When most Washingtonians hear the name Langston they are reminded of the late great novelist Langston Hughes. So when I entered Langston Bar and Grill in northeast DC on Benning Road, I assumed that the establishment was named after the former busboy and novelist.
However, I was informed by the owner Antonio that John Mercer Langston, the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress from the State of Virginia was the origin of the name.
Langston Bar & Grille is a two level soul food tavern tucked in the middle of Washingtons landmarks: Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, Langston Golf Course, US National Arboretum and Kingsman Island on the Anacostia River.
Langston’s first floor full bar and flatscreen TV’s serves as the premiere sports bar on Benning Road. Redskin and Cowboy fans pack the bar on game days— cheering for their team and debating about the present, past and future of their respective franchises.
The first and second floor patios & decks serve as dining areas as well as the second floor with seating for 30-40. The exposed brick walls and flatscreen TV’s throughout– including the bathroom balance a modern and traditional feel.
The jerk chicken wings, the fish bites, the chicken and waffles, and the shrimp and grits are my favorites–with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and fried okra great secondary dishes. For under $40 we dined on two hefty entrees with lemonade.
Overall Langston Bar and Grill is the jewel of the resurgent Kingman Park area. Only a few blocks away from the Atlas District, Langston is well worth the few block journey.