Every July, Chicago celebrates Disability Pride Month with an annual parade through the heart of downtown. This year is especially meaningful as we mark the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by recognizing the legacy, leadership, and lived experiences of the disability community.
Chicago is home to a robust network of disability-owned businesses, including beloved neighborhood restaurants, an acclaimed bakery, a walking tour company, and beyond. By weaving accessibility and inclusion into everyday life, these Chicago small business owners are creating spaces for belonging throughout the city.
Discover disability-owned businesses in Chicago that are worth celebrating this July and all year long.
necessary & sufficient coffee
An award-winning cafe and coffee shop, necessary & sufficient coffee pairs sustainability with thoughtful design to establish an inclusive space for genuine connection.
The Logan Square outpost features a walk-up window and outdoor seating, while the South Loop location boasts indoor seating and regular pop-up events, such as live music shows and silent reading and writing nights.
Founded by artist Kate Vrijmoet, the café blends specialty coffee with a values-driven approach. This LGBTQ+ and disability-owned business offers responsibly sourced brews from Olympia Coffee, compostable packaging, and zero waste practices.
Sip on tried-and-true coffee and tea favorites alongside rotating seasonal specials. Plus, necessary & sufficient is now serving a brand-new food menu including sandwiches, breakfast classics, savory lunch plates, and craveable pastries that pair perfectly with your beverage of choice.
Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar
Bringing the heart of Puerto Rico to the Uptown enclave, Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar delivers bold flavors with a warm, homey twist. Proudly representing the LGBTQ+ community, chef Eric Roldan turned a humble ghost kitchen into a neighborhood staple, fueled by deep love for his community and family’s recipes.
Influenced by generations of island cooking, the food pays homage to Puerto Rican culinary heritage while adding a subtle contemporary touch. Pair your meal with rum-rich cocktails mixed with fresh fruit and tropical goodness.
Quaint and full of personality, Marinas is a meaningful tribute to Chef Eric’s late mother. That same charm extends into the design, thanks to leaf-shaped chairs, a cozy bar illuminated with purple lighting, and greenery woven through overhead fixtures. Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, the menu leaves a lasting impression — comforting, generous, and full of pride.
Justice of the Pies
Nestled in Avalon Park, Justice of the Pies is where buttery crusts meet a strong sense of purpose on Chicago’s South Side. Founded by Maya-Camille Broussard, a James Beard Award nominee for Outstanding Baker, this Black-owned bakery serves up sweet and savory creations with a side of social justice.
Maya-Camille, who’s hard of hearing, designed her shop to be fully accessible, with accommodations that include a front ramp, Braille signage, and low counters and coat hooks — because good pie should be for everybody. Beyond baking, Justice of the Pies organizes I KNEAD LOVE Workshops for kids from underserved communities to learn how to cook and dream big in the kitchen.
As for the pies, tarts, and quiches, they’re everything they should be with a tender crust and deeply satisfying filling. Prefer a handheld treat? The cookies, cobbler, and pudding hold their own. But the real magic is in the bakery’s mission to champion compassion, inclusion, and the power of food to bring people together.
Walking Tours By Doorways Of Chicago
Led by architectural photographer Ronnie Frey, Walking Tours By Doorways Of Chicagoguides visitors through historic Chicago neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Old Town, and beyond.
Ronnie’s sharp eye reveals hidden details in façades, entryways, and public spaces — stories and surprises you might miss on a casual city stroll. His tours mix well‑known buildings with off‑the‑beaten‑path gems, all brought to life through his engaging storytelling and passion.
Choose from a variety of public and private tour options, covering topics like art deco gems, historic homes and cottages, Craftsman bungalows, and deep dives into special historic sites like Graceland Cemetery and the Fine Arts Building.
Nia Restaurant
Nia is an intimate restaurant and wine bar where Mediterranean flavors and award-winning vino flow with ease. Named for founder and general manager Antonia “Nia” Asimis, this West Loop favorite carries her name — and her passion for food, drink, and hospitality.
The softly lit dining room casts a diffused glow over mosaic tiles and deep wood accents that echo the Mediterranean coast. Outside, the patio hums with conversation and clinking glasses as the sun dips behind the skyline. Locals know Nia as a go-to for happy hour, date nights, and unforgettable dining experiences.
As a minority-owned, family-run business, Nia brings more than good food to the table — it’s a neighborhood gem built around community. From the multi-course chef’s tasting menu to the delectable tapas, each plate is an invitation to explore, share, and come back for more.
