Love this place!! The service & coffee are really great! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambiance & the events.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came here recently do get some work done & it was the perfect vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a dj playing great music & it wasn't busy at all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Next time I'll have to take advantage of the outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have wifi & books & the staff is happy to help you out if you're looking for a certain book. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - inside , coffee , Ava Duvernay - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This BookCafe is top notch. Not far from The Mecca! Its Black Owned and they also have delicious bites and smoothies to start your day off right. Smoked salmon melt on a croissant....yum!! A lot of good books here from my favorite authors like: Angelou,Morrison, Ta-Nahisi Coates (HU Alum), I love this bookstore and so does my mini me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If weather permits enjoy the back..[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wish they had more locations! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Super cozy little coffee shop and bookstore![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Sankofa is a delightful Black-owned cafe located in the heart of Columbia Heights that centers Black artists, authors, and creators in all that they do. They have a phenomenal selection of books and movies in their shop, and they also host monthly events, including book launches / talks with Black authors and workshops featuring traditional African artwork. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a super cozy spot to snuggle into one of their giant leather armchairs with a book, as well as a good, quiet spot to grab a cup of coffee and get a bit of work done.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Regardless of whether you're here for the coffee, food, bookstore, or a speaker event, Sankofa is sure to impress. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]What a cool vibe and interesting concept that's really close to the university.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The cafe is great and they also have some pretty good food options. [[HIGHLIGHT]]However I think the best quality about this place is they allow people to hangout and do whatever.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are plenty of things to do here if you forget to bring your laptop. They got plenty of books, and there's lots of seating inside and outside of the cafe[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. It's old school and there's nothing fake or corporate a out this place at all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I stayed for a good two hours and just got lost in my coding.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Both the customers and employees here are great! read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I absolutely love " Sankofa Video Books & Cafe and one of my favorite DC staples . I include this experience in my hair appointment time either before or after . I order the breakfast salmon melt with a " sweet tang" smoothie with spinach . I take my time and walk around the book store to select a book to add to my meal . I'll eat and enjoy a good read . [[HIGHLIGHT]]I've always enjoyed the hospitality and love the " woke" environment .[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] In addition, Sankofa holds an event space that encourages the community to live out their purpose through book signings, open mic poetry, speakers, mental health forums, or anything positive towards the culture of people . I've been going to this place since my move to DC in 2015. My type of vibe !!! read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Food is good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere welcoming![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] And learn something while you're there, great books and stuff!

This is such an amazingly curated place to be in! You get a cafe with themed food, culturally specific pastries, and a good standard beverage selection. Everything we ate was so filling, flavorful, and it was a great deal (so important now that cafe prices have skyrocketed). [[HIGHLIGHT]]And with free WiFi, you can get homework done![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's a lot of available outlets and afford pricing which makes it student friendly, which is great since it's near Howard University.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]On top of that, you get to witness so much Black culture and history, I left feeling so inspired and learned, leaving that my mind is more nurtured.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Me and my friend felt so comfortable in the way we were able to lean back (with much ample seating), have a nice conversation in such an open and community-oriented environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is a great selection of critical literature and everything inbetween like apparel, local film, and jewelry.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I hear they have a great public program series that lets you become more educated and engage in critical thought related to African descent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It really stands apart as a cafe from its film-maker origins so of course the selection and fine details make it feel that much more personal and genuine.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Come and support! support! support! read more

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Obsessed with Sankofa. I grew up right across the street my whole life and never knew of this gem. Everyone who works there was so warm, informative, interesting, intelligent and kind. The book selection was one of a kind and diverse. Stuff you can't find at Barnes and Noble. Stop getting your books off Amazon and come here. They even order books for you if you can't find it or want a hardcover. read more

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I enjoy finding so many black history books and even a language book for Amharic. There's multiple tables and every time I have been here, the customer service has been really great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's across the street from Howard University, so if I end up on campus there and want a place to relax and read a book, this is a nice spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's also outside seating, which is great for when the weather is nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm glad that there's also a cafe if I wanted to grab a juice, cookie or sandwich. I really like the selection of books and it's a great spot to share books with my children to instill a sense of black history and black pride. read more

This was my very first time going to Sankofa. I met up with a friend and we had lunch. She insisted that I tried the salmon melt, I am not a salmon, melt kind of girl, I'm more of a turkey or club. However, since she insisted, I tried it. I did for it to be spicy so they added jalapeños and some of their own spices and let me tell you it was amazing. Ask them for the spicy melt, TRUST ME ON THIS! Everyone was extremely nice and very helpful although I knew I was getting the salmon melt when I went to order I had some questions about the menu and they were answered. read more

This is my store!!! I've found books here that have changed my life. I can't believe I never reviewed it before. The food is good, so many healthy options. I feel accomplished and energetic when I leave here after eating a meal here, which reminds me to eat healthier for the remainder of the day. I have stumbled upon great events from being a regular here - Watermelon Day, Poetry Nights, etc. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is one of the few places where I feel a sense of community when I walk in the door and I don't even know these people (I'm very shy) Lol.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]But I meet people here more than anywhere else, and AMAZING folks come here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] One day I was sitting in between a 21 year old African American woman who speaks 10 languages/lived in several countries and she's sitting next to another woman with the same background/talents. Then, to my left is a table of older Black folks who are retired university professors. The conversations that I have at Sankofa are unmatched. But also...Black Owned Bookstore that sells hard to find books by Black Authors with delicious food and plenty of seating?? Please support! I went here once when I was really hungry and they had a FREE Ethiopian buffet. Talk about my dreams coming true!!! I only wish I had time to visit more often. read more

Sankofa is my go to bookstore and cafe to sit and do work after a day of classes on campus at Howard University. They serve great food and smoothies! My favorite sandwich to get is the Larry Clark as it is a perfect balance of healthy vegetables and protein. In reference to smoothies, I mostly enjoy the berry blast and the green juice smoothie. The actual bookstore has a very African vibe, with African jewlry and fabrics, and African history books. Sometimes it may be a little difficult to study without headphones because of the music they play, but it is still an amazing vibe to socialize and connect with your roots if you are from African descent. During the springttime, they have outdoor seating that is perfect for soaking up the sun and also doing work in your freetime. They have wifi for customers, but you have to ask for the password to access it. Sometimes the wifi can be a little fidgety, but most of the time it is easily accessible and fast. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great vibe here good people and good food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Interesting reads and much more! Also jewelry and kente clothing shop buys. read more

Book selection was great, so many books I've wanted to read! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great atmosphere as well, will recommend for sure[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Great selection of materials. I am always amazed by the international perspective and quality of artists which are represented.

This charming café boasts an extensive collection celebrating African American history. While I wished for a larger selection of hardcover books in stock, they were conveniently available for purchase online. The chai tea was luxuriously rich and creamy--easily one of the best chai tea lattes I've ever had. read more

Sankofa Cafe is an amazing spot I continue to go to routinely! I adore my experience here every time, it is truly special! To note : All the vegan options and food items are tasty and made with love !!! I appreciate everyone here at Sankofa dearly! -Your friend, Nalah read more

This black owned business is not only a staple of the DC community, but is what most bookstores wish they actually were. Located near Howard University, this is the place to go to find not just African American literature, but genuine items straight from Africa. There is also a great cafe in the bookstore where you can get an assortment of things. After getting my book, I ordered scrambled eggs w/toast, and an iced mocha. I was surprised at the eggs, they were very gourmet looking and tasted great. Cant recommend this place enough due to its chill vibe, and great customer service. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Amazing vegan options at the cafe. The chai and matcha lattes are delicious. The bookshop is a gem with a fantastic collection of books. I truly appreciate the wheelchair accessible ramp too! Makes the place accessible for all. read more

Now I've been coming to the spot for YEARS!! Another D.C. staple that sits right across the street from Howard University. This place run by the prestigious filmmaker Haile Germia is a hub for increasing your mental fortitude, & it has some lite Café food. Let's GO!! . Where I am: @sankofadc . Location Reviewed: 2714 Georgia Ave., N. W. Washington D.C. . Menu Includes: Smoke Salmon, a Chicken Melt, & a Spicy Tofu Melt all on a Croissant. Scrambled Eggs, Scrambled Tofu, Panini's, Personal Pizza's, Wraps, Salad's, Baked Goods, Coffee, Espresso, Chai's, Smoothies, Hot Chocolate, Assorted Teas, Beer, Cocktail's, & MORE!! . Items Reviewed: Their Mango Madness Smoothie (with mango, banana, pineapple, coconut,& orange juice $7.49). STAMP!! Refreshing, FRESH, and palate pleasing. Their Berry Blast Smoothie (with Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Strawberry, & Apple Juice $7.49). STAMP!! You taste each ingredient, FRESH, and tasty!! Their Veggie Patty (with corn, carrots, peas, & a veggie broth $2.15). DECENT. A little dry, but good pricing. Their Beef Patty (with spiced beef $2.15). DECENT. Again, it was dry, but the pricing was good. Their Baklava (a pastry with honey, & nuts $2.25). STAMP!! Flaky, warmed, sweet'ish, & scrumptious!! Their Spike Lee Panini (with roast beef, spinach, onions, capers, pesto, tomatoes, & Havarti cheese $10.49). STAMP!! This Spike Lee Joint had tender roast beef, & toppings that made this melt delicious!! Their Raoul Peck-filmaker-Wrap (with roasted chicken, Havarti cheese, organic spinach, tomatoes, & cucumber). DELICIOUS!! The chicken was well seasoned, & the ingredients were fresh, I needed some more flavoring though. . Customer Service: On Point!! . Online Navigation: Easy, 3rd party ordering. . Parking: Rough . Recommendations: ANY smoothie, the Baklava, & their Panini. =STAMP =LIKE THAT =DELICIOUS =DECENT =PASS =NAH #Bigschlimsreviews read more

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A virtual "candy store" for books on disaporic politics, economics, social change, etc.: mainly, but not all leftist and nationalist. That said, Thom Sowell, Glenn Lowry, and John McWhorter will be hard to find there? The array of hard to find, out-of-print books re-released by independent Black publishers is mind-blowing: especially in a relatively small space. Clearly this is the best Black bookstore in the DMV! They host awesome events, and have small take-out serving tasty, healthy, well-priced food. Any reader interested in Black Studies will have a hard time leaving without buying a book. I dare you to try! AMANDLA! read more

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sankofa is a magical place. It is the most authentic, inspiring, inclusive, and intellectual space made specifically for the Black community.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Cafe staff are personable and radiantly joyful. They have fresh and healthy options on the menu that are inclusive of all diets. My personal favorites are the Ava Duvernay, Ful, and the Mean Green smoothie. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sankofa is a home away from home, it is a family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The bookstore has weekly events that are created for community discussions on current and important pressing topics. People are encouraged to share their stories and their art. I will forever be grateful that Sankofa found me. read more

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I love going to this place. I enjoy the food from the cafe. The sandwiches are very tasty. SMOKED SALMON and the veggie melt are my favorite sandwich. They also have by far the best FUL in town. If I don't make it at home Sankofa's cafe is the only place I get them from this place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service the best, ambience very nice and very enjoyable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I loooove a bookstore/cafe combo! The staff is incredibly nice and they have so much seating for enjoying a drink and pastry! I went on independent bookstore day and while their selection is small, it's unique from all other bookstores in DC! If you're up in the Petworth area, definitely check it out. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love this bookstore! If you're from the area you know that this is a staple in the black community. They have events here all the time that are hosted by black and brown people. They have an array of books by black and brown authors including genres like health, history, sociology, fiction, children's novels, and much more. They have a wonderful bookkeeper who can explain the majority of the books and author in detail. He was a wealth of knowledge and I enjoyed listening to his suggestions. The owners of the café are Ethiopian and they serve Ethiopian food. So there are vegan and vegetarian friendly options there! Some people just stop in for the food! I suggest a beef patty or a sambusa. I'm going to try their smoothies next time. If you're coming in to be do some work there are plenty of tables that you can work at, even outside. The wifi password is on every table. I enjoy the history and energy of this place and what they stand for which is Sankofa "to go back and get it". Which essentially for all black and brown people to understand their history and who they come from so we can move forward as a people and as a community!! Definitely come and visit. read more

Great place to read and find books by black authors. We also enjoyed the cafe selections.

The food is amazing and they serve a number of vegan options. They get very busy and you may have to wait a little for your food though.

Great Black-owned & run cafe. The collection of books ranging from children categories to comic books to abolition & history offer a great range for Black education. Books also include history on Ethiopian culture and politics as well. Coming during the lunch period, there was enough seating for me to have to still be able to be on my laptop and work. Food was perfectly seasoned and although average portions for a guy who needs full meals, it fulfilled my hunger. I accidentally came across this place searching for a quick spot, preferably Black-owned, to telework briefly. I certainly will be making this my regular spot. Great and friendly workers as well. I had brought my scooter and unintentionally placed it in an inconvenient spot. I was politely asked, as with the energy of a friend, if I could place it in the back patio area. I highly recommend this spot. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Smoked Salmon Melt. Kettle chips. 16 oz. Gluten Free The Mean Green Smoothie. Ful - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is got to be the most unique restaurant/ Cafe I have ever been to. It also is a bookstore, it looks like they may have some spoken word there as well but there was none going on while I was there. When you walk in, you can immediately tell it is Rich with African American history and love. They have items representative of African American culture on sale like books, flags, etc. Their menu is not excessively long, but they do have a good selection of food items. They even have vegan options. I ordered a chicken croissant sandwich. This had to be the best croissant sandwich I have had in my entire life. The chicken was so seasoned, I actually used the expression "she put her foot in it!" The only thing that wasn't absolutely perfect was that the only had one person working, and they make everyone's meals independently so it was a while before we got our food. But it was so worth it! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the energy of this place, very welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good customer service, and often serve large portions.

Cool spot, has a collection of books about people of African descent around the world. Has both indoor and outdoor seating, got a hot chocolate which tasted different than other hot chocolates I've had and was okay, a bit sweet but interesting flavor. Came on a Sunday afternoon, inside had quite a few people sitting around and outside tables were pretty free. Good spot to hang out! read more

I had a great time at this restaurant. It was family owned, and near historic Howard University

I LOVE THIS STORE! What a gem. This store is filled with such a plethora of knowledge and power. The children's section almost brought me to tears. The books sold are books that I wish I had as a child growing up. The books are focused on Black love and empowerment. Children are the most impressionable and will be so empowered by these books. In addition, the adult books, WOW. Cover such a range of genres and topics I wanted everything! From Black fiction to Black history to Black spirituality. They also have a stunning collection of jewelry and home items. Bags, calendars, mugs and more. I can't wait to try the café food! read more

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I LOVE SANKOFA! From the books, to the vegan wraps, Sankofa is a staple black business in the DMV and the world! Try the vegan hot chocolate, and attend a talk. Both will change your life read more

This is an adorable coffeeshop. Seriously. The baristas are friendly, the customers are polite and keep to themselves, and nobody tries to bother you into purchasing additional food or beverage items. The wi-fi is also incredibly fast, even at 4:30 in the afternoon. Some coffeeshops experience lagging around this time due to the high amount of traffic. Not here! The coffee is delicious. $5.28 for a large chai latte and aranciata rossa (blood orange) san pellegrino. Not too shabby! There aren't very many tables, but the ones they do have are large enough for two laptops. It seems like the type of place you would grab a coffee and go, not sit around. I also want to talk about the floors. They have a really interesting tile pattern that brightens up the place. There's also books that line the walls. A future trip is definitely in order :) read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

So far, I have been to this bookstore/coffee shop once and I'm definitely going back soon. I went to hear from/book signing from the authors of Not Our President. It was a little tight but worth every minute. There are so many stories and much knowledge and history to learn on those shelves. Everything you need to know or a least a lot of it is between those pages. Until I return. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Sankofa is by far one of my favorite places in D.C. They have probably my favorite Chai in the city. I've even learned to order it with Almond milk in Amharic with a lot of help from everyone that works there. Sat. mornings and nights and Sun. evenings are about my favorite time to stop by to just chill and chit chat. It is not as busy during those times and Sankofa isn't the biggest coffee shop but there is out door seating in front. I know I said they aren't the biggest coffee shop but they still work things out to have events (author talks and the like). I've eaten a few of the wraps and haven't been disappointed. I love how they are named after different filmmakers from throughout the African Diaspora. A good way to eat something scrumptious and learn about a director you may not have known about. Sankofa also has quite a few titles in the bookstore section. Children's books, international films and recent bestsellers. One thing I learned is that it is bad taste to take pictures of the books. That makes it look like you'll just try to find it cheaper online. I am all here for bargains but chains haven't been the nicest business to me. Yonathan at Sankofa has even ordered books for me that they didn't have on the shelf. Another thing that Sankofa does is they sell local entrepreneur's wares (jewelry, soaps, T Shirts, &c.). Shout out to Sankofa for still going strong as a bookstore with two bookstores opening up nearby within the past few years. I will be back soon. read more

Sankofa Video Books & Cafe - Filmmakers and wraps I need to check out. - Bookstores Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is the spot for all things Africa. Books, movies, jewelry and so much more. The owner is a very special man. Came to find out that he was in LA at the time that I was teaching at Marcus Garvey Elementary and met Queen Mother Moore. This spot even has food read more

This is a very nice and comfortable cafe with friendly staff, indoor and outdoor seating, and is also a book and video store. The only thing I suggest is getting a recycling bin for the future. Otherwise, all else was good here. read more

Fast delivery for lunch. Smoothies were freshly made. Wish the were more homeade chips in the lunch options!