffee experience that will leave customers feeling bougier than ever.
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Smoothie Shops
Freckle’s Juice
5 City Pl, White Plains; 914.949.8111
Cuisine: Health food and beverages
The menu at Freckle’s Juice is speckled with an assortment of colorful juices, super smoothies, wellness shots, and organic eats. Focused on providing all-natural and nutritionally valuable treats, this shop is determined to help customers reach their health goals. From cleanses to immunity improvement, smoothies like the Island Rush and the signature burgers are boosted with beneficial nourishment.
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Juices for Life
211 Nepperhan Ave, Yonkers; 914.751.3521
Cuisine: Health food and juices
In need of a tasty refreshment? Juices for Life is sure to energize your taste buds with its healthy and vibrant smoothies. Made with organic and fresh ingredients, each drink is tailored to fit each individual’s nutritional needs. Choose from an assortment of protein-packed shakes, delicious green juices, and sweet fruit smoothies. With the motto “love is love,” Juices for Life promises to spread culture and compassion with every sip.
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PK Blendz Juice Bar
1002 Main St, Peekskill; 914.930.7538
Cuisine: Health food/vegan, smoothies, juices
This vegan-friendly juice bar serves smoothies, smoothie bowls, and juices that are both good for you and delicious. Treat yourself to an energizer juice for a pep in your step or a tropical bowl for a yummy snack. No sacrificing flavor for health here.
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The Tea Experience
914.306.5838
Cuisine: Tea party packages
You’re never too old for a tea party, and this tea party catering company pushes the limits of a classic beverage to create unconventional and exciting flavors such as red velvet, chocolate candy, and chocolate-dipped strawberry tea. Tea lover or not, The Tea Experience is worth all the sips. Owner Leslie Allicks is dedicated to making quality beverages, honoring her family’s history and involvement in the tea industry.
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Sweet Shops
Blondery
922 Main St, Peekskill; 914.488.6168
Cuisine: Desserts
Calling all sweet-toothers! Whether online or in-person, Blondery provides an incredible range of delicious desserts ideal for a simple late-night snack or a birthday party extravaganza, from personalized cakes to homemade cookies to, most importantly, blondie boxes. Any of these sweet treats can be mailed to your doorstep or picked up at the store.
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Cupcake Cutie Boutique
8 S 6th Ave, Mount Vernon; 914.530.5536
Cuisine: Cupcakes and sweets
Cupcake Cutie Boutique is baking outside the flavor norm with its unique sweet treats, ranging from eggnog to red sangria to candied sweet potato and decorated to the customer’s desire. The boutique offers all the classics as well, like very vanilla, chocolate madness, and southern red velvet.
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Lost Borough Ice Cream
40 North Broadway, Yonkers; 914.810.4604
Cuisine: Ice cream
Hoping to expand palates, Lost Borough Ice Cream steers customers in the right direction (see what we did there?) with a world of creatively creamy creations. From lemon blueberry cake to rose with praline pecans — along with an assortment of vegan and sorbet flavors — this scoop shop sells cones (or cups) filled with a sweets lover’s dream.
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Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery
749 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale; 914.713.3971
Cuisine: Cupcakes
From diverse and exciting cupcake flavors to cupcake-infused ice cream, this brightly decorated Westchester gem is in the business of turning frowns upside down. Manager Tina Davis’ goal is making customers happy from the second they step foot in this sweet treat haven to the moment they take a bite of cupcake heaven.
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