Must-Visit Black-Owned Restaurants

Ben’s Chili Bowl

The names Ben and Virginia Ali have been synonymous with good vibes and good eats for decades in Washington DC. The half-smoke is synonymous with DC like the blue crab is to Maryland and the crawfish is to New Orleans—a classic treat that should not be missed. It’s been a part of the fabric of culture in DC for 64 years!

The place has been a haven for food and freedom for decades. It stayed donated food for the March on Washington, stayed opened during the riots of 1968, and was one of the first stops President Barack Obama made for lunch, days after his first inauguration. 

Ben’s Chili Bowl has two main locations U Street and H Street. Outlets can also be found at the DC Convention Center, Reagan National Airport and National Parks Association. They can even be found at several Costco locations. My favorite is the original chili half-smoke, served just the way it comes, with no additions or subtractions. If you love a hot dog, you’ll love this one. 1213 U St. NW, Washington, DC & 1001 H St. NE, Washington, DC

Georgia Brown’s

Usually the term “low country” brings up visions of South Carolina and the well-known Gullah Gullah islands with their specialized cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and spices served up with southern hospitality. Many people are unaware that the same culture formed along the coastal regions of Georgia with roots in West African, Native American, French and Jewish cultures. Georgia Brown’s brings this tradition to DC.

Since 1993 Georgia Brown’s has been a staple in the Capital City. They have live musical entertainment every Wednesday, a Sunday brunch, indoor and outdoor dining options, and the best chicken and waffles that I’ve ever experienced in life. While their menu is comprehensive, I indulged heavily in a carb-laden, gastro-exquisite experience. The Ma Brown’s Biscuits should not be overlooked for any reason.  

While Georgia Brown’s can be considered on the high end of dining, there is truly something on the menu to fit every budget. This year they were added to the official Michelin DC Dining Guide, a coveted and noteworthy accomplishment. Reservations are highly recommended! 950 15^th St. NW, Washington, DC 20005 202-393-4499

Bukom Café

The Adams Morgan area is exceptionally vibrant, with rows of bars and restaurants, shops, and music venues lined up and down the block. It’s so alive and festive, making it the perfect home for Bukom Café, named after Bukom Square in Accra Ghana, one of the hottest places in Ghana to visit right now. The vibrancy, the food, and the culture can be found here.

The menu is based on dishes found on the west coast of Africa, taking on recipes from Senegal to Sierra Leone. From classic fufu to fried plantains and (my favorite) fried red snapper served on a bed of rice with plantains, the menu is as lively and full of life as the atmosphere. Live entertainment has been a staple for years and live music is back on Fridays and Saturdays since COVID restrictions have lessened.   Moderately priced. 2442 18^th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-265-4600

NuVegan Café

Vernon Woodland CEO of NuVegan Café is slowly but surely closing in on his goal of “redefining the perception of vegan cuisine.” Currently, the restaurant has two DC locations, two Maryland locations, and one in Virginia. Each spot is bright and modern in décor and the layout accommodates spaces for folks to just chill out in a relaxed environment. The two that I’ve visited personally have one thing in common: great aromas and good food. I’m not vegan, but I appreciate good, fresh food. So many vegan spots try too hard to impersonate the foods that they are trying to avoid (vegan ribs, etc.). That was not the case here.

Very fresh, very clean, and very flavorful dishes laid out cafeteria style. From the garlic kale (I believe it was raw too!) to the tasty cucumber salad (I think that cheese was real), they serve bright, clean dishes and delightful desserts. DC locations: 2928 Georgia Ave., Washington, DC 20001 & Howard University’s Blackburn Center, 2397 6^th St. NW, Washington, DC 20059

Po Boy Jim Bar & Grill

Located along the H Street Corridor in NE, amongst some of the coolest, places to shop, visit, or just hang out, you will find Po Boy Jim Bar & Grill. The brainchild of Chef Jeffeary Miskiri, this is a family-run business that’s based on recipes that have been passed down on both sides of his family (his dad from New Orleans, and his mother Guyanese). Chef Jeff, as he’s known, contends that the two cultures have a similar spice palette that also blends with Caribbean flavors.

The menu is extensive! There are 16 options for the po’ boy, ranging from the traditional shrimp or oyster to specialty items like the Po Boy Jim on H, a combination of BBQ shrimp and slow-roasted beef.  Whatever your pleasure, from traditional gumbo to specialty wings, Po Boy Jim Bar & Grill serves up creative cuisine from the south. The most popular items are the shrimp po’ boy, the wings, and the gumbo. Chef Jeff has several restaurants in the DMV region dedicated to southern and Caribbean cuisine. 709 H Street NE, Washington, DC 202-621-7071

Sweet Home Café

Inside the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) you’ll find Sweet Home Café. Through its menu, the restaurant attempts to take its patrons on a culinary experience that matches the depth and variety of cultural history and stories that you experience in its halls and exhibits. 

Although the menu is currently limited (check their website for details) it still offers a variety of fare hailing from four regions of the African diaspora in America, including the agricultural South, the Creole coast, the northern states, and the western range. Let’s call it a walk through African-American history on a plate. Current offerings range from fish-of-the-day po’ boys to pulled pork sandwiches and St. Louis Style ribs. The restaurant is set up with a combination of family-style seating as well as traditional tables, making it easy for people to join in discussions about the experience that is the NMAAHC. Located on the bottom adjacent to the Slavery and Freedom History Exhibit. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 202-633-6174

Oohs and Ahhs Soul Food Restaurant

A staple in DC since 2003 with the opening of their flagship store on U Street, Oohs and Ahhs Soul Food Restaurant has established a reputation that has locals and visitors eager to indulge in their culinary fare, whether dining in or carrying out. Featured on HGTV’s “Diners, Drive-in, & Dives,” Oohs and Ahhs popularity grew further when host Guy Fieri joined Chef Oji Abbott as he made his grandmother’s classic shrimp and grits recipe to the delight of the host.

The dine-in location on Georgia Ave. is a full-service dining experience. They offer a brunch with an option for bottomless mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays, plus a daily happy hour. If you are looking for a late-night bite after 10 PM on a Friday or Saturday, the carryout-only U Street location is your go-to.  With menu items like catfish and grits and chicken and waffles, it’s a great stop to satisfy late-night cravings. 5933 Georgia Ave., Washington, DC 20011 202-882-2902 or 1005 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 202-667-7142