I knew I had to visit this place and didn’t get a chance to do so for the many trips I took to DC. This time around I made it work; from the moment I stepped in, till I read all I could from all the available books written by or about Black people, till I talked to good people there, grabbed a cool chai latte - an amazing cooler - and had two items of the menu (one vegan one carnivore 😂) and until I said bye - I felt black pride ✊🏾 I felt represented, I felt like I belong, I honestly felt that I needed more of this. It’s very therapeutic and the infotainment is eye opening. Give thanks 🙏🏾 until I come next time either with my own book to put on the shelf or to just grab a coffee - Peace be with you brethren and Sistrens!! ✊🏾

If you are looking for a bookstore that celebrates Black Culture to the fullest, this is where you need to come! Every single peice of literature in the store, is written and features Black excellence. From childrens books to autobiographies, and even science fiction; the genres are all present. They also have a cafe with delicious paninis! The searing area is great for a Spring or Summer day. I highly recommend this bookstore!

The bookstore felt like sacred space--libraries & bookstores have always been community gems--this store ranks high. Such a wonderfully diverse book collection one rarely finds. I came in to eat but bought several books.The cafe has scrumptious fare. This carnivore thoroughly enjoyed fula (??sp) suggested by my vegan guest. She raved about her order too.

Nice space, books and food. Love the vibes 💗

Unique eating experience. One can also purchase gift items as well.

I love that the cafe and bookstore celebrates Black culture. The food is decent, however I do wonder why there isn’t more African food on the menu seeing as they are all about African culture as well. It’s sandwiches and paninis which are more European/American. A good place to meet up with others and do work. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of the way the owner spoke to one his employees. He yelled at him at the front for being a few minutes late and cursed him out. It wasn’t only completely unprofessional, but absolutely disrespectful. Not a sign of a great leader of the establishment. I’ve lived across the street from the cafe for years and have been coming here since my early 20’s. However, that one situation put me off. My moral compass went off when I saw that red flag. I don’t believe I will be going back anytime soon. I don’t like to support anyone who talks to his employees and colleagues in that manner.

Brought my whole crew for lunch here. Place is cozy, filled with unique afrocentric books and gifts. Food was yummy, machiato was on point, service super friendly. Totally recommend a stop here (especially if youre visiting Howard University).

Very cozy spot. Good reading materials. Across the street from Howard University. And theres a restaurant in here 😃

The atmosphere and vibe of the store is amazing. Culture and appreciation of the black spirit oozes out of each inch of Sankofa.

I love this place! It has become my new go to! The food and smoothies are delicious. 🤍

Best chicken sandwich, salmon salad, coffee & Pan African bookstore 📚

I Love this place. Elder Haile Gerima I actually met him!!!

Beautiful people preparing great food highly recommended and great service, will be going back

Cafe service was awful, food took forever and it was tasteless. I think theyre winging it but give them an A for effort. Go here for books, not food.

A great experience! Yummy treats, coffee, and amazing book selection. Can stay here all day!

Im rooting for everyone black -Issa RaeThis is the vibe of Sankofa. The food is good and there is outdoor eating space.If you want to support black business, your efforts are doubled here as your dollar supports the store and black items they sell.Great place to garner research information on Africa and African Americans.Yes, this place is connected to the movie of same namesake.My favorite bookstore.

Love love love the energy in this place and the food was amazing! As I sat at the far end of the establishment I could hear conversations about the various intellectual works within the shop. I could have joined in and felt like I was among family. If Id had the money Id have bought a lot more books... I was more than impressed with the selection. They have a large selection of childrens books too! So nice to see books in an establishment for melinated children for once! Happy to support this black owned business. This shop makes me wish I lived here... sigh

Feed the mind/soul (books, book club discounts, film, speakers, Black diaspora patrons- countries, faiths, perspectives, politics, history, evonomic empowerment/circulation of dollars commUNITY events, flyers, newspapers,) & the body (salmon panini, ginger sorrel both have healing powers). I try to visit everytime I travel to DMV from NC

First time visiting this place. Brought a lot of books. I forgot the cashiers name. The brother was very nice. I met Haile Gerima he was very warm and welcome. Thank you all for the wonderful experience.

I love this activating space on Georgia ave! You can always walk into conversations with like minded people; meet new friends; enjoy a book and tea; enjoy a workshop or open mic session; come thru and chill or do work/homework... most the time I’m in the area I’ll stop thru for decent vegetarian fast food... my usual is the ousmane sembene and a habesha 😋

Great ambiance & books you will definitely like to read/buy.

If I could it would be no stars! My wife and I were traveling in the DC area and stopped by this Cafe where she was refused service. My wife has a service dog and needed a coffee and a snack. The owner personally refused to serve her. Then suggested she be serviced outside at a side door. My wife is a white patron and because it was an all black business they stated that they have the right to refuse service because it was a personal business.

One of the best indie bookstores in the Washington DC area.

Nice little quaint bookstore/restaurant/intellectual stimulation meet up spot. They sell some clothing, bags and jewelry. The owners are melinated of African decent (black owned), and are film makers. Its not very noticable unless youre casually walking by and taking in the sites so gps would be a good too. The employees were nice and i enjoyed my food. Ill be going back for books and maybe an open mic or two.

Love the whole vibe and their focus.

Phenomenon Afrakan Eatery, loaded with cultured artifacts from historic or modern reads to tasty healthy mind foods that put the body at ease.. Your holistic health Seba Shamal-Ptah Afurakan on the move exploring and sharing the Vegan Shrines of Black Excellence... Ptah Hotep (Ankh☥ Udja💰 Seneb☤)

Great black owned book store with adjoining cafe.

There happened to be a childrens book reading when I visited for a quick bite. The author of the book presented two of her books and danced with the kids. The atmosphere was very grounded and encouraging.These types of happenings arent rare for Sankofa and I appreciate it every time. This place is community-oriented, socially conscious, and makes a darn good chai latte. I thoroughly enjoy browsing the book shelves and have a hard time leaving without at least one new read.

Smoothie and sandwich is delicious!! And a plethora of books. Great place

Sankofa is my go to bookstore when adding to my personal library.

Amazing service and delicious food.

Good salmon sandwiches

Always love Sankofa. Great books, comics, video tapes, and service. Nice cafe too.

Excellent service and communication. I recently ordered a popular title, and even though it was not available immediately for shipment, Sankofa wrote to me letting me know of its delayed arrival. A few weeks later when the title had been reprinted and was ready to ship, it only took 1-2 days to get the book in the mail. I will absolutely continue supporting Sankofa and look forward to shopping in-person!

Awesome books for children of color and the chia tea with almond milk was the best!!!

Very good book place for Afro-American history and culture. Tried their smoothies on one of my first visits and they are really good

Great food and friendly and peaceful atmosphere.

The food, the service, and the people are extraordinary.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! IM A REPEAT CUSTOMER, AND DAN PROUD OF IT!!!

Very helpful.

Love this little book store. When its nice out, will take advantage of the outdoor seating. Abundance of books written by and featuring African Americans, for babies through adults. Had a patty and some iced, spiced chai while I met up with a friend. Will definitely be back.

Drink Very good Lattee

Great food, amazing book selection, and a pillar in the community for local activists and writers! Support this business, we need them for everything they do to bring the local area together ❤️

That guy is amazing.. Wish i had gotten his name.. Thank you for trying to help us girls...

What a nice place to go to. They have always spoken so highly about this place on WPFW radio 89.3 FM so when I finally got a chance to go there, I was more than pleased.I believe they have a few parking spaces around the back for people to park in because there is not that much parking on Georgia Avenue. It is easy to find since it is across the street from the Howard University campus.Its more spacious than it looks and they seem to have good food and good people who give an excellent vibration.They also have an outdoor seating area which is wonderful when the weather is nice, and in the evening time.I am looking forward to going back really soon, purchasing some books, maybe getting a bite to eat, and listening to some music there.I highly recommend this place. It is a real find a gem in this city.

Great space to sit and read any number of books by African Americans on numerous topics, includes childrens books. Quite a few tasty wraps and coffee drinks. The salmon melts and healthy shakes are especially popular. Sit indoors or out, front or back. I believe you can host small gatherings there. It seems to be set up that way.This small business has been around a long time now; which is most likely due in part to the fact that all of the staff act like family. Theyre more than cordial, theyre genuinely kind and loving.One issue: even if you call ahead the food takes 15 minutes because they dont start until they see you. Thats disappointing because I only have a half hour for lunch and hubs and I wanted to make that our new midday spot. Still, its definitely worth checking out. Id rather their current vibe and freshly prepared food than hustle and bustle and food that sat around before setting before me.

Great food and atmosphere.

What an amazing place! Didnt know about this bookstore and cafe. I was just walking around DC when I found it. Bought many books. It is great to find a place where Black intellectuality is promoted.When back in the States, and in DC, will definitely return!

I dont think if I say this cafe makes the yummiest sandwich will be exaggeration. Tastiest healthy option and oh the coffee😍

Nice coffee shop and book store. Serves breakfast as well now. I had just a sweet potato muffin. Never had one before, but plan to again. It was delicious!

Great customer service!!! Although they were closing, the staff waited and allowed me to come in and pick up some books for my son.

Excellent well stocked selection of Books and DVDs for and about African people globally. Very comfortable spáče to network.

Best bookstore. Black owned and proud advocates with Music and Great food. Afro centric and very smooth vibes...

Always so chill, love the staff. A mood indeed.

Great energy. Good books and good beers. They also have some cool features vents. Top notch. The place is simply BEAUTIFUL and a very important fixture! Resuscitative to the spirit. Love Sankofa Books and Cafe. Love it.

Favorite environment for HU alumni

The best place to buy books, eat good traditional food, meet friends and most of all learn African Heritage. African Music and Arts, Fashion Shows are available. Great place a lot of fun too.

Its all about Black studies and REAL ancient knowledge. Our African neighbors have made a comforting setting for morning coffee, midday lunching with friends or strangers. They say theirs music events in the evening but I have yet to get there. Im around the corner with my music workshops.Get there and enjoy.

Love this place ❤

Just had a very satisfying smoked salmon melt and another terrific double espresso. So enjoyed that. Digging the vibe here, too. The fare is flavorful and freshly prepared, and the energy is pleasant and laid back. Nice.

Had a cozy couple of hours hanging out and sipping the wonderful sweet espresso with a hint of cardamom, a falafel wrap and warm atmosphere started my winter break from teaching. Thank you. It was purrrfect🙏🏽

Love the space. it is an excellent source of Black History and Knowledge as well as great coffee, food, and service. on any day you may run into one of The Elders dropping some knowledge on you.

The vegan pizza is fantastic!!! The book selection is incredible with leftist, anarchist, and radical texts. I love that they open their space to community events

I love this spot! Their wraps are so delicious. My fav is the raoul peck one - highly recommend it. Look, Im lazy and dont tend to review things but I just really need you to read this and head on over to sankofa. Get the mango smoothie too. You wont regret it!!!!!

I’ve been going to sankofa for years. This is my favorite place to get food and coffee when I am on this side of town.

Amazing food (I recommend the eggs and the Larry Clark) and the best selection of books by writers of color. The food is Ethiopian influenced and the books are extremely diverse. It is also a center for engaging programs. Certainly a D.C. BEST and must visit!

I love Sankofa! Such an amazing atmosphere. You meet so many positive and empowered people there. Awesome selection of books. Great staff. Chill place.

It was my first time visiting and I was extremely excited to bring my first born daughter (who is an avid reader). They had an excellent variety of childrens books and a rich library for adults. Im definitely going to make visiting a monthly adventure.

Great bookstore and Cafe. Plenty of great books, movie and events. The conversations are what I love about this place. You meet people you dont know and can have a deep conversation or debate the issues of the day.

Beautiful & cozy spot! The cultural literary experience from the Black diaspora is amazing! A gem ... adjacent to Howard U!

Powerful people with life changing conversations. Everyone Ive visited, Ive left with new friends and a new outlook on life. The books are good but the people you can meet are better! The also have excellent food and smoothies!

I love coming here! Especially when I was in college. The food today was good, but the bread on my panini was a little too toasted. Other than that I love Sankofa. It is such a historic and important place for our community.

Amazing cafe. Great vibe, I like to go and write at the cafe. Customer service is awesome and the food is unbelievably delicious!!!

Excellent bookstore with an incredible variety. Cafe is also top notch with good food and coffee. Staff is friendly and helpful. This is a must visit place in DC.

I love the Atmosphere in the SANKOFA Bookstore its relaxing and inspiring to be among all the books of Black Authors

More of an experience than cafe or bookstore.

There is always a good discussion and great food to be had at Sankofa Books ❤️🖤💚

One of the best local dc spots! Great for vegan vegetarian options

The atmosphere here is wonderful. There are so many books to look at and purchase if you would like. The food is delicious! Everytime Im in DC I make a point to go here.

Great food, delicious coffee and fantastic ambience. The books add refreshing experience. I am going to be a regular here.

Love this place. Great energy and vibes. Awesome books for sale. Even books that are hard to find. The salmon sandwich is really good.

Great wraps too. The Gloria Rolando is spicy if thats what you need in your life. The Julie Dash is by far my favorite. Youll thank me.

I Love Sankofa. This was one of my favorite places to visit while I was a student at HU. Im so glad that they are doing well. My favorite was the Julie Dash yummy and good for you!

Sankofa Sankofa Sankofa! Sankofa video Cafe and Bookstore its not just a business its an active participating member of the community! An excellent selection of books, movie Nights, guest speakers, spoken word artists, musicians, and wonderful food! And lets not forget its annual participation in Watermelon Day!

The vibe has definitely changed over the years. The food is still decent compared to other places, though it too has declined in recent years. Meh. Time for a new spot.Maybe Ill start a cafe. 😏

Food is great! Selection of books is amazing!

The food here is delicious. They cater to everyone from vegan to meat eaters. The coffee and tea are great. The vibe is beautiful!

Good hang out cafe/bookstore. The food is good. The book selection could be better. The vibe is energizing inside and out!

Love this place. The food and culture of this place is amazing. I eat here mutiple times a week. Coffee is good as well.

Food GREAT, Customer Service Excellent, Diverse Atmosphere, Great place to study, chill, mingle or just listen to various Artists. Im Hooked on this place!

The place has good vibes. I understand the family friendly place but I was harassed because I was looking to charge myLaptop...

Good and unique place to grab a coffee, a bit hot when I went there (since there are no air-conditioning). But otherwise a nice place.

One of the best spaces to chill buy a book get some great food and relax. The ownership is wonderful, nice and polite. Great spot.

Positive vibes surround you in Sankofa. Its a great spot to get a good book and is a great place to find/build community.

Amazing bookstore and cafe. GREAT food and drinks

Great food and book selection- found some great, hard to find books for my child!

Very welcoming staff and organic book store. The food is good and fresh and the atmosphere is quiet and comfortable. Its Afro Centered by the way

Their iced coffees are amazing. Such a wonderful space that hat a large selection of books and community event information. POC-centered and welcoming. Also rooms upstairs for events.

Great place to take our young folk to buy books about the struggles that made us!

The food smell good taste was ok was not happy with hair in my drink