At a national, regional, and local level, the last two weeks have unleashed a swirling storm of emotions: outrage, exhaustion, heartbreak, but also renewed hope the “more perfect union” generations of Americans have dreamed of can be realized.
That can’t happen however, without the clear and unequivocal acknowledgement that Black Lives Matter.
By typing, saying, or shouting those words in protest, millions across the country are uniting to reject the national paradigm that has for too long subjugated people of color through systemic economic, educational, and institutional inequity and racism.
We have to do better. We must do better. Each and every one of us has a part to play in promoting equality in the communities we live in.
One such way is to support local Black-owned businesses, which not only have been impacted by inequality, but the negative impacts of covid19-related closures. Inspired by similar lists and articles, I’ve compiled a list of gluten-free friendly Black-owned restaurants and food businesses in the DC area.
A quick disclaimer on this list: I have not personally eaten at many of the listed restaurants, cafes, and business (though I certainly plan to as our area continues to open up). I have included restaurants and businesses where I have seen gluten-free friendly menu items, but be sure to confirm ingredients and check prep methods, as with any restaurant that’s not dedicated gluten-free.
Also in researching this list, I want to give a huge shoutout to Anela Malik at Feed the Malik for putting together this list of Black-owned restaurants in the DMV. I sourced several of the following establishments from her excellent post.
Are there DMV restaurants or businesses I missed? Reach out via email or Instagram and let me know! I hope this list will continue to grow.
DC Businesses
- O Earth Creamery and Bakehouse [Union Market and Farmer’s Markets]- 100% gluten-free bakery with lots of vegan options. I reviewed them in 2016.
- Calibash Tea & Tonic [Brookland and Shaw]- stocks a dazzling array of wellness-centered teas with coffee and kombucha also available.
- Tsehay Restaurant and Bar [Georgia Avenue/Petworth]- sources 100% teff injera from World Food in Virginia.
- Sweet Sosumba Jamaican Vegan Cafe [Georgia Avenue/Petworth]- 100% vegan Jamaican cuisine; see gluten-free items marked on their menu.
- Khepra’s Raw Food Juice Bar [Brookland]- smoothies, juices, and nut milks.
- Pleasant Pops [Adams Morgan]- serves up seasonally inspired pops. I reviewed them in 2015.
- Niko’s Spiked Gelato [Delivery]- the name says it all!
- Here’s the Scoop [Pleasant Plains]- dairy and vegan ice cream shop.
- Zenebech Restaurant [Adams Morgan]- Ethiopian restaurant with gluten-free injera available.
- Buna Coffeehouse [Petworth]- Ethiopian eats and coffee shop with gluten-free injera available.
- Soup Up [Brightwood Park]- Serves up soups with no dairy, butter, oil, or pork. Any soup can be made gluten-free upon request, and vegan and raw options are also available.
- The Sweet Lobby [Barracks Row]- I’ve seen reports their macarons are gluten-free (not a dedicated GF bakery).
- Busboys and Poets [multiple locations throughout DC and MD]- wide-ranging menu with lots of gluten-free and vegan options. I reviewed their brunch in 2017.
- Turning Natural [multiple DC locations]- smoothies and juices.
Maryland Businesses
- All Set Restaurant and Bar [Silver Spring]- appetizers, salads, and entrees, gluten-free options marked.
- Gangster Vegan Organics [Riverdale, also in Baltimore]- juices and food options that are 100% organic and vegan that are also completely soy and gluten-free.
- Spizzy [Camp Springs]- smoothies and juices with vegan options available.
Virginia Businesses
- Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant [Alexandria]- Ethiopian restaurant with gluten-free injera available.
DMV Businesses
- Violeta Gluten Free– 100% gluten-free desserts and pastries