Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour

The "Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour" offers an immersive exploration of Washington D.C.’s historic U Street neighborhood, once known as the "Black Broadway." Led by knowledgeable local guides, you will indulge in a diverse array of cuisine from renowned local eateries while uncovering the area’s rich cultural heritage, particularly its significance during the Jazz Era. Beyond the culinary delights, this 3-hour tour promises insights into the impact of the Civil Rights movement and the thriving artistic community that has shaped this vibrant district. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of U Street’s storied past and its enduring influence, this tour is a must-experience opportunity.

This experience made our list of the 17 Best Food Tours In Washington DC.

Key Points

• Immersive 3-hour tour exploring the significance of "Black Broadway" in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
• Opportunity to taste a variety of local cuisines from regional restaurants and learn about the area’s rich history, including the Jazz Era.
• Guided experience led by a local expert, with a focus on discovering striking street art and architecture along the way.
• Tour covers 3 miles and includes tasting samples, bottled water, and gratuities for the guide, priced at €100.14 per person.
• The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and a portion of ticket sales supports the Bread for the City charity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour provides an immersive 3-hour experience that explores the vibrant history and diverse cuisine of Washington D.C.’s U Street neighborhood.

Priced at €100.14 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 8 participants and led by a local guide.

Wheelchair-accessible, the tour starts at the iconic Bens Chili Bowl and covers approximately 3 miles of ground, including stops at regional food spots and significant historical locations.

Guests can expect to taste a variety of local cuisines, learn about the area’s significance during the Jazz Era, and discover the impact of Civil Rights riots on the neighborhood.

The tour includes all tastings, water, and gratuities for the guide.

Experience Highlights

Travelers on the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour can expect to explore the vibrant history and diverse culinary offerings of Washington D.C.’s U Street neighborhood. The tour explores the area’s significance during the Jazz Era, showcases striking street art and architecture, and examines the impact of Civil Rights riots on the community. Participants will savor a variety of local cuisines from regional restaurants, while learning about the neighborhood’s rich heritage. A portion of each ticket also supports Bread for the City, providing essential services to the local community.

Experience Highlights
Explore "Black Broadway"
Taste local cuisines
Learn U Street history
Discover street art & architecture
Support local services

Itinerary

The Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour kicks off at the iconic Bens Chili Bowl, a beloved local institution.

From there, the tour explores various regional food spots and significant historical locations along U Street.

The itinerary includes:

1. Tasting local cuisine at regional restaurants
2. Discovering the street art, architecture, and impact of Civil Rights riots on the neighborhood
3. Learning about the history of U Street, including its significance during the Jazz Era

The tour concludes at the Colada Shop, providing a comprehensive experience that combines culinary delights and captivating insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of this vibrant Washington, D.C. neighborhood.

What’s Included

Included in the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour is a knowledgeable local guide who leads participants through the vibrant neighborhood.

The tour includes all tasting samples at the various regional food spots along the route, ensuring visitors get to savor the diverse culinary offerings. Guests will also receive bottled water to stay hydrated during the 3-mile, 2-hour walking tour.

Gratuities for the guide are covered, so there are no additional out-of-pocket expenses. The tour is designed to be accessible, with the guide providing any necessary assistance to ensure all participants can fully engage with the experience.

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Preparation and Recommendations

Guests are recommended to bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour.

The tour covers approximately 3 miles over 2 hours, so proper footwear is essential. Attendees should also notify the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking, as vegetarian options are available.

Plus, the tour operates rain or shine, so it’s best to dress for the weather conditions. The guide will provide water throughout the experience.

Customer Feedback

Across 15 reviews, the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Customers have consistently praised the tour’s value for money, awarding it 4.8 out of 5.

The service and organization have both received perfect 5/5 ratings, with reviewers highlighting the insightful historical context, diverse food stops, and engaging guiding.

One visitor described the experience as an "insightful tour of U Street’s attractions, diverse food stops, and engaging historical context."

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour kicks off at the iconic Bens Chili Bowl, located at 1213 U Street NW in Washington, D.C. This meeting point is easily accessible, as it’s situated in the heart of the historic U Street Corridor.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all participants can fully engage with the experience. Here are three key things to know about the meeting point and accessibility:

1. The tour starts and ends within a short walking distance, making it convenient for guests.
2. The route and stops throughout the tour are wheelchair-friendly.
3. Participants with dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for the Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour is flexible, allowing participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

This ensures that guests have the freedom to make last-minute changes to their plans without incurring any penalties.

The tour operator understands that unexpected circumstances can arise, so they’ve designed a cancellation policy that prioritizes customer satisfaction.

This policy underscores the tour’s commitment to providing a hassle-free experience for all attendees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes all tastings and water, and does not allow outside food or beverages to be consumed during the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and amount of walking involved.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Customers are advised to purchase tickets in advance to secure their spot on the tour, as group size is limited. Advance booking also allows the tour provider to prepare for any dietary requirements or accessibility needs.

Are There Audio Devices Provided for the Tour?

The tour does not provide audio devices. Participants will receive a guided tour from a local expert who will share historical information and details about the food tastings throughout the experience.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Experience?

Participants can generally leave the tour group at any point during the experience, though it’s recommended to stay with the group for the full itinerary to get the complete tour experience. The guide should be informed if someone needs to depart early.

Recap

The "Black Broadway – U Street Food & History Tour" offers a captivating and immersive experience for visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Washington, D.C.’s historic U Street neighborhood. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides an opportunity to indulge in diverse local cuisines, appreciate striking street art, and gain insights into the impact of the Civil Rights movement, all while supporting a local charity.

You can check if your dates are available here: