If you ask Chicagoans about their city during the summer, you’ll likely hear that very little compares to summertime Chi. With so many outside activities, possibilities to enjoy the midwestern city are endless. And for those who want to tap into some more chill vibes, the hit Showtime® original series “The Chi” is more than a solid option to kick back and enjoy being inside.
While the show follows a diverse group of South Side Chicago natives, it highlights Black culture– including everyday life, familial ties, and Black entrepreneurship. Although Jacob Latimore’s character Emmett runs the fictional Smokey’s BBQ, his business endeavors represent the deep sense of culture and the importance of Black businesses to the community.
So when you are not enjoying Kiesha, Emmett, Kevin, and the crew on The Chi, you should be in the real-life streets tapping into the various Black-owned businesses that give life to Chicago’s South Side.
Virtue Restaurant
Virtue is a Southern American restaurant that offers a warm and honest environment, priding itself on excellent service and fantastic food with top-tier value. When you are at the Hyde Park restaurant, patrons will enjoy familiar food favorites with a modern flare.
Peach’s On 47th
A breakfast and brunch lover’s paradise, Peach’s is moving on all cylinders. From shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles, foodies cannot miss when picking a food item from the cozy restaurant.
Chemistry
You want steak? Chemistry has it with lunch, dinner, and an active nightlife scene, offering an upscale dining experience made for lovers and friends.
Bronzeville Walk of Fame
A historic piece of history, the Walk of Fame honors and celebrates over 100 people, including Ida B. Wells, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. The list of people honored has noted contributions to the Black community. Visitors can see 91 bronze plaques on medians, sidewalks, and crosswalks stretching across ten blocks.
Southside Community Art Center
Founded in 1940, the Southside Community Art Center is the oldest honor center in the United States, centered on Black art and artists. While the center is technically owned by the city, it has long been considered a staple in Black Chicago culture.
The center works to honor the work and creation of past artists, but also embraces and elevates the work of current and emerging artists.
Bronzeville Winery
Raise a glass and make a toast at the Bronzeville Winery. The curated vibes are top-tier, with an art collection, live DJ sets, and a diverse wine list. Offering a seasonal food list that pairs well with many items on the wine menu, patrons can tap into the vibes and good food and drinks.
The Silver Room
Sitting at the intersection of art, community, and culture–the Silver Room offers goods and merchandise, events, and sounds. The space is designed to promote creativity and support those who highlight the culture through their work.
Hue
A private luxury social experience, Hue is an elevated cocktail lounge offering a high-class dining and networking experience. The social space thrives on luxury but is adamant about the us-by-us concept.
Whether tapping in with the next excellent food spot or indulging in deep cultural experiences, there are a ton of options for people to celebrate and patronize Black businesses on the South Side of Chicago. And while the characters in “The Chi” have their hometown favorites, so do real-life citizens experiencing the city daily.
In between visiting some of the best Chicago Black businesses, don’t miss new episodes of The Chi streaming now with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® plan.