Sweet Home Cafe

For a restaurant inside a museum I think the food is pretty good and definitely much better than others. We had some Peruvian chicken and a few sides. I think the winners are the sides though - the curry garbanzo beans and pimento risotto were pretty flavorful. We really enjoyed the boiled cabbage. It had a nice kick to it.Also, if you are planning on bringing a child who needs a highchair, they do not have any high chairs. So plan accordingly. The seating area is large and cafeteria style, so lots of space for big groups. On another note, the museum itself has changing stations in all restrooms.

I would call this spot an above-average museum cafe option. Pricing is on the higher side, but to be expected given its location and use.We ordered a meal of fried chicken with baked mac-n-cheese and cornbread. Everything was tasty and filling and given the number of hours we spent wandering the halls and exhibits, it was nice to have a hot meal beforehand.

Sweet Home Café owes me nothing--somebody's grandmother is definitely in that kitchen! The food is so good. Located on the lower level of the African American Museum, the café operates with various food stations. Above each station is menu listing what they are serving. You grab a tray and make your way through the options.I chose the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Craving some veggies, I went to another station that had Brussels sprouts, but they were out. The employee recommended the green beans instead, and I'm so glad he did--they were absolutely delicious. Everything was perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor.I didn't get dessert this time, but I'll definitely be back. This spot is a solid 10 out of 10--highly recommend!

In theory should have been better. I expected more and better for the price. Unfortunately only option except for food trucks which aren't close.

Essential U.S. history with fantastic fried chicken at the cafe. What more do you need, visit asap.

This is the cafeteria at the African American History Museum. The food, however, is definitely better than cafeteria food - at least as far as what we've got. My cousin got the pulled pork and loved it. I had the beef stew from the James Baldwin inspired menu and it was very good. Sides were a bit more prosaic. Prices were high, but at least you got good for them. Full review at https://www.marga.org/foodblog/2025/02/dining-in-dc-sweet-home-cafe/

We decided to eat in the museum to get the full effect of our visit. Initially the staff was not very professional in handling the long lines but I understand a crowd can make anyone feel overwhelmed. All the food was well seasoned and cooked properly but I feel it was slightly overpriced for some items. Unfortunately you aren't able to make a reservation so if you have a large group you may want to get there early to be able to sit together.

I devoured my food!! Everything was spot on. The Mac and cheese was creamy, tasty but not overwhelming. The friend chicken was crisp, savory and flaky. The collard greens were not my favorite but every single other thing on my plate was beyond delicious. So much so that I completely forgot to take a picture. There are no reservations and it is cafeteria style with different stations. There's a line that builds up to get in but it moves pretty quickly.

Lots of different food stations, cafeteria style, with great choices. We got on the Chef Ram Cole line for his Memorial Day Menu. We shared the barbecued ribs with two sides. The sweet counter offered pecan pie. The grilled and fish fry counter was busy. Even a southern agricultural station with okra, sweet potato pie & chicken was busy. The smells were wonderful as was the choices.The Sweet Home Cookbook, and some candy and jams were beautifully displayed & are for sale here. There was a drink station with soft drink choices.We shared a rib plate for $20 with 2 sides. The corn was sweet, coleslaw delicious & the ribs were a treat. One meal was enough for 2 of us. The pecan pie for dessert was a perfect ending.The cafeteria & dining room were spotless . We bused our trays after lunch & our table was quickly wiped down. There were many employees busy here.

Idk if I've had better pulled pork than what they serve at Sweet Home Cafe - it's perfect. In fact, everything I've had there has been terrific, from the mains to sides to salads, and everything in between. The seasonal sorghum salad remains a favorite, and the beet salad is not to be missed. And definitely don't sleep on the banana pudding. It is excellent.Sweet Home Cafe is located in the basement of the Museum of African American History and Culture. During peak meal times, there may be a wait to even enter the cafeteria. I assure you the wait is worth it. The line moves quickly. It's also convenient that they have a fantastic restaurant inside the museum because the museum is enormous and wonderful, and it takes an entire day to get through it all. A girl's bound to need some food!Relatedly, the Sweet Home Cafe cookbook, sold in the gift shop, is very good. Buy a copy on your way out!