Straw and Wool
Ali Nervis (left) and Henry Dickerson (right) are co-owners of Straw and Wool hat store in Downtown Phoenix.
Hats off to these awesome Phoenicians. Straw and Wool brings a sense of style, confidence and pride to Downtown Phoenix and beyond. Established in 2020, when you step inside Straw & Wool you gain confidence that only a classic hat can provide. Instagram: @straw_and_wool
Details: 610 E. Roosevelt St., Ste 144. Phone: 602-888-4761
Onyx Sweet Shoppe
Vernon and Kathi Williams are the husband and wife team behind Onyx Sweet Shoppe. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Grassrootz Books and Juice Bar
Ali Nervis of Grassrootz Bookstore. (Photo: Grassootz Bookstore)
The Diaspora Collection and Latha restaurant owner Evelia Davis at Arizona Center during Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Shop Like A Local popup event. (Photo: Taylor Costello)
The Diaspora Collective is a place for the collective to celebrate, connect, discover, experience, and honor the food, art, culture, music, and people of Africa and the African diaspora. The reason why is simple: to empower people to be passionate ambassadors for Africa and African diaspora so that we shape the narrative. Instagram: @the_diasporacollective
Latha is a restaurant and bar opening soon that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Africa and the African diaspora. The menu is rooted in the food traditions of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Southern US. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farms, responsible purveyors and fair trade sources, as well as offering a selection of wine, beer, and spirits made, owned or developed by Black artisans.
Details: Heritage Square, Silva House, 628 E. Adams St.
Black Theatre Troupe
A performance at Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, home of the Black Theatre Troupe. (Photo: Black Theatre Troupe)
Stardust & Sage
Stardust & Sage crystal shop is located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. (Photo: Facebook)
The Buy Black Marketplace hosted by Archwood Exchange happens the first Saturday of every month. (Photo: Archwood Exchange / QuickFlicks Photography)
Since 2016, the local collective Archwood Exchange has hosted the bi-weekly Buy Black Marketplace to support Phoenix-based Black businesses. Founded by the owners of Grassrootz Bookstore and Straw & Wool, the marketplace takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The Marketplace features many products from Black-owned businesses in Phoenix, including art, jewelry, clothing, beauty products, food and more. Learn more about Archwood Exchange.
Hustle PHX
Oye and Crys Waddell of Hustle PHX. (Photo: Hustle PHX)
Founded by husband and wife team, Oye and Crys Waddell in 2013, Hustle Phoenix describes itself as a “faith-inspired nonprofit focused on counseling and promoting Phoenix entrepreneurs who may be outside the mainstream lines of support that many others rely on in launching their businesses.” It’s funded mainly through charitable donations, support from foundations, a small fee-based income for some of their services, churches, banks and city partnerships. Learn more about Hustle PHX.
The Larder + The Delta
The Larder + The Delta chef and owner Stephen Jones. (Photo: David Wallace)
Frequently lauded as one of the best restaurants in Phoenix, The Larder + The Delta is a spot you shouldn’t miss. Chef Stephen Jones, the whiz behind the biz, grew up on Southern cooking and puts his signature sophisticated twist on dishes like fried chicken, Hoppin’ John, crispy pigs ears, fish and chips, and more. If you’re a locavore, you’ll love that most of his ingredients are sourced from local producers and purveyors. Jones was recently named a finalist of the James Beard Awards — they’re like the Oscars of the dining industry. View a stunning visual of the restaurant as part of our DTPHX In/Flux video series.
Details: 200 W. Portland St., Ste. 101. Phone: 480-409-8520
Brownstone Spa
Brownstone Spas is owned by licensed esthetician, Stacy Best-Nervis. (Photo: Facebook)
In need for some self-care? Brownstone Spa is the spot to escape your everyday stresses and emerge with rejuvenated skin. Owned by licensed esthetician, Stacy Best-Nervis, Brownstone Spa focuses on customized skincare services for the face and body including hyperpigmentation, chemical peels, micro & hydro dermabrasion, and customized facials. Instagram: @brownstonespa_az
Details: 610 E. Roosevelt Rd Unit 136 Second Floor.
Andy’s Shoe Shine
Andy and Grace (pictured) have been serving the Downtown Phoenix community for more than 13 years. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Located on the ground floor of the Orpheum Lofts, Andy’s Shoe Shine has been in operation in Downtown Phoenix for over 15 years. Whether you need your shoes shined, a stiletto repaired, or your shoes re-soled, Andy and Grace can help you out, and they always do it with a smile.
Details: 114 W. Adams St. Phone: 602-264-6592
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Fried chicken and fluffy waffles. What’s not to love? Lo-Lo’s has been a staple in the Phoenix food scene for more than 25 years. Named after Lo-Lo (Larry) White, grandson of the same Mrs. White with the Golden Rule Cafe. Take a seat inside the original location of the down-home restaurant, and drink Kool-Aid from a jar as you satiate yourself with some good old-fashioned soul food. Instagram: @loloschickenandwaffles
Details: 1220 S. Central Ave. Phone: 602-340-1304
Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Larry “Lo-Lo” White of Monroe’s Hot Chicken. (Photo: Fara Illich)
Downtown Phoenix may be 1,635 miles away from Nashville, but you don’t have to travel far to sink your teeth into Music City’s signature spicy dish. Monroe’s Hot Chicken — the latest concept by Larry “Lo-Lo” White (of Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles) — spiced up the Downtown Phoenix food scene with his Nashville-style hot chicken when it opened in February 2019. Located on the ground floor of the Luhrs building, Monroe’s is the brainchild of Larry “Lo-Lo” White, the namesake and owner behind the famous Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles. View a stunning visual of the restaurant as part of our DTPHX In/Flux video series. Instagram: @monroeshotchicken
Details: 45 W. Jefferson St. Phone: 602-872-7100
Trapp Haus BBQ
Phil “The Grill” Johnson of Trapp Haus BBQ in Roosevelt Row. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
If you’re looking for fall-off-the-bone ribs, we’ve got your spot. Trapp Haus, the brainchild of Phil “The Grill” Johnson, is the first barbecue spot to open in Downtown Phoenix. Frequently lauded for its killer traditional American BBQ meats and savory sides, Trapp Haus is located just east of Fifth Street on Roosevelt. Stop into this cozy, rustic hangout for amazing ribs, Philly ‘crack’ wings, hickory smoked brisket, hand pulled pork, cured pastrami and more. Instagram: @trapphausbbq
Details: 511 E. Roosevelt St. Phone: 602-466-5462
Tru Ultra Lounge & Track Club
Alterations and Creations
TinaMarie Eaves, owner and operator of Alterations and Creations in the Roosevelt neighborhood. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Whether you need a dress altered, a suit dry cleaned or some custom tailoring, TinaMarie has you covered. She has been at the helm of this Downtown Phoenix business since opening in 2001. The space also serves as a small retail boutique with clothing, accessories and stunning African wrap skirts designed by TinaMarie herself.
Details: 214 W. Roosevelt St. Phone: 602-277-9952
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
Known for its Southern comfort food staples, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule has been a downtown dining staple since 1964. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Feed your soul with some of the best Southern comfort food this side of the Mississippi. A low-key Phoenix institution, Mrs. White’s has served down-home classics since 1964. Fried catfish, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and savory sides like black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens are just some of the items on the menu. While the space is modest, it has plenty of character with the handwritten notes from its guests on the walls, numerous newspaper clippings and the menu, written on an old-school chalkboard.
Details: 808 E. Jefferson St. Phone: 602-262-9256
Iced Up
Bilbo Sportswear
Norma Bilbo (right) and her mother. (Photo: Norma Bilbo)