Homecoming season is the perfect entry point into the rich food culture that exists across the HBCU universe. To help those flocking to the DC area for homecoming happenings, HBCU Buzz founder Luke Lawal shares his 10 favorite eats from his hometown.
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- Find out moreBen's Chili BowlHot Dog RestaurantOpen11 AM – 11 PM
A classic diner with the best chili in DC. The vibe is super nostalgic, and I love the chili dogs and the banana pudding. It’s worth the hype!
- Find out moreBusboys and PoetsAmerican CuisineOpen8 AM – 10 PM
This was the go to in college - it’s a combo restaurant and bookstore, and the vibes are great for studying. They also host a bunch of live events, including poetry readings, which always is a great vibe. And you can’t go wrong with the shrimp and chicken chorizo pasta!
- Find out moreBronzeAfrican CuisineOpen5 – 10 PM
The sweet plantains and oxtail pasta are my favorite here; what a great Afro-Caribbean inspired restaurant. The vibes are super modern, but still feels inviting. I still pass by every time I’m in DC.
- Find out moreGeorgia Brown'sSouthern CuisineOpen4 – 11 PM
The ultimate Sunday Jazz Brunch Buffet. I don’t need to elaborate on that! Live jazz and all-you-can-eat Southern breakfast. What more could you possibly want?
- Find out moreMilk & HoneyBreakfast and Brunch RestaurantOpen9 AM – 9 PM
There are a few locations, but I love coming out to The Wharf so I can take a nice walk by the waterfront to burn off the Cajun Seafood Pasta. Hard not to go into a food coma after this meal!
- Find out moreTaleaItalian CuisineOpen11 AM – 10 PM
Man, this place is a vibe. I love Italian food, and the coziness of the food is on par with the coziness of the ambiance here. Talea’s got the best pasta in DC.
- Find out moreJerk at NiteJamaican Cuisine
Jerk at Nite is an HBCU staple - it originally catered to Howard University students exclusively but took off and now has its own brick and mortar restaurant. But it’s cool that similar to HBCU Buzz, it all started in a dorm room. Obviously, I have to recommend the jerk chicken and mac and cheese. It’s open super late over the weekends, so it’s a great spot to hit after going out.
- Find out moreSweet Sweet KitchenCaribbean CuisineOpen12 – 9 PM
Another great Caribbean go-to; Sweet Sweet Kitchen is so flavorful and has my favorite Brown Stew Chicken with Jollof Rice in the city. It’s a great spot for a quick bite.
- Find out moreThe BussdownAfrican CuisineOpen12 – 8 PM
An essential spot in DC inside the Western Market. Great spot for a quick bite while you’re exploring the city. I love their curry chicken!
- Find out moreKitchen SavagesCajun CuisineOpen11 AM – 11 PM
I know the owner is a Howard alumni and anti-violence activist, which immediately makes this restaurant worth supporting. Beyond that, the food is incredible and so are the vibes. I love this place, and you can’t go wrong with their lamb (the lamb rigatoni, lamb eggrolls, lamb lollipops...). I love it all!
