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Guide to African American History & Culture in Washington, DC
With its Southern connections, Washington, DC has always had a significant African American population. Before the Civil War, the city was home to a growing number of free Blacks who worked as skilled craftsmen, hack drivers, businessmen and laborers, and slave auctions were outlawed altogether in 1850. All slaves owned inside the city were emancipated on April 16, 1862. Since then, DC has remained home to a large African American population that has created vibrant communities and shaped the city’s identity as a culturally inclusive and intellectual capital. The influence of African American culture is undeniable as you make your way through the District. We’ve laid out must-see locations to help you take in this vibrant heritage and history. Historic Sites & Museums “Without a struggle, there can be no progress.” – Frederick Douglass Start your exploration with a visit to the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Community Museum. Located in the historic African American neighborhood southeast of the U.S. Capitol called Anacostia, the museum houses a collection of approximately 6,000 objects dating back to the early 1800s. The history of this neighborhood – home to orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass – is directly tied to the museum. Speaking of Frederick Douglass: make sure to visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, located at his former home, Cedar Hill. Tour this 21-room Victorian mansion, learn of Douglass’ incredible efforts to abolish slavery and take in one of the city’s most breathtaking views. Make your way to the National Mall, where you’ll find two of DC’s most prominent enduring monuments to African American history and culture. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial sits on a four-acre site and features a 30-foot statue of Dr. King that displays words from his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. The moving memorial also displays a 450-foot long Inscription Wall with 14 quotes from King’s unforgettable speeches, sermons and writings. In September 2016, the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture opened its doors a short walk away from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. This eight-story building, with a stunning exterior that features a three-tiered, bronze-colored screen, focuses solely on African American life, art, history and culture, covering artifacts from the African Diaspora to the present day. Admission to the museum is free, but has been in extremely high demand since the facility opened its doors and timed passes are required on certain days. From September through February, timed passes are required only on weekends and are made available online three months in advance. On weekdays, visitors can enter the museum without passes beginning at 10 a.m. During peak season (from March through August), timed passes are required on weekdays before 1 p.m. and on weekends. For full details, please visit the museum passes guide. Journey to the U Street neighborhood next, where you’ll find the African American Civil War Memorial. Appropriately located near the Shaw neighborhood (named after Robert Gould Shaw, the white colonel of the all-Black Massachusetts 54th Regiment), the memorial is a sculpture that commemorates the 200,000-plus soldiers that served in the U.S. Color Troupes during the Civil War. The nearby museum features exhibits, stories and educational programming that build on the powerful message of the memorial. Last but not least, follow Cultural Tourism DC’s African American Heritage Trail to see more than 200 significant sites rich in local Black history, from churches and schools to famous residences and businesses. Music & Entertainment “Music is what I hear and something that I live by.” – Duke Ellington DC served as the starting place for some of music’s greatest figures, including jazz great Duke Ellington, R&B legend Marvin Gaye and the godfather of go-go, Chuck Brown. Their legacy is prominent, as the District remains a hotbed for grooves. Once known as “Black Broadway,” the U Street neighborhood is a perfect place to start your dive into the District’s rich musical history. Twins Jazz is a prime spot to kick back and enjoy smooth sounds. The U Street Corridor also features the Howard Theatre. Its stage hosted the likes of Duke, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in its 20th-century heyday, and now it boasts some of the best names in underground and popular music. Lincoln Theatre, also a historic hot spot for jazz, similarly features marquee names throughout its calendar. A cab ride to Georgetown to check out Blues Alley is also recommended – this jazz club has been standing for over fifty years. Finally, it never hurts to peep the schedules of other popular DC music venues like the 9:30 Club, Black Cat and The Hamilton Live to see who’s performing while you’re in town. Chuck Brown’s go-go music still thrives in DC, and you can pay homage to the legend at Chuck Brown Memorial Park in Northeast DC. Just as the music of Marvin Gaye still resonates, so does his impact on DC. Tap into some creative mojo by visiting Marvin Gaye Park – the singer used to sit by the stream on the east end of the park and write songs. We also recommend dining at Restaurant Marvin on 14th Street, decorated with images of the legendary singer and sporting an American/Belgian menu in honor of Gaye’s excursion to Belgium in 1981. If you’re interested in taking some of DC’s musical history home with you, the city has a litany of record shops where you can browse for jazz, go-go and R&B classics, among other genres (ask employees to point you in the right direction). Som Records on 14th Street lets you sample before you buy, while a jaunt down 18th Street will take you to Crooked Beat Records and Smash!, while Hill & Dale Records in Georgetown is also an option. Be sure to check out all the different ways to celebrate African American history and culture in Washington, DC.
Guide to DC's Sports Scene
Washington Nationals See Major League Baseball at the state-of-the-art Nationals Park in Capitol Riverfront. The stadium offers magnificent views of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument along with the 2019 World Series champions. Don’t miss the famous Presidents Race, which happens between the top and bottom of every fourth inning. Make sure to check the promotional schedule before you go. You can also get tickets for 20% off with the code VISITDC. D.C. United Did you know that D.C. United is one of the most successful soccer teams in the country? Catch a game at the premier Audi Field and see why. Winners of four MLS Cups, the squad takes the field from March through October. Extra points if you sit in the particularly boisterous “Screamin’ Eagles” fan club section. Grab some tickets and enjoy one of the best sporting atmospheres in the area. Washington Commanders DC stands awash in burgundy and gold during football season, when the beloved Washington Commanders take to FedExField in nearby Landover, Md. Winners of three Super Bowls in their decorated history, the team is led by head coach Dan Quinn. The team’s loyal and raucous fan base means tickets can be hard to come by, but you can depend on Stubhub.com to provide options at different price points. Preseason games start in August and the regular season runs from September through December. Washington Wizards Head to Capital One Arena for a Washington Wizards basketball game to see NBA stars in action. With plenty of ticket options, you can find the setup that works best for you. The arena is centrally located in DC’s bustling Penn Quarter & Chinatown neighborhood, so after the game you can grab dinner, check out a museum or relax with a nightcap at one of the neighborhood’s buzzworthy bars. The season runs from October through April. Washington Capitals When things cool down for the winter months, be sure to catch Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson take the Capital One Arena ice for the Washington Capitals. The team has been particularly successful in recent years, bringing the city some of its best sports moments of the past decade, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018. You’ll see throngs of fans Rocking the Red near the Capital One Arena on game days. A ticket to any section is a treat: there are no “bad seats” for a Caps game. Washington Mystics The 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics have become one of the most exciting draws in the city. The team calls the Entertainment and Sports Arena home from May through September. Head to Mystics Ticket Central to start planning an evening of hoops-themed fun. Washington Spirit Audi Field is also home to the 2021 NWSL champions. The Spirit's talented roster includes 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury, Ashley Sanchez and Trinity Rodman. The team brings fierce competition to the field March through October. DC Defenders Head to Audi Field to catch the UFL's DC Defenders in action. Catch the 2023 North Division champions in action each spring at Audi Field with Fan Fests, beer snakes and a growing fan base to look forward to. Shields Up! Capital City Go-Go This NBA G-League team plays its home games at Entertainment and Sports Arena from November through March. You can watch future NBA talent in action in a highly competitive environment. Check out the schedule for the upcoming year and also know that season ticket memberships are available. Old Glory DC Catch Major League Rugby in the DC area from February through June. Pick up tickets to see Old Glory DC at the Maryland SoccerPlex in nearby Germantown, Md. Washington Kastles At the moment, the most successful professional sports team in the city does its domination on a tennis court. The Washington Kastles have won six World Team Tennis titles, including five straight from 2011-2015. Stacked with stars and special guests (both Martina Hingis and Venus Williams have taken the court for the Kastles), you can watch the squad at Kastles Stadium in late summer. DC’s sports scene goes beyond professional action. Georgetown University’s basketball team, which plays in the Big East Conference, calls the Capital One Arena home, while George Washington University takes the floor at the Charles E. Smith Center as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. DC College Sports: American University Catholic University Georgetown University George Mason University George Washington University University of Maryland, College Park Make sure to check out our events calendar for other exciting entertainment in the District.
Guide to Dining at Award-Winning Restaurants in Washington, DC
Albi Chef Michael Rafidi pours his heart into his Navy Yard restaurant. That’s no joke, either; Albi literally means “heart” in Arabic, a nod to the chef’s Levantine roots that matches his signature mix of mezze plates and mashawi, dishes cooked over an open flame. Savor Mediterranean staples with a twist, like a saccharine fattoush with pear and cucumber or the sumac bok choy with honey, whipped feta and smoked peanut harissa. Entrees bend the mind, such as the lump crab tabouli bolstering the barbecued black bass, or the fire-kissed loin and smoked belly lamb kebabs. As if you needed more convincing, Chef Rafidi was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation. Perry's Restaurant Perry’s in Adams Morgan has long been a fan-favorite for its community-minded drag brunches, its idyllic yet low-key rooftop and its killer Japanese menu. Yet, in 2022, Chef Masako Morishita began authoring an exciting new chapter in the restaurant’s forty-year story. The first Japanese woman to helm the kitchen, Morishita has refreshed the menu to reflect her adventurous brand of “modern comfort food," including parmesan-topped edamame dumplings, shrimp katsu burgers on potato buns (held together by pink flamingo cocktail picks), udon carbonara and a special Japanese breakfast service. Morishita's vision was recognized on a new level when she was awarded two of the most prestigious endorsements a culinary up-and-comer can receive – first, the honor of Emerging Chef at the James Beard Awards, and second, Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the RAMMYs, the prestigious culinary awards granted annually by the DC region's restaurant association. Anju Anju in Dupont Circle melds modern technique with traditional Korean flavors, resulting in tantalizing delights like the fried chicken complemented by jujube mole, white barbecue sauce and spicy gochujang. While executive chef Angel Barreto is no stranger to accolades – including recognition in DC-area awards, national press from the James Beard Foundation and Food and Wine and even the honor of Culinary Ambassador for the U.S. – he continues to solidify his place as one of DC's dining virtuosos, especially with his recent, extra meaningful achievement: this year's Best Chef award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Causa Led by Chef Carlos Delgado, Causa provides a Peruvian culinary journey that highlights the coastline and Andes mountains. The $125 six-course menu features the nation's abundant ingredients and fresh fish. Enhance your experience with wine pairings or explore Peru’s national spirit with North America's largest Pisco Library. Reservations are made available two months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead – Causa was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year by the DC area's restaurant association. Ellie Bird From the minds behind Rooster & Owl comes "little sister" concept Ellie Bird. The "unfussy" a-la-carte spot – named after founders Yuan and Carey Tang's youngest daughter – serves New American plates a few blocks away from where the restauranteur power couple grew up in Falls Church, Va. While you may recognize some familiar menu items like pineapple buns and kimchi bouillabaisse, diners are delighted by notable new items like "fancy tater tots," Vietnamese French onion soup and mochi waffles for brunch. And to top it all off? Metropolitan DC's restaurant association recently named Ellie Bird its new restaurant of the year. minibar by José Andrés Take a multi-course journey through the world of molecular gastronomy from renowned chef José Andrés. Located in Penn Quarter, this restaurant is regularly booked months in advance. Jônt Chef Ryan Ratino has gathered a lineup of inspired chefs and creatives to bring Jônt to DC. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that is a voyage through dynamic flavors, showcasing a playful technique that leads to dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Think Dungeness crab with donabe rice, truffle and maitake, or sea urchin with custard and English peas. The robust beverage menu means you’re also likely to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. Pineapple and Pearls Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu is the stuff of perfection. Venture into Barracks Row on Capitol Hill for a night filled with meticulously crafted courses – each paired with a drink. Tip: You can belly up to the bar for the same tasting menu sans drinks and save $100. Rania Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit so it’s no surprise that this Penn Quarter hot spot is a royal delight. Chef Chetan Shetty exceeds expectations of a traditional Indian restaurant with a captivating menu of three courses for $75 or four for $90, featuring inventive dishes like beef short rib with saffron nihari and charred maitake mushroom. Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table Chef Enrique Limardo embraces the idea that we can’t achieve perfection despite our best efforts. It’s that constant pursuit that fortifies the entire dining experience at this West End restaurant, which draws on Greek influences and Limardo’s Latin American cooking chops. For the full experience, book the Chef’s Table (as opposed to eating a la carte), featuring 10 dizzying dishes, including options like the kampachi sea tartare, caramelized king crab with caviar and strawberry-mushroom duck breast. Oyster Oyster Billing itself as a "plant forward restaurant," Oyster Oyster takes sustainable dining to the next level. Seasonal menus feature ingredients from local farms who share the restaurant's ethos, as well as environmentally beneficial oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Even the mushrooms are locally foraged. You can find this gem in the Shaw neighborhood. Reverie Like something out of a daydream, Reverie in Georgetown will delight your senses with a dining experience featuring ingredients from all over the world. The intimate restaurant is guided by award-winning Chef Johnny Spero, whose playful menu draws from the local daily catch to create a historic evening for you and your guests, an appropriate tribute to the restaurant's idyllic neighborhood. Elcielo D.C. Dive into the flavors of Colombia at Elcielo D.C., located inside La Cosecha and helmed by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, who mixes the avant-garde with traditional Colombian cuisine to create a flavor-packed adventure that incorporates all five senses. Choose from four tasting menus to be enjoyed in a reserved room next to the open kitchen. The a la carte menu, served in the great hall, features signature dishes like The Tree of Life, which offers oven-baked Yucca bread on a bonsai tree, representing the Amazon rainforest. Xiquet Chef Danny Lledó has built a menu that reflects the climate, agriculture and sea bounty of Valencia at Xiquet. Featuring a stunning wood-fired kitchen enclosed in glass, the Embassy Row restaurant offers both tasting and a la carte experiences that are sure to leave you breathless. Standout dishes have included the Red Prawn of Denia and either of the two paellas, including a vegetarian version with artichoke, asparagus, lima beans and eggplant, or the seafood version with lobster, red prawn, scallop and cuttlefish (caviar optional). Rooster & Owl After honing his skills at renowned kitchens around New York City, chef Yuan Tang teamed up with wife Carey Tang to open Rooster & Owl in DC. The couple’s 14th Street NW restaurant serves contemporary American fare, offering diners a four-course, prix-fixe menu where seasonal ingredients and vegetarian dishes shine. Diners can expect something unique from the jump with takes like the Carolina-style barbecue carrots with a cornbread ice cream, meatless larb made with lime-kissed shiitake mushrooms and grilled cobia fish served with broccoli mole and turnips dressed in fish sauce vinaigrette. Gravitas Chef Matt Baker has turned a former tomato cannery in Ivy City into Gravitas, a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting the delicious bounty of the Chesapeake in a modern space with plenty of exposed brick. You can choose your own culinary adventure with the flexible three-, four- or six-course tasting menu options, allowing you to sample a range of Baker’s popular dishes (think yellowfin sashimi and an exceptional chocolate ganache that snakes across your plate). Green thumbs can get their kicks sipping on cocktails upstairs at the Conservatory, which includes a greenhouse and garden alive with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Sushi Nakazawa If a menu-less, 20-course dining experience suits your taste, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. This New York import that turns eating into an adventure comes from chef Daisuke Nakazawa. The restaurant serves fresh-caught fruits of the sea in the style of omakase, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “I'll leave it up to you.” Little Pearl Little Pearl allows you to enjoy Aaron Silverman’s award-winning culinary creations without waiting in line at Rose’s Luxury or shelling out for Pineapple and Pearls. This Capitol Hill cafe-by-day and wine-bar-by-night has taken over as the casual spot in Silverman’s dining empire. Choose from gourmet java, potato donuts and a delightfully crispy fried chicken sandwich (served fried or Japanese-style) during a daytime visit. You can also wash down one of the inventive snacks with a glass of vino from an extensive by-the-glass list or choose the affordable prix-fixe dinner menu. Kinship After cutting his teeth at The French Laundry, chef Eric Ziebold moved to DC and came into his own when he opened Kinship to rave reviews. The menu features dishes that focus on technique, history, ingredient or communal preparations. It’s a special place, and perfect for a celebratory meal. Métier Located beneath Kinship, an even more indulgent experience awaits at Métier, chef Eric Ziebold's ambitious 36-seat restaurant with a $200 six-course tasting menu. The French-themed restaurant is has become a city favorite, and diners take note: advanced reservations are recommended and jackets are required for gentlemen. Masseria Located near the foodie wonderland of Union Market, Nicholas Stefanelli’s restaurant harkens back to his rustic Italian roots. Savor coastal cuisine cooked to perfection, aided by a well-manicured wine list. The Dabney Chef Jeremiah Langhorne added to the Shaw neighborhood's transformation into one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods with his Blagden Alley venture. Come here to discover what his signature Mid-Atlantic fare is all about. Fiola Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Penn Quarter outpost sates wine and negroni lovers, as well as connoisseurs of house-made pastas and Italian-inspired seafood. Head to his other spots, including downtown DC pasta house Sfoglina, for an array of delectable dining experiences. Rose's Luxury Neighborhood dining doesn't get any better than this Barracks Row establishment, once named the best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. Eaters line up hours in advance to get a table, but now you can score same-day reservations as well. Tail Up Goat Mediterranean flavors permeate the menu at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan darling since its opening in 2016. Enjoy everything from goat lasagna and house-baked breads to hearty veggie-friendly fare.
