Central District

Explore

The Northwest African American Museum (2300 S Massachusetts Ave) reopened in early 2023 with exhibits showcasing the Pacific Northwest’s Black and African diaspora in abstract art, book talks, and educational series. Learn more about the Central District’s Black history and community at Wa Na Wari (911 24th Ave) to see showcases of art and expression. Tap into the retro roller-skating vibe at Judkins Park (2150 S Norman St), a popular spot for skaters to show off their moves. Or cozy up for a movie night at Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave), where everything from classics to campy favorites are on constant rotation.

Eat and Drink

Start with delicious scratch-made mochi doughnuts at popular Raised Doughnuts (2301 E Union St, Ste L) or rave-worthy chicken and waffles at Fat’s Chicken & Waffles (2726 E Cherry St). Indulge in jerk chicken by the pound at Jerk Shack (2301 E Union St), or savor single-origin espresso poured from an Ethiopian clay jebena at Avole (2330 E Union St). At women-owned hair salon and coffeehouse Squirrel Chops (2201 E Union St),  enjoy a handcrafted latte while receiving an expert hairdo. Quench your thirst with any of the 50 beers or ciders on tap at Chuck’s Hop Shop (2001 E Union St) before a meal at Seattle soul restaurant Communion (2350 E Union St), known for its refined takes on dirty rice, gumbo, and pork neck.

Shop

Estelita’s Library (241 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S) and Arte Noir (H2301 E Union St, Ste H) are two welcoming, Black-owned community and retail spaces offering, respectively, social justice literature and art from the African diaspora. The Cura Co. (2407 E Union St, Ste D) stocks ethically made and effortlessly chic apparel, jewelry, and home objects, while Grapheme (2421 E Union St) delivers for word nerds with high-quality paper goods, notebooks, and pens.