How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Lakeview East
Friday, June 19th marks Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, a powerful commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Lakeview East is proud to be home to a number of incredible Black-owned businesses, offering everything from delicious food and drinks to fashion, wellness, and creative services. Support these wonderful local businesses year-round!
Juneteenth Events
Get Sidetrack’d on Thursday for the Annual Juneteenth Celebration! They will be celebrating the music of black artists, starting at 9 pm. Sip on $3 frozens! Hosts for the evening are Sasha Love and Boy J. No cover… it’s Sidetrack!
Progress is celebrating Juneteenth Wednesday and Thursday with two hot events. On Wednesday, catch O’laysia, Allura The Doll, Breon, and Harlem Nyte turning it out to music by DJ X-tasy in a special Juneteenth edition of Snatched. Enjoy a celebration of Black excellence and culture as you sip on $6 Absolut Flavors, $6 Jack Daniel’s, and $5 Blue Moons.
The celebration doesn’t stop there— Sativa Diamond is hosting a special edition of Flow this Thursday featuring DJ X-tasy and a special appearance by DJ Zel.
Black Owned Businesses to Support All Year Long
Ancient Grounds Coffee Co | 1022 W Belmont
Ancient Grounds Coffee Co., co-founded by Joshua Fields, sprang from a dream shared over a cup of coffee. Nestled right on Belmont Avenue, this unique coffee shop stands out with its commitment to community, exceptional coffee, and delectable cuisine. With a focus on quality blends, inviting aromas, and a menu featuring delicious sandwiches and nutritious acai bowls, Ancient Grounds is dedicated to leaving every customer with a smile. It’s not just a place for a coffee break; it’s a hub where great coffee meets great friends, symbolizing the spirit of community and the joy of shared experiences.
Apothecary Lounge | 3242 N Clark St
As of this year, Clark Street is now home to the much anticipated half speakeasy, half old world pharmacy, Apothecary Lounge! The owner, Eric Reid has been a practicing pharmacist and semi-professional bartender for the past 20 years. His mission for Apothecary Lounge was to create a space where he can combine his two worlds to create something truly unique. He compares creating a great cocktail to creating a solid remedy; attention to detail and flavor, intentional proportions, and respect for the alchemy that happens when ingredients are mixed. Since pursuing this endeavor, he has built an amazing team with bartender Zachary Heller, and Jacquelyn Lord heading the kitchen. This stylish cocktail lounge brings the fashion to their menu as well, with creatively inspired cocktails and bites carefully crafted and designed. Their cocktail menu has something for everyone and unique pairings like aged cachaca and soursop tea, and mezcal and Sichuan peppercorn just to name a few.
Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health | 1051 W Belmont
Christopher LeMark is the CEO and Founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop, & Mental Health. LeMark created this non-profit organization with the mission of normalizing therapy and making it more accessible to black and brown communities. Through coffee sales and donations, CHHAMH provides free therapy sessions to those in need. CHHAMH has garnered support from major media outlets, which has helped them grow their organization and expand their mission. Christopher LeMark and Coffee, Hip Hop, & Mental Health are doing essential work by de-stigmatizing mental health, and we are proud to be home to their flagship location on Belmont!
Comfort’s African Cuisine | 2835 N Broadway
Comfort’s African Cuisine, nestled at 2835 N. Broadway, is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of heritage and family. Opened in late July 2023, this Nigerian eatery has quickly become a neighborhood gem, thanks to the Afolarin family’s dedication. Co-owners Tobi and Gbenga Afolarin, along with Gbenga’s wife Helen and sister Eunice Okesola, the executive chef, have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to savor traditional Nigerian dishes like grilled croaker fish, jollof rice, and catfish pepper soup. The restaurant’s name, a tribute to Tobi Afolarin’s mother, Comfort, embodies the essence of both genuine hospitality and delicious comfort food. Here, dining is an experience. Customers engage with West African culture, particularly through the unique way of eating dishes like egusi soup with fufu, using hands to scoop up the hearty flavors. Geraldine Mullen, Tobi’s wife and partner in the restaurant, loves the joy customers find in this authentic experience.
If you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, chances are you’ve heard the rave reviews of Dat Donut. Owners Darryl and Andrea opened the flagship location in Chatham back in 1994, and have since made a name for themselves serving the neighborhood through community support, donations, and of course, delicious sweets. Known most famously for their “Big Dat” donut, they decided to spread the love to the northside and found their home in Lakeview East. The newest location is located conveniently right off of the Wellington CTA train station where you can always find morning commuters coming in to fuel the day with a warm donut and a fresh cup of coffee. Perfect for a sweet treat for one, or parties and celebrations, their donuts come in all different kinds of flavors from plain glazed, to chocolate, to pineapple, and more.
Culver’s Wrigleyville | 1111 W Addison St
Meet Baron Waller, a true neighborhood hero and a shining example of success in 2023! Opening his 9th Culver’s franchise, he didn’t just bring mouthwatering burgers to the community, but also a hefty dose of heartwarming hospitality. Baron is not just any franchise owner, he’s made history as the largest minority franchise owner in the country! His secret ingredient? A generous sprinkle of mentorship and a whole lot of care. During training days, Baron’s energy is infectious. He’s not just teaching his team the ropes – he’s inspiring them with his knowledge, passion, and a deep love for community service. This approach has turned each of his franchises into more than just restaurants; they’re cozy community hubs where everyone feels like family. Celebrating Baron during Black History Month isn’t just about his impressive business feats; it’s about honoring a man who brings smiles, exceptional service, and a sense of togetherness to our neighborhood.
Lana Cyrus Salon | 3218 N Sheffield
The owner and creative visionary behind Lana Cyrus Salon at Sheffield and Belmont, is a renowned stylist with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Lana is known for her ability to create personalized, timeless looks that suit each client’s lifestyle and personality. Her commitment to excellence, along with her friendly, down-to-earth demeanor, has made Lana a trusted stylist to a wide range of clients from all over the world. Her salon is dedicated to providing clients with the best in hair care, color, and design. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, a bold new color, or a chic blowout, Lana and her talented team prioritize quality, comfort, and a personalized approach to every service so that clients not only leave looking their best but also feeling confident and rejuvenated!
Lash and Company Lakeview | 2835 N Halsted
New to the neighborhood in 2025, Bianca is the proud owner of Lash and Co, a beauty haven that specializes in lash extensions and spa treatments. But Bianca isn’t just a business owner, she’s a multitalented powerhouse with a passion for entrepreneurship. As an experienced Commercial Real Estate Broker specializing in retail, she has an eye for finding the perfect location for businesses to thrive. Her work with Lash and Co is an extension of her deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful business, and she uses her personal experience to guide others in the beauty industry. Whether she’s advising clients on commercial real estate or providing top-notch beauty services, Bianca’s commitment to excellence is at the heart of everything she does.
The Den Hotel & Blind Wolf Speakeasy | 3222 N Sheffield
The Den Hotel offers convenient, clean, and comfortable lodging for anyone visiting the neighborhood. The owner, Phil Joseph has designed the hotel to be stylish, fresh, and definitively Chicago. The hotel is located just a few blocks from Wrigley Field making it the perfect homebase for a weekend of Cubs games or Wrigleyville partying. The renovated location keeps much of the 1920s era charm of the greystone establishment, including the classic prohibition era speakeasy, now called The Blind Wolf. Hidden inside you’ll find a charming hideaway with specialty cocktails and a modern vibe reminiscent of the classic speakeasy that came before it. On Wednesday nights, it’s home to a beloved neighborhood comedy show that starts at 8 pm.
The Smoothie Joint | 948 W Newport
Telesha Christopher, the heart and soul behind The Smoothie Joint at Sheffield and Newport, transformed her dream into reality with remarkable grit and passion. Starting as a home daycare owner, Telesha faced numerous challenges, from financial hurdles to a pandemic, without government aid. But her unwavering spirit saw her through, especially with the timely partnership with 1-800 Flowers that kept her dream afloat. Today, after leaving her full-time job for her true passion, Telesha’s Smoothie Joint is a bustling hub of community and deliciousness. It’s a vibrant testament to her resilience and dedication, where every smoothie served is a sip of her remarkable journey towards success and community engagement. Be sure to stop in on Fridays, where all of their smoothies are $5 all day long!
Truth Training | 3232 N Sheffield
Truth Training is more than just a gym; it’s a community. The owner and trainer of over 17 years, Antonio Norman, has developed a special training center where members can feel at home. As a member exclusive gym, everyone’s needs are met and their goals are supported every step of the way. The equipment is always guaranteed to be clean and the gym’s trainers are there to help you on your fitness journey. The facility has all the machines and weights you need to achieve your build with dedicated weight and cardio areas, as well as more specialized zones.
