Top Black-Owned Businesses to Visit in Charleston, SC

These Black-owned businesses in Charleston, South Carolina offer a deeper look into the city’s history and culture.

Fact checked by Jillian Dara

When most people think of Charleston, South Carolina, images of Rainbow Row, the picturesque Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and dozens of award-winning restaurants that call the city home likely come to mind. However, many tend to overlook the diverse, Black-owned businesses that add their unique piece of history to this culturally rich destination.

Charleston’s Gullah-Geechee residents are an integral part of the Black community, ensuring the city never loses its cultural flair. Consequently, many have opened businesses or set up booths in the popular straw market to sell handcrafted pieces that are unique to this region.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Gullah-Geechee people, they are descendants of enslaved Africans who arrived at various Sea Island plantations—mostly from West African nations. Since their arrival, they’ve passed down many traditions that visitors cherish, including sweetgrass basket weaving.

Stay at the Only Full-Service Black-Owned Hotel

Owned by Black Entertainment Television cofounder Robert Johnson, the Courtyard Charleston Historic District is noted as the only full-service Black-owned hotel in Charleston, according to a spokesperson at the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is ideally located on Calhoun Street in the heart of downtown, just a short stroll from the bustling shopping area of King Street. Additionally, the hotel features an on-site bistro, a fitness center, and a refreshing pool.

Learn About Charleston’s History with Franklin Williams

Since 2015, Franklin Williams has operated a family-owned tour business, called Frankly Charleston, offering tours to the area’s lesser-known neighborhoods. During this two-hour downtown tour, you’ll gain insights into how Charleston’s enslaved population lived compared to their neighbors. Stops include The Citadel, Mother Emanuel AME Church (the site of the 2015 Charleston mass shooting), and many more.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into the area’s Gullah-Geechee culture, consider booking a spot with Gullah Tours, hosted by Alphonso Brown, or Gullah Geechee Tours with Godfrey Gullah Jac.

Indulge in Variations of Charleston Chewies, a Local Staple

Daddy’s Girls Bakery is just one of the many establishments that create the popular brownie-like bars made with brown sugar. They will also share that other recipes simply don’t compare to Aunt Landa’s version. In addition to the original Lowcountry dessert, the bakery offers a chewie cheesecake and an array of other delectable treats, including chicken and waffle cupcakes and oatmeal raisin sandwich cookies.

Browse Handmade Jewelry and Paintings by Black Artists

Make a visit to Charleston’s Gallery Row and step into Meisha Johnson’s Neema Fine Art Gallery, situated in a building that once printed Confederate money. Johnson meticulously selects the award-winning artists and jewelers displayed in this space, showcasing incredible talent.

Shop at Colorful Boutiques

Head over to The Tiny Tassel, a vibrant boutique owned by Mimi Striplin. Here, you’ll discover Striplin’s signature tassel earrings, whimsical trinkets, Charleston-inspired candles, and handmade clothing crafted by her mother. Shopping here not only supports the boutique but also uplifts nearly a dozen women- and Asian-owned brands featured in the store.

Catch Your Favorite Team in Action at 1st Place Premium Sports Pub

Opened in late 2021, 1st Place is run by the same team behind Charleston’s Mesu and Bourbon n’ Bubbles. This upscale bar boasts over 20 TV screens, allowing you to watch all your favorite teams simultaneously. The menu features what the owners describe as “elevated pub fare,” including local shrimp and grits, a King Street smashburger, chili cheese fries, and more. There’s also a selection of beers on tap and a weekend brunch available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fill Up on Okra Soup, Gullah Rice, and More Regional Dishes

No trip to Charleston is complete without indulging in a bowl of okra soup alongside a version of the region’s beloved seafood rice. Fortunately, My Three Sons offers both. This family-owned eatery, established by Antwan Smalls, his mother Lorraine Smalls, and Alice Warren in 2015, serves up dishes ranging from Gullah rice (a modern twist on traditional seafood rice made with tilapia, sausage, and shrimp) to Antwan’s pecan brownie and assorted seafood platters.

At Bertha’s Kitchen, a well-known counter-style restaurant, you can partake in red rice—a staple of Charleston—fried chicken, and fried pork chops. Meanwhile, at Nana’s Seafood & Soul, don’t miss the devil crab. For a nightcap, Mesu provides an extensive tequila selection and inventive cocktails.