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Wendy's House of Soul

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Taste of Rondo

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Chester's 

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Gold Room

Where to Eat Out 

MMYYKK

This is a staple Black-owned restaurant in North Minneapolis. They definitely keep non-traditional hours but if you catch them while they’re open, you’re going to want to try the “Soul Roll.” Basically, it’s an egg roll but with unique soul-food inspired filling combinations. My favorite is the “Nanny”, which has a Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, and Fried Chicken filling. **Chef's kiss*

Located in the Greater Rondo area in St. Paul, Taste of Rondo is a Bar and Grill with great Soul food and southern cooking. Their signature dish is catfish but they also make a mean philly sandwich, which is my favorite item on their menu. The restaurant has also been featured in Small Business Revolution Season 6.

Black Table Arts is a community driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis. They have a great bookstore, shared workspace and a performance space. It’s a really great place to connect with other artists and organizers and they offer dope arts activities and events. I’ve purchased some great literature from them.

Juxtaposition Arts (or Juxta as we call it) is a teen-staffed art and design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio space in North Minneapolis. Juxta does a lot of great work with youth in the community and really empowers young artists to become entrepreneurs. They also have a skate park that anyone can access and use at any time which is super dope. I’ve actually played a show in the skate park and it was a great time.

FYI, the location changes every month! The Black Market mpls is an organization that creates marketplace events specifically for black businesses around the twin cities. They are super dope because they give black businesses that may not have a brick and mortar location, a place where they can regularly set up and sell products or services.

They hold events usually once or twice a month and there’s usually a great diversity of products. I’ve purchased fresh produce, skin and hair care products, men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry and cosmetics, body work, cleaning products, books, vinyl, all sorts of great products. The location changes month to month so make sure you check their website for the location info and schedule.

One of the only black owned music venues in the twin cities, Pimento Rum Bar is a great place to find black music, entertainment and events. They have Afrobeatz nights, Dancehall, Reggae, Afro-cuban bands, open mic events, karaoke, etc. They have a really nice patio and stage setup in the back where they host bands in the summertime. When you come to turn up, make sure you grab a Rum Punch from the bar. But be careful because it will get you there QUICK. They also have a restaurant attached where they serve Jamaican food. The restaurant has some of the most fire Wings in the cities.

Houston White is a Barber, entrepreneur and community leader. And his barber shop is one of the dopest spots in the cities. Not just because he’s an amazing barber and does great work, but he also has a storefront where you can buy his branded ‘Black Excellence’ apparel; and a 3rd space where folks can chill, listen to music, engage and exchange ideas. Houston is just a really good dude and his vibe permeates the space. He’s been a supporter of mine for many years as well and I have mad love and respect for him and everything he does in the community.

For the ladies, Beauty Lounge is a fantastic salon owned by my friend Melissa Taylor. It really is THE Minneapolis multi-cultural hair destination. They can work with any hair texture and also offer workshops on styling hair for kids as well as more advanced training for hair professionals. Melissa is super dope and really has a passion for what she does so if you’re looking to level up your look definitely stop in.

MMYYKK's Guide to Black Businesses in Minneapolis

Denaisha

Merci Tattoo, my favourite place to get tattooed. A non male owned space where the energy is impeccable. I was so comfortable getting Tattooed here I fell asleep on the table. Plus if you like underwater creatures as tattoos, my fave to go to for that has been the artist Joi;)

If your kinky and you like to have your glitz and gadgets, head to Bondesque on lake and Lyndale for your toy and torture needs. They also have very cute kink attire/lingerie and the workers are always very kind, helpful, and open about any questions you might have ! My favourite place to go on dates, or for when I just want to treat myself. Plus they always have info on upcoming BDSM events happening in the cities.

If you're new to toys or you just want to educate yourself more on sexuality in general, going to smitten kitten is strongly recommended! I get all my favorite books from here, rather your curious about the connections between sex and astrology, sex with an able bodied or disabled or differently shaped partner, or a first timer, or pretty much anything more, the selection of books here is always my goto.
Not to mention the wide selection of safe, sparky new toys to choose from!

My most frequented metaphysical shop in Minneapolis, I go here for all my cleansing, wishing and manifestation needs. They have crystals, incense, waters, candles and my favourite selection of astrology related books. And it’s right across the street from Smitten Kitten and Bondesque, so I always get to visit them all on the same day!

My favourite restaurant and meal in general, is Awaze tibs with a veggie platter and injera from Red Sea. One of those places where the food is good every single time. They never miss.

Exploring Minneapolis' Kinky Side with Denaisha

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