HBCU Buzz's Luke Lawal Shares His Top DC Eats

Ben's Chili Bowl

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!

Busboys and Poets

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!

Bronze

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.

Georgia Brown’s

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?

Milk & Honey Cafe

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!

Jerk at Nite

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.

Sweet Sweet Kitchen

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.

Kitchen Savages

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!