"Sweet Home Cafe is located on the inside of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to experience the food, but so far it looks good and smells amazing. We will definitely revisit."

"Disappointing Experience at Sweet Home Café I was really looking forward to enjoying an authentic soul food meal at Sweet Home Café during my visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture—but unfortunately, it was a huge letdown. To start, the collard greens were not only overly sweet (why??), but they were also mixed with mustard greens, which completely threw off the flavor. The macaroni and cheese tasted like something out of a box—mushy, overcooked noodles smothered in what seemed like powdered cheese. As for the fried chicken, I could’ve picked up better from Walmart, honestly. It lacked seasoning, crispiness, and overall care. I drove two and a half hours from South Jersey, paid tolls and gas, and spent over $160 on food and drinks for my family—only to be served something that felt mass-produced and uninspired. For a place meant to represent the rich culture and history of African American cuisine, this was a major disappointment. The museum itself is beautiful and moving—no complaints there—but it’s clear that things have changed in the café, and not for the better. Next time, I’ll be grabbing something from the food trucks outside. At least then I’ll know what I’m getting. Do better."

"For museum cafeteria food, it’s decent. The mac and cheese was delicious. I would have loved to try the fried chicken, but passed on it due to the long line. The ranch dressing they had was surprisingly good. The pecan pie was delicious and not overly sweet. It’s pretty pricey, but what can you expect from a museum cafe? I paid $35 for chicken strips, Mac and cheese, a dessert, and a drink. The line to get in was super long, but it moved pretty quickly once they got capacity down in the cafe."

"Sweet Home Cafe – A Soulful Stop Inside a Powerful Museum Sweet Home Cafe, nestled inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C., is an absolute must. After immersing ourselves in the museum's moving exhibits, my boyfriend and I stopped here to refuel — and we were blown away. I had some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted — crispy, seasoned perfectly, and full of flavor. The collard greens are a must-have, and the roasted sweet potatoes were tender, slightly caramelized, and just hit the spot. The portion sizes were generous, and everything tasted homemade with love. What really made the experience feel special was the atmosphere. The cafeteria is beautiful and welcoming, and it truly felt like visiting family. We noticed employees eating alongside us, smiling, chatting — it felt like a real community space, not just a food court. Sweet Home Cafe isn’t just a hidden gem for soul food lovers — it’s part of the museum experience. Come hungry, come curious, and don’t miss this spot if you want your heart and stomach full when you leave. #SoulFood #SweetHomeCafe #WashingtonDCeats #BlackHistory #HiddenGem #FriedChickenGoals #MuseumEats #DCFoodie #EatWithLove #CollardGreensDoneRight"

"The food wasn’t authentic Southern food to begin with, and it definitely didn’t taste like it was cooked by someone who knows how to season properly. Overall, this felt like fake Southern food and more like a money-hungry museum capitalizing off the South. Save your money don’t waste it here."