You gotta love Brooklyn.

There’s culture dripping from every corner, permeating the air and making an impact in some way, shape, or form. It has been a part of pop culture for as long as I can remember and has become one of the ideal places for a dream to thrive. The businesses featured below are a true testament to that. These black-owned businesses revitalize and shape the community with every day passing. They showcase the benefits of the hustle, keeping one hand engulfed in the community to fill a need and one hand extended to bring the next generation up.

Here are some of the BOBs we have our eyes on this year and beyond!

1. Shirley + Alice

Photo: Mater Mea

This vintage hub run by stylist Khalilah Beavers is quite a popular destination for many Brooklynites. Named after her grandmothers (whom she credits for her personal growth and love of fashion), Beavers offers eclectic styles for men and women to choose from. She also features indie designers of every trade on her website and at her storefront.

2. Brooklyn Greenery

Photo: Plant

Founded by two young Brooklynites, the Greenery aims to develop the community around them mentally, physically, and spiritually. The smoothie bar spreads love the Brooklyn way, serving up savory, salubrious drinks true to the aura of the neighborhood. Going green never looked and tasted so good.

3. Ode To Babel

Photo: Ode To Babel

This bar and lounge combine everything you’d love about New York nightlife and packages it in such a contemporary way. Self-described as “chill” and “low-key”, the space highlights up-and-coming artists of every form through showcases; while offering a tasty assortment of sips and bites. “No pretense. No posing. All love.” Who wouldn’t love an environment like that?

4. Brooklyn Flavors

Photo: Brooklyn Flavors

Staying hydrated is a major key; your hair and your skin are no exceptions. Brooklyn Flavors is definitely a spot that has you covered (literally), providing handmade butters that your body will thank you for ten times over. Founder Sophia Sylvester puts all her love in every jar sold, naming each product after a different area within the borough.

5. Bed-Stuy Fish Fry

Photo: Bed-Stuy Fish Fry

You’d be hard pressed to mention black-owned businesses in Brooklyn and not utter “Bed-Stuy Fish Fry”. Heralded by many as the best fish fry in the state, this place throws down on your favorite comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, wings, and fried fish. Every serving is ample and every forkful is simply. Deadass.

6. Breukelen Cellars

Photo: Breukelen Cellars

There’s no better feeling than pouring a tall glass of wine after a long day’s work. It’s even better when the wine offerings are right around the corner and there’s a knowledge staff eagerly waiting to pair you with the perfect one. Breukelen Cellars has a plethora of spirits, a convenient location, and a welcoming aura as represented by their 4.5-star rating on Yelp.

7. Jordan Heads Brooklyn

Photo: Jordan Heads Brooklyn

Because it wouldn’t be a list without a spot for the sneakerheads, right? Located on Malcolm X Boulevard, Jordan Heads Brooklyn is a shoe lover’s dream. You name the number and colorway, you can bet Mars Blackmon they’ll have it. You can also join in on the culture by consigning or re-selling your classic Js. Starter collaborations and other nostalgic accessories adorn the walls, making it even more classic.

What are some of your favorite black-owned businesses in Brooklyn? Share below!

Ode to Babel

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