Monterey County is made up of a large community of diverse, family-owned businesses including a variety of Black-owned businesses. If you are committed to supporting Black-owned businesses, we’ve rounded up 15 awesome ways to #BuyBlack when visiting Monterey County. 

FOOD AND DRINK

Deja Blue restaurant and bar is a live music venue showcasing some of the best talent around. Enjoy a great cocktail, jazz music and amazing soul food including everything from baby back ribs to shrimp and grits. 

Cuzzo's Fish Shak by Dmitri Rivers serves up dirty south cooking with a West Coast spin!

Cre's BBQ and Soul Food feeds the soul with homemade classics like southern fried chicken, BBQ ribs, mac & cheese and catfish.

One More Bite creates plant based desserts using 100% natural ingredients. Their goal is to make plant based desserts more accessible for the community and change the stigma associated with a plant based diet.

Evonne's Cheesecakes crafts handmade premium quality cheesecakes in weekly featured flavors like apple pie cheesecake, peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake!

Eddison & Melrose offers casual English charm created by English Chef Karen Anne Murray. This 'living room style' tea room specializes in teatime creations such as scones, tea sandwiches, and a tea collection that includes their unique Royal Blends and hard to find flavors.

Michelle’s Soul Food Kitchen serves up Southern style family recipes made ready-to-order so it always comes out fresh and hot! A must-try is their local-favorite catfish. Pair it with mac and cheese, hush puppies, rice and beans, and sweet potato pie for dessert. 

Post No Bills is a unique craft beer lounge featuring an ever changing diverse collection of beers made locally and internationally. Select from over 200 beers on draft, or buy by the bottle or can. They also serve a small selection of wine and craft soda. Bring your own food, or grab something from the taco truck outside.

Swamp Snacks is bringing a new deep fried twist to some of your favorite desserts. Try all your favorite treats deep fried, from KitKats to Reese’s cookie dough, oreos and more! And while the business doesn’t have a storefront, orders can be picked-up or delivered to everywhere from Carmel to Salinas. 

Wine Bank is an upscale bar that features spectacular wines that are limited and handmade. The food menu includes a cheese platter, charcuterie plate, and even caviar bites. Take advantage of its beautiful outdoor seating areas and courtyard, and in the evenings stop by for live piano music. 

At Hem Nutrition you’ll find a diverse selection of shakes served with complimentary tea. Here you’ll find great drinks mixed with a great ambiance. They even write inspiring quotes on every cup! 

Ord Market in Marina is a great local market with all of your favorite products, as well as a deli with fresh-cut cheeses, meats, and more. The market is also part of Shell gas station, so you can get food, fuel, U-Haul services, and more all in one place.

CLOTHING AND GOODS

 

Old Capitol Books is your local, friendly bookstore. They have used books from fiction to poetry, kids’ books, non-fiction, and more. 

Generation Ave, establishes a new standard of second-hand shopping by offering curated collections, popular brands, and a welcoming environment. 

All on Money Gear has a great selection of hoodies, tees and more. 

Blessed Ventures Bounce Houses is a bounce house and essential party equipment rental company serving the Monterey County areas. 

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY 

Johnny Wicks Candles features a selection of candles with mesmerizing scents, beautiful designs, and quality ingredients. Every candle is hand poured and hand crafted by owner, Johnny. These candles are also unique in that after the life-cycle of the candle, all of the vessels can be repurposed for other uses. Sign up for the Candle of the Month Club and be on the lookout for special edition collector candles. 

Along with offering skincare services, Romeasha & Co. is a handmade skincare line that includes products such as exfoliants, serums, moisturizers and toners, using a selection  of herbs/plants, essential oils and high quality oils. Owner Romeasha Smith prides herself on her extensive knowledge of ingredients and treatments, along with her holistic approach in skin therapy. 

The goal of Look Feel Be Good Beauty is for clients to leave feeling beautiful, nurtured, and relaxed. Owner, LaShouna, uses clinical and pharmaceutical products that deliver results in the treatment room. Book an appointment or visit the skincare store. 

If you know of other Black-owned businesses in Monterey County that should be on the list, please share their details with us via info@seemonterey.com.