Bukom Cafe

They have new owners! This is not the same Bukom from 1992, 2010, or even 2022. I forgot when they had a grand reopening but it was in the past year. As of now, they have a cover charge of $5 when the band is playing (after 10 pm?). I found that the earlier closing time, inconsistent food quality (and having to pay a cover when you get carryout), but mostly that the bands that used to play here on Tues, Weds, Thurs, etc were all really good bands with amazing vocalists and that has not been the case recently, or even since the pandemic. Don't get me wrong, talented musicians (including Grammy winners/nominees) play here at times but it isn't like pre-pandemic where you would generally be impressed with the band. Many regulars started going to other places in this neighborhood and other neighborhoods/towns. But also, many of the people who came to Bukom multiple times a week no longer live on the area and/or have had lifestyle changes. Let's not forget that Bukom was closed well after DC re-opened. There were Bukom regulars who stalked Bukom looking for signs of live music for approximately 2 years! They were still operating as a restaurant and I would support them weekly as others did even though I have never been a particular fan of the food, because I believed in the community that was built there - that had sustained and supported me through some of the most challenging times in my life. There were always warm sisterly/auntie and brotherly/uncle hugs that I was addicted to in addition to the blessing of musical talent. These people are no longer there so it feels like Bukom has lost its soul. Before I started going to Bukom, I did not really appreciate reggae or soca. The musicians there exposed me to the depth - the layers underneath the music which in turn transformed how my body-soul-mind interacts with all types of music. It has come the point where I have to move when music is playing. I can't really speak to the service or ambiance as I am one of the regulars who found other places to enjoy music and engage in community, but the aesthetics have been updated. Anyways, I still encourage you to check it out but if you're stopping by for nostalgia, it likely won't be how you remembered it. Things change.

If you want to try some authentic Nigerian, Ghanaian food, this is a great place for it. Since coming back from my African trip, I have been craving fufu and egusi. Finally found the right time and place to try out African food in DC. They have various types of fufu which was awesome. I tried pounded yam and fufu with egusi and oxtail. Either Egusi you can either get the vegetarian option or with any meat. I love meat so I ordered egusi with goat. Goat was nicely cooked and very tender as it should be. Egusi had nice balance of heat and very flavorful with lots of green veggies. Goes so well with fufu. Oxtail was great. It's cooked in their hot tomato sauce. I wish it wasn't as oily as it was. That's the only negative. But I drained the oil and mixed it with the kibbles and gave it to my pup. She loved it. Now she expects something to be mixed with her kibbles every time. Serivice and ambiance were great. Great value for money.

I've been meaning to check out Bukom Cafe for at least a year now, and I finally made my way over yesterday evening after a work event. I heard it was reggae Thursdays where they'd have a live band playing reggae music so I was hoping to check it out. When I entered, the restaurant was practically empty and the server was no where to be found. Eventually, she came out and I seated myself at a table. I had previewed the menu ahead of time, so knew what I wanted. I ordered a side of jollof, side of greens, and their version of pepper soup. Jollof-- (I thought this was pretty good. It wasn't the best I've eaten, but it was decent. I wish it was hotter. It was more on the warm side, and I also wish it had a bit more seasoning /spice) Greens- (These were just OK. They were just boiled with water so no flavor or broth in it. I drizzled some of my pepper soup on the greens just to flavor them up. They are definitely a healthy option, though!)Pepper soup- (This was delicious but very very spicy! I had to drink multiple glasses of water, and even though I was struggling to eat it, I had to finish because it was very good! The goat meat was tender and the soup was very flavorful. My only gripe is it was more of a a stew consistency to me than a soup. I wished it was more of a broth) Unfortunately, didn't get to see the band perform because I guess it was still early, but they were setting up. They started putting up the speakers really loud so that was a bit distracting. The service was decent, but I had wanted an order of beignets and they were out of that and all their desserts evidently. There was also a lot of random noise coming from the back of the restaurant. Sounded like a bunch of young kids. I think this is a pretty good spot for African food, but not sure I'd return.

We were not sure what to expect when we walked into Bukom. It's a bit dark inside and more of a bar with a few tables. We came for dinner and enjoyed ourselves. The service was a bit spotty. Not bad, they just seemed a little understaffed but everyone was nice. Our first round of drinks were not made correctly but the owner noticed they did not look right and had them remade. The food was great, with lots of spice. Then there was live music. We enjoyed this little place and I would definitely go back.

For homesick Africans, this place is your you!Bukom is a homey restaurant/cafe in DC, with food, drinks, and music that will make you feel like you're back in the village. At least, that's my experience.Food: 5/5They don't have pepper soup the night I went, which was disappointing, but they always have soups, stews, and other customary west African dishes. I ended up getting a tomato based spicy soup and plantain, as I'm sitting. Usually however, I will order the egusi soup with Iyan(pounded yam). All of their soups and stews are top notch, but I suggest the egusi for first timers.Service: 5/5I think the servers have changed. Sometimes it can take time for the food to get to you or for the servers to come to your table, but because of this, I knew the food was going to be amazing. All the restaurant staff are extremely nice as well.Ambiance: 5/5Bukom is a simple cafe with the basics with great music selections. You'll be thoroughly entertained if you go in person.All in all, I give this establishment a 5/5 would recommend

There's nothing better than consistently delicious food. Bukom is a laid-back West African spot in Adams Morgan with fun cocktails and classics like suya, pepper soup and egusi. Enjoy reggae and afrobeats as you eat, too. They also host live performances with popular local artists (check their Instagram @bukomdc). The wait is always worth it -- you'll look forward to the next time you come.

Great live music and delicious egusi . The fufu and egusi is a staple . Kind staff and well priced drinks

I've been here a few times prior to covid. Recently ordered Uber eats 12/06/2024 & can say without a doubt this place is not 5 stars at all. Barely 3. For the price they charged I would expect the food to be spectacular but it was not. Egusi 2 stars jollof 2 stars light soup 3 stars, the fufu 1 star given its boxed and sticky. The plantain were also burnt and dry. $25 for 12 oz soup is crazy to me. I got the goat light soup for $10 so it makes no sense that the egusi was that price. If you're looking for authentic west African food do not go here!!!!

It was . . . incredible. In the EGUSI, I've never had goat meat like this - better than any shredded beef could be; and their signature, NKATENKWAN, this "fufu" is wild stuff. All served with great service. We appreciate Joe (not me, Joe at Bukom) and his insight into this new-to-us cuisine.

The best egusi I've tasted in a dmv restaurant. I'm very finicky about egusi. As a Sierra Leonean/Nigerian, I've literally spent months searching for egusi that tastes like home. This one does it. I've ordered from them twice now and quality is consistent. Is the absolute best I've ever had? No. Does it hit that spot when you miss home--yes. Their suya is also very good. If you want food like you could eat at home, this is it.