Cafe 8
✨ Vibe
A relaxed and unpretentious neighborhood lounge that feels like a home away from home, offering a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding in Southeast DC.
🍸 Best For
Hookah enthusiasts, affordable happy hours, late-night socializing, and strong, reasonably priced cocktails.
🔥 Highlights
- Exceptional Service: Guests frequently rave about the attentive staff and proactive hookah management, where fresh coals are delivered seamlessly to keep the experience going.
- Expanded Space: Recently expanded into the building next door, the venue now offers even more room to enjoy its vibrant energy and neighborhood charm.
- Local Favorite: Known for its "Southeast soul," this spot perfectly captures the local vibe with food, drinks, and music tailored to its loyal community.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- A fantastic destination for a casual happy hour meetup with friends looking for a "Generation Y" friendly environment.
- Open seating is often available, making it a great choice for spontaneous late-night plans.
📰 In the News
4 arrested after assault involving workers breaks out at Southeast DC café
Cafe 8 was the site of a violent incident in October 2025 that led to the arrest of four individuals on charges of assault and making threats. The confrontation began after a vehicle nearly struck pedestrians behind the venue, resulting in a physical altercation involving several victims in the 500 block of 8th Street Southeast.
A José Andrés-Backed Cafe Named for Marion Barry Opens in Ward 8
Marion Barry Avenue Market is a food justice project in Anacostia that features a fast-casual cafe serving soul food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Backed by chef José Andrés’s Longer Tables Fund, the venue offers communal indoor seating, a garden patio, and a market providing locally grown produce at sliding-scale prices.
This D.C. Bar’s Answer To Noise After 9pm? No One Under 30 Is Allowed In
Cafe 8, a restaurant and hookah bar in Capitol Hill, has implemented a policy banning patrons under the age of 30 after 8:30 pm to mitigate late-night noise issues in its residential neighborhood. This decision has sparked significant social media controversy and raised legal questions regarding potential violations of the D.C. Human Rights Act's protections against age discrimination.
A D.C. cafe is banning patrons under 30. Is it legal?
Café 8, a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah bar on Capitol Hill, implemented a policy restricting evening entry to patrons aged 30 and older. The establishment introduced the age minimum to address noise concerns and maintain a more controlled environment for the surrounding residential neighborhood.
A D.C. cafe is banning patrons under 30. Is it legal?
Café 8, a Mediterranean restaurant and hookah bar on Capitol Hill, has implemented a policy restricting entry to patrons aged 30 and older after 8:30 p.m. The venue introduced this measure to address noise concerns and rowdy behavior from younger crowds in the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Recent Reviews from Google
I had a wonderful experience at Café 8. While the wings did not quite meet my expectations, the exceptional customer service more than made up for it. I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, the company...
Cafe 8 holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of home. Everything is affordable, the food is good, and the drinks are strong and reasonably priced. The vibe is just nice and relaxed,...
The atmosphere was a bit Generation Y for me. I’m not a Hookah fan nor do I smoke so I can leave that to others. The food wasn’t bad or the drink prices. Not a bad place to just meet up for happy...
Came Sunday evening. Sammy was our waiter, he was very busy being the only server there. We were seated immediately/open seating. Food came out at a decent time. Hookah was fine. Nice laid back...
They got the worst charcoal They charged me 45 and service is very I asked two person to change my coal still waiting for about 20 min
