About U Street Station
U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo station opened on May 11, 1991 — one of the original Green Line stations — and sits at the center of one of Washington DC's most historically significant and culturally vibrant neighborhoods. Located at 13th and U Streets NW, the station provides immediate access to the legendary U Street corridor, a district that was once the cultural heart of Black Washington.
The station's full name honors two landmarks it serves: the African American Civil War Memorial, which commemorates the 209,000+ Black soldiers who served in the Union Army, and Cardozo High School, one of DC's storied public schools. Both are within easy walking distance of the station exits.
U Street was historically DC's cultural hub for the African American community, comparable to Harlem in New York. Jazz legends including Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong performed in clubs along this corridor. Today the neighborhood blends its rich history with a thriving modern entertainment scene — bars, restaurants and live music venues are packed within a 2-block radius of the station.
Lines & Schedule
From U Street to Metro Center: ~10 min via Yellow or Green Line. To Gallery Place: ~3 stops south (~8 min). To Columbia Heights: 1 stop north via Green Line (~3 min).
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Ben's Chili Bowl is just steps from the main station exit — it's practically impossible to miss. Open since 1958 and famous for its half-smokes and chili, it's a Washington DC institution. Expect a line on weekends and late nights, but it moves quickly. Cash and cards accepted.
- The African American Civil War Memorial honors the 209,000+ African American soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Take the 10th St / V St exit and the memorial is immediately visible. It's open to the public at all times and free to visit — a deeply moving piece of DC history.
- U Street nightlife is concentrated within a 2-block radius of the station, making this one of DC's most walkable entertainment districts. Bars, clubs and live music venues on U St NW between 9th and 16th streets are all reachable on foot in under 10 minutes.
- U Street was historically DC's cultural hub for the African American community, hosting jazz legends including Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. The neighborhood's rich history is explored at the African American Civil War Museum (1925 Vermont Ave NW), which is free to visit.
- There is no WMATA parking lot at U Street station. Street parking in the area is extremely limited and fills rapidly on weekends and event nights. Metro is by far the most practical way to reach the U Street corridor — the station drops you right in the middle of everything.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ben's Chili Bowl near U Street Metro?
Yes — Ben's Chili Bowl is steps from the U Street Metro station's main exit on U St NW / 13th St. The restaurant, open since 1958 and famous for its half-smokes and chili, is one of DC's most iconic institutions. It's practically right outside the station entrance, making it one of the easiest restaurant visits in the city.
What is the U Street corridor known for?
U Street is historically DC's cultural hub for the African American community — sometimes called the "Black Broadway" of Washington. It was home to jazz clubs, theatres and the Duke Ellington scene in the early 20th century. Today the corridor is celebrated for its diverse nightlife and dining scene, with bars, clubs, live music and restaurants concentrated within 2 blocks of the Metro station.
How do I get to the African American Civil War Memorial?
The African American Civil War Memorial is accessible directly from U Street Metro station. Take the 10th St NW / V St NW exit and the memorial plaza is visible almost immediately — it's about 0.1 miles from the exit. The African American Civil War Museum is also nearby at 1925 Vermont Ave NW. Both are free to visit.
What lines serve U Street station?
U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo station is served by the Yellow Line (Huntington to Greenbelt) and the Green Line (Branch Ave to Greenbelt). Both lines share the same platform at this station. Trains run every 8–15 minutes during peak hours, with service beginning at 5:00am on weekdays.