Here’s how to explore Atlanta and its surrounding areas while supporting Black commerce and community.
Atlanta has always been known as the Black cultural hub of the South. But especially since the start of the pandemic, Atlanta has seen an increase in Black-owned businesses, from health and wellness shops to unparalleled restaurants. Come enjoy some of the best new Black-owned local tours, eateries, and cocktail bars in town.
Sightseeing Tours
If you are looking for a unique and intimate experience, hop on a local tour. One of the newest city tours is HOP’N GO Tours featuring the Madam C.J. Walker Museum, which honors America’s first Black self-made millionaire; the Jackson Street Bridge, where everyone takes the iconic ATL skyline picture; and of course, well-known stops such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s home and Turner Field, the original home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Not interested in doing a day tour? Starting February 2023, the company will start doing night tours.
Another tour suggestion is the Black Girl Magic Tours, which will take you around the city to see murals dedicated to Black and brown girls. Held once or twice a month, the three-hour tour will give you an amazing insight into the art scene throughout Atlanta.
INSIDER TIPThe tour provides light snacks which include a cute BGMT cupcake.
A One-of-a-Kind Shopping Experience
Step into the world’s first Black-owned autonomous grocery store Nourish + Bloom Market located south of Atlanta in Fayetteville. The contactless shopping experience opened its doors last year and allows shoppers to buy everything with the touch of a button through an app. Upon entering the store, you can pick up and pay for items from local businesses. You can even get your haul delivered via robot.
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Another one-of-a-kind shopping experience is The Village Retail store located in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. Starting as a local pop-up throughout the city, this brick-and-mortar marketplace only offers goods from Black-owned entrepreneurs. Founded by Atlantan Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, the Black-owned shopping experience boast items such as soaps, hats, clothing and accessories, perfume/colognes, and home goods.
INSIDER TIPTake a picture in front of the Instagramable “Support is a Verb” sign.
Finally, Nourish Botanica Flower and Plant Shop is the ultimate Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy shop in the city. Who doesn’t love a place that provides plants and a zen atmosphere? Owner, Quianah Upton specifically made this business for her community. The shop has a uniqueness about it due to the handmade flowers that will last up to a year. You can purchase plants and flowers in-store, or take one of the many arranging classes Upton offers. Stay tuned for Upton’s next project—a sustainable greenhouse restaurant.
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Sweet Treats, Cocktails, and More
Are you in need of a little pick-me-up after shopping all day? Head over to the iconic Underground Atlanta, an Atlanta area that’s undergone a crazy transformation these last few years, and visit Cheesecaked. Grab a red velvet banana pudding cup to satisfy that sweet tooth or one of their many whimsical handcrafted milkshakes that will blow your mind.
INSIDER TIPA second Cheesecaked location in Norcross offers unique decorating classes.
Kupcakerie has been a hit on the south side of Atlanta, located in East Point. With its second location in Grant Park, this family-run cupcake shop is showcasing its gourmet cupcakes to the entire city. It has a menu of over 20 handcrafted and flavorful cupcakes from the Churro to the Vegan Oreo, although the choices may change a tad every day, so make sure to check the website. The shop also includes a monthly cupcake as well. Pro tip: Try the Yes, Pecan! You won’t be disappointed.
Located in Old Fourth Ward and steps from the Atlanta Beltline, a beautiful tea shop, Just Add Honey, is the perfect place to have a tea party or just to grab a cup of tea. You can purchase anything from herbal to fruit teas and accessories.
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A few steps away from Just Add Honey is The James Room. This sleek upscale bar is the perfect spot for the person who isn’t into the Atlanta night scene and just wants to grab a cocktail or wine and listen to live music. The not-your-typical speakeasy is perfect for a girl’s night out or a self-care date. With its second location recently opening in Buckhead, the James Room is also a great spot for older millennials.
Not a wine or cocktail person? Visit one of the three Hippin’ Hop Brewery locations to grab a beer and eat great oysters. As Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery, this beer spot has been a hit since 2021. The East Atlanta location caters more to the youthful Atlantan that wants to hear great R&B and hip-hop music, guzzle down beers, and play games with friends. The vibe and look of Hippin’ Hops change when you arrive at their second location located in East Lake. This location is a sit-down restaurant with a bigger menu and more of a relaxed atmosphere. Their third location in Stone Mountain is a combination of the other two locations.
Time to Eat Brunch!
Whenever someone comes to Atlanta, the first thing they want to do is eat (naturally)! Award-winning hairstylist and former reality TV star Gocha Hawkins has created a name for herself in southwest Atlanta with her restaurant Gocha’s Breakfast Bar. With a large crowd daily, the menu boasts the Southern fave shrimp n’ grits, the Georgia Peach Stack (five fluffy pancakes topped with peaches), and our favorite the “Trio” which includes a half portion of chicken n’ waffles, half shrimp n’ grits along with her “Betta Than Yo Mama” biscuits. This restaurant will give you the ultimate Atlanta brunch experience.
Another great local southwest Atlanta eatery is The Breakfast Boys located on Main Street in College Park. The all-day brunch experience is something to boast about. You can indulge in pineapple upside-down french toast, jerk chicken, or a sweet potato waffle paired with salmon hash. And why not wash it all down with a classic mimosa? With all these great Black-owned businesses to visit in Atlanta, there’s always something to celebrate!