23 Best Southern Restaurants in Washington

“The chicken soo good I give this spot a 10 I just had the chicken visiting from Charlotte NC“

“This was my first time dining at Milk & Honey. If I lived in the area, I would be there weekly. Or...maybe get a job there. Dee was amazing!!! Seriously, ask for her when you go. She offered suggestions about the menu, checked on me regularly, and made me feel like a guest and not a customer. Next time I'm back in DC, I will be dining there again.“

“Went to Kitchen +Kocktails for the first time last night. The decor was very nice, and the music was good and not obnoxious. Our server Ally was terrific! I’m not a drinker, so when I asked her if there were any cocktails that didn’t taste like alcohol, I thought she would look at me like I was crazy, but she didn’t! She seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and immediately had a couple of suggestions. I went with the mixed berry lemon drop and it was perfect for me. The crab cake appetizers and shrimp and grits with lobster tail entree were amazing. We had a great time and we’ll be back!“

“Food was amazing! So flavorful… And the band was superb! But the service wasn’t great 2/5 ⭐️👎“

“FOOD IS VERY GOOD AND I LOVE STEVE AND GEORGINA“

“This H st location is smaller than the Wharf so it can get slammed so recommend you get there early and have patience. The food is fresh and delicious and worth the hype. I technically had an issue when I ordered ahead takeout and I was super delayed and Jennifer and the team helped me out tremendously. So kind plus our food was goood.“

“We went to Succotash for a celebratory evening while in DC. The space and food were both excellent. Unfortunately the service was really poor. Our waiter spent most of his time chatting with his friends and ignored us once our order was taken. My cocktail didn't arrive we were eating appetizers and I flagged him down to see where it was. He never asked about if we wanted anything else. No additional drinks, water, desert etc. Dishes remained in the table until the manager noticed and took them away. We had to ask the manager for our check. Our food was delicious and the space is beautifully designed. We d go back but hopefully have a better trained waiter next time around.“

“My friends took me to Hen Quarter’s brunch for my birthday. It was a top tier experience! The food was great, especially since I’m a seafood lover; the drinks were bottomless and delicious; and the service was 10 out of 10. Tondelayo took great care of us and even sang me happy birthday at the end of our meal. I will definitely be going back and letting my friends know to hit this spot up immediately.“

“Great service, delicious food, and an amazing atmosphere!“

“Consistent well done soul food. Henry's is my go to place for when I need go bring my own food (think summer outdoor events). The portions are good, the food will leave you satisfied and full. My favs are the fried chicken and when they have them the ribs.“

“The food was solid, not extraordinary. However, our server, Maya, was exceptional. She provided excellent service, as she was attentive and prompt with addressing our requests at the table. Overall, I would love to return to this restaurant if I were to experience this service again.“

“Excellent dinner: Moules Marinières and Salade Niçoise and an inexpensive and tasty Bordeaux.“

“My family and I were in dc about 2 weeks ago and found this gem of an eatery at the Union Market and it was DELICIOUS 🤤 By far the absolute BEST bread puddin I have ever had in my life and we are from the south and I have eaten a lot of bread puddin. Please let me know when you start shipping because u have a huge fan base in Texas 😊 Katrina Briggs - Dallas, TX“

“A Soul-Food Gem on Pennsylvania Avenue!

As a foodie who’s always on the hunt for fresh, heartfelt cuisine — especially soul food — my first visit to Miss Toya’s in SE, Washington DC was an absolute delight. Everything from the ambiance to the service to the food hit the mark.

Because for me, a great soul-food experience means more than just good seasoning — it means warmth, genuine hospitality, fresh ingredients, and a place you can bring your loved ones. Miss Toya’s delivered on all fronts. I can’t wait to go back and try even more dishes, explore more of their menu options, and savour everything that struck me so memorably on this first visit.

If you’re looking for a soul-food spot in DC that combines flavor, atmosphere and service with a family-friendly feel, Miss Toya’s is definitely worth the stop.“

“I was In Falls Church visiting a friend and had to try HSCAFÉ.. @MamaNemsRVA_ I ordered Ribs potato salad collards and yams and I loved it I always post pics as an aspiring food critic but it was so good I forgot !!! For Dessert I ordered Sweet Potato Pie Banana pudding and pound cake which will last me a while but tasted them all for reviews and all three 10/10!!“

“l had a good time..luv the ambience..awsome barmaid..would love to come back to celebrate my bday there this month“

“Ordered the wings & lulagria cake on Uber Eats. To my pleasant surprise the wings were still crispy after their car ride. They tasted great as did the curry cabbage & fries on the side & cake 4 desser“

“This place is great and fast and the barbecue rib, beef is the best! The no fat and best meat and the most seasoned. I don’t like pork ribs and they offer beef ribs. The best quality too! Grateful for the money spent, I have come back multiple times for it!“

“Mac and cheese was a solid effort. Fried whiting was high-quality — the breading was saltier than I like, but I’m a pretty low-salt guy.

The side of greens were amazing — the most complex, thought-through greens I can ever remember having. I saw ham, onions, and red bell pepper brightening a pile that was juicy while impossibly also light and airy. This is the Ph.D of greens!“

“Best food in town.. Absolutely delicious“

“After a visit to the amazing Go-Go museum we took our appetites and experienced excellent customer service from host, server & Owner. Even with a couple of menu items not being available the food was delicious, decor is relaxing, & welcoming. Owner made a table visit with a smile and great conversation. Look forward to next dining experience. My lemon drop was on point“

“Went by there today (3/31/25) at 7 am and they were closed.
Mr Young and his wonderful wife are in South Korea and the business has been sold (handed off) to the same owners are the tobacco shop next store. The same workers still work at Youngs (as of 2 weeks ago when I was last in there); but the hours of operation may need to be updated.“