Florida Avenue Grill
Soul food restaurant · U Street
1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Highlights
Soul food diner serving down-home classics since 1944
Soul food diner serving down-home classics since 1944
"Florida Avenue Grill has been a DC institution since 1944. It’s an old-school diner, so think tattered vinyl booths and bar seats that have withstood the test of time, with customers that range from longtime regulars to the occasional tourist. Their world-famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, are the stuff of dreams—they’re light, fluffy, buttery, and sweet. Things take time here and the service can be slow, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait." - omnia saed, mekita rivas, tess shiras, allison robicelli
"Soul food pioneer Florida Avenue Grill has been visited by local politicians and African-American luminaries since opening in 1944. When it opened, the founders only had enough space for two bar stools and had to cook the meals in the basement. Current owner Imar Hutchins has updated some of the current menu to remain relevant to contemporary diners." - Tierney Plumb
"Florida Avenue Grill has been a DC institution since 1944. It’s an old-school diner, so think tattered vinyl booths and bar seats that have withstood the test of time, with customers that range from longtime regulars to the occasional tourist. Their world-famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, are the stuff of dreams—they’re light, fluffy, buttery, and sweet. Things take time here and the service can be slow, but as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait." - omnia saed, tristiana hinton
"“That's a DC staple right there. Florida Avenue Grill has been around for probably 70 years. Obviously we know everybody in there. And everybody used to go to the Grill, which is what we all call it. I think I met Charlie Rose in the Florida Avenue Grill. So we always run into those types of people, as well as the people that used to come see us back in the early eighties. When I'm there, I'll eat just eggs, bacon, grits, toast, and iced tea. Every time I go there, that's what I get, and it's always good.”" - tristiana hinton
"The oldest Black-owned American restaurant in the city requires some planning if you want to taste their famous hot cakes, served with butter, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. After more than 70 years serving the city, the Shaw spot only opens Friday through Sunday from 9am-2pm. That makes it perfect if you’re in town for the weekend, but block out a couple hours for your meal because things take time here. But as they say, good things come to those who wait, and it’s worth it to try dishes like the cajun fried catfish that have been perfected over the decades." - tristiana hinton
