February is Black History Month, and to mark it, we’ve rounded up nine Black-owned businesses in Lower Manhattan where you should be sure to spend your dollars — this month, and every month. From a top watch hospital, to a space station-themed coffee shop, to a champion-training boxing gym, you can find a wealth of shops, services and eateries below.
Celebrating the spirit of creative reuse with women- and minority-owned fashion brands, this pop-up store features unique garments and accessories made from upcycled materials, with a focus on socially conscious creators. (21 Greenwich St. at the Oculus)
February, of course, also brings Valentine’s Day — which is honestly the perfect excuse to splurge at I Want Candy. The kiosk’s mission is to wow passersby with its service and varied collection. The store was founded by a former vendor at Texas Rangers baseball games, who now brings joy to shoppers of all kinds right in Lower Manhattan. (200 Broadway at Fulton Center)
Charles Patrick Jewelers has been serving the neighborhood for nearly 40 years, with namesake founder Patrick describing his incredible watch repair work as nothing short of “open surgery” on the spot. Patrick can also appraise watches and repair grandfather clocks, along with restoring and designing jewelry. (14 Wall St.)
Malibu Farm brings a touch of SoCal to Lower Manhattan, offering farm-to-table fare that’s good for you and delicious (a real feat, if you ask us!). The restaurant has a bounty of fresh options, ranging from pink shrimp tacos and spaghetti squash lasagna, to coconut ceviche and sesame-crusted salmon. (89 South St.)
This intergalactic-themed coffee shop serves tasty espresso drinks, whole beans and pastries out of a Carl Sagan-inspired space, complete with space station-esque decor and merch featuring the late astronomer. (110 William St.)
This six-year-old boxing studio on Fulton Street offers all kinds of classes and trainers for fighters at all levels. Colin Morgan, a world-renowned trainer with decades of experience, leads the operation, and his training has catapulted some Bout boxers into championship rings — just some inspo for boxing newbies! (139 Fulton St.)
Inside Out Tours is an award-winning Black- and woman-owned company that offers several walking tours around Lower Manhattan, and in particular a much-lauded one that educates participants about African-American history, slavery and the Underground Railroad in New York City. Other tours of note include a Wall Street Walking Tour that showcases the political and financial histories of Wall Street, as well as a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour.
This stylish emporium is filled with more than 50 brands and 500 items — at least 70 percent of which are BIPOC-founded. The store preaches inclusivity in its products, with personalized care, and the goal of having a place from all over the globe discover beauty and wellness products. (185 Greenwich St. at the Oculus)
Brooklyn Chop House combines Asian fare with steakhouse standards, creating a dining experience that is truly unique. Menu items include dumplings filled with lamb meat, lobster, French onion soup or reuben; plus a selection of Satay dishes and the standard steakhouse offerings of filet mignon, ribs and pork chops. (150 Nassau St.)
Tags: black history month