In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, pay a visit to one of these Latinx-owned restaurants, shops, and businesses in Washington, DC
Supporting small, local businesses is always a great way to invest in the diverse communities that make up our District. From mid-September through mid-October, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and shining a light specifically on Latinx-owned businesses and services in the DMV.
The Latinx population is the fastest growing community in Washington, DC and with that growth has come an explosion of amazing eateries and mom-and-pop shops. A great place to start exploring is the Columbia Heights neighborhood, home to GALA Hispanic Theatre, The Latin American Youth Center, and the Mexican Cultural Institute. We rounded up some of our favorite businesses in The Heights and beyond. From a Latin-American market that features cultural events weekly to pan-Central and South American culinary treats cooked up by businesses like Arepa Zone and Del Sur Cafe, here are 9 Latinx- and Hispanic-owned businesses to support throughout DC.
Latinx Restaurants in Washington, DC
Del Sur Cafe
Travel to Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, and Columbia by dinner plate at this Dupont Circle restaurant run by best friends Marcos Sosa and Juan Machado. The pan-South American menu delivers authentic recipes that restaurant patrons claim transport them to the dish’s country of origin. There is no kids’ menu, but appetizer portions of yuca fries and empanadas work well for younger eaters.
2016 P St.
Washington, DC
Online: delsurcafe.com
Arepa Zone
Gabriela Febres and Ali Arellano began their career distributing Venezuelan baked goods and candies door-to-door in DC before eventually expanding to organizing events that celebrate Venezuelan customs and traditions. From deliveries to a food truck to operating six locations, Ali and Gaby have made arepas a must-try in the DC food scene.
Various locations around DC
Online: arepazone.com
Mi Cuba Cafe
If you’re craving Cuban food, pack up the family and head to Columbia Heights to dig in to what many local Cubans call the best authentic restaurant in the District. Yes, they serve Cubanos (a favorite of Miami transplants), but you’ll also find an enormous menu filled with traditional dishes. If you have a picky eater in your crew, they also serve spaghetti at this family-owned establishment.
1424 Park Rd. NW
Washington, DC
Online: micubacafe.com
Related: 19 Mom-Owned Businesses in DC That You Should Know About
Latinx Educational Immersions in Washington, DC
La Cosecha
The Latin American Market in the Union Market District is a great place to sample Central and South American cuisines while shopping Latin-owned local businesses. Check out the monthly calendar for kid-friendly events, trunk shows, and more. Educational offerings include salsa and tango lessons, cooking classes, and Spanish immersion classes for kids.
1280 4th St. NE
Washington, DC
Online: lacosechadc.com
Isabella & Ferdinand Academia De Español
Latina professionals Pilar Frank O’Leary and Alexandra Migoya have been providing immersive, kid-friendly Spanish classes and cultural events in the DC area for almost 15 years. Children two years and up are exposed to important Spanish and Latin American artists, poets, and cultural events while learning a new language.
4430 Newark St. NW
Washington, DC
Online: isabellaandferdinand.com
Salsa with Siliva
Looking for a unique date night? Every Friday, salsa and bachata teachers lead novice dancers through one-hour of beginner-level steps (with a glass of wine in hand!). If you want to master the dance, regular adult classes are offered as well as a program for kids that includes ballet, tap, jazz, and, naturally, Latin dance.
3232 Georgia Ave. NW, Suite 104
Washington, DC
4731 Elm St., 2nd floor
Bethesda, MD
Online: salsawithsilvia4kids.com
Related: Show Support to These Black-Owned Businesses for Kids and Families
Latinx Boutiques and Pop Ups in Washington, DC
Quavaro
After spending some time living out of a suitcase, husband-and-wife team Cesar and Pial Vega applied their travel know-how to a leather goods company, and Quavaro was born. They now manufacture backpacks, laptop cases, totes, and weekenders—perfect for traveling with kids—from their family-owned factory in Mexico.
1280 4th St. NE
Washington, DC
Online: quavaro.com
ArtTepuy
Tamara Barnabei celebrates Venezuelan artists with her curated selection of handmade goods including paper mache home decor, woven Yekuana baskets, religious art, and more. You can shop her selection at the Latin American Market, La Cosecha.
1280 4th St. NE
Washington, DC
Online: arttepuy.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdumCnbOqdm/?hidecaption=true
NOVA BOSSA
Carolina Furukrona spent the early part of her career working for museums, including the Smithsonians, where she cultivated a passion for preserving traditions and raising awareness about Latin American cultures. Her eco-friendly line—featuring fashion, jewelry, and home decor—takes a modern spin on ancestral techniques to create stand-out, heirloom quality pieces.
1280 4th St. NE
Washington, DC
Online: novabossa.com
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