When I travel, I love trying the local cuisine. There’s something so special about sampling new foods in the place where they were made famous. In Washington DC, there’s plenty of cuisine beyond the traditional American burgers and fries. Spend any amount of time in the nation’s capital, and you’ll find your fair share of crabcakes, half smokes, and oysters. Each time I’m in DC, I make an effort to visit some Black owned restaurants. These eateries are sometimes underrated and always impeccable. On every trip I take, I find no shortage of Black owned pubs, diners, and upscale restaurants. Here are my over 60 travel recommendations for the next time you’re in Washington DC.
1. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a DC classic complete with that retro ‘50s diner flair. The restaurant was opened back in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali, and ever since, they’ve been serving regulars and celebrity foodies. Stars like Bruno Mars, George Lopez, and even Barack Obama have all sat down for a rich, non-pretentious meal at this DC landmark. Their menu features incredible Americana fare like burgers, hot dogs, and chili, but also has something for your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to try a Thick n’ Creamy milkshake or their famous banana pudding! But Ben’s is more than just a chili joint—it’s a part of Black history in DC. In the 1960s, the restaurant donated food to the Poor People’s Campaign and MLK’s March on Washington.
2. Creole on 14th
This next Black owned restaurant in DC is perfect for those who want a little taste of Southern home cooking. Creole on 14th is a hub for some of the best Louisiana cuisine you’ll find outside New Orleans. Trust me on that—I just visited vibrant NOLA for Mardi Gras! Whatever creole dish you’re hungry for, this place has it! You can play it safe with a fried chicken dinner or step out of your comfort zone with what the chefs call “voodoo shrimp.” If you need evening plans, you can always get a table package for Creole After Dark.
3. HalfSmoke
Perhaps you’re in the mood for some fresh-cooked pub dishes, but you only have time for quick service. If that’s the case for you, I recommend HalfSmoke. This Black owned eatery is less than 10 years old, but has quickly become a city favorite. The selling point of this place is that guests get to watch their food being freshly prepared right in front of them. You can see the magic as the staff cooks up their signature sausages and savory sandwiches! This is a great place for solo travelers who need a pick-me-up.
4. Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Soul food is a staple at many Black owned restaurants in DC, and Oohhs & Aahhs has this incredible cuisine down to perfection. This restaurant, established in 2003, is vocal about its mission to preserve Black culture through meals that are truly fantastic. I highly recommend this place for anyone traveling with family. They have lots of affordable options to feed the whole family (you can add an alcoholic drink to your meal too, if that’s your thing!). If you’re looking for world-class chicken wings, catfish, or grits in the heart of the nation’s capital, you can’t go wrong with Oohhs & Aahhs.
5. Georgia Brown’s
After a long day of sightseeing in Washington DC, make sure you treat yourself! There are few better places to eat like royalty than Georgia Brown’s. My daughter Liz chose this establishment for her birthday dinner, and I’m so glad she did. The food was delicious and the ambiance was unmatched. Founded in 1993, Georgia Brown’s aims to meld lots of different cuisines. On the menu, you’ll find flavors of Portugal, Spain, France, West Africa, and pre-European America. This restaurant is also home to an exceptional bar and plenty of luxurious desserts. Give this place a try if you’re on the search for a Black owned upscale restaurant in DC. Next time I go, I might try to sync up my visit with the live music on Wednesday nights!
Eat Your Way Through DC
Whether you’re traveling on a mother daughter trip or with a guided tour, don’t miss these Black owned restaurants in Washington DC. You’ll never regret a warm bowl of chili or comfort food from down South! If you find yourself in the city or one of the surrounding destinations (Colonial Williamsburg, anyone?), be sure to squeeze some good eating into your itinerary.