• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Metro station

Our first stop on this tour begins around the corner to your right at the U Street/African-American Civil War/Cardozo metro station. It is hard to believe that at some point this massive infrastructure used to be the home to several establishments including The Republic Theatre. \r\rBack in 1921 it was located at the heart of the U Street African-American shopping district. It was known as a ‘negro’ theatre during America’s segregation era. Its auditorium seated around 1,250 people. The theatre was demolished in 1976 to make room for the new Metro system. And don’t get me wrong, I do love the Metro system, but it’s too bad that the Republic Theatre no longer exists. As commuters and visitors are busy bustling through the station, in a previous life this landmark housed a quaint and stunning theatre where African-Americans enjoyed the latest movies and cinema. Our next stop is right across the street at The Lincoln Theatre. So head across the street and I’ll see you there.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic Theatre

Here we are at the Lincoln Theatre. It was designed by architect Reginald Geare in 1921. Opening in 1922, the theatre was a cultural center in D.C. that was historically known for being headlined by Washington natives Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey yet were joined by nationally acclaimed artists such as Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. If you haven’t heard of them - look them up! Prior to its live performances and stage recognition, the Lincoln Theatre showcased silent film and vaudeville to DC’s African-American community. \r\rPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt often celebrated his birthday and threw parties at the Lincoln Colonnade, a party hall once located at this theatre. It closed shortly after the 1968 race-related riots. When it reopened, it served mostly as a movie theater until 1983. It was restored in 1994 and now hosts some of the city’s most attractive musical acts and performers including Peter Frampton, Kendrick Lamar, and Billy Idol. I think the only thing those three artists might have in common is that they’ve all performed at The Lincoln Theatre. So you see how diverse the entertainment is that this theatre attracts. I’ve seen numerous comedy acts there that had my sides hurting for days from all the laughter. You really should check out some of the city’s live performances here and continue supporting the history of a vibrant cultural space!Our next destination is about 10 paces to the east.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Restaurant and Mural

This destination is a one-two combo - Ben’s Chili Bowl and Ben Ali Way. Ben’s Chili Bowl is the perfect place to grab a snack or lunch while on this tour. In 1958 Ben’s Chili Bowl debuted at its U Street location by Ben and Virginia Ali. The location was able to open with merely a $5,000 investment. Two months after its opening, the founders Ben and Virginia Ali celebrated in marriage, thereby uniting their love of chili dogs and fries. Some of their most notable food items include their trademark chili-covered half-smokes or Ben’s Classic Chili dogs, Ben’s Famous Chili, and Ben’s Chili Burger. Did someone say delicious? It has been recognized as a destination spot for influential leaders and tourists, while serving as a hallmark of the civil rights movement and an unwavering presence in the community while facing numerous adversities for over six decades. Civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. frequented “The Bowl” as it is affectionately referred to by locals and loyal customers. He was a regular guest here whenever he visited Washington D.C.. During the riots following his assassination, Ben’s Chili Bowl remained open to serve the community and provided shelter to activists, firefighters, and public servants while most businesses closed due to the heightened turmoil. Since its original location, it now has expanded into four locations including Arlington, H Street, and at the Reagan National Airport. Some of their most beloved fans include contemporary celebrities such as Dave Chappelle, former president Barack Obama, and the previously beloved and now convicted Bill Cosby. Mr. Cosby won’t be able to enjoy a Ben’s chili dog until somewhere around 2025 when he gets out of prison. Founders Ben and Virginia Ali were inducted into the Washington D.C. Hall of Fame in 2001 and then received the “American Classics” award by the James Beard Foundation in 2004. So grab a bite at Ben’s Chili Bowl and taste the legacy of the community as it continues to enrich the neighborhood after all these years! But while we are standing here, let’s go ahead and check out another destination. Conveniently next to Ben’s Chili Bowl is a short alley known as Ben Ali Way. Because of its huge influence, appropriately named as Ben Ali Way in 1999. On July 15, 2018 Major League Baseball unveiled a mural on Lincoln Theatre in Ben Ali Way. It is now a popular place to photograph and attracts hundreds of visitors a day. On the wall is a permanent mural that is open to the public created by artist (aneeyekan youdofia) Aniekan Udofia. The mural features President Barack Obama, Prince and Chuck Brown, the “Godfather of Go-Go,” among others. But we are the most happy to see it honor Ben and Virginia Ali on that wall. Love your chili dogs!! Ben Ali Way is a wonderful area to snap some photos especially for you social media savvy folks as you soak in the details of this beautiful mural that has become a tourist attraction in the neighborhood. Let’s keep heading east to get to our next destination.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic building

This next location on the corner of U Street and 12th street is the True Reformer Building. If you are still on the same side of the street as Ben’s Chili bowl, this building is on the opposite side. It has a grey brick front and white pillars. Go ahead and cross the street to get to it. There are some interesting things to take note of here. First, this was the location of an iconic mural of Duke Ellington for several years starting in 1997. The mural was painted by artist G Byron Peck, the founder and director of a local nonprofit that mentors underprivileged youth. Unfortunately, the mural no longer exists but you can look it up online. It’s pretty cool. The second thing to note is that the True Reformer Building is an architectural testament to African-American achievement designed and built by architect John A. Lankford in 1903. It has become a landmark as it was conceived, built, and patronized by African-Americans as well. The building is filled with offices and conference rooms and previously a concert hall and street-level businesses. Duke Ellington mentions in his autobiography that his first paid performance was at room number five here, charging a five-cents cover for each patron. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Public Welfare Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers support in the advancement of social justice and opportunities for people in need. Their main programs are focused in criminal justice, youth justice, and workers’ rights. They have been established for 70 years and provide services and support to over 4,800 organizations in our country. Go ahead and cross back over to the other side of the street and keep heading east. I’ve got something cool to show you.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Live music venue

You like music, right? Check out U Street Music Hall. It’s a basement dance club and live music venue featuring electronic music including house, techno, disco and electro. Inside you will find everything you need for a party - a 1,200 sq ft cork-cushioned dance floor, two bars, a stage and an amazing sound system. No frills. Just a big, loud party. In 2011 U Street Music Hall created the U Street Music Foundation. It’s a non-profit organization which supports music education programs for Washington DC youth. Way to give back to the community! I love that. Sorry to do this to you, but I’m gonna ask you to cross back over U Street, once again, to get to our next destination. It’s at the next corner, heading east.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic Business

Who would’ve thought that a flower shop could hold down the U Street Corridor through decades of change? Believe it! Here we are at Lee’s Flower Shop. It was originally established in 1945, and is a family-owned and operated business founded by African Americans William P. Lee and his wife Winnifred Lee. This historic business survived the 1968 race-related riots and is one of only three current businesses that existed before Martin Luther King’s assassination - which was the event that ignited the race-related riots in this area. It has been a staple of the U Street corridor and continues to delight customers with their floral arrangements and services. They have won numerous “Best of DC” Awards throughout the 2000’s and continues to thrive in the U Street community.\r\rUsing the freshest and highest quality flowers, this shop offers an array of beautiful arrangements for any occasion. Feel free to treat yourself and get some flowers for you or someone you love! To get to our next destination, continue east toward Vermont Ave.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Memorial

Hey there! Stop where you are and look to the right. Do you see that bronze statue over there? It’s the African American Civil War Memorial. Let’s go check it out. It was created by Ed Hamilton in 1997 and Dr. Frank Smith Jr and Colin Powell dedicated this memorial to the United States Colored Troops, or USCT. Over on the wall you will see a list of all the names of the USCT soldiers who fought for freedom during the American Civil War. There are 209,145 of them. Count them and tell me if I’m wrong. Now, if you look east across Vermont Ave you will see a large red brick building. That’s the African American Civil War Museum and that’s where we are headed next. No J Walking! Let’s get to a crosswalk. Head north on Vermont Ave to the crosswalk at the corner and then cross over toward the colorful townhomes. Turn right and walk down to the museum. See you there.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Museum

This big red brick building, after it is renovated, will house the African-American Civil War Museum. Currently the museum is located down the alleyway where this old school’s gymnasium used to be. Head down the alley and check it out! Established in 1999, the museum’s purpose is to correctly inform visitors about the contributions of those 209,145 members of the United States Colored Troops also known as USCT. These troops were from African, European, and Hispanic descent, and played a monumental role in fighting for ending slavery while uniting America under one flag. The museum hosts a rich collection of artifacts, documents, primary sources and technology to create a meaningful and educational experience for its patrons. The museum hopes to correct the false narrative of American history shaped by politics that often ignored the service of the USCT. Furthermore, its purpose is to aid in the economic revitalization of the historic U Street community that was heavily devastated by the 1968 riots. The museum supports educational needs by providing a high-quality and effective learning experience while interpreting the history of the USCT and community life of African Americans before and after the American Civil War. Along with the memorial statue that we saw earlier, and the Wall of Honor with the names of those who fought for freedom, the museum celebrates the history of the USCT and serves as a reminder of those courageous troops. Peruse through the museum and enjoy the rich information you’ll discover about our unique American past. When you are done, keep heading south on Vermont Ave until you get to T St, then turn left. I’ll catch up to you there.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Check in

Did everyone make it out of the museum and to this meet up point? Count everyone in your group. You don’t want to leave anyone behind! We are gonna head east on T Street and go on the hunt for the best U Street Corridor bars and restaurants. But first we have to walk a few minutes to get into the thick of it. Let’s get started! Check out those red brick townhomes with the pointy domes right at the intersection of Vermont Ave and T Street. Don’t you love all the different architectural designs here in DC? As you walk down T St, look at all the colorfully renovated townhomes on either side of the street. There are some very pretty ones. Ok, I’ll catch up to ya at the end of this long block.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : School

That four story red brick building with the white base used to be the Maya Angelou Public Charter School. The school has since moved to a different location, but I’d still like to tell you a bit about Maya Angelou. She was an American singer, poet, author and civil rights activist. She suffered a very harsh childhood full of abandonment and abuse. Maya moved to Egypt and then to Ghana as an adult where she became an administrator at the University of Ghana. There she became close friends with Malcolm X when he visited during the 1960’s. She came back to the United States to help him build the civil rights Organization of Afro-American Unity but was devastated when he was murdered shortly after. She was also friends with Martin Luther King, Jr who was actually assassinated on her 40th birthday. After experiencing so much loss and grief she wrote her first autobiography called “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, which gained her international fame. She was also the first African-American woman to write an original screenplay that was produced, and she was the first African-American woman to direct a major motion picture. It would take all day for me to tell you all the amazing things that Maya Angelou accomplished in her life. I really encourage you to research about her when you get a chance. But I’ll end this POI with one of her quotes - “All my work, my life, everything I do is about survival with grace and faith. While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.”Keep heading east on T St NW. I’ll point out some cool stuff as we go along.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Bar

So I found you a cool little bar there in that grey brick corner building called All Souls if you are interested in stopping in for a drink. There are a lot of bars and restaurants on this next stretch of the tour so don’t feel like you HAVE to stop at each one for a drink. And speaking of drinks, UCPlaces has an awesome tour of the distilleries in DC’s Ivy City. It is called “Distilleries in the District”. So put that tour on your list of things you MUST do. So All Souls Bar has a fantastic cocktail menu, AND they let you bring in food or have food delivered to you at the bar. Isn’t that cool? I think so too. You need to be on the other side of T Street for our next few destinations so cross over as soon as you can and keep heading east.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : check in

Ok, We are at the corner of T St and 7th. And almost to our next historical site. But go ahead and look down 7th St to your right. There are a few really cool shops and bars down there that you will wanna check out. I mean if you wanna jog down and see and come right back, feel free! I’ll wait for you! Just be sure to come back to T St and keep walking east.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Brewery and Mural

The Howard Theater is coming up in front of you, but first I want to call your attention to a fun brewery that will be on your right just before the theater. Do you like beer? Well they have beer. And one of the best southern fried chicken sandwiches I’ve ever had. I’m also a sucker for a good grilled cheese sandwich. They make one with both yellow and white cheddar on sourdough bread that makes me go “Oh yeah”. Keep walking to the Howard Theater but take a quick pause to check out the cool mural on the side of the Right Proper Brewing building. It features DC jazz musicians both past and present.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic Theater

Check out the Howard Theater. It originally opened way back in 1910, but when the Great Depression hit in the 1930’s it became a church. That didn’t last long though because let’s face it… church vs theater is an easy choice. Duke Ellington played with his band at “The Howard” to herald in the return of what the theater once was. Oh, there’s a Duke Ellington statue just down the street that we are going to visit in a minute here.\r\rIn the 50’s and 60’s The Howard Theater had artists like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye entertain the mostly African American fans. Sadly though, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the 1968 riots and desegregation, the theater had a hard time attracting patrons so they closed their doors in 1970. But wait, there’s more. Howard Theater reopened in 1975… but then closed again in 1980. Don’t be sad though. In 2010 the Theater began a HUGE restoration and reopened, hopefully for good, in 2012.\r\rSince it’s reopening there have been many amazing artists that have graced the Howard Theater stage. Ever heard of Drake or Kendrick Lamar? No? You must be over 40 years old then - ask a millenial. How about Slick Rick? Sheila E? Chaka Khan? If these names are new to you, you should seriously broaden your Itunes playlist.\r\rWanna go check out the Duke Ellington Statue? Keep heading East on T Street until you get to Florida Avenue NW.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Statue and Graffiti

You’ve got the Duke Ellington statue to your right and a cool graffiti wall to your left. Make sure you check out both! So the actual name of the statue is “Encore” and it was erected in 2012. It’s about 20 feet tall and weighs over 10,000 pounds! That’s Duke Ellington, playing a huge curved piano, while sitting on a treble clef. He spent a lot of his childhood and career in this neighborhood so it is fitting that he gets to sit here… on the giant treble clef… playing the huge curved piano.\r\rOn your left is a mural by No Kings Collective, titled Washington. Check it out. Then turn left on Florida Avenue. We have a little bit of a walk ahead of us as we go toward our final destination, but I promise to keep you company and point out some fun stuff along the way. Also our final destination is a restaurant but it is closed on Mondays so if you are starving now, there is a restaurant just up the street that we can stop at. If it isn’t a Monday today, then GET HUNGRY! Our last stop is world famous for its soul food. Ok, start walking.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Lounge

On your left is the Kiss Lounge. It has been painted and repainted every color you can imagine. The last time I checked, it was black. It has also been everything from a late night hookah lounge with Ethiopian food, a hip hop and reggae dance club, and a Thai take out restaurant. Leave us a review at the end of the tour and tell us what it is today!..

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Bookstore

So you are passing by the Gospel Spreading Bible Bookstore on your right. I’m mentioning that just in case as we come across a bunch of bars and liquor stores, you are gonna feel like you need to read your bible. They sell them there. If you think you will be juuuust fine, then keep walking!

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Restaurant

Remember a while ago I mentioned a restaurant you could stop at for a bite to eat? Here it is at the corner. It’s called 801. If today is Monday and you are hungry, stop in and grab a bite! Remember that our final destination restaurant is closed on Mondays. This restaurant has a great brunch menu and a good vibes feel.\rKeep following Florida Ave.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Sports Bar

Cattycorner to your left is Nellie’s Sports Bar. It is an LGBTQ plus friendly establishment in the area with great food, drinks and atmosphere. The building itself is the former photography studio of Addison Scurlock. He was an African American photographer back in the early 1900’s. He photographed both the African American elite and working class as a way to portray the pride and progress of what was called the New Negro.\rWhile we are standing here, take a quick look down 9th Street, past Nellie’s. If you wanna explore down there for a minute, go ahead. Just meet back here and keep heading west on Florida Ave when you’re done. Down 9th you will find more bars, restaurants, a night club and best of all… Sugar Shack Donuts and Coffee. Sugar Shack has over 300 flavors of donuts. I’m just sayin. \r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Bar

On your right is the Dirty Goose. It is another gay bar with great drinks and food. They make their pickles in house using the owner’s family recipe. The fried chicken sandwich is to die for and their drinks are fantastic! \r\rNext door is the Velvet Lounge. It’s a small, divey club with Dj’s and bands that rock this place on both floors. Plus drinks are cheap here, as far as DC prices go.\r\rTurn right at the end of this block on Vermont Avenue. I’ll catch up to you at the end of that block.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : UCPlaces Tours

Have you noticed the murals that are sprinkled around this area? Big beautiful paintings on the sides of buildings? Well if you are interested in knowing more about them, you need to check out our UCPlaces Murals of Washington DC tour. We have picked out some of our favorites and will tell you all about them. But for now, keep walking until the end of Vermont Ave NW.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Restaurant/Music Venue

I love the restaurant cattycorner to your left - Wet Dog Tavern. It’s actually Washington DC’s first pet friendly bar garden. So come back with Spot and Fido later!\rWhen you get to the end of Vermont Ave you are going to turn left. But before you turn, look down the street to your right. There’s a brown building near the corner of the next block, across the street. That’s the 9:30 club! Rolling Stone Magazine named it one of the top 10 Best Live Music Venues in America! It first opened in 1980 amongst boarded up and vandalized buildings from the 1968 race-related riots. The owner, Jon Bowers and his wife Dodi Disanto managed to book up and coming greats like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Public Enemy and Nirvana. The 9:30 club is now the most attended club of its size in the world. So, ya may wanna check out the concert line up later.\r\rNow you can turn left on Florida Ave. We only have about three more blocks of walking until we get to the final destination. I really hope you are getting hungry. So hungry. Keep walking and I’ll check in with you in a few minutes.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Howard University

Hey, did you know we are right near Howard University? It’s true! It’s located just a few blocks to the east if you ever wanna check it out. Keep following Florida Ave NW and I’ll tell you some cool facts about it. Howard University has a beautiful campus with a great history. It was first established after the end of the Civil War as a theological seminary for African-American clergymen. Within two years however, it had grown into a University consisting of the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Medicine. It was named Howard University after General Oliver Otis Howard. He was a civil war hero, founder of the university, and Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau - which was established to assist refugees and freed slaves after the Civil War. The Freedmen’s Bureau helped African Americans reunite with family members after the war,and teach them to read and write, among many other things.\r\rToday Howard University is a tier 1 private historically black university with over 120 areas of study. Some notable attendees have been Roberta Flack, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Thurgood Marshall, and the infamous Omarosa. So there ya go. Just a little tidbit of information as we continue walking toward our next destination.\r

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Check-in

Hey guys! Just checking in. You are almost to our last destination so don’t give up! Keep walking. I PROMISE we are sooooo close, I can smell it!

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Restaurant

We made it!! Look at the corner of Florida Avenue and 11th St.\r\rKnown as the oldest soul food restaurant in the world, Florida Avenue Grill opened in 1944 by Lacey and Bertha Wilson. The couple pulled together their savings from previous jobs in order to open this world famous diner. It all started back when Lacey Wilson, Sr., a shoe shiner before venturing into the restaurant business, created meals out of two chickens each day. Once cooked and sold as meals, he would give his daily earnings to Bertha in order to purchase two more chickens for the next day. This cycle continued during the early days of the restaurant and eventually grew into a successful business and is now triple the size of its once two-stool eatery beginnings. \r\rLacey’s goal with the restaurant was to create a place that felt like home where customers were friends and you could enjoy soulful, home cooked meals for an affordable price. At the time of segregation, African Americans were not welcomed in many establishments and due to racial tension were unable to comfortably enjoy a meal outside of their homes. Lacey Wilson created a home away from home where people of various races, social standings, religions, and class could sit side by side and have a delicious meal. \r\rStanding through the 1968 race-related riots, Florida Avenue Grill was one of the few establishments that didn’t burn to the ground. In 1970 shortly after the riots, the owners’ son Lacey Jr. purchased the Grill from his parents. The Grill’s former parking lot is now The Lacey Building, in honor of Lacey Wilson.\r\rNow a popular attraction in the neighborhood, the diner’s patrons include long-time residents, new locals, crowds of tourists and even celebrities in entertainment and politics. Some of its more well-known patrons include Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, and former Vice President Joe Biden. \r\rThe restaurant has gained pop culture recognition as part of a set in the movie “D.C. Cab”, a 1983 comedy starring Adam Baldwin and Mr. T. I pity the fool who hasn’t seen that movie! Did you like my Mr. T impression? No? Whatever. Well furthermore, Andrew Zimmern featured Florida Avenue Grill’s chitterlings or pig intestines and scrapple which are mushed pork scraps, on his hit Travel Channel TV show “Bizarre Foods.” Now that is some soulful eats if you are feeling adventurous! I say give the chitterlings a chance!\r\r\rWell, that concludes our tour through the U Street Corridor. I hope you were able to envision the history, taste the legacy, and learn more about this vibrant and resilient neighborhood. I know I had a great time showing around. Don’t forget all those cool bars and clubs I showed you! The night life here is fantastic. To get back to the starting point of the tour, just head south on 11th St and then turn right on U St. That will take you right back to the U Street Metro station where we began.\r\rAlso please check out some of our other amazing tours that UC Places has to offer. We have everything from distilleries to scandals to bridges and even horse statues! Yup, a little bit of everything!\r\rI hope to see you soon, but until then - so long and happy touring!!\r