The Menu: Women- & POC-Owned Restaurants in NYC
With the world seemingly falling apart, I've been turning to good friends and good food. In light of recent political nightmares, I've been trying to make more of an effort to support female- and POC-owned restaurants. Like many professions, cooking is a white male-dominated field (which is weird when you consider the amount of cooking the patriarchy expects us to do). Don't believe me? Check out literally any season of "Chef's Table." Luckily, I live in a wonderfully diverse city with tons of great options to choose from when it comes to restaurants owned by women and minorities.
If you live in NYC or are just here for a visit, please consider patronizing one of these fine (and delicious) establishments!
Courtesy of Prune.
Prune
Prune is an NYC staple. It should be -- it's been around for 17 years. Though it is better known for brunch, Gabrielle Hamilton's restaurant goes all out for dinner with options like fried sweetbreads and grilled pigeon.
Cuisine: American (New)
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Courtesy of Amy Ruth's
Amy Ruth's
Since 1998, Amy Ruth's has been serving up soul food favorites like the "Rev. Al Sharpton" (fried or smothered chicken and waffles), and "Stan Hoffman & Lu Willard" (BBQ spare ribs). Amy Ruth's is comfort food at its best.
Cuisine: Soul Food
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Harlem
Courtesy of The NY Times
Maharlika
Ever since my friend Jeff made his mom's classic Filipino dish, Adobo chicken, I've been obsessed with traditional Filipino food and Maharlika delivers this cuisine with a twist.
Cuisine: Filipino
Price: $$
Neighborhood: East Village
Courtesy of Food Network
Annisa
Anita Lo cemented her celebrity chef status after appearing on Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef. Anyone who didn't already know this bad ass lady knows her now. Annisa (which means "women" in Arabic) features classics like pan-roasted chicken, barbecued squid, and salted-butterscotch beignets.
Cuisine: American (New)
Price: $$$$
Neighborhood: West Village
Courtesy of OpenTable
Dirt Candy
I first heard chef Amanda Cohen speak on the podcast The Sporkful and was instantly enamored. With the confidence to say, "anyone can cook a hamburger, leave the vegetables to the professionals." you know your food is in the right hands.
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Courtesy of Eater NY
Lilia
Lilia ticks a lot of boxes for a restaurant in Williamsburg -- hipster crowds, repurposed space (it used to be an auto shop), and an open kitchen. But thats not a bad thing. Missy Robbins's Italian restaurant isn't buzzy because of the space -- it's buzzy because the food is mind-blowing.
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Courtesy of Cheryl's Global Soul
Cheryl’s Global Soul
I've tried to get into Cheryl's at least five times since moving to Brooklyn and have faced nearly an hour wait every time. That should say something. Cheryl Smith (another Food Network star gracing this list) serves up dishes like steamed mussels in a thai curry sauce, sake-glazed salmon, and Moroccan vegetables served on a bed of couscous pilaf. One day I WILL EAT HERE!
Cuisine: Eclectic/ Global, Soul Food
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Courtesy of Explore Brooklyn
SoCo
What do you get when you mix delicious soul food, creative cocktails, and live jazz? Soco.
Cuisine: Creole, Cajan, Soul Food
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill
Courtesy of The NY Times
The Crabby Shack
Although it has been open for two years already, the Crabby Shack just got reviewed in the New York Times. To no one's surprise, they loved it. The two #BossLady owners are committed to serving up classic Chesapeake-style crustaceans (complete with a generous helping of Old Bay) as well as seafood rolls and sliders. As a former Baltimorean, I fully approve.
Cuisine: Seafood
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Crown Heights
Courtesy of Dough
Dough
I still remember the first time I tried Dough (back in 2011 Smorgasburg). It's been a staple of my diet ever since. So imagine my delight when I found out that Dough is a women-run business! Pro tip: If you see Chocolate Earl Grey on the menu, GET IT -- it's a rotating flavor and, IMHO, the best one!
Cuisine: Bakery
Price: $
Neighborhood: Bed Stuy
Courtesy of a Life Worth Eating
Red Rooster
I knew about Red Rooster before seeing Marcus Samuelsson on TV, mainly because of its celebrity endorsements. Though getting a reservation has always seemed a daunting task, I've heard its worth it. Between dishes like Fried Yard Bird and Helga’s Meatballs, I can see why.
Cuisine: American (Traditional), Scandinavian, Seafood, Southern/Soul
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Harlem
Courtesy of Sisters
Sisters
I wandered into Sisters with some friends on July 4 and was blown away. The decor is downright beautiful, and the food is equally as delicious (if not tiny-portioned). The cocktails are delightful, and at night, they have events and DJ sets.
Cuisine: American (New)
Price: $$$
Neighborhood: Clinton Hill/Bed Stuy
Courtesy of Travel and Leisure
Cafe Rue Dix
A recent NY Times article featuring Cafe Rue Dix piqued my interest, though I have yet to try it. I've heard great things about the charming neighborhood cafe's food -- dishes like an omelette filled with ratatouille, duck confit, and sweet-tart chicken stew -- and atmosphere, so I plan to go soon!
Cuisine: French and Senegalese
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Crown Heights
Courtesy of Yelp
Sweet Science
This Williamsburg bar serves up a mean burger (like cheeseburger with maple-glazed pineapple) in a very cool space. They also specialize in brunch with dishes like lobster + biscuits and french toast in a red wine reduction. Mouthwatering.
Cuisine: Burgers and cocktails
Price: $$
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
I completely realize that I'm missing a few outer boroughs here, so be on the lookout for a future post featuring restaurants from Queens, the Bronx, and (maybe even) Staten Island!
-Jen
P.S. Quick shout out to Julia, Julia, Sarah, and Adrienne who inspired this post!
