Bukom Restaurant & Lounge

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge logo

✨ Vibe

A legendary Adams Morgan landmark since 1992, Bukom Restaurant & Lounge offers a soulful blend of authentic West African culture, vibrant local art, and a homey, multi-level space perfect for immersive nightlife.

🍸 Best For

Live reggae fans, authentic West African cuisine, cultural date nights, and potent house cocktails.

🔥 Highlights

  • Authentic West African Staples: Savor a menu rich with traditional flavors, featuring standout dishes like spicy Beef Suya, Jollof rice, savory Egusi soup, and tender Chicken Yassa.
  • Rhythmic Weekend Nights: As a premier live music venue, Bukom is famous for its weekend reggae performances that bring a high-energy, rhythmic pulse to the Adams Morgan strip.
  • Signature Drinks with a Punch: Don't miss the "Agege Slammer," a house-favorite cocktail known for its strength, or choose from their unique selection of Kenyan beers.

ℹ️ Need to Know

  • Visit on weekend nights to experience the full live music lineup and the restaurant's most vibrant cultural atmosphere.
  • Since the venue is located on a bustling main road where parking is limited, taking a rideshare is the best way to ensure a smooth arrival.

📰 In the News

PoPville Nov 24, 2025

Possible end of an era in Adams Morgan – Is Bukom Cafe no more?!?

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge, a long-standing Adams Morgan establishment known for West African cuisine and live reggae since 1992, appears to be facing a potential closure. Recent reports indicate the venue has been seen being cleared out, with no social media updates or answered phone calls for several months.

The Infatuation May 3, 2025

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge - Review - Adams Morgan - Washington DC

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge is a long-standing West African staple in Adams Morgan known for its live music and classic dishes like jollof rice and egusi soup. The menu's standout item is the suya, featuring succulent beef skewers coated in a fiery spice blend and served with fresh onions and tomatoes. This local favorite offers a nostalgic atmosphere where guests can enjoy jazz, reggae, and go-go performances in a two-story space.

Shoppe Black Apr 16, 2023

Black Owned Eateries in DC You Should Know

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge is featured as a notable Black-owned eatery in Washington, D.C., recognized for its authentic West African cuisine. The casual venue is highlighted for offering a combination of traditional dishes and live music entertainment.

The Africa Report Dec 13, 2022

African restaurants to visit during the US-Africa Leaders Summit

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge is a 30-year-old West African institution in Washington, D.C. known for its live music performances, including reggae and afrobeat. The venue offers a lively atmosphere for networking and dining, featuring a creative cocktail menu with African-inspired drinks like the African mule and the mango lane.

HuffPost Jun 20, 2017

Adams Morgan’s Perfect Spot for African Cuisine & Live Reggae Music

Bukom Restaurant & Lounge, also known as Bukom Cafe, is a long-standing West African destination in DC’s Adams Morgan neighborhood celebrated for its authentic dishes like Egusi soup, Jollof rice, and fried red snapper. The venue offers a vibrant nightlife experience featuring live reggae music and specialty cocktails in a welcoming, diverse atmosphere.

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