DC's Original Food and History Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover DC's diverse culinary roots and history while we stroll and chat about the heyday of “Black Broadway” and the role this area played in during the Jazz Era. You’ll be surprised to learn how many household names had their start in the little clubs along this corridor.

Sample quintessential DC flavors while we reveal stories behind tucked away murals, sculptures, and the artists who created them. Learn about the Civil Rights riots that shaped the city and its landscape for years to come. Explore the architecture and evolution as it continues to change today.

Taste a variety of cuisines with flavors directly related to the history of this authentically DC neighborhood. U Street is an essential spot in DC and is not to be missed!

Please indicate any food allergies when booking.

A portion of each ticket sale is donated to Bread For The City, an organization who provides food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty for DC residents.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Vegetarian option available (not vegan), please advise at time of booking if required

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking - we cannot accommodate vegans

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please note: We are not able to accommodate vegan diets or dairy allergies on this tour.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local/professional guide

Lunch

Donation to our local charity partner - enough to feed a DC resident in need three full meals

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

U Street

Your tour takes place along the U St corridor, which is rich with DC flavors & history. Making stops at several local restaurants for tastings, which are plentiful, you'll hear about the evolution of the area, including events, historic venues, architecture, and street art. Over the course of the experience, you'll walk about 1.5 miles, enjoy plenty of food for lunch, and learn about this iconic, off the beaten path neighborhood that has played a significant role in DC and American history.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

DC Food & History Walking Tour

U St Food Tour: 3 hour walking tour covering 2 miles in historic U Street and Shaw Neighborhoods. Our food tour goes to local stops for mouthwatering food and brews, and visits cultural and historic stops too!

Reviews

4.78

254 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

219

My friend and I were...
Steve K,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
My friend and I were lucky in that we were the only ones signed up for the tour so we received an excellent private tour. The guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. I left full from the food and great conversation.
Interesting History and Info of U Street Neighborhood
brookes993,
Nov 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We ate some yummy food and learned some unique history of DC that isn’t as commonly known. We have done food tours in many cities across the US, Canada, and Europe, and this was probably our least favorite experience we have had - there was nothing bad, but we feel we have gotten more food options from other tours. It also didn’t feel as organized as other tours we have been on. We got chili cheese dogs at Ben’s chili bowl and a bag of ruffles chips. Then we next stopped over an hour later at an Ethiopian restaurant, which was delicious but maybe an awkward choice for a food tour, since we eat the injera with our hands and there was one serving for our group to share. A bit strange for everyone’s fingers to be on the food that we are all eating! Then we finished with a delicious pastry dessert and then went next door for some Indian ice cream. We are glad we did the tour, as we did learn some new info and got to explore an area of DC that isn’t part of the main tourist areas of the city. Our just, Vanessa, was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Guava Pastelitos…Yum!
Chadwick R,
Jun 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00
Really enjoyed the pastelitos at Colada Shop. Highly recommend you try the guava cheese ones. Fun way to spend an afternoon. Our guide Vanesa was very personable.
Excellent tour in an interesting area.
ruthwalker444,
Jun 9, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Jenn was a great guide who balanced the history of this interesting area and stories with delicious food. The tour was relaxed and well paced with just enough food, and time to chat with her and others on the tour. We particularly enjoyed the famous hotdogs, and the Ethiopian experience. We would highly recommend this tour.
Foid and history...perfect together!
ShirleyK D,
Jun 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Generally, weaving histoical underpinnings of the neighborhood together with the food samplings. Ethiopian food stop was a new experience for me and my spouse and we really enjoyed it. Also the portions were ample!
Do Better
VMurf,
May 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00
Our tour guide was punctual and personable. Apart from that, this tour was not worth the cost. It's ridiculous and unsanitary to expect a group of strangers to share a plate of food that you eat with your hands. And Jenny's Ice Cream as a tour stop? I just don't feel like we got to experience the culinary richness of U Street. This tour needs to be reorganized.
Yummy Food, Interesting History!
Camille S,
May 14, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great tour with Jim! Loved hearing about the history of the U Street Neighborhood. Delicious food. Large servings so bring an appetite!
A great way to experience DC!
U7217GUtarar,
Apr 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As a DC local, I wholeheartedly recommend this guided food tour! It offers a fascinating insight into the rich history and transformation of U St, helping you understand its vibrant character today. The tour includes stops at four diverse restaurants, showcasing American, Ethiopian, Cuban cuisines, and ending with a delightful dessert. Our guide, Vanesa, was incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, eagerly answering questions and engaging with everyone. The walking route is mostly flat and covers just a few blocks, making it accessible for all ages. It truly offers a delightful experience with something for everyone to enjoy!
The guide was fabulous,...
Peggy S,
Apr 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00
The guide was fabulous, and the history was outstanding. The food was so-so - 4 stops with one being a regular ice cream store. Interesting foods, but not always tasty.
What a great food tour
debbiedO2733EF,
Mar 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such a great tour. We ate at 4 different unique restaurants and had a comprehensive tour of the U street area! Sanika and Vanesa were amazing tour guides. Super informative and fun.