Sankofa Video Books & Cafe
| Address: | 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA |
| Phone: | +1 202-234-4755 |
| Site: | sankofa.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 9AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–11PM 9AM–11PM 9AM–12AM 9AM–12AM 9AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 17
GI
Gisèle C
I visited Sankofa for the first (and last) time this morning, September 30th with a companion. We literally could not get what we had ordered. First, I ordered a "caramel latte with skimmed milk." The female employee informed me that they didnt carry skimmed milk. Unacceptable for a "cafe." Wanting to be a sport, however, I accepted the additional calories. I subsequently received an iced (instead of hot), sugary latte. My companion ordered an "iced Americano." He received a hot beverage with cream, sugar and foam on the top. He informed the employee of the error. She made him another "Americano." This time iced but again with cream and sugar. Ladies and Gentlemen, the word "AMERICANO" is a term of art. It means "[a]n espresso coffee diluted with hot water and containing no milk." Allerton, David J. (2010). I Only Have a Kitchen Because It Came with the House. The Foodies Handbook. p. 26. As a term of art, one should be able to visit any cafe, request an Americano and receive the same thing. Such has been the case at Tryst, Starbucks, Potters House and any number of DC cafes offering "Americanos." This is not just a matter of taste; pricing for caffeinated drinks depends on such distinctions. At this point my companion had resigned himself to not having coffee. He is lactose intolerant and could not just force it down. In disbelief, I went inside to speak with the employee. She was irritated, unapologetic and stubborn. When I told her exactly what was in an "Americano" (espresso, water, no milk), even Googling the term to show her how to make it, she informed me that "everyone knows" that at Sankofa you get cream and sugar and that wed have to tell her if we didnt want those ingredients. She didnt care what an "Americano" actually was. It was whatever she chose to dish out. By her logic, the next time you order that tofu wrap, enjoy your pork, because "at Sankofa, thats just how we make our tofu and everyone knows that." If the owner bothers to read this, heres how to make an Americano: espressocoffees.co.uk/co…. Train your employees better or at least teach them to be apologetic and refund customers when their orders cant be filled. We spent $30 for two melts and our jacked up coffee orders and left feeling displeased and robbed. Sankofa has great Yelp reviews; thats why we tried it out and wanted to like it. Maybe its heading downhill. P.S. My salmon melt came with a "salad" that fit into something slightly bigger than the plastic condiment cups you get at fast food restaurants. They really shouldnt list it as a choice. Just include it as ornamental lettuce not worth mentioning.
DO
Donna Lee
I called and asked to speak with one of the owners and the female who answered the phone told me that they have "a protocol" which I couldnt guess what that could possibly be except some people trying to make themselves seem way more important than they are (!) for me to make an appointment to make such an appointment since this chippy was just able to speak with the owner whom I could hear in the background, yet he couldnt speak to me because he was in a meeting! Need I tell you that I was just as rude with this "sister" as she was with me in no uncertain terms! Heaven help us with leaders like these! Dick Gregory is and has always been listed in the public telephone listings and there have been public "hits" put out on Gregorys life! Thats like regular companys customer service reps. not giving their last names supposedly because of fear of reprisals from customers but I think so that said reps. cant be held accountable for their actions (!) while ALL IRS reps. (that massively hated organization!) give their first AND last names AND an ID number when I call them ! Puhlease people!
CH
Christee Cuttino
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
BE
Becky Wood
Three words: chocolate chai latte! This coffeeshop and bookstore across the street from Howard University makes a mean cup of coffee and has the nicest staff ever. Its a good place to linger on a weekday afternoon and also a great place for a lecture or poetry reading in the evenings. Their unique coffee drinks are pretty inventive, but the standard espresso is high quality as well.
KI
Kiefer Mutherland
Absolute garbage. I bought a bean pie and it had a dead baby rat in it. Disgusting. I went to tell the owner and he laughed at me and threw me and my belongings out into the street. I am disabled physically from the war and did not appreciate my valuable papers flying all over the air and ground as I lay in the street stunned over this attack. Shameful. SMDH.
SH
Shamal Addison
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
OL
Oluwakemi Oso
Handsdown the best (almond) chai tea latte Ive had in my life. The food is delicious, healthy, and with options for vegans & omnivores alike. Excellent collection of Black books that you cant find anywhere else. They are intentional about creating a space for Black community events.
PU
Purposed Alliance Group
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!
ST
Steve Washington
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.
KE
Kenny Nero, Jr.
A gem surviving gentrification. I was able to procure several resources for my library otherwise "unavailable" from my employers vendor. Each one teach one and Sankofa facilitates this pricelessly.
DA
Daphne Dixon Reed
I was here for the food....BUT...the Poet..Raquel Rivera Flowers was Absolutely Amazing. If she is in the area reading from her Poetry books..Heathen or Trouble Accents...Go..Listen!!!
AM
Amy
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.
KE
Kerston Reid
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!
NI
Nia Leonard
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.
A
A Private User
Friendly staff and great atmosphere...lots of hard-to-find books that the big booksellers wont keep in stock. Didnt have time to try the food, but will next time!
LI
Lisa Markuson
They make me this beautiful drink called a dirty almond chai latte, and they put it in a huge beautiful ceramic mug, and everything is right with the world.
CR
Crystal Passmore
I love Sankofa! Such an amazing atmosphere. You meet so many positive and empowered people there. Awesome selection of books. Great staff. Chill place.
