So, you’re black and venturing to the greater parts of the valley, huh? Well, San Fernando Valley is arguably one of the most recognizable suburbs in the post-World War II United States. Once touted as a sundown town, it’s popular images as the playground of white middle-class families, has now changed to become a “majority-minority” region even though African Americans still only make up 4%.  Numbers don’t scare us though because even in the face of harsh interpersonal and institutional racism, WE carved out homes, communities, and histories.

And that’s not just a history lesson…Today, it is still often referred to as the "Deep Valley," but it features a global variety of black restaurants, health and beauty and shopping. 

Let’s start with food, everyone’s favorite subject. Fish Bone Seafood in Reseda is perfect when you’re too exhausted to cook for Fish Fry Fridays (is that still a thing?). Les Sisters in Chatsworth or Sweet Blessings in Van Nuys can throw down some soulful southern cooking, just like yo’ grandma. Mom’s Bar Be Cue House aka Mom’s Haus in Van Nuys never fails to deliver spectacular bbq and creole eats. And Thrive Doughnuts in Canoga Park is the perfect pull-up for a sweet treat.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and want to treat yourself to something new, there’s One876 Caribbean Restaurant in Chatsworth or Jamafo Jamaican Food Xpress in Canoga Park. Ranchside Café in Sylmar has a smorgasbord of Ethiopian, Mexican, and American foods and Toto’s African Cuisine in Van Nuys has some of the best Nigerian eats.

If you’re in the Pacoima area, check out StylesVille Barbershop & Beauty Salon. It opened in 1957 and is the oldest black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley. It’s much more than a historical landmark in my opinion, so be sure to check out this amazing piece of history!

If you want to venture to Pasadena, which is right next door to SFV, they have the Pasadena Fish Market for our seafood lovers, Bonnie B’s Smokin’ BBQ Heaven if you’re craving brisket (they also have smoked salmon which sounds delicious), and the Gourmet Cobbler Factory for your sweet tooth needs.

Now don’t judge a restaurant by its name!! The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop has your brunch desires covered. Their menu includes shrimp and grits, catfish and grits and so much more!

And while we are on the subject of “so much more”, check out Just In Time Hair Trends in Pasadena to get a fresh haircut. The ambience is nostalgic and the barbershop banter is a plenty (and it is women and kid friendly). And ladies, there’s also Jama Williams Hair Studio & Nail Spa in Canoga Park and The Talonted Vixen in Tarzana to get you looking snatched. If you need to exercise those L-Bs away, look up Meta Fitness in Canoga Park. They provide Personal Training, Athletic training Semi-private training, group fitness classes, Nutritional Coaching, and Recovery post-rehab. They will make sure you don’t look like you just partook in every recommendation we’ve listed here.

Don’t think too much about the distance because venturing out to the greater Valley area, can always be an adventure! There are things to eat, salons to get pampered in, and new things to try, all while supporting black owned businesses!