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What I've seen in the 7 years I've lived here, is that DC has the Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce.
Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street is probably the most landmark touristy restaurant in DC (not the new locations like H Street), which sells Half-Smokes, it's a historical marker and fun picture...I don't care for Ben's food personally, but I still take my visitors there. But if you want a good tasting Half-Smoke, go to DCity Smokehouse and order it there.
You can get some Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings at almost any carry out in DC. I used to like getting them from Henry's on K, but they are closed now. Best I've had are at Halftime Sports on H St NE.
Georgetown Cupcakes on the other hand is good as advertised. It might not blow you away, but they are very good cupcakes.
Horace and Dickies on H street NE is a DC landmark. Fried chicken, fries, white or wheat bread. Easy. Or Fish. Small family owned, line out the door at lunchtime and on Fridays.
Horace and Dickies on H street NE is a DC landmark. Fried chicken, fries, white or wheat bread. Easy. Or Fish. Small family owned, line out the door at lunchtime and on Fridays.
Fish in the Hood on Georgia Ave and the Florida Ave Grill near Howard are other major DC landmark/neighborhood family-owned restaurants as well
Ben's Chili Bowl is just a hot dog place and nothing special.
Agree. I'll admit the actual Chili is pretty good. But the rest of the food is pretty basic. Ben's is a place you go if you happen to be in DC. But I would never go to DC just for Ben's like I would for food in other cities. I'll go to NYC, Miami, Philly, or Boston specifically for their unique food you can't get anywhere else. Not DC though.
Man, do I miss Ledo's. Our family used to eat at the original location in Adelphi every week.
As for DC, the earlier recommendation of the Old Ebbitt Grill is good. Right adjacent to it is the W Hotel (formerly the Hotel Washington); if the rooftop bar is still there that IMO is one of the best places in DC to view a sunset.
The Calvert Cafe in Adam's Morgan (aka Mama Ayesha's) is also a longstanding institution. The Brickskeller is gone now, but RFD on 7th St. NW is a reliable beerpub.
I don't know why Chicago's Italian beef is not more popular. It is better than a Philly Cheesteak IMO. My friend from Chicago introduced me to it and put me in heaven.
I did find an Italian Beef foodtruck in DC once but I think it went out of business...
Also worth noting that Five Guys and Elevation Burger originated in the DC area - Arlington and Falls Church, respectively.
As well as &Pizza. As much as I love Ledo's and am a die-hard supporter, &Pizza is definitely a worthy rival for them.
Oh, and I think Matchbox is local to DC also.
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