Search the culture
Ten ways to explore the county.
Every category is a door into how Black Lake County eats, creates, builds and celebrates. Start where your curiosity leads.
Featured Businesses
New to the Directory
Recently added businesses worth discovering this week.
Trending in the Culture
African American Museum at The England Manor
Waukegan, IL
Lake County's only comprehensive Black history museum in Waukegan.
Noble Page Bookhouse
Waukegan, IL
Waukegan's new Black-authored bookstore & literacy lab.
Magnolia Catering & Events
Waukegan, IL
Southern-inspired catering for your next gathering.
Brew & Bloom
Grayslake, IL
Coffee, pastries and rare houseplants in Grayslake.
Heritage & Co. Legal Group
Vernon Hills, IL
Business & estate counsel for Black founders.
Black Business Pop-Up Market
Sat, Sep 12 • 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
30+ vendors, soul food trucks & vinyl DJ sets at Waukegan Harbor.
Discover Something Different
Browse even when you don't know exactly what you need. Each collection is an editorial guide to Lake County culture.
EAT BLACK
A curated collection of restaurants, caterers, bakers and culinary innovators shaping Lake County taste.
GLOW BLACK
Master barbers, natural hair sanctuaries, estheticians and beauty founders redefining personal care.
BUILD BLACK
Builders, licensed contractors, master trades and real estate professionals laying community foundations.
SHOP THE CULTURE
Independent retail, statement fashion, home fragrance, bookstores and local handmade goods.
BLACK DATE NIGHT
Intimate dinners, craft cocktail lounges, curated live music and romantic experiences.
BLACK PROFESSIONALS
Trusted attorneys, CPA tax strategists, wealth advisors, engineers and executive consultants.
BLACK FAMILY WEEKEND
Family-friendly restaurants, venues and experiences for gatherings that span generations.
MADE IN LAKE COUNTY
Entrepreneurs creating products locally, from apparel and books to coffee and catering.
Explore the County
Discover Black-owned businesses in every corner of Lake County, Illinois.
The Forest
Soul Food Restaurant • Waukegan
The Forest is a modern soul food restaurant in Waukegan, serving flavorful dishes inspired by tradition, community and culture. Enjoy pan-seared wild salmon, slow-braised oxtails, seasoned greens, and peach cobbler in a warm, welcoming dining room.
Founded by native Lake County culinary creators, The Forest bridges generational heritage recipes with contemporary plating, locally sourced ingredients, and lakefront hospitality.
Deals from the Culture
Discounts, specials and community offers from Lake County Black-owned businesses.
10% Off Orders Over 50 Units
Bulk custom apparel orders of 50+ pieces receive an automatic discount on screen printing and embroidery.
Complimentary Chef's Praline
Guests ordering the chef's tasting menu receive a complimentary praline course with their experience.
Silk Press + Hydration Bundle
Combine a signature silk press with a deep botanical hydration treatment at a bundled rate.
Upcoming Events
Black Business Pop-Up Market
Waukegan Harbor Pavilion
Sat, Sep 12 • 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Live At The Lake: Local Artists
Zion Arts Amphitheater
Fri, Sep 18 • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Founders & Friends Networking
Innovation Lounge, Gurnee
Fri, Sep 25 • 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Sunday Brunch Series
Magnolia Catering Hall, Waukegan
Sun, Sep 27 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Your business deserves
more than a listing.
Join the digital destination built to help Lake County discover, support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. Basic inclusion is free.
