Malawian chef and mixologist Victor Chizinga brings a taste of his heritage to H Street NE in the two-level space with three unique experiences and a member only speakeasy exclusively offering black owned spirits. Lydia on H pays homage to his late mother, and her recipes for curry chicken and cabbage are early best sellers. Cherished vacations in the Caribbean, namely Jamaica, also inspire a menu filled with riffs on rum punch, jerk chicken wings and sandwiches, salmon fritters, and four-hour braised oxtail with jollof rice. Raine, the second-level lounge, includes a live event stage showcasing local bands while Lake Malawi, the outdoor patio space, is open and provides a relaxed environment with games, music and summer vibes.
"Head to Kitchen Cray on H Street for a meal where you can twerk between bites without judgment—the Black-owned American restaurant has a DJ on weekends who will play everything from Luther Vandross to Megan Thee Stallion. It’s a multigenerational party, so it’s fine for your grandmama and your little cousin (but maybe leave alluv’em home if you’re planning to drop it low). The food lives up to its name, so some of the menu items will have you tilting your head in both confusion and curiosity (like the burger topped with shrimp). Everything tastes almost as good as it smells, and the portions are huge so you’ll likely have some to take home with you—helpful if you go a little too hard." - tristiana hinton
"Kitchen Cray on H Street is a multigenerational hot spot where you can woo your partner, get wild with your friends, or chill with momma—all in the same place, which makes up for the aight food. The American restaurant lives up to its name, so some of the menu items will have you tilting your head in both confusion and curiosity (like the burger topped with shrimp). Your eyes will follow every plate that passes the table and the buffalo sauce on the KC chicken sandwich assaults your nose in the best way. Unfortunately, the food doesn’t taste quite as good as it looks or smells, but it’s decent and the portions are huge. Quick warning: if the DJ is playing, be prepared to yell, but the jams are solid and everybody (including the DJ) is usually having a good time." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed
"H Street’s lively destination for Afro-Caribbean cuisine hosts industry karaoke night every Monday, inviting hospitality friends to kick back and belt it out on their night off. Festivities kick off at 7:30 p.m. with food and drink specials and hookah." - Tierney Plumb, Adele Chapin
"H Street’s lively Afro-Caribbean restaurant rolls out a Motown-themed pop-up bar for the holidays from November 25 to December 29. A festive set of drinks come from Lydia’s Malawian owner Victor Chizinga." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb
"The eastern edge of H Street NE just got a little hotter with the January arrival of Lydia on H, a lively destination for spicy jerk chicken, juicy rum cake, and well-made daiquiris." - Tierney Plumb
MG “Qtmeemz”
Connie Blue
D H
Kyra
Candice Richardson
Nancy Boyd
Dominique Scott
Ayana Aquila
Cameron B.
Nisha B.
Mike M.
Tra S.
Shameeka B.
LaKisha B.
Elle H.
Cici H.
Brittany H.
Dona P.
Eunice I.
Sheila F.
Larry M.
Chavonte H.
Family F.
Tessie E.
Peroline L.
Sunni P.
Charles S.
Joshua K.
Markiea K.
Hazel C.
Andrew P.
Bernadette C.
Leroy W.
Eri O.
Jessica C.
Tabitha C.
Joshua P.
Candice H.
Talika B.
Janay J.
Porsche T.
Sharlene S.
Courtney L.
Tori A.
Robert R.
Dollie P.
Aerionna M.
Lauren L.
Andrew C.
Trevon H.
Keon A.
La Tonya M.
Chauntay L.
Eboni R.
Rico D.
Ab A.
Gwen P.
Tiffany P.