Washington, D.C. has long been a hub of Black excellence, culture, and entrepreneurship. There’s nowhere that is more visible than in the city’s Black-owned restaurants, hotels, and shops. From Florida Avenue Grill, which has been serving soul food to civil rights icons and DMV residents for decades, to newer additions like Doro Soul Food’s Ethiopian comfort dishes, D.C.’s Black culinary scene tells the story of a city shaped by generations of migration, tradition, and innovation.
But the city’s Black-owned businesses extend well beyond the dinner table. Boutique hotels, like The Inn at Dupont Circle and the Salamander Washington, D.C., offer stylish home bases for exploring the capital, while shops like Mahogany Books, Nubian Hueman, and Lee’s Flower Shop (the oldest Black-owned florist in the city) reflect decades of community-building and creative vision.
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the first time, here’s how to support Black-owned businesses in Washington, D.C.
Where To Eat In Black-Owned Washington, D.C.
Florida Avenue Grill
Known as one of the oldest soul food restaurants in the world, Florida Avenue Grill was opened by Lacey and Bertha Wilson in 1944. It has been serving the DMV ever since, including civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and Jesse L. Jackson. The no-frills diner makes everyone who enters its doors feel like family. Entrepreneur Imar Hutchins purchased the restaurant in 2005, which had been owned and managed by the Wilson family for 40 years. Hutchins has kept all the charm and flavor of the restaurant intact.
The District Pit
Pit master Roger Sherman is a native of Washington, DC, and grew up eating his mother’s Kentucky-style Southern cooking. With his restaurant, he uses the smallest details of smoking poultry, ribs, pork, and beef. The District Pit uses a specific wood for each type of meat. Sherman’s hand-crafted rubs are a perfect blend of exotic herbs and spices.
Cane
Founded by Jeanine Prime, Cane transports the Caribbean cuisine of Trinidad to the nation’s capital. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the sugar cane fields where enslaved Africans toiled during British rule in Trinidad. On the menu, Prime features Spanish, French, East Asian, and Indian flavors, with dishes like cumin-spiced pork belly and pimento-smoked jerk wings. Michelin added Cane to DC’s Bib Gourmand lineup in 2020.
Dukem Ethiopian
Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood has long been referred to as ‘Little Ethiopia’ for its dense concentration of Ethiopian-owned restaurants and businesses — a designation DC Council made official in 2020. Dukem Ethiopian is among the best Ethiopian restaurants in the DMV, serving the community for nearly 20 years. During your visit, try kitfo (minced raw beef marinated in a chili powder-based spice blend and clarified butter) or their iconic tibs (sauteed meat served hot or mild).
Willowsong (Inside the Intercontinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf)
Chef Jeffrey Williams returns to his roots with Willowsong, inside the Intercontinental Washington D.C. – The Wharf. His inspiration comes from his grandfather, who opened a fish market in Philadelphia and ran a neighborhood gardening program. Not only does the menu lean into the geography of the capital region, but Williams supports local farms. He buys produce and eggs from a farm in Clinton, Maryland, which he often picks up himself on his way into work.
Po Boy Jim
Po Boy Jim is a family-owned restaurant and bar that specializes in Po’ Boys that are both traditional and uniquely crafted. With two locations on H Street NE and in Shaw, the menu features signatures like the District Po Boy (sirloin steak, bacon, provolone, shrimp, remoulade sauce) and the Gumbo on H (andouille sausage, shrimp, Cajun-style chicken, scallion rice). Po Boy Jim also offers brunch and late-night dining.
Doro Soul Food
Located in Shaw, Michelin-starred chef Elias Taddesse adds an Ethiopian flair to traditional American soul food, featuring Ethiopian-style fried chicken, a special spin on mac ‘n’ cheese, and even vegan crispy tenders. The Ethiopian-born, French-trained culinary innovator hopes to tell stories with every ingredient of his food and make a difference in his community.
FishScale
Chef Henry Brandon Williams offers a rotational menu that features rockfish, speckled sea trout, mahi-mahi and Alaskan salmon, to name a few. Williams takes his fresh, wild-caught fish and turns them into burgers, cheesesteaks, sandwiches and other soulful entrees, making for a healthy, sustainable and unforgettable meal.
Black-Owned Stays In Washington, D.C.
The Inn at Dupont Circle
The Inn at Dupont is a Black-owned boutique hotel offering comfort and convenience in the heart of Washington, DC. Located near Dupont Circle, the peaceful stay offers easy access to major attractions, business areas, public transportation, restaurants, and cafés. Ideal for business, leisure, and extended stays, guests will find well-maintained rooms, modern amenities, and a focus on cleanliness and comfort.
Salamander Washington, D.C.
Situated along the scenic Southwest Waterfront, Salamander Washington, D.C. offers a beautiful blend of luxury, sophistication, and comfort. This five-star hotel is part of Sheila Johnson’s prestigious Salamander Collection. The location and amenities work well for business, leisure, or special occasions. It’s also close to the National Museum of African American History, the National Mall, and Capitol Hill.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses In Washington, D.C.
Lee’s Flower Shop
A trip to Lee’s Floral Shop is a stop rooted in Washington, D.C. legacy. Currently operated by the original founders’ granddaughters, Lee’s Flower Shop is the oldest Black-owned flower shop in Washington, DC, the oldest florist in the District, and could also be the longest-standing Black-owned flower shop in the country. This four-generation shop has been family-run since 1945, as Stacie and Kristie continue to carry the torch.
Mahogany Books
Founded by Ramunda and Derrick Young, Mahogany Books is named after their daughter. The independent bookstore was founded in 2007 to meet the literary needs of readers nationwide in search of books and literature written by people of the African Diaspora. The bookstore initially operated solely online, but the Youngs opened the doors to their first location in 2017, followed by another in 2021. They also host hundreds of book events across the DMV each year.
The Museum
LeGreg Harrison and Muhammed Hill are the co-founders of The Museum — a premium retail boutique and event space that caters to enthusiasts who use fashion and art as sources of inspiration. Located in the northeast section of Washington, D.C., their boutique is designed as an art gallery to promote creativity and expression. The shop features footwear, apparel, artwork, and collectibles from both The Museum brand and nationally recognized lines. Be sure to keep up with the boutique on social media, where the co-founders share the latest pieces, new drops, and information on pop-up shops.
Fia’s Fabulous Finds
Fia Thomas launched Fia’s Fabulous Finds with a passion for providing women and men in Washington, DC with top-notch fashion at an affordable price. Her prices are often 70% below department store prices. Fia’s consignment shop offers an array of options, including brand-name clothing and accessories in great condition at low prices. She has since built a loyal customer base, expanding the small boutique to online retail and live Facebook sales.
Black Pepper Paperie Co.
Hadiya Williams, a DC native, founded Black Pepper Paperie Co. with a passion for creating and inspiring others. Since 2017, the studio has grown from a hobby-based maker business to a full-time art and design studio. Customers will find incredible handmade pieces, paper goods, wearable ceramic art, and apparel. Williams’ aesthetic combines inspiration from West African art, ancestral memories, and contemporary design.
Flowers By Alexes
Another floral shop to check out in the Washington, D.C., area is Flowers by Alexes. This locally owned flower shop is popular for its creativity and intricate designs of fresh florals. The shop crafts both traditional and contemporary bouquets, with plenty of room for customization and uniqueness.
Nubian Hueman: A Black Curated Marketplace
Located in the Anacostia Arts Center, Nubian Hueman is a catalyst for culture, community, and the development of the creative economy. Founder Anika Hobbs has created a lane for connecting conscious consumers to over 70 emerging Black and Brown artists and brands from over 35 countries, both in her physical store and online. From beauty and grooming to home goods, apparel, and accessories, there’s something inside for everyone.
