The Ultimate Guide To Southern Food in Washington, DC
Vibrant soul food and southern cuisine has been alive and well in Washington, D.C. for decades. There have been a plentiful mix of soul food restaurants in more predominantly Black neighborhoods and communities in D.C., while other southern style spots can be found in other areas of the city. Talented chefs like much beloved Washington native Chef Oji Abbott of Ooh’s & Aah’s Soul Food are looking to reinvigorate D.C.’s Southern food scene by highlighting the deep African American connection and influence that is at its foundation. Here are just a few of the best southern and soul food spots you’ll find in Washington, DC.
Ooh’s & Aah’s
1005 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 667-7142
Ooh’s & Aah’s Soul Food Restaurant was founded in 2003 and has become a staple of the Southern Cooking food scene in Washington, D.C. Striving to preserve Black culture, Chef Oji Abbott pays homage to the country’s African American ancestors and their role in creating the genre. Now with two locations, eat in or take out with the whole crew with the Family Meal Night—choose four entrees and three large sides. From beef meatloaf, jumbo lump crab cakes and fried chicken to fresh collard greens, mac & cheese and grits. Enjoy the flavors of home-style soul food seven days a week.
Hitching Post
200 Upshur St NW Washington, DC 20011
(202) 726-1511
As a proud member of the Petworth neighborhood since 1967, Hitching Post’s focus is on promoting fresh Southern flavors and a great dining experience reminiscent of home. The restaurant’s humbly simple décor—mostly wood with some retro orange booths—only reemphasizes this mission, giving patrons and newcomers alike permission to come for the food. Comprised of small plates (lamb chops, fried pickles or mango shrimp), entrees (made-to-order fried chicken or blackened catfish), sandwiches (crab cake and fried pork chop) and sides (potato salad, collard greens or cornbread), Hitching Post’s menu is full of Southern staples, made fresh daily.
Henry’s Soul Cafe
1704 U St NW Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-3336
Home of the sweet potato pie, Henry’s Soul Café has been an establishment of Washington, D.C. since 1968. Starting as a small, family-owned deli providing the highest quality Southern food at the most economical prices, today Henry’s Soul Cafe has grown to two brick-and-mortar locations, catering and a cooking school. What’s the secret? With a wide variety of menu items that are available on a daily basis “cooked to order”, is what sets them apart. So, whether you’re looking to add some Soul to your next event, or simply want to pop in for a pork rib dinner complete with peach cobbler, visit Henry’s.
Succotash Prime
915 F St NW Washington, DC 20004
(202) 849-6933
This two-story, open-air restaurant stands out from its Southern and Soul Food sisters, offering a progressive menu of Southern Asian fusion from James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Edward Lee. Combining his Korean roots with his Southern know-how, Chef Lee’s menu is filled with familiar Southern fair with a twist—collards, kimchi & country ham and watermelon & fried peanuts, or dirty chicken which boasts legs and thighs with honey gochujang sauce, blue cheese, pickles and nori flakes. And, with its “Taste the South” family-style sampling menu, Succotash Prime gives you all the new bites.
Georgia Brown’s
950 15th St NW Washington, DC 20005
(202) 393-4499
Georgia Brown’s opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in 1993. Calling itself “the Soul” of the city, the restaurant specializes in Low-Country Cuisine and integrates the rich history of the people, places and even critters—the honey bee is Georgia Brown’s icon—that created the rich culinary traditions found in Southern Cooking. Mashed yams and red rice, deviled eggs and fried chicken livers, shrimp po’ boy and jerk chicken, or Carolina Gumbo and Charleston Perlau; Add to that a fun and friendly atmosphere—weekend brunch and live music—and it’s no wonder locals and tourists make Georgia Brown’s a must-taste D.C. eatery.
Barrel
613 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington, DC 20003
(202) 543-3623
Adding a pep to your step, Barrel is a sophisticated neighborhood bar with a wide selection of whiskey, bourbon and beer… and Southern fare created in its scratch kitchen. The space was completely renovated in 2014 prior to opening its doors, and its concentration on American whiskeys, craft cocktails—from its critically acclaimed cascading barrel aging program—and Southern-inspired small plates, make Barrel a fun, funky spot on Capitol Hill. Bring your friends and indulge in a whiskey tasting or specialty old-fashioned, paired with some ham & honey butter-biscuits or a barrel BBQ sandwich.
Soul Wingz
2851 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20001
(202) 741-1645
Looking for a relaxed bite into Southern Cuisine? Soul Wingz Diner brings authentic tastes of Soul Food to you, from anywhere. Founded in 2008, Anthony Ulysses Holmon set out to make the No. 1 authentic Soul Food staple in the DMV area. Today, Anthony’s Soul Food can be found served up at his restaurant, but also at a variety of events via concession stands, food trucks and a successful catering business. Aside from its multiple locales, Soul Wingz Diner stands out for its all-day breakfast menus featuring hot cakez and wingz and the salmon cakez platter. Other traditional favorites include the signature wingz, grilled shrimp and southern sidez cornbread.
Puddin
1309 5th St NE Union Market Washington, DC 20002
(202) 725-1030
Starting as a street food vendor in D.C.’s historic Eastern Market, Toyin Alli has grown Puddin to include multiple local markets and two food trucks, today. Serving up Southern Comfort Food like chicken n’ beef sausage gumbo, etouffee, and Rapahannock oyster and Wild Blue Catfish po’ boys, the eatery’s known for its namesake dessert, brown butter bourbon bread puddin’. Stop by one of its locations for a welcoming smile and comfort in a bowl.
Featured Blog Posts
10 Family Friendly Restaurants in DC
Where’s the best place to eat with the family in Washington DC? When you need to cater to different tastes and ages, picking a restaurant suddenly becomes much harder! There’s no need to wait for a congressional decree before you can sit down for a meal. Just consider our list of 10 family friendly restaurants in DC the law!
The Best Restaurants Near George Washington University
Although George Washington University doesn’t have a defined “campus”, it certainly has its own feel. As you would expect from such a cultural hub, this part of town has an absolutely tremendous restaurant scene. Whether you’re in the mood for an on-campus deli or a Michelin-recognized farm-to-table experience, it’s easy to find the perfect meal for any taste or occasion in Washington D.C.
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Washington, DC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Washington, DC. This is the season when popular bars turn red and green, holiday pop-up bars begin appearing, and people from both sides of the aisle come together to sip spiked eggnog under the glow of twinkling lights. If you’re ready to get caught up in a flurry of excitement, you don’t want to miss this list of the six best Christmas bars and holiday pop-up bars in Washington, DC!
The Absolute Best Restaurants for Big Groups in Washington, DC
Getting together with a group of friends is always so special, but sometimes it can be hard to find a place to eat that will accommodate a large party. A great atmosphere, good service, and plenty of room are all things to go into having a great night out with friends or family. We’ve put together a list of restaurants that you should try out if you are dining with a group or hosting an event in Washington DC.