There are plenty of ways to honor Black History Month. One of the easiest ways is to order from a Black-owned restaurant in the city, and in a city like D.C. — rich in Black culture, heritage, and history — you know you’re bound to find some of the best food in town.
From vegan options to Soul Food and baked goods, we’ve got you covered. Check these out!
1. Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen, Park View
Head on over to this Park View outpost to enjoy some traditional American bistro fare with an international flair like New Zealand racks of lamb, a thick-cut watermelon salad tossed in agave, lime, and mint, six kinds of mussels or hemp-encrusted salmon with tomato curry and root vegetables. Pair it with one of the local beers or wines on offer and its super cool patio and you’ve got yourself a lovely evening!
Location: 3632 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
2. HalfSmoke, Florida Avenue
This gastropub meets bar, has recently set up some totally fun igloos perfect for outdoor dining. This Florida avenue is well known for its half-smokes cooked on a firewood grill. But on its menu, you’ll also find fun dishes like crab fries, mac ‘n cheese bites, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and butterfly chicken!
Location: 651 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
3. Negril the Jamaican Eatery, Pleasant Plains
Established 40 years ago by Jamaican native Earl Chinn, Negril focuses on delivering authentic Jamaican cuisine to everyone in the Nation’s Capital. On its menu, you’ll find a wide range of signature Jamaican and Caribbean mainstays, from coco bread to jerk chicken and amazing desserts like rum cake and coconut custard tart!
Location:2301 Georgia Ave NW Ste. G, Washington, DC 20001
4. Souk, Barracks Row
If carbs are what you seek then you should totally check out this Barracks Row bakery! Souk offers all the baked goods you can imagine from crumby biscuits and scones to flaky croissants. On their shelves, you’ll also find locally-produced Vigilante Coffee and a carefully curated selection of international products all the way from hammered metal from Thailand to Olivewood from Tunisia!
Location: 705 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
5. Here’s The Scoop, Columbia Heights
In need of a sugar rush? Then head on over to Here’s The Scoop in Columbia Heights. This ice cream parlor offers up to 12 ice cream different flavors to choose from (including salted caramel, butter pecan and birthday cake), as well as a wide range of pies and cookies and signature milkshakes!
Note: Here’s The Scoop is currently open for take-out only.
Location: 2824 Georgia Ave NW LL, Washington, DC 20001
6. Calabash Tea & Tonic, Brookland
At Calabash you’ll find all the teas, foods and spices from around the world necessary to help heal your mind, body and soul. At her Shaw and Brookland outposts, owner Sunyatta Amen offers over 100 kinds of teas and coffees along with aromatic tonics, baked vegan treats, kombucha and more.
Location: 2701 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20018
7. Roaming Rooster, Woodridge
For the ultimate fried chicken sandwich head on over to Roaming Rooster in Woodridge. Choose the level of spiciness and how you would like to have it served (they offer Buffalo style, Nashville hot style, or with honey butter) and enjoy with a side of coleslaw or fries. Yum!
Location: 3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018