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San Jose's dialogue is changing, but our #sanjoselove remains the same. Our platform is shared with local community organizer Mary Celestin, a San Jose native, musician, engineering student, and now activist, who is offering ways to elevate Black voices and businesses.

 

Lets Get to Work, San Jose! Mary provides locals and visitors with ways to support the Black community. In her first recommendation, Mary recommends al fresco, takeout, or delivery San Jose restaurants that are owned by Blacks.

 

Back A Yard Caribbean Grill

Various San Jose Locations

At Back-A-Yard, you can experience a taste of the Caribbean with the best jerk chicken platter around. Don't forget to order Jamaican patties, salad yard bowls, and dessert. Sweet potato pie and key lime pie are both favorites. To go, you can even buy their famous sauces!

 

It's fun to go here with my dad, says Mary. Due to our Haitian-American heritage, we always sit at the table with the Haitian flag.

 

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant

Willow Glen

In San Jose, Ethiopian food is plentiful. With the name of a traditional Ethiopian home, this restaurant literally brings you homestyle aromas and flavors.

 

Jackies Place

Downtown

Founded and operated by Jackie Johnson, a Bay Area caterer for over 20 years, this Japantown favorite provides soul food delights straight from Jackie's plate to yours. You can enjoy fried chicken and catfish as well as shrimp and grits with black eyed peas and hush puppies. Dessert is always a must!

 

Jubba Somali

Almaden Valley

This local gem is a go-to for Somalian cuisine; tucked away in a residential neighborhood. We are known for our roasted goat cutlets, jumbo steak platters, and sambusas.

 

LeYou Ethiopian

Downtown

Enjoy entrees with classic Ethiopian dishes such as sega kitfo (steak tartare), Keywot (red beef stew), and ahi tuna and tofu. Veggie platters are personally recommended by Mary.

 

Lunch Box

West San Jose

With its casual, laid-back atmosphere offering homestyle meals, this Ethiopian restaurant is convenient for families.

 

Mudai Restaurant

Downtown

For meat-eaters or vegans, Mudai's traditionally-prepared individual and shareable plates are full of exotic Ethiopian spices. Combining lamb tibs, gomen, and doro wot is a winning combination. Wash it all down with Ethiopian beer and traditional injera flatbread.

 

Walia Ethipian Cuisine

West San Jose

San Jose Ethiopian hotspot where many Silicon Valley tech leaders eat, this eatery is well-reviewed. Discover classic combo plates or the new Silicon Valley favorite, the Zuckerberg Combo.

 

Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

Downtown

Locals enjoy taking their out-of-town guests to Zeni, which offers a Western-style dining room and a traditional Ethiopian-style dining ambiance. Authentic flavors and customizable options are offered in the dishes. Engage in a shared experience of the cuisine with your group. Among Mary's favorites are Kitfo (lean ground beef sauteed in butter and spices), Tibs (cubed meat sauteed with onions and jalapeno peppers), and Kik Alicha.

 

Nirvana Soul

Downtown

The new San Jose coffee shop in SoFA District is owned by Jeronica Macey and Be'Anka Ashaolu, which has been one of the most anticipated and buzzworthy openings of late. They are native San Joseans and sisters who have always dreamt of creating a space that feeds heart and soul. For a tasting of their menu, Jenonica and Be'Anka suggest their Celebration Latte.

 

Honorable Mentions

The food is still worth trying even though they don't have a brick-and-mortar location. Discover San Jose like a local and don't miss out on its flavors!

 

Jon Jon's BBQ

Downtown

Order your combo platter and watch them grill it right outside. This local eatery is all about the food. Known for its good food and service, Jon's Jon's has been operating for over two decades from a walk-up trailer.

 

Marys Take: Be careful! Known for their special spices, rubs, and signature sauce, this restaurant is a foodie's paradise!

Shark Plumbing Services
Address: 1563 June Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Phone: (408) 724-7909
Website: https://www.sharkplumbers.com/