10 Black-owned restaurants to try now!

Check out this list of 10 local carry- outs, restaurants, bars/ lounges to support during DMVbrw… & every week after

hometown Heroes

Florida Ave Grill

A little Black History for you: The Florida Ave Grill is the oldest, continuously owned and operated Black-owned restaurant in the country! So if that’s not enough of a reason to stop into this historic, diner style landmark, I’m not sure what is. You can expect all the comfort food classics: fried fish & grits, pork chops, fried apples, scrapple, half smokes + more! I’ve had most of the things on the menu- you won’t be disappointed. For you veggies and vegs, most of the sides are vegan friendly. Expect a wait on the weekends… because after all issa classic.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

Another historic DC landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving up half-smokes, chili dogs, milkshakes and more since its founding in 1958. Similar to the Florida Ave Grill, you will find the walls covered in photos from a few of their numerous well-known patrons. Does the name Obama ring a bell? Ben’s Chili Bowl has weathered many pivotal storms of DC culture, including the riots following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King and the construction of the U Street/ Cardozo Green Line metro station. Make sure to take another bite into DC History at this U Street staple. Once again, veggies won’t be left out here either. You can enjoy both veggie chili and veggie dogs just like everybody else!

Oohh’s & aahh’s

While Oohh’s and Aahh’s is a pre-teen compared to historic landmarks like Florida Ave and Ben’s, its flagship U Street home is as much of a classic as any other DC soul food spot. You know the routine: collard greens, pork chops, yams, mac n’ cheese (award winning might I add), meatloaf, cabbage… the list goes on. Your soul food dreams piled high in the quintessential 3- section, styrofoam carryout platter. In 2011, Oohh’s and Aahh’s was featured on Guy Fieri’s Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”. How’s that for putting DC on the culinary map!? Since its opening, the soul food eatery has opened a second location on Georgia Ave. Make sure to add at least one location to your DMVbrw list, especially for those late nights on U Street.

No meat, no problem

Nu Vegan Cafe

Hands down one of my favorite spots in the city for vegan food! If you’re skeptical about the Vegan craze, try Nu Vegan first. It will surely change your mind about what vegan food is, and most importantly, how it should taste. They have a vegan version for just about every comfort food you can think of: fried chicken, burgers, steak n’ cheese, meatloaf, lasagna, potato salad… need I go on!? They have hot and cold food options for all levels of dibblers and dabblers. I have to be honest, I’m still primarily on the hot food side because I haven’t gone all the way off the deep end. But, the ginger kale and garlic kale salads are two of my faves on the cold side. I recommend those as well. Even if you’re not a believer, it’s such a great option when you want to switch it up and give the carnivore in you a break. Nu year, Nu you perhaps? My advice: Don’t wait! DMVbrw is as good a time as any wander into greener pastures.

FishScale

For you pescatarians out there- this one’s for you! For the rest of you who are greedy AF (I know, I’m one of you), you’ll appreciate this too! I stumbled across this place about 2 years ago while driving down Florida Ave. It took me another few months to actually drop in, but I’m so glad I did. If you like fish (fresh, wild-caught fish to be exact) then you’ll enjoy this. If you’re not a fan of fish, but like the more familiar presentation of a burger, give this a try! It’s the best of both worlds. Not only does FishScale specialize in seasonal, sustainable, and wild-caught fish, but they do a great job of introducing fish that aren’t commonly found at your average neighborhood- or upscale- watering hole. I appreciate being able to have a swordfish or rockfish burger every now and then (oh you fancy huh!?). Of course the Maryland Crab Burger is a DMV staple, but if you’re willing to take a dip in less familiar waters, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. FishScale is available in- store at its Florida Ave location, through delivery via Caviar, at the City Center Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, or the Capital Harvest on the Plaza Farmer’s Market on Friday’s. Make it your Catch of the Day!

do it for the vibe

Bin 1301

Do it for the wine, too! This U Street wine bar is one of my favorite places to pop into. Small, but mighty; you can look forward to live music almost every night of the week. I love the small, dimly lit jazz club vibes it gives. From Unrehearsed Thursdays (talented musicians freestyle their way to cohesion) to Soulful Sunday ( sip and sway to the Jazz Brunch beats), this place makes you feel like you’re on Black Broadway in the 30’s and 40’s. The food is not too shabby either. You can expect small bites like deviled eggs, bruschetta, and charcuterie boards. My favorite things are the Mushroom Panini and the Spicy Italian Sausage (it reminds me of a half smoke). Whether a first stop for date night, or an intimate place to wine down with your girls (HH is ALL night on Mondays), Bin 1301 is the change of pace U Street never knew it needed.

THe Caged Bird

If you haven’t been to the first Black-owned bar in Dupont Circle- shame on you! Don’t worry, you’ve got me to show you the light. In the words of the Rap Legend, The Notorious B.I.G, “If you don’t know, now ya know”! If you’re looking for good music, Cajun-inspired bites, and a good time, I give you permission to get out your cage. From Friday to Sunday, you can expect this place to be packed. Don’t let a full upstairs bar discourage you, there’s an entire lower level waiting for you with grooves to sweat your hair out to; and dranks to hydrate you. There’s something about being in a space surrounded by young, black folk that is exciting and comforting (at the same damn time). Not to mention, the “for us, by us” feeling will never get old. The next time you want to get away from the chaos of U Street, spread your wings and see how The Caged Bird is giving Dupont Circle a dose of Chocolate City.

ben’s upstairs

The family behind Ben’s Chili Bowl brings you its boogy cousin in Ben’s Upstairs. Similar to Ben’s Next Door (the full service sister restaurant to Ben’s), you can enjoy the Ben’s classics you love on the ground floor. A few flights up, you can enjoy Southern and Caribbean fare with views of the city perched under their covered rooftop deck. Their website says their only available for private events and full buyouts during Winter 2019. Look’s like you better catch them while you can! FYI: DMVbrw will be hosting the R.R. Bowie Cocktail Competition here. The best Black bartenders in the city will shake, stir, and pour it out for the title of Best Bartender in DC.

halfsmoke

I know this is so cliche, but hey, it’s true! The 80’s made me, and the 90’s raised me. So that means, Halfsmoke is the 90’s nostalgia you need when adulting gets real old. How often can you find all your favorite things about the 90’s in one place? Jenga, Candyland, VHS Cassette Tapes (my all time favorite is Beauty and the Beast), funnel cake; and all to the 90’s R&B soundtrack of classics that never got old. You won’t quite find “half smokes” here, but you will find homemade sausages that can be dressed up or down just how you like. You can even get them served over rice or mixed greens if you’re doing that low carb thing ( I feel your pain, I am too). The best part: they have all day brunch Friday- Sunday, and offer free bottomless mimosas with purchase of an Entree. Where they do that at? If you ask me, you need to Cha Cha slide on in!

Kith/ Kin

Let curiosity be your guide if you haven’t ventured down to the Wharf, yet, and let me do the recommending. The Wharf is one of my new favorite areas to explore. The redevelopment of the area has been amazing to see (its byproduct, gentrification, is a conversation for another day!) I love it because there are so many swanky spots to hit. You can’t go wrong with any place in this area. The view, the ambiance… the vibe. But, like Issa said, “I’m rooting for everybody Black”. So clearly this is my pick when you’re looking for a place that will give you an excuse to get dolled up and enjoy a night out. Executive Chef Kwame Onwuachi brings his second concept to the ground level of the InterContinental Hotel where Afro-Carribean dishes are the stars. The menu is designed to be enjoyed family style, with the smaller dishes at the top of the list and the larger portions toward the bottom. My personal favorites are the Roti and the Oxtails. Kith and Kin is apparently an old-fashioned way of saying friends and relatives. With that said, enjoy fam!

What’d you think!?

Share your thoughts on my recommendations and your favorite Black-owned spots in the city below!