A few blocks from Howard University’s campus sits Stop Smack’n Restaurant & Lounge (1839 Seventh St. NW), a Louisiana- and Southern-inspired eatery. The restaurant features a unique menu and three distinct dining experiences: a dining room, a bar and the vault room with a DJ booth for special events.
The name Stop Smack’n is a reference to something that owner DeAndre Green’s mother often told him when he was growing up: to stop smacking, or noisily enjoying his food. Green’s upbringing also influenced the menu, a collection of many of his favorite dishes.
Stop Smack’n was originally a catering business created by Green and chef Larry Cooper to host events as they built their brand. “We were known for throwing a lot of events, cookouts and college house parties and just showing people a good time,” Green said. “We sold a lot of my favorite foods. That’s how we put together the menu and built the brand.”
Green’s original goal was to operate a food truck, but when the truck factory closed due to COVID-19, he started selling food out of a house in the District. Green and his basketball coach Stanley Childs then formed a partnership and moved to a permanent restaurant space in Shaw.
The menu offers Southern-inspired signature dishes like salmon nuggets, rasta pasta and jerk chicken lasagna. The lounge also features signature cocktails.
The restaurant stays involved in the basketball space by catering for the Howard team twice weekly, in addition to visiting teams from across the country.
Since the opening in summer 2021, Stop Smack’n has been “having a great time” serving their dishes and drinks. “We’re from DC, so we can relate to the old DC and the new DC,” Green explained. “We want to give them the best customer service. Make them feel comfortable.”
The kitchen is open Monday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 12 a.m. The lounge is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
For more information on Stop Smack’n, including the full menu, visit
www.stopsmakndc.com.
Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
