Since 2017, Joyce has been eating his way through Chicago’s Black-owned establishments and posting about it on his Instagram account (@blackpeopleeats). His influence has soared in the wake of the pandemic and last summer’s protests: He’s become a go-to source for diners looking for Black-owned spots to support. Joyce’s animated videos, in which he’s downright jubilant chowing down on the likes of chicken and waffles or jerk salmon tips, have catapulted him into foodie stardom, with more than 114,000 followers. Here, he shares five of the best dishes he’s devoured.

Jerk salmon tips at Phlavz Bar & Grille

1. Jerk salmon tips at Phlavz Bar & Grille

“What a creative dish for those who don’t do rib tips. The salmon is cut up to resemble it, and tangy jerk sauce is drizzled generously on top. You get a heap of fries under the salmon, and they soak up the sauce.” 717 W. Maxwell St., University Village; 24 Orland Square Dr., Orland Park

 

Pineapple bowl with jerk shrimp and chicken fried rice at Caribbean Jerk Palace

2. Pineapple bowl with jerk shrimp and chicken fried rice at Caribbean Jerk Palace

“The key is that the pineapple is grilled, so its juices pull all the flavors together. I am a big seafood fan, and shrimp is my favorite, so I was already sold.” caribbeanjerkpalace.com for locations

 

Chicken and waffles at Cleo’s Southern Cuisine

3. Chicken and waffles at Cleo’s Southern Cuisine

“Of course, you can get chicken and waffles anywhere in the city. What makes Cleo’s different is the brown sugar glaze on the waffle. It has a nice crunch, and the fried thigh complements it because it is boneless and tender. Put a piece of both in your mouth simultaneously, and it’s pure happiness.” 4248 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Bronzeville; Time Out Market, 916 W. Fulton Market, West Loop

 

Belizean stewed chicken at Garifuna Flava

4. Belizean stewed chicken at Garifuna Flava

“Belizean food is fire! I’m not really a stew person, but because stewed chicken is the national dish of Belize, I had to try it at least once. It’s like classic smothered chicken over rice, but here it feels really different.” 2518 W. 63rd St., Chicago Lawn

 

Beef short rib grilled cheese at Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea

5. Beef short rib grilled cheese at Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea

“It looks so good that my video immediately garnered 250,000 views. I’ve never had anything like it before. It is pressed panini-style, yet you can still taste the juiciness of the short rib in every bite. I will never look at grilled cheese the same again.” 8344 S. Halsted St., Auburn Gresham