Black-Owned Restaurants are owned, managed, and operated by African Americans or a business with African American investors. People choose to eat at Black-Owned Restaurants for a variety of reasons. One being the food is authentic to the heritage of where they come from. Another being Black-Owned Restaurants offer a sense of community that many might not feel in other establishments. Some also believe that by supporting these Black-Owned Restaurants, they can help to promote economic development in their communities.
The black-owned small business situation in Washington, DC, has been steadily improving over the years. The city has risen to become the most economically prosperous city for Black-owned businesses in America, but still has a lot of work to do to get there. Optimizing access to capital and better understanding how to raise more money are two major issues that need to be addressed immediately. There are also other challenges for Black-owned businesses like lack of opportunity and job prospects which must be addressed.
The list of ten Black-Owned Restaurants in Washington, DC
1. Creole on 14th
Creole on 14th is a Louisiana Creole restaurant that creates one-of-a-kind meals and specialty drinks inspired by New Orleans’ various ethnicities and creole cuisine. This restaurant is where elegance and Southern charm meet D.C.
Located in the bustling 14th Street Corridor, recognized for its excellent cityscape, infinite appeal, and never-ending excitement. Its creative cuisine, artisan drinks, and dedicated service will ensure that you have a memorable dining experience. Creole on 14th is one of the black-owned businesses, located at 3345 14th St NW DC, Washington, District Of Columbia 20010, United States.
2. The Sweet Lobby
The sweet Lobby can be found at 404 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 in the United States. The Sweet Lobby specializes in French macarons, madeleines, shortbread, and more and is recognized for both classic and globally influenced flavor renditions.
Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, the owner of The Sweet Lobby, is an engineer who combines her work in vision research with owning and running a business. Winnette won Food Network’s Cupcake Wars show just months after it debuted. Winnette is a self-taught pastry chef who creates exquisite sweets by combining her science, travel, and baking passions.
In November of 2012, The Sweet Lobby began offering nationwide shipping. The Washington Post, NBC, Fox, National Public Radio, and CNN have all highlighted The Sweet Lobby in print, television, radio, and online forums.
3. Ben’s Next Door
Ben’s Next Door, located at 1211 U St NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20009, United States, was founded in 2008. Everyone is welcome at Next Door, a friendly and cheerful neighborhood restaurant and bar.
They have an incredible beer and wine range, as well as good meals at a reasonable price. They are a locally owned and operated family business known for its upmarket Southern cuisine, including Brined Fried Chicken with ‘Perfect’ Mashed Potatoes and fresh Kale, their most popular meal. Chicken & Waffle, Shrimp and White Cheese Grits, Crispy Skin Salmon, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake are popular dishes.
4. Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U St. NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20009, United States. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a Washington, DC-based Black woman-owned business. Ben’s, a D.C. icon, is known for its world-famous chili and delectable Half Smokes.
Ben’s attracts locals, celebrities, and even presidents. Ben’s ships to every state in the union.
5. Swahili Village
Swahili Village opened its doors to the public on October 15, 2018. The restaurant started with Chef Roy Choi and business partner Sunny Anderson who wanted to provide authentic East African cuisine to the DMV area.
Swahili Village is a black-owned restaurant in the heart of Washington, DC. It is a BYOB, and they also offer catering business services. They offer dishes like samosas, curry puffs, and fried plantains.
6. Oohh’s & Aahh’s
Oohh’s & Aahh’s has served the Washington, D.C. community for over 15 years and has rapidly established itself as a local favorite. Located at 5933 Georgia Avenue N.WWashington, District Of Columbia 20011, United States, serving down-home soul food.
The restaurant has been successful so far by creating a unique menu and providing a family-friendly environment. Washingtonian Magazine has routinely given Oohh’s & Aahh’s the “Cheap Eats Honor” and the “Best Macaroni and Cheese” award.
7. Motown Square Pizza
Located at 703 Edgewood St NE, Washington, District Of Columbia 20017, United States, it creates authentic Detroit-style pizza from the ground up, using only the finest ingredients and a wonderfully crisp dough.
8. Roaming Rooster
Roaming Rooster, located at 3176 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, District Of Columbia 20018, United States, was founded in Washington, D.C. by a family with a unique concept of a food truck serving free-range, grain-fed chicken.
9. Calabash
Calabash Tea & Coffee is a fascinating place in D.C. because Sunyatta Amen’s owner is a 5th generation master herbalist and natural lifestyle specialist. She has spent her whole life learning new ways to stay healthy and live a natural lifestyle.
Especially with healing your body with foods. She approaches her business the same way, coming up with new ways to get people excited about healthy drinks and the latest products on the menu.
10. HalfSmoke
HalfSmoke puts a contemporary take on sausages and beer in a fast-casual setting at 651 Florida Avenue Northwest, Washington, District Of Columbia 20001, United States. The foodservice design for the HalfSmoke project is distinctive and complicated.
Incorporating aspects of a quick-service restaurant, café, and gastropub. The highly adaptable space includes menu-driven elements that inspire visitors to interact with their meals regularly.