It’s always important to shop local, and I often highlight the homegrown places I love. But for this post, I’d like to specifically mention the amazing black-owned businesses that shape our city and contribute to the local economy. It’s essential we support and appreciate these hard-working designers, creatives, and chefs, especially now and moving forward.
Shops:
District of Clothing: Since moving to DC almost a decade ago, I’ve always carried my city with pride! It’s why I even included DC on my brand’s name 🙂 Well, this women-owned lifestyle brand has all kind of awesome gear repping the District. Everything from hats to sweaters to T-shirts and more. Much of the swag comes with very empowering messages that we ALL clearly need right now.
Boombox Boxing: Looking for a place to work out once things open back up in the city? Say hello to Boombox Boxing! This really cool boxing spot will get you in shape after gaining that quarantine weight we all have! Not to mention a great way to relieve some built-up stress. If you’d like to support them while they are still closed you can donate here or shop for some cool gear.
Ascent Mind & Body Co.: Let’s talk about good vibes only! You guys know how much I like my incense. So happy to have found this shop that sells sage, palo santo, incense holders, and some all-around chill merchandise (I see you, Gemini T-shirt)! Can we all say, “zen”?
Lee’s Flowers: Looking to brighten someone’s day? This family-owned mainstay on U Street has a bouquet of flowers for every occasion, as well as gourmet baskets filled with fruits, snacks, and chocolates. They also sell leafy plants to liven up your pad.
Nick’s Jamaican Seasoning: We have all been cooking a lot more at home! This is the perfect time to up your seasoning game and try new recipes! How about some Jerk shrimp alfredo? Sounds like a delicious dinner to me.
Soul Mega Beer: Who’s ready for a cold one during the steamy summer days ahead? This beer brand is what you need to make sure you stay hydrated this time of year. Also, let’s hope we can soon cheer to change! Purchase your 12- or 24-pack HERE!
Denniston House: I’m currently renovating my studio and shopping for decor to spruce up my place. Denniston House has the cutest and most unique items to jazz up your own home. Its owner Joilyn Jackson is also a talented artist/photographer, which explains why the images on her site are stunning!
Frerés Branchiaux Candle Co.: Who doesn’t love a good scented candle? Their hand-poured candles are eco-friendly, crafted right here in DC. Aside from their solid collection of candles, they also sell masks, room sprays, and diffusers.
Sugar & Henna by Elle: With summer right around the corner, we all know a good wax session is long overdue! Elle is currently taking online reservations for future appts HERE! I’ve never had henna art done on my hands, but I think this is the year I will give the look a shot! Can’t wait to book.
Nailbed Bar: Who can’t wait to get their nails done? I dream about this moment at least once a day. Nailbed Bar offers nail services that will take your manicure game to the next level. I can’t wait to visit when they reopen. For now they are hosting helpful online nail classes.
Sun Gods: I talk about Sun Gods often, but that is because I truly love the brand my friend LaShawn has created. I rock her chic masks with pride and often think back to the dopest video lookbook we collaborated on last year — check it out here! This is the perfect boutique to score head-to-toe boho attire for the summer.
Restaurants/Cafes:
Sankofa Bookstore: This amazing cafe on Georgia Avenue was founded in 1998 by filmmaking couple Haile and Shirikiana Gerima. Sankofa Video and Books specializes in videos and books about people of African descent around the world. The perfect place to immerse yourself in some much-needed knowledge on black history. Looking forward to visiting the cafe once it’s open!
Half Smoke: I’ve had the chance to visit Half Smoke a few times since they debuted in Shaw in 2016. Super fun and casual corner eatery. Their airy patio is currently open and just unveiled a new lineup of frozen cocktails. There’s also a new on-site breakfast bar (Butter Me Up) with yummy egg sandwiches. Online ordering available!
Calabash Tea & Tonic: I’m lucky to live super close to the latest location of this popular DC-based tea shop! I love their healing teas and tonics and they have the tastiest treats, as well. Great place to get work done in a beautiful setting, lined with art pieces sourced from around the globe.
Cane: Award-winning chef Peter Prime has created a truly special place to enjoy Caribbean cuisine right on H Street. Jerk wings and bowls of cumin-spiced pork belly over jasmine rice are available for takeout and delivery.
Milk & Honey: The popular soul food chain from Food Network contestant Sammy Davis recently added a new cafe on H Street in the former Smith Commons space. Dishes include shrimp and grits, deep fried salmon hash, and a New Orleans po’boy (on takeout and delivery for now).
Appioo: This underground gem on 9th Street is the go-to spot for home-cooked Ghanaian food (in pickup mode for now).
The Spice Suite: Head to Takoma to spice up your kitchen with hand-picked selections from around the world. Online ordering is also available.
Ben’s Chili Bowl: This chili dog destination is a DC landmark that’s been around since 1958. They are currently closed but I highly suggest you support them by ordering online, HERE!
Oohhs & Aahhs: Crispy chicken wings, fried okra, and colossal crab cakes are calling at this hit soul food spot on Georgia Avenue and U Street.
Swahili Village: This eatery in Beltsville serves up amazing Kenyan entrees built with proteins like goat, beef, chicken, and fish. Veggie options, too.
A Place to Walk To: This popular Maryland food truck unveiled a standalone location this year, bringing chicken and waffles, grilled cheeseburgers, and dry-spiced jerk wings to Hyattsville. The brand just rebooted service for takeout and delivery.
District Soul Food: Craving Southern staples? Head to Barracks Row for pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and its best-selling sweet potato pound cake.
Uncaged Chefs: Respected D.C. chef Damian Brown runs this all-day brunch spot inside Savor at Studio 3807 in Brentwood, Maryland. Nostalgic ingredients are aplenty across his ever-changing menu (think fried lobster with Hennessy and Teddy Graham French toast). A second location in District Heights offers a “Trap Taco” takeout menu on Tuesdays.
Kith + Kin: James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Afro-Caribbean restaurant on the Wharf just made a comeback with limited weekend service on its waterfront patio.
I’d also like to give a shoutout to two badass female business owners: Ashley Mason-Green and Adra Williams, who each own PR companies in DC. I’ve personally known (and worked with) both for years and can vouch they are top-notch publicists who know the city well. Looking for a new PR agency to rep your business that won’t fail to bring a diverse crowd to your next event, HIRE THEM!
This list will also keep being updated so if you know of any local black business owners that should be included on this list, send me a DM on the gram! @spicycandydc
You can also download the app EatOkra to find a full guide of black-owned restaurants and food trucks.
