Matzo ball soup from Unconventional Diner

Where to Find Comforting Chicken Soup in D.C.

It's cold — have some soup

by Missy Frederick and Travis Mitchell Updated Dec 10, 2018, 3:34pm EST

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Matzo ball soup from Unconventional Diner

| Unconventional Diner/Facebook

by Missy Frederick and Travis Mitchell Updated Dec 10, 2018, 3:34pm EST

2 comments / new

When temperatures drop and sinuses clog, it’s natural to turn to a comforting bowl of chicken soup. D.C. has versions of the iconic dish to spare. There are traditional noodle-packed bowls along with several versions of soothing matzo ball soup. This map also throws in a few curveballs from the classics, whether it be chicken ramen or poultry pho.

Did we miss a must-hit spot? Share favorites in the comments.

Woodside Delicatessen (Multiple Locations)

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This Maryland deli and diner offers both a regular chicken noodle soup and a matzo ball soup. The latter is stuffed with chunks of vegetables and large, airy matzo balls.

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9329 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 589-7055

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Parkway Deli & Restaurant

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The frequently packed deli is a well-known source for a hearty matzo ball soup accented with chunky vegetables. It also offers a bowl without matzo balls and a vegetarian version.

8317 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

(301) 587-1427

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Soup Up

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Soup Up serves four soups each day that rotate regularly, but they always have one variation of chicken soup. The curried chicken soup is a popular variety.

709 Kennedy St NW, Washington, DC 20011

(202) 621-6845

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Hot New Soups for Cold Weather Days

Wagshal's Delicatessen (Multiple Locations)

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Which chicken soup is available at the acclaimed deli depends on the day: Monday is chicken noodle day, Tuesday brings matzo ball, and Wednesday is for chicken tortilla soup. The classic chicken noodle is a textbook version of the cure-all. The matzo balls here are tiny and dense, attracting fans of “sinkers” at the bottom of the pot.

4855 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

(202) 363-5698

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Prescription Chicken Soup (at Glen’s Garden Market)

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This local chicken soup delivery service has developed a legion of fans since debuting in D.C. Its soup is also sold at Glen’s Garden Market in Dupont.

2001 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009

(202) 588-5698

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Unconventional Diner

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The chicken soup at this new-wave diner features a scallion matzo ball, alphabet pasta, and mushrooms. The fancy flourishes may explain the $16 price tag.

1207 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 847-0122

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Fancy chicken soup from Unconventional Diner

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Bub and Pop's

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If the soup of the day is matzo ball soup at this beloved downtown deli, it’s worth an order.

1815 M St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

(202) 457-1111

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Greek Deli & Catering

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Lines frequently extend out the door for this downtown lunch spot, which specializes in lemony avgolemono.

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1120 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

(202) 296-2111

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Bantam King

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Chicken ramen is the speciality of this shop from the Daikaya team. Customers can find miso, shoyu, and shoyu chintan varieties, all with a chicken base.

501 G St NW, Washington, DC 20003

(202) 733-2612

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Pho 75 (Multiple locations)

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The Pho Ga soup at Pho 75 has a mix of white and dark meat chicken, along with rice noodles and traditional Pho garnishes to mix into one of the best broths in the city. Diners can also specify if they would prefer only dark or white meat.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

(703) 525-7355

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Ted's Bulletin (Multiple Locations)

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Ted's boasts that it has the "world's best chicken noodle." That statement might be too strong, but they do serve up a respectable version of the soup with thick homestyle noodles at their multiple locations.

505 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 544-8337

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Chutzpah Real New York Deli

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Chutzpah has a traditional chicken noodle soup, a matzo ball soup, and a chicken soup made with kreplach, small dumplings comparable to a wonton or a ravioli.