Florida Avenue Grill
A historic Black-owned diner opened in 1944, recognized as DC's oldest soul food restaurant, famous for its hotcake breakfasts and Southern home-style cooking.
Founded in 1944 by Lacey C. Wilson Sr. and his wife, this was one of the few Black-owned restaurants in Washington during the segregation era and is regarded as the city's oldest soul food joint. Breakfast is the star here: cinnamon-sugar hotcakes, eggs, biscuits with gravy, grits, and half-smokes. Southern home-style dishes include fried chicken, Cajun fried catfish, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Expect a wait during weekends and peak dining hours, and service can be on the slower side. Operating hours have adjusted in recent years; while some platforms still show evening hours, the official website recommends calling to confirm daily availability. It is within walking distance of the U Street metro station.
Opening hours
Tue-Sun 8:00-16:00, closed Mon (hours are subject to change, calling to confirm is recommended)
Nearby sights
- National Museum of Women in the Arts
- The Phillips Collection
- Ford's Theatre
- The White House
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
- National Archives Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Postal Museum