Historic restaurant exterior with vintage signage and two staff members
1/7

Welcome to The World Famous Florida Avenue Grill


World's Oldest Soul Food Restaurant

Since 1944'


Hours

Breakfast: Tuesday – Sunday

8:00 AM – 3:45 PM


Lunch: Wednesday – Sunday

8:00 AM – 3:45 PM


Closed Mondays

1 / 3

Hungry? We’ll Take Care of You.


The Soul Food classics you love, the American breakfasts you crave, and Jamaican favorites, all waiting for you at The Grill.

1 / 5
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Lacey C. Wilson Sr. and Bertha Wilson, who opened Florida Avenue Grill in 1944.

Since 1944

Lacey C. Wilson Sr. shined shoes on Capitol Hill and saved his tips. Not for a suit, and not for pearls for his wife Bertha. For a restaurant. He opened it in 1944, on the corner of Florida Avenue and 11th Street NW. There was room for two bar stools, and the Wilsons cooked in the basement. The Grill was built two chickens at a time.


Historical restaurant plaque commemorating a 1963 civil rights meeting

More than a comfort meal


On all walls you will find photos of change-makers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Kwame Ture, Maya Angelou and many more. Everyone on the walls has visited this iconic location, and some are regulars.


Group posing outside Florida Avenue Grill restaurant in Washington, DC

Catering & Events

From family celebrations to team lunches and community events, we’ve got you. Planning a private event at the Grill? Let us know. Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch!