California’s rich Hispanic history, and South and Central American ancestry have helped shape its diverse cultural identity throughout the years. Latin influences can be found in the Golden State’s hispanic literature, architecture, dining scene, artistic landscape, and are proudly celebrated and highlighted through its neighborhoods. The Golden State also has a slew of incredible Latinx-owned businesses to shop from. Bakeries, restaurants, beauty brands, clothing stores, and more awesome Latinx businesses could be the target of your next splurge. 

Latinx Businesses in Northern California

1. Agave Uptown

Location: 2135 Franklin Street, Oakland

Agave Uptown is a restaurant offering upscale Oaxacan-Californian cuisine in a chic, cozy space with culturally inspired accents. Conceived from a love of food and community, this Latinx-owned business in Oakland is about to be your next favorite stop for a mean Mexican feast. Don’t forget to ask for the daily specials when you stop by—everything Agave Uptown serves is *mwah* chef’s kiss. 

2. Luna Mexican Kitchen

Location: 1495 The Alameda, San Jose

Another fabulously delicious Latinx business, Luna Mexican Kitchen celebrates the fact that we all live, love, and feast under the same moon. Local, natural, unrefined, and authentic, the food served at this delicious locale is absolutely superb. Plan to stop by for breakfast and grab a vegetarian breakfast bowl with a side of a refreshing Cucumber Nopal for a super filling delicious meal. 

3. Café de Olla

Location: 2301 Mission Street, San Francisco

Café de Olla gives you a taste of Oaxaca in the Mission District of San Francisco. Specializing in Oaxacan dishes passed down from the founders’ family recipes, this Latinx small business brings an authentic yet affordable dining experience to the local community. Don’t miss out on trying Cafe de Olla’s delicious tamales if you’re around—your tastebuds will be dancing in joy. 

4. Utz Threads

The word Utz translates to “good” in Maya Quiché, the language spoken by Utz Threads’ partner weavers in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. As a Latinx small business in Oakland, this unique brand weaves Maya Quiché culture into everyday use products, making beautiful bags, T-shirts, laptop cases, and more unique accessories. All handmade and woven, the products made by this incredible artisan Latinx business could make for great thoughtful gifts for the holiday season.

5. Casa De Chocolates

Location: 2629 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley

Have you ever come across a box of chocolates that’s too beautiful to eat and at the same time, too delicious to resist? You will when you step foot into Casa De Chocolates in Berkeley. This Latinx-owned business specializes in chocolates inspired by Latin American culture and cuisine—they even have a vegan chocolate assortment!

6. Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream

Location: 205 Nino Marco Square, Sonoma

Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream offers handcrafted, high-end frozen treats made from scratch, and boy are they delicious! A must-try in Sonoma, this Latinx-owned business sells pops in all sorts of incredible flavors such as banana with dulce de leche, guava and cheese, ginger mint lemonade, and more. If you’re visiting Sonoma with your dog, you can also get them a pupsicle; everyone’s a winner at Cielito.

7. Artillery Art Gallery

Location: 2751 Mission Street, San Francisco

Have you been meaning to find a hobby that’ll help unleash your creative side? Sign up for ceramics classes at the wonderful Artillery Art Gallery. More of a fan of admiring art than making it? This Latinx-owned business also offers other services such as portrait photography, painting, sculptures, as well as plant keeping and growing. Pay them a visit and you’ll learn about all their services in more detail.

Latinx-Owned Businesses in Southern California

8. Viva La Bonita

Want to wear your Latina pride on your sleeve? Literally? Shop from the super cool Latinx-owned business called Viva La Bonita. Hailing from Pacoima, Mexican American founder Rachel Gomez provides inspiration to the Latinx community through her bilingual items, which include “take care, mija” mugs and “brown girl going places" T-shirts.

9. Gilded Nopal

Gilded Nopal is a very creative Latinx Etsy shop that sells art, apparel, and accessories inspired by Southern California, intersectional feminism, and Latinx culture. Pins, stickers, jewelry, hats, and more cool items can be found on this Latinx Etsy shop—give them a peek! 

10. Rumba Kitchen

Location: 123 Astronaut E. Onizuka Street #204, Los Angeles

Inspired by the culture and love of Puerto Rico, Rumba Kitchen offers a vast menu of culinary delights you can’t help but love. With fresh ingredients hailing from the island and straight to your table, this Latinx business is bound to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters in Los Angeles. 

11. Valde Beauty

Searching for your next favorite lipstick? Valde Beauty is a woman-owned brand that gives you the chance to build your own refillable lip set. Besides regular lipsticks, this Latinx business from L.A. sells “Valdé armors,” which are extravagant lipstick tubes with an optional engraving retailing for $200. You can refill these tubes later on as many times as you like for $40 a stick—they make great personalized gifts.

12. Quiero Prints

Quiero Prints is a small business hailing from East Los Angeles, which sells stationery and gifts inspired by Spanglish-speaking Latinx roots and culture. Their colorful products make a statement and include "Big Hoop Energy" stickers, “buenas vibras only” mugs, and and more cute and kitschy items you’ll love. Check out this Latinx small business and buy yourself or someone you love a gift.

13. Lil’ Libros

If you’re looking for bilingual books to teach your children about everything from Selena, Basquiat, and Kahlo to cities, numbers, and culture, then Lil’ Libros is your new best friend. Started by two mothers in L.A. who noticed a shortage of bilingual books in the market, this Latinx-owned business aims to inspire parents to read to their children in two languages.

14. Gusto Bread

Location: 2710 East 4th Street, Long Beach

Gusto Bread is quite the shining star in the breadmaking world of Southern California. Making arguably the best conchas in the city, this Latinx business is your next favorite spot to grab a fresh loaf of bread. While their loaves are absolutely scrumptious, their aguas frescas are no less impressive either. Take one sip of the cafe de olla cold brew or the tamarind and you’re hooked for life.

15. Poncho’s Tlayudas 

Location: 4318 South Main Street, Los Angeles

Poncho’s Tlayudas is one of the only places in Los Angeles to get authentic artisan tlayudas. Chef Poncho sources them directly from Oaxaca, and you can be sure that every other ingredient is also as fresh as can be. Moronga (blood sausage) is this Latinx-owned business’s specialty, but everything else on the menu is just as delish.