Protests continue after George Floyd’s death, and Tony McDade’s death, and Breonna Taylor’s death, and Ahmaud Arbery’s death, against the backdrop of a pandemic that highlights racial injustice in America. Around the city, rallies and vigils are taking place. People are joining in, donating, doing the reading, supporting Black-owned businesses. For those hoping to do the last with dining dollars, here are 10 food and beverage businesses to patronize, plus a list of many more. Some are open for takeout, some are selling gift cards, some are getting ready to reopen soon. If your favorites are missing, please let us know.
50Kitchen
After years of hard work to get his restaurant off the ground, Dorchester native Anthony Caldwell opened 50Kitchen in Fields Corner just before the pandemic began. The tiny spot brings together Southern and Asian cuisines on the menu, with dishes like jambalaya egg rolls, smoked brisket banh mi, and collard greens with kimchi.
1450 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, 617-474-2433, www.50kitchen.com
Ali’s Roti
Come to this longtime shop and neighborhood mainstay for some of the best roti around. Trinidadian expats and locals in the know line up for wraps filled with curried goat, oxtail stew, and more. Everything is generously spiced and heartily portioned.
1188 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, 617-298-9850
The Coast Cafe
The main attraction at this Cambridge spot, opened in 1997, is the fried chicken. The batter is crunchy and well-seasoned, the meat juicy, and it comes with sides like mac and cheese, candied yams, and collards with smoked turkey. You'll also find catfish, ribs, and generous servings of friendliness.
233 River St., Cambridge, 617-354-7644, www.coastsoulcafe.com
Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen
This place has history: For decades it was Bob the Chef’s, beloved for its gospel brunch and “glorifried chicken.” Nia Grace bought the place in 2018, and preserved the spirit for a new generation. Takeout options include fried catfish, barbecue chicken and ribs, and more. Grace and crew are also working on introducing cocktail mixers and figuring out ways to incorporate music into the delivery package.
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604 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston, 617-536-1100, www.dcbkboston.com
Jamaica Mi Hungry
Chef Ernie Campbell created a hit on wheels with his Jamaica Mi Hungry food truck, warming Boston with curry goat and beef patties on coco bread since 2015. In 2019, he turned it into a brick-and-mortar restaurant operating under the same name next to the Jackson Square T station. Do not sleep on the fiery, moist jerk pork shoulder with dill slaw and plantains.
225 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-708-0465, www.jamaicamihungry.com
MIDA
At the corner of Mass. Ave. and Tremont Street, you’ll find MIDA, the cozy and welcoming restaurant that chef-owner Douglass Williams has steadily turned into one of the city’s most delicious places for Italian food. The Mangia Monday menu, which serves two people and includes five portions of pasta plus salad and bread for $70, continues to be as good a deal for takeout as it was for dining in; you can also add a bottle of wine for $15.
782 Tremont St., South End, Boston, 617-936-3490, www.midaboston.com
Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor
The food is made with evident love at reggae musician Jahriffe Mackenzie and fashion designer Nahdra Ra Kiros’s vegan restaurant. The place is a reflection of their spirituality, which is influenced by Rastafari and African traditions; they opened it to be a place of healing for their community. The food is soulful, delicious, and highly spiced, the menu based around stews, vegetables, and grains: the brick-red Ethiopian spiced lentils called misir wat, veggie korma, curried cabbage, bright green kale, spicy African couscous. Don’t forget to order a restorative juice or smoothie.
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340 Washington St., Four Corners, Dorchester, 617-237-9033
Pit Stop Barbecue
A little red hut set in the corner of a parking lot, Pit Stop serves smoke-scented ribs, brisket, chopped pork, and more, with all the sides. The prices are reasonable, and the house barbecue sauce is pleasingly sweet and tangy. The place has been in business for more than 30 years.
888A Morton St., Mattapan, 617-436-0485, www.pitstopbarbecue.com
Soleil
Cheryl Straughter used to run a restaurant called Keith’s Place in Grove Hall that was known for its soul food and Sunday brunch. She brought its welcoming spirit to Nubian Square when she opened Soleil in 2018. The restaurant serves hearty egg combos, fish fritters with tahini-turmeric dipping sauce, a roster of generous sandwiches, and dinner platters laden with beef ribs, fried whiting, and more.
2306 Washington St., Roxbury, 617-541-9000, www.soleilboston.com
Tawakal Halal Cafe
Recognized by Bon Appetit magazine, this East Boston restaurant features fragrant, headily spiced Somali dishes served up by Yahya Noor and family. The menu includes sambusas, samosa-like turnovers filled with ground beef; biryani with slow-cooked goat; chicken stew with coconut milk grits; and the Tawakal plate, which consists of chapati flatbread cooked in tomato sauce with chickpeas and spinach. The food is as delicious as the restaurant is tiny and unassuming.
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389 Maverick St., East Boston, 617-418-5890
Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant
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Devra First can be reached at devra.first@globe.com. Follow her @devrafirst.