Get the Most out of Chocolate City
The Nation’s Capital, Chocolate City, Washington D.C. is the seat of power for the country and a place that brings in millions of visitors every year. From Howard University to the Smithsonian Institute, D.C. is full of history and culture, plenty of which is Black culture. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge culinary experiences, these establishments reflect the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the African American community.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 of the most remarkable Black-owned businesses and cultural institutions in the nation’s capital. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor eager to explore, these destinations offer a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage and dynamic present of Washington D.C. Each of these businesses not only provides exceptional products and services but also plays a pivotal role in the city’s cultural landscape.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a vital institution on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Opened in 2016, the museum is dedicated to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was the result of decades of efforts by historians, activists, and the African American community, with its design spearheaded by a team led by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye. The museum’s collection spans centuries, featuring everything from artifacts of the transatlantic slave trade to modern-day achievements. Visitors can explore powerful exhibits that tell the stories of struggle, resilience, and triumph, making it a must-visit destination in D.C.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a poignant tribute to the Civil Rights leader, located on the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. Unveiled in 2011, the memorial features a towering statue of Dr. King, carved into a “Stone of Hope” that emerges from a “Mountain of Despair.” The design by Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin was inspired by a line from Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Surrounding the statue are walls inscribed with excerpts from his speeches and writings, offering visitors a space for reflection on his enduring legacy of justice, equality, and peace. The MLK Memorial is a significant landmark, symbolizing the ongoing fight for civil rights in America.
The National Museum of African Art is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and study of African art across the continent. Established in 1964 by Warren Robbins in a townhouse that once belonged to abolitionist Frederick Douglass, the museum has grown into a major cultural institution in Washington D.C. The collection spans millennia, showcasing both traditional and contemporary African art, including sculptures, textiles, and photography. The museum aims to highlight the diversity and richness of African cultures, offering educational programs and exhibitions that challenge stereotypes and deepen understanding of African artistic traditions.
Busboys and Poets is a unique restaurant and cultural hub founded by Anas “Andy” Shallal in 2005. Named in honor of poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy before gaining recognition as a writer, the space serves as a community gathering place that promotes social justice and cultural expression as well as being a fine restaurant. With several locations in the D.C. area, Busboys and Poets offers a diverse menu alongside events like poetry readings, book talks, and open mics. The vibe is great, the community is fun, and the artwork is all available. Busboys and Poets is unique in that artists are selected to place their work in their venues where patrons who fall in love can take a piece of the restaurant with them.
Ben’s Chili Bowl is an iconic Washington D.C. establishment, serving up its famous chili dogs and half-smokes since 1958. Founded by Ben and Virginia Ali, the restaurant has been a cornerstone of the U Street Corridor, also known as “Black Broadway.” Over the decades, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a gathering place for civil rights leaders, musicians, and everyday Washingtonians. Despite the challenges of gentrification and urban change, the Ali family has preserved the restaurant’s legacy, continuing to serve the community with the same spirit of warmth and hospitality. The walls of Ben’s are lined with photos of famous patrons when they have visited to enjoy Ben’s famous hot dogs, hamburgers and chili. Ben’s deep ties to the social and cultural history of D.C. are immeasurable and if you’re visiting it is a must see attraction.
Creole on 14th brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to Washington D.C.’s bustling 14th Street Corridor. This restaurant offers an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere, where guests can indulge in authentic Creole cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The founders of Creole on 14th have successfully created a space that captures the spirit of the Big Easy, complete with live jazz music and a lively bar scene. Aside from the food, it is also a night life destination with weekend events for those who want to feel the vibes in the Nation’s Capitol. It’s a go-to destination for anyone craving a taste of New Orleans in the nation’s capital.
Po Boy Jim is a family-owned restaurant that brings the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans to Washington D.C. Founded by the Jim family, the restaurant is known for its wide selection of po’ boy sandwiches, each packed with flavor and Southern authenticity. You can also get a variety of other Creole-inspired dishes, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Po Boy Jim is celebrated for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to serving hearty, satisfying meals. The restaurant has become a staple in the community, offering a true taste of Louisiana right in the heart of D.C.
If Ben’s Chili Bowl is the OG, then Half Smoke is the new millennial version. A modern twist on the traditional D.C. eatery, it offers a menu centered around the city’s signature half-smoke sausage. Founded by entrepreneur Andre McCain, Half Smoke combines the nostalgia of a classic American diner with the energy of a contemporary restaurant. The menu features gourmet sausages, creative toppings, and craft beers, all served in a vibrant, casual setting. McCain’s vision was to create a space that reflects the diversity and dynamism of D.C., and Half Smoke has quickly become a popular gathering spot for both food enthusiasts and socializers. The restaurant’s playful, community-focused vibe makes it a must-visit in the city and an interesting contrast and connection to the past.
Georgia Brown’s is a beloved D.C. institution, offering a taste of the South in the heart of the nation’s capital. Since opening its doors in 1993, the restaurant has been serving up Lowcountry cuisine inspired by the coastal regions of the Carolinas and Georgia. The menu features dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and collard greens, all prepared with a commitment to authenticity and flavor. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere and Southern hospitality is on full display. It is a place for a more mature and low-key experience including their Sunday Jazz Brunch.The restaurant has become a cornerstone of D.C.’s dining scene, offering a culinary experience that celebrates the rich traditions of Southern cooking.
Roaming Rooster is a beloved D.C. establishment known for its mouthwatering fried chicken sandwiches. Founded by a family with a passion for good food, Roaming Rooster started as a food truck and quickly gained a loyal following, leading to the opening of several brick-and-mortar locations. The menu features a variety of fried chicken sandwiches, each made with free-range, grain-fed chicken and topped with a selection of house-made sauces. You can skip the Chick fil a and the Popeyes and get the best chicken sandwich from Roaming Rooster.
CitySwing is an innovative indoor golf experience that brings the sport to the heart of Washington D.C. Founded by Tari Cash, CitySwing was created to make golf accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. The facility offers state-of-the-art simulators, private lessons, and events, making it a perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned golfers. Cash’s vision for CitySwing is to break down the barriers traditionally associated with golf, creating an inclusive environment where the sport can be enjoyed by all. The space also serves as a social hub, hosting events that blend golf with entertainment and community-building.
Mahogany Books is a Black-owned independent bookstore that has quickly become a cultural hub in Washington D.C. Founded by husband-and-wife team Derrick and Ramunda Young, the bookstore specializes in books written by, for, or about people of the African diaspora. Mahogany Books is more than just a place to buy books; it’s a community space that hosts author events, book signings, and discussions that engage and inspire. The Youngs are passionate about promoting literacy and providing access to a wide range of perspectives, making Mahogany Books a vital resource for readers in D.C. and beyond. The bookstore’s warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a cherished spot for book lovers of all ages.
Nubian Hueman is more than just a boutique; it’s a celebration of global Black culture and creativity. Founded by Anika Hobbs in 2013, the store curates a wide array of products from artisans of the African diaspora, including fashion, art, and home decor. Nubian Hueman serves as a platform for underrepresented artists and designers, offering unique, culturally inspired pieces that resonate with a diverse audience. Nubian Hueman has worked with more than 700 black and brown artisans from across the world in their quest to fight against inequality in the retail space. The boutique also hosts events, workshops, and pop-ups, fostering a community that values creativity, culture, and social impact. Located in Southeast D.C., Nubian Hueman is a vibrant space that champions the beauty and diversity of Black culture.
The Spice Suite, from Angel Gregorio was founded in 2015, and only the beginning of a vision that has turned into Black and Forth. More than just a retail location that offers up spices, mixes, and more goods for your home and kitchen, it is a community. It is now an even larger hub for entrepreneurial and community engagement. There is the Dream Incubator, which is a charity that provides resources, grants, and accessible education as well as leasing space for aspiring Black Entrepreneurs. Twice monthly through the Spring and Summer, the Black and Forth shopping center hosts a Farmer’s Market as well as a regular set of classes that cover a wide variety of business needs. The space is a must visit for anyone who is invested in the growth of black owned and community based businesses.
Bronze is a contemporary restaurant in Washington D.C. that pays homage to the African diaspora through its innovative cuisine and artistic ambiance. Inspired by Afro-futurism, the restaurant’s menu is a fusion of traditional African flavors with modern culinary techniques, offering dishes that are both familiar and new. Bronze is designed to be a cultural experience, with a space that features art, music, and design elements that reflect the richness of African heritage. It is not a meal that you will get from Bronze, but an experience. The founders of Bronze have created a dining destination that is not only about food but also about celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of the African diaspora in a sophisticated environment.
The Sweet Lobby is a renowned bakery in Washington D.C. that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers with its artisanal sweets. Founded by Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, an engineer-turned-pastry chef, the bakery specializes in French macarons, cupcakes, and other confections. The Sweet Lobby gained national fame when Dr. Ambrose won the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” showcasing her talent and creativity. The bakery is known for its meticulous attention to detail, from the quality of ingredients to the artistry of presentation. Located on Capitol Hill, The Sweet Lobby is the epitome of keeping it simple, but make it great.
Here’s the Scoop is a Black-owned ice cream shop in Washington D.C. that has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Founded with a passion for high-quality, handcrafted ice cream, the shop offers a variety of classic and creative flavors made from the finest ingredients. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone looking to indulge in a sweet treat. Here’s the Scoop is more than just a place to get ice cream; it’s a community gathering space where everyone can enjoy a moment of happiness and deliciousness.
Every city in America should have its pizza icons. For Washington D.C., they are typically known for the big slice, an economical and massive slice of pizza for evenings. Motown Squared is not that at all. It is a high quality squared Detroit style pizza in Washington D.C.. Slices have the crispy edges that you want with a wonderful cheese pull. Little Caesar’s this is not. With Wisconsin cheeses, fresh tomatoes and basil, and great dough, you will be thinking about the pizza from Motown Squared for weeks.
The Park at 14th is a premier nightlife destination in Washington D.C., offering a dynamic blend of dining, dancing, and entertainment. Located in the vibrant 14th Street Corridor, The Park at 14th is known for its chic, upscale environment and its commitment to providing a high-energy, memorable experience. The venue features multiple floors, each with its own unique vibe, from intimate dining areas to bustling dance floors. But the night time activities might not be the star attraction. D.C. is known for its lively brunches with music, great atmospheres and the infamous bottomless mimosas. The Park at 14th has one of the hottest brunches in the city, worthy of being the focus of your travels into Chocolate City.
Jerk at Nite is a popular Caribbean food spot in Washington D.C., known for its flavorful Jamaican jerk dishes. Founded by Howard University alumni, the business began as a late-night food truck serving hungry college students and has since expanded to multiple locations. Jerk at Nite’s menu features a variety of jerk chicken, shrimp, and veggie options, all marinated in their signature spice blend and cooked to perfection. Their jerk mac and cheese and their Rasta Pasta. The founders’ commitment to authenticity has made Jerk at Nite a go-to destination for those craving a taste of the Caribbean in D.C. The vibrant, laid-back atmosphere is a reflection of the Caribbean spirit, making it a favorite among locals.
