York County's Black and African American community have played a vital role in the growth and success of the area. Today, York is home to countless Black-owned businesses, from hotels to restaurants. You can support these local hoteliers, chefs, and vintners during Black History Month and beyond.
York PA Restaurants
York County is home to a variety of popular Black-owned restaurants. Do your taste buds a favor and support these local eateries serving everything from Southern classics to American fare.
For soul food staples, dine at York’s Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro, run by husband-and-wife duo Lauren and Terrence Days and their kids. Savor fried chicken, brisket, shrimp and grits, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams. Between bites, sip on freshly brewed peach iced tea, and end your meal with a slice of red velvet cake.
Two Dover favorites – Taqueria El Camino and Greer’s Burger Garage – were founded by Spring Grove native and chef Ethan Greer.
Taqueria El Camino serves up savory street-style tacos and more. Whether you choose the birria or Aztec squash tacos, your taste buds will be in heaven. There are also burritos and quesadillas on the menu, as well as numerous sauces, dips, and sides made in-house. Cool off with one of the refresher drinks, like the Mexican Street Mango or the traditional horchata.
Greer’s Burger Garage is a dose of Americana with a twist. Bite into smash burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches topped with tried-and-true 50’s fare, or branch out to the jalapeno popper burger, Seattle Sounder hot dog, or chopped cheese sandwich. Of course, there are fountain drinks, ice cream shakes, checkerboard floors, red vinyl seats, and golden oldies music.
Mark and Val Wines
Husband and wife Mark and Val Rhodes turned their wine-making hobby into their namesake business venture – Mark and Val Wines. The York winery purchases grapes from local and regional vineyards. They produce, bottle, and label their wines (reds, whites, and everything in between). Try a few blends at their tasting room, then take a few bottles home to remember your trip.
Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast
Escape to France, Asia, Mexico, and Switzerland through artfully curated décor at Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast in downtown York.
Each of the four welcoming suites has a geographical theme created with one-of-a-kind finds by the owner and interior designer Joanne Wilmore. Slip into a hot-pepper red, heart-shaped tub in the Mexico Room or a Malaysian canopy bed shrouded in silks in the Asian Suite. Try on vintage hats underneath a stunning chandelier in the French Suite, or marvel at the chandelier made of twigs in the Swiss Chalet Suite.
The three-course, Southern-inspired breakfast is just as inventive. Wilmore is a foodie whose past delicacies included chicken and waffles with jalapeno butter and sriracha maple syrup, jumbo shrimp with andouille sausage gravy, and crème brulee grapefruit.
William C. Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum
One of the top historical attractions in York, PA, is The William C. Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum. It was once the home of a freed slave who became one of the wealthiest men in York. To free others, however, Goodridge put his life and fortune in danger by becoming an Underground Railroad station master.
Fugitive slaves hid in a hand-dug hole filled with straw under his kitchen floor and rode his rail cars to Philadelphia. The secret hiding spot was discovered after Goodridge died when a new owner started renovations.
During your visit, you can enjoy an hour-long guided tour. The museum houses permanent and rotating exhibits, living history interpreters, and more.
Gusa By Victoria
From vegan leather jumpsuits to bold red swirling coats, Gusa by Victoria clothes get you noticed. The best part? Each piece is unique and created by Victoria Kageni-Woodard, who designs limited-edition artisan pieces without haute couture prices. You can find her shop in York.