Best Black-Owned Restaurants in DC
From Soul food, African Cuisines, Creole and Caribbean cuisine; these are best restaurants
If you’re looking for the best black-owned restaurants in DC, look no further. We’ve got you covered in this blog post. While there are many amazing things to do in DC; exploring the rich African American culture should be on your list. The District is one of the hallmarks to some of the best culinary experiences.
Many world-renowned chefs pay homage to black culture in the thriving black-owned restaurants. Miss grandma’s cooking? Don’t worry – DC has got you covered! You can experience the delectable flavors of some seriously tasty soul food from popular black-owned restaurants around town.
Let your taste buds indulge in a truly unforgettable journey that will make you want seconds over and over again! Here is a list of some of the best black-owned Restaurants in DC.
1. Cray Kitchen
1301 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Kitchen Cary is a blacked owned Southern-style comfort food Restaurant. Visitor must look at the adventurous breakfasts and brunches that can be found on brunch menu including Oxtail Benedict, Cat fish & Grits Mumbo Deviled eggs. They also have small portions and delicious foods to try if you are hungry. Dessert and drink options are available.
2. Cane Restaurant
403 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Cane is great black-owned restaurant in the nation’s capital. This Michelins star restaurants serves Caribbean comfort food in the nation’s capital and is owned and operated by chef Peter Prime and his sister, Jeanine. Cane celebrates the multi-ethnic population of
Trinidad by offering a contemporary spin on the Caribbean nation’s famous street foods. Menu items includes dishes as coconut rice, Jerk chicken, and cow heel soup. In addition southern cuisine, guest can enjoy rums from the Caribbean region, as well as inventive cocktails inspired by rum.
3. The sweet lobby
404 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Sweet Lobby is one of the best black-owned bake shops in DC. After winning food network’s Cupcake wars, Dr Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, a self-taught pastry chef opened this boutique bakery located in the Barracks Row neighborhood.
The cozy bakeshop offers a variety of delightful French sweets ranging from cupcakes to macarons, all available in both traditional and unusual flavors. Despite its small size, this bakeshop is a hidden gem in the city’s food scene.
4. The Kitchen Jerk
703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, DC 20017
The Kitchen Jerk is a soul food Black-owned Restaurant in DC. From build-your-self rice bowls to classic pasta recipes, there’s something for every kitchen jerk. This Caribbean soul food place is ran by Sam Lebby-Adderley and Chinese “Chef chi Adderle”. You will find nothing in their food that isn’t enhanced by the flavor of their special jerks season.
As they both eat meals rich in flavors and spices and Samantha’s parents come from Africa while China’s from the Bahamas. They incorporate that influences into their dishes such as the 6-cheese steak mac.
5. Jojo Restaurant and Bar
1518 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Loko is an Elegant Restaurant offering an American menu & live jazz, blues, funk, soul & R&B nightly. This upscale restaurant contains many options to choose from. The favored foods include the New Zealand lamb chops, the drunken Steak Jojo Lobster Raviolis Veggie Sandwich and the Brestetta. Five different desserts can be ordered including baked cakes and gelato with freshly brewed strawberries. There are also several different drinks including beer, wine and cocktails.
6. DCity Smokehouse
203 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
DCity Smokehouse is Hip BBQ spot serving sandwiches & combo platters plus veggie sides. Beer, wine & bourbon drinks are also available. Their Sandwiches are super delicious and jam packed with lots of delicious meat. Each flavor you order has that delicious hickory flavor that you will love. You can add macaroni green or candied yam for dessert. End your meal with a tasty slushy made from pure juice.
7. The Delegate
901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(rewrite and check for plagiarism as it was copied from a website) The Delegate is owned and operated by Thompson Hospitality group. Thompson Hospitality is the largest Black-owned food service and facilities management company. The company was founded by Warren Thompson. The Delegate is a Contemporary, brick-clad hotel eatery dishing out hearty American seafood & meat classics. Popular with brunch meals, such as fried meat, fried chicken, shrimp, grit and sandwich. During your wait, pick up the appetizer menu and find a great snack. Staff keeps a steady presence inside and takes a seat there and takes a couple shots.
8. Mr. Braxton Bar and Kitchen
3632 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
Funky bistro with a patio serving generous meat & seafood dishes, plus cocktails, wine & local beer.It’s a restaurant whose focus is bringing “normal” food to the forefront. Try their Hemp cured tuna and citrus, truffles, mac & cheese, grilled chicken and beef burgers, and Sriracha Chicken burgers have a few examples. For those with special dietary requirements, gluten-free vegan products can also be provided.
9. Creole on 14th
3345 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Creole on 14 is operated by Miskiri Hospitality Group, a black-owned hospitality group. They also own Po Boy Jim which on this list. Warm restaurant offering brunch, Creole fare & New Orleans-inspired plates, plus craft cocktails. Besides salad and oyster dishes, there are twelve main dishes.
Stacking pankako lamb, Creole salmon with crab meat and Oxtail Stew can only be one of a couple of different dishes. The beverage selection is 26 with voodoos, bubbles, and a selection of Bourbon St. and Nola. They also serve cocktails.
10. Po Boy Jim Bar
709 H StNE, Washington, D.C.
Po Boy Jim bar is a spicy Louisiana-style cajun restaurant filled with warm flavors. It is owned Hospitality Group, a black-owned hospitality group Miskiri. This is one of most delicious Black owned restaurants in DC. The Po Boy Sandwiches usually come with roasted beef and fries of seafood. Po boy Jim Bar & Grill brings Southern delight to DC thanks to Jeff Miskiri, whose family helped him open the restaurant in 2014.
They even named the restaurant Jim, meaning “Jeff, Ian” and motherhood. Po Boy Jim’s menu goes beyond traditional sandwich toppings. Their delicious food menu has over 25 choices including fried shrimp oysters, fried chicken, roast beef catfish, beef sausage gumbo, and bread pudding etc.
11. Henry’s Soul Cafe
1704 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Tiny counter-serve spot with soul food classics such as fried chicken wings & a signature sweet potato pie. Golden brown chicken, green greens and delicious mac and cheese. It’s only takeout, so no worries they’re all full so you’ll want more. Henry’s offers delicious baked desserts. Orange with creamy cream sauce, baked at its best.
12. Negril Jamaican Eatery
2301 Georgia Ave NW Ste. G, Washington, DC 20001
Negril is one of the best DC black-owned restaurants, and for a good reason. This casual and colorful restaurant chain’s menu features counter-serve Jamaican dishes and homemade drinks that are sure to tickle your taste buds. The highlight of the menu is their Jerk Chicken. A full chicken coated left to marinate overnight, then slow-cooked over the grill. Their scrumptious oxtail, a must-have dish on their menu. If you’re looking for a great restaurant with a taste of Jamaican cuisine, Negril is great choice.
13. Half Smoke
651 Florida Ave NW #7, Washington, DC 20001
Half Smoke is located at 651 Florida Ave NW and is directly located in one of the most popular historical black neighborhoods of Shaw. Before COVID struck the world, many people would come to Half Smoke to have an amazing time and have some pre-game drinks in before they head to the club. However, people still go to Half Smoke and enjoy a wonderful midday lunch and bottomless brunch. We love it so so much, it our of best DC bottomless brunch spots.
One of the must-have dishes that everyone should try when they go is the gourmet sausage. You can also try very classic breakfast foods, they are inspired by the late 90s and early 2000s which are Fruity Pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and other assortments of cereal.
If you’re not a fan of cereal, then you can still eat and enjoy other types of food here. One of the famous dishes in this blacked-owned restaurant is the Half smoke, half beef, and half pork smoky sausage.
You may also enjoy the “Too Lit to Quit” meal which is a dish comprised of scrambled eggs with sausage served with home fries, steak, and a fried egg. This meal will leave you content to your stomach desire.
14. Nuvegan
2928 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Trying to find a vegan black-owned restaurant near me on your phone can be difficult especially because we know soul food to not be vegan. However, in Nuvegan Café you will not taste the difference between how they make it and how your grandma makes it. Their food is simply to die for and will have you drooling through the mouth once you take a bite.
This restaurant is the best place to take someone out for lunch. Some of their popular vegan food dishes include vegan fried fish and vegan crab cakes. This black-owned restaurant is located at 2928 Georgia Ave NW. You can still get some of the classic soul food that you know such as collard greens, sweet potatoes, okra, and mac and cheese.
15. Kith/Kin
685 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Kith/Kin deserves a spot to be one of the best black-owned restaurants in Dc. The owner of this fine dining establishment is Kwame Onwuachi and he is a James beard rising star winner and top chef alum. His dishes are like nothing that you ever tried.
The dishes are influenced by his Jamaican and Nigerian roots, he also takes other influences from New York and New Orleans. Kith/Kin is located on 801 Wharf St SW and is perfect to take a date for dinner.
The décor of the establishment screams intimate and classy. They also have amazing drinks. One of the dishes that people go crazy about is the chili honey and lime brussels sprouts, and the crab jollof rice.
16. Ben’s chili Bowl
1213 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Bens Chili Bowl is a small restaurant that serves such amazing soul food. Ben opened up the location back in 1958. since the opening of the black-owned restaurant, many people still go there. Even former President Barack Obama and other celebrities visited the restaurant to taste its food.
The restaurant has stood its ground throughout time and has truly become a historic restaurant. After the assignation of Martin Luther King Jr, the restaurant stayed open even after hours to serve both sides.
17. Oohh’s & Aahh’s
1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Located on Georgia Ave NW, Oohh’s & Aahh’s have amazing dishes that will make you feel like you stepped into your grandma’s kitchen. The main dish that has everyone excited is the whiting fish and the wings. You can choose BBQ, buffalo, fried chicken, lemon pepper, and even teriyaki for the wings. While the menu may seem simple, simple is never bad, you can get those dishes with a side of tasty mac and cheese and cornbread. This is one of the best soul food in DC. Be sure to also check out their Georgia avenue location.
18. Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
1114-1118 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
If you’re looking for black-owned restaurants in DC serving Ethiopian food, Dukem Ethiopian should definitely be at the top of the list! This restaurant is one of the oldest but still serves up delicious and traditional meals. In addition to classic dishes like Kitfo (minced raw beef marinated in chili powder and tibs), you can also find other savory stews as well as injera bread served in a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is near the famous U St NW; one of the most lively Washington DC neighborhoods.
18. Florida Avenue Grill
1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Florida Avenue Grill is possible one of the oldest soul food restaurants in the world. It’s located at 1100 Florida Ave. This black-owned restaurant opened back in 1944 and has continued to treat its customers with respect and kindness. You will be able to get breakfast at any time you want here at this restaurant or sit and enjoy a dinner that is served with two corn muffins.
19. Horace & Dickie’s Seafood Carryout
6912 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Horace &Dickie’s have been opened for more than 20 years and serves one of the best black owned seafood in DC. Although this is a carryout restaurant it is still considered to be one of the best black-owned restaurants in Washington DC. Located on H street you will be able to find many other fan-favorite restaurants. You can try fried fish, fried shrimp, crab cakes, fried chicken, mac and cheese. The hush puppies and beans pie is also an option you won’t regret it.
20. Georgia Brown’s
950 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
When it comes to amazing black-owned restaurants in Washington DC, Georgia Brown’s is at the top of the list. For years, Georgia Brown’s has been providing top-notch Southern-style cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the soulful flavors to the attentive service, this restaurant is sure to provide a memorable dining experience. Georgia Brown’s menu features a variety of tasty dishes that highlight classic Southern flavors.
Some of their most popular dishes include their mouth-watering fried green tomatoes, Ma Brown’s biscuits, creamy macaroni and cheese, and delicious chicken and waffles. They also offer a wide selection of entrées such as their succulent steak and shrimp and their slow-cooked ribs. For desert try their chocolate bourbon pecan pie
21. Swahili Village (Washington DC location)
1990 M St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Swahili Village Restaurant is one of the best black-owned restaurants in DC. Situated in a trendy venue, they serve amazing Kenyan classics like goat stew, fried tilapia, grilled beef, and cornmeal mash. Their dishes are widely acclaimed as some of the most delicious in the city, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re looking for a sumptuous dinner or a casual lunch, Swahili Village Restaurant hits the spot!
22. Bukom Cafe
2442 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Bukom Cafe has been a staple of black owned restaurants in DC since 1992, serving up tasty West African fare in an inviting, bilevel setting. Drawing inspiration from dishes and recipes from countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia, each dish at Bukom Cafe is carefully crafted with a Bukom spin that preserves the authenticity of traditional West African cuisine. Add to that the lively atmosphere created with live music performances, and visitors will be sure to check it off their must-visit list!
FAQ DC Black owned restaurants
What is the oldest black owned restaurant?
Jones Bar and Grill (Marianna, AR) Touted as America’s oldest black restaurant, Jones Restaurant-B-Q serves American cuisine from 1910 to today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a wide range of amazing black-owned restaurants in dc and eateries. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch spot, a romantic dinner setting or a delicious brunch spot, you’re sure to find something spectacular. From soul food to the freshest seafood and the most decadent desserts, these restaurants offer the best and most memorable dining experiences in the c
ity.
Make sure to check out these great black-owned restaurants next time you visit Washington DC! Will you be trying any restaurants on this list? Let me know your thoughts. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for more content. Will you be trying any restaurants on this list? Let me know your thought. Be sure to subscribe to my blog for more content.
