In addition to being the essence of US history, politics, and culture; DC’s food scene continues to morph into a foodies dream.
The pandemic has devastated small businesses and continues to disproportionately hit minority-owned businesses. A number of our longstanding city favorites have closed, and we never even got a chance to say goodbye. (A moment of silence for deliciousness that was.)
But fear not, we made a list of our favs. These delectable city haunts are some of the best black-owned restaurants in Washington, DC for you to explore. You’ll be supporting black-owned restaurants, the local economy and your penchant for delicious food. Here’s the rundown:
Carry-Out
Addie’s Love Soul Food Cafe
Located in Ward 7, Addie’s is an unexpected treasure, with a wide variety of culinary delights from oxtails to turkey wings. If you love comfort food, Addie’s restaurant will most definitely have something suited to your pallet.
Roaming Rooster
Pre-COVID, I’d block off my calendar every week to stand in line at Roaming Rooster’s food truck. This year, they’re opening a third location. And for good reason, they have the best chicken sandwich in the DMV.
This number is another amazing food truck turned restaurant. Located on H St., Jerk at Nite will take you on a fantastic voyage through flavor. It’s like a tiny vacation without going through TSA.
Spirits
Chat’s Liquors on Capitol Hill
If you’re planning to grab some carry out and make artisan drinks at home, Chat’s is your friend. Super friendly and knowledgeable, the staff will set you up with the perfect pairing, and you’ll feel like a Sommelier after repeating whatever you learned to your friends! Pssst, they even make a small batch of bourbon. If you’re into bourbon, don’t leave without asking about that.
Seated Dining
Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen
This restaurant is a whole vibe. The atmosphere is beautiful, the servers are warm, the drinks are good, and the playlist is POPPIN!
Half Smoke
How often do you get a chance to dine in an igloo? Well, today might be your lucky day. Igloos aren’t just reserved for a Norwegian adventure.
Healthy Eats
Nu Vegan
Located on Georgia Ave, Nu Vegan has the kind of vegan options that make you rethink the carnivore life. Try the vegan chick’n drummies.
Turning Natural
This juice bar has multiple locations throughout the DMV. I recommend the BOB MARLEY (made with Mango, Papaya, Peach, Pineapple, BCAA’s, Apple Juice, Guava Juice, and Hemp Protein).
And there you have it!
This list isn’t definitive. There are plenty more black and brown owned businesses worthy of your time and money in Washington, DC and the DMV at large. I ate my weight in jerk mac this weekend, so I’m grabbing a juice from Turning Natural in between Zoom meetings. Go forth, explore and eat.
Photo via Mr. Braxton Bar & Kitchen
