24 Best Southern Restaurants in Washington

“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!“

“I had the pleasure of dining at The Hitching Post DC. I ordered the grilled lamb chops, mac & cheese, collard greens. The lamb chops are in my top 2 of the best I've ever tasted. I don't normally order mac & cheese when I go out to a restaurant, but this order was perfect as well. The collard greens could use a little vinegar, however, they were still delicious. I will definitely dine there in the near future. The lemon cake had was flavorful, moist and delicious, too. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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.“

“DELICIOUS that's what you need to know first. We just happened to dine while the live music was happening & it was insanely loud. I'm assuming on evenings when live music isn't happening is much more intimate. That being said, the band “Too Much Talent” was very good! The restaurant is beautiful & very comfortable with elegant decor. We had a reservation. Because of the loud music we asked to be seated as far away as possible so we could still talk without shouting. It took a few minutes mutes to be seated but the hostess did her best to seat us so we'd have a little quieter space. We waited several minutes for our server to greet us. She was very friendly & apologetic about the wait. We got the impression the were short staffed. We weren't in any hurry so we were okay with waiting. We ordered the half chicken dinner with collards & loaded baked potato. We also ordered the skillet cornbread. Everything we ate was sublimely delicious. Very generous portions & cooked to perfection. We shared everything & still walked out with full bellies & a second meal for later. Our only complaint was not getting our waters refilled but the server was so busy we didn't want to bother her. Otherwise was a fantastic dinner date. Staff is very friendly. I'm shocked it wasn't packed. Very good restaurant!“

“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“

“Our experience at Succotash was exceptional from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by a gracious hostess who congratulated us on our anniversary. It was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the evening. Seated downstairs, we couldn't help but marvel at the restaurant's stunning architecture, our eyes constantly drawn to the soaring details and vibrant energy of the space. Our server was attentive and personable, and two managers stopped by during the meal to ensure everything was perfect; a level of hospitality that did not go unnoticed. We began with both varieties of the deviled eggs, each packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Our entrées, steaks, were cooked to absolute perfection and the sides (collard greens and creamy corn succotash) were both delicious. Throughout the evening, we were struck by how Succotash balances the sophistication of fine dining with the warmth and ease of true Southern hospitality. We left thoroughly impressed and already looking forward to our next visit.“

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

“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.“

“I do not understand how anyone could give this place under 5 stars!
Last night was our 6th time going. We have yet to have any bites that aren’t phenomenal! It is one of the few DC spots that is truly unique but not stuffy! The entire staff make this place such a fun spot! We will be back for a 7th time!“

“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“

“Marcus DC is a delicious dining establishment in a beautiful, brilliant setting. The open kitchen is inviting and is perfect for watching Executive Chef Anthony and his team perform their delicious edible works of art. Four of us dined at an early 5:15 PM dinner. From the Table Talk scallops to the Nourishers Faroe salmon and the roasted drum fish, everyone in our party expressed extreme delight and satisfaction with their meals. One downside on the menu was the NY strip steak. While it was cooked to perfection, the meat was tough and difficult to get through. A better cut of meat is a bone-in ribeye which provides a luscious flavor and texture. The A big downside is that the restaurant does not allow separate checks. And so, at the conclusion of our delicious upscale dinner, we were at the table with the calculators on our phones out trying figure out who ate what and how much it cost. There were two in our party who did not drink alcoholic beverages. We weren’t even allowed to separate out the alcohol. Nor did we want our non-drinking friends to pay for $100 in drinks. If we had known this in advance it might well have been a reason for choosing another restaurant. I don’t like mayhem around the check at the end of a wonderful dining experience. In the end, the server had to spend time running separate checks for our four different credit cards anyway. So, it would’ve been better to just let us order on separate checks from the beginning. Plus, the restaurant is in the Morrow Hotel. Persons on expense accounts, needing receipts are going to necessarily want separate checks. This seems like a big mistake that can be easily fixed with a policy change. Otherwise, it’s Chef Marcus Samuelson so what’s not to love overall.“

“This place was so much better than I thought it was going to be, sometimes the places at the wharf are pretty but the good is not good. We ended up popping in during a celebration at the Wharf. We got lucky and It was amazing, we didn't have to wait that long for a table and the Food was AMAZING“

“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!“

“My husband I were in town for a work training conference and he wanted to surprise me with some good soul food...and he found Ms. Addie's restaurant during his search.....and when I say those oxtails were well worth the drive (almost an hour) away from Omni Hotel....“

“Best food in town.. Absolutely delicious“

“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.“

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

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

“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.“