Sweet Home Café
Hours
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
on days the museum is open to the public
Please note the museum opens at 12:00 p.m. on Mondays, except those observed as Federal Holidays.
Entrée prices
$8 – $22
Visit
Visitors may obtain a Dine and Shop Pass to facilitate museum entry to dine in the Sweet Home Café or shop in the museum store
Group Meal Vouchers
Group meal vouchers are available for advance purchase. For more information, please contact Smithsonian Enterprises Group Sales
Current Offerings
Entrées
- *Fried Chicken
- *Roast Chicken
Sides
- Collard Greens
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Mac & Cheese
- Potato Salad
- Coleslaw
- Seasonal Vegan & Vegetarian Composed Salads
*Served with two sides
- BBQ
- Fish of the Day
- Chicken Tenders & French Fries
- Fresh Salad Bar
- Hot Dog
- French Fries
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Coffee
- Tea
- Pastries
- Beer
- Wine
- Homemade Sangria
A Celebration of
African American Cooking
Sweet Home Café uses the very best version of classic dishes and employs a high degree of from-scratch cooking with locally-sourced ingredients. Four distinct stations each tell the story of the regional offerings.
Contact
Seating is on a first-come, first-served walk in basis. No reservations accepted.
Seating Capacity
400
Square Footage
Approx. 12,000 square feet (dining and kitchen)
Sweet Home Basics
No outside food or drink is permitted. Food purchased in the café may not be consumed elsewhere in the museum. Refunds may not be given for food items unable to be taken to go.
Allergies
The café encourages visitors with allergies to ask management for guidance/assistance in selecting menu items and to consult the allergy signage where posted. Due to the high volume of visitors, the café is unable to accommodate preparing individual meals during normal operations.
We handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, peanut, tree nut products, and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility.
Please ask for management's assistance to help guide you in your dining selections.
About Sweet Home Café
Sweet Home Café is the newest dining experience at a Smithsonian museum. Managed as a joint venture by Thompson Hospitality and Restaurant Associates, Sweet Home Café showcases the rich culture and history of the African American people with traditional, authentic offerings as well as present-day food traditions.
Supervising Chef
Albert Lukas
Executive Chef
Ramin Coles
Special Recognition
The research and writings of culinary leader Jessica B. Harris, Ph.D., were essential to the development of this project.
Awards
2019 James Beard Foundation Awards Nominee Best American Cookbook
2018 Food & Wine Best Cookbook
2017 James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalist Best New Restaurant