6 Black-Owned Cafés for Your Matcha Fix

There’s a new vibe taking over, and it’s all about embracing a more polished, mindful aesthetic. Young men are shifting from flashy streetwear to sophisticated quarter-zip sweatshirts, and with this ‘YN to YG’ transition comes a new daily essential: matcha. This vibrant green tea isn’t just a trendy drink; it’s associated with mental clarity, a unique taste, and a certain social status. While matcha is popping up everywhere, Black-owned establishments are offering something extra special – unique experiences that blend community, culture, and wellness with every sip.

More Than Just a Drink: Building Community

These aren’t just places to grab a beverage; they’re vibrant community hubs. From Compton to Beacon, these cafés are fostering wellness initiatives and showcasing the incredible viability of Black entrepreneurship. So, if you’re looking to support Black businesses, enjoy a delicious matcha, and perhaps even update your wardrobe with some quarter-zip drip, these spots are for you.

Gotcha Matcha & Espresso (Charlotte, NC)

Founded by Eric “Braek Haven” Hicklen Jr., Gotcha Matcha & Espresso in Uptown Charlotte is a haven for matcha lovers. They boast over 12 matcha latte options, including unique flavors like Biscoff and ube. After starting as a pop-up, Gotcha found its permanent home in 2024, focusing on quality ceremonial-grade matcha and cultivating a dedicated matcha culture in the city.

Kinfolx (Oakland, CA)

More than just a coffee shop, Kinfolx in Oakland is a wine bar and a vital community space. Founders Creighton Davis and Akintunde Ahmad created Kinfolx to build a cultural and wellness-focused hub for Black creatives and their community. Their Matcha Latte, made with premium Japanese matcha, is a must-try.

HustleBlendz Coffee (Fort Worth, TX)

Patrice Angwenyi’s HustleBlendz Coffee Café in Fort Worth is a shining example of Black-owned businesses diversifying tea culture. Beyond standard coffee, they offer specialty drinks, including delicious matcha options. It’s a testament to the growing movement of Black entrepreneurs expanding their offerings.

Matcha Thomas (Beacon, NY)

This Black- and family-owned wellness teahouse in Beacon, New York, is dedicated to all things matcha. Matcha Thomas offers vegan and gluten-free iced matcha lattes, strawberry milk matcha boba, and more. Since opening on May 21, 2021, they’ve prioritized wellness accessibility and social impact.

Soul Blends Coffee Roasters (West Oakland, CA)

Justice Chambers and Jenna Garrett are the forces behind Soul Blends Coffee Roasters. This specialty coffee business, located in West Oakland, uniquely blends African-origin coffee beans with tea traditions. Born during the pandemic, they now operate through pop-up carts and community projects, using coffee and tea as a platform to champion Black entrepreneurship in a traditionally non-diverse industry.

404 Coffee (Atlanta, GA)

In Atlanta’s booming coffee scene, Kelli Jones’s 404 Coffee stands out. This specialty café serves innovative drinks like their Coconut Matcha with Strawberry Sweet Cream. As one of many Black-owned cafés in the area, 404 Coffee appeals to young adults seeking familiar flavors with a modern, exciting twist.