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A classic half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
A classic half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

22 Iconic D.C. Area Dishes Available for Takeout Right Now

Tastes every DMV diner should know

by Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
A classic half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.
by Eater Staff Updated

There are certain dishes that are just inextricably linked to certain Washington restaurants. New customers travel far just to try them. Tourists seek them out. Regulars can't stop ordering them even though they know they should try something new.

This map features some knee-jerk picks that immediately come to mind, from the messy-as-can-be half-smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl to late-night favorites like insanely greasy jumbo slice. Others reflect a diverse D.C. community that bonds over curtido-topped pupusas, pork pate-packed banh mi, and beautifully charred Peruvian chicken. Others are composed signatures that have developed their own following at places like the Red Hen and Peter Chang.

What else belongs on this map? Share in the comments.

—Updated by Tierney Plumb

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Kitfo at Beteseb Restaurant

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Silver Spring is home to one of the largest concentrations of Ethiopian restaurants around D.C., and there’s no better option than Beteseb. Order up the kitfo — spiced raw beef — and vegetarian platters, then use tangy injera bread to scoop up cabbage, collards, and spicy lentils. Open for takeout and delivery via DoorDash and GrubHub.

8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 448-1625
(301) 448-1625

Also featured in:

Pupusas at Pupuseria La Familiar (Multiple locations)

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This chain of restaurants run by the Hernandez sisters might sell the best pupusas in town. The College Park location is a popular stop on Maryland’s pupusa highway. Order takeout at the restaurant, which is offering limited seats for dine-in service.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484

Also featured in:

Neapolitan Pizza at 2 Amys

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Considered D.C.’s standard-bearer for traditional Neapolitan pizza, this fan favorite amongst diners and chefs alike opted to pivot to takeout only for the rest of 2020. Anchovy lovers will be very happy here. Finish off meals with sweet cannoli. Place online orders for takeout.

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 885-5700
(202) 885-5700
Neapolitan pizza at 2 Amys
Neapolitan pizza at 2 Amys
2 Amys [official]

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Falafel at Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple locations)

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Late-night standby Amsterdam Falafel just closed its 14th Street NW location for good, but its Adams Morgan outpost is still going strong for takeout and delivery daily. Customize the falafel pita with as many pickles, toppings, and sauces as your heart desires. Its L’Enfant locale is temporarily closed.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969
A falafel pita from Amsterdam falafel
A falafel pita from Amsterdam falafel
Amsterdam falafel [official]

Half-Smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl (Multiple locations)

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A Ben’s half-smoke covered in chili and cheese is arguably D.C.'s most recognizable dish. Order takeout online from its historic U Street location or on H Street NE.

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Duccini's Pizza

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The Adams Morgan go-to known for late-night hours and jumbo slices that hold up while sober famously fed June protesters taking refuge inside the home of a good Samaritan. Order takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 484-8484
(202) 484-8484
Ducinni’s Pizza DC slice
A massive slice at Duccini’s Pizza.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Also featured in:

Khachapuri at Compass Rose

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Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of bread, cheese, and egg, became an instant hit in D.C. and is gaining traction across the U.S. Order takeout and delivery from Compass Rose via Tock, Wednesday to Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1346 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 506-4765
(202) 506-4765
Khachapuri from Compass Rose
Khachapuri from Compass Rose
Compass Rose [official]

Rigatoni at Red Hen

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This Bloomingdale restaurant's rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and pecorino romano is the definition of comfort food. Make it at home via chef Mike Friedman’s to-go meal kit for 2. There’s also a prized dessert dish on the menu — a roasted maple panna cotta with caramelized hazelnut crumble and whipped cream. Order online for pickup 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1822 1st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 525-3021
(202) 525-3021
The bar at the Red Hen
The bar at the Red Hen
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

Grilled Cheese at Stoney's (Multiple locations)

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The super grilled cheese, with tomato, bacon, and red onion, is a must-try at this neighborhood bar. Order online or call for pickup orders (or snag a seat on the patio) at its dual D.C. locations in Logan Circle and Foggy Bottom.

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 234-1818
(202) 234-1818

Also featured in:

Chicken Sub at Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli

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Georgetown students on a budget are crazy for the chicken madness sub ($8.95). But fans from all over also make the trek to campus for a hoagie filled with grilled chicken, sweet peppers, onion, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Takeout or delivery is avialable 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

1236 36th St NW #2627, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-8254
(202) 333-8254

Avgolemono Soup at Greek Deli

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This renowned Greek deli from chef/owner Kostas Fostieris turned 30 last year, and its beloved avgolemono soup remains a best seller. Takeout and delivery are available daily until 2:30 p.m.

1120 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 296-2111
(202) 296-2111

Ramen at Daikaya

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Many of Daikaya's ramen varieties are beloved, but the vegan version has made a surprising and lasting impression on diners — even if they end up adding egg or pork to the mix. Order carryout or delivery daily from 11:30 a.m. or 9 p.m.

705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 589-1600
(202) 589-1600
Daikaya DC ramen Digging into a bowl of ramen at Daikaya. Photo: Daikaya

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Creme Brulee Doughnuts at Astro (Multiple locations)

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The creme brulee doughnuts, sticky and caramelized and full of custard, from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken are a local favorite. Order online for carryout or delivery at its D.C. and Falls Church locations.

1308 G St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 809-5565
(202) 809-5565

Also featured in:

Scallion Bubble Pancakes at Peter Chang (Multiple locations)

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Come here for the eye-catching scallion bubble pancakes, a speciality of pastry chef extraordinaire Lisa Chang. After that appetizer, sample many amazing Sichuan dishes, including dry-fried eggplant, bamboo fish, and grandma's noodles. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for takeout or delivery via DoorDash.

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 538-6688
(703) 538-6688

Also featured in:

Palak Chaat at Rasika (Multiple locations)

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The palak chaat — a snack of super crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney — helped chef Vikram Sunderam win a James Beard award. Both the original Penn Quarter and West End locations are open for pickup, delivery, or patio/inside dining.

633 D St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 637-1222
(202) 637-1222
Palak Chat from Rasika
Palak Chat from Rasika
Michael J. Colella

Also featured in:

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Pho at Pho 75

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This cash-only, no-frills Vietnamese joint stands out from competitors with outstanding beef broth that’s kept customers coming for decades. Open for carryout only daily.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355
View this post on Instagram

Finally some #pho for the soul.

A post shared by Gene Park (@genepark) on

Buckwheat Pancakes at Market Lunch

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Get to Eastern Market’s famous lunch (and breakfast) counter early on weekends to pick up its beloved blueberry buckwheat pancakes. It’s open with a limited menu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Debit cards are now accepted. Call for curbside pickup. ​

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444

Also featured in:

Peruvian Chicken at El Pollo Rico (Multiple locations)

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Diehards may debate which of the D.C. area’s Peruvian chicken restaurant reigns supreme, but it's hard to deny that this standby has the most loyal following. Look for the plume of charcoal smoke overhead in Arlington or Wheaton, Maryland. Open daily for carryout and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
(703) 522-3220

G Man Subs at Mangialardo's

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Mangialardo's remains a D.C. destination, not only for its "G Man" Italian sub — piled high with ham, pepperoni, salami, and mortadella — but also because it has a very D.C. backstory. Order online for weekday pickup from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-6212
(202) 543-6212

Wings in Mumbo Sauce at Good Hope Carry Out

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This Anacostia carryout specializes in mumbo sauce-covered wings, spicy-sweet specimens that are a long-time D.C. favorite. Swing by for pickup from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

1350 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
(202) 678-7383
(202) 678-7383

Banh Mi at Banh Mi DC Sandwich

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The takeout Vietnamese deli in Falls Church with the attention-grabbing green awning offers a wide variety of banh mi, all stuffed with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300
View this post on Instagram

When the lighting hits your bánh mi just right

A post shared by Aims (@feedingaims) on

Fried Whiting at Horace & Dickie’s (Multiple locations)

Copy Link

This institution closed its H Street NE location last year, but fish fans can still flock to locations in Camp Springs, Maryland, and Takoma for takeout of its famed fried whiting and other seafood dishes.

5601 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 909-1030
(301) 909-1030
An order of fried whiting at Horace & Dickie’s
An order of fried whiting at Horace & Dickie’s.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Also featured in:

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Kitfo at Beteseb Restaurant

8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Silver Spring is home to one of the largest concentrations of Ethiopian restaurants around D.C., and there’s no better option than Beteseb. Order up the kitfo — spiced raw beef — and vegetarian platters, then use tangy injera bread to scoop up cabbage, collards, and spicy lentils. Open for takeout and delivery via DoorDash and GrubHub.

8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 448-1625
(301) 448-1625

Pupusas at Pupuseria La Familiar (Multiple locations)

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740

This chain of restaurants run by the Hernandez sisters might sell the best pupusas in town. The College Park location is a popular stop on Maryland’s pupusa highway. Order takeout at the restaurant, which is offering limited seats for dine-in service.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484

Neapolitan Pizza at 2 Amys

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Considered D.C.’s standard-bearer for traditional Neapolitan pizza, this fan favorite amongst diners and chefs alike opted to pivot to takeout only for the rest of 2020. Anchovy lovers will be very happy here. Finish off meals with sweet cannoli. Place online orders for takeout.

3715 Macomb St NW, Washington, D.C. 20016
(202) 885-5700
(202) 885-5700
Neapolitan pizza at 2 Amys
Neapolitan pizza at 2 Amys
2 Amys [official]

Falafel at Amsterdam Falafelshop (Multiple locations)

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Late-night standby Amsterdam Falafel just closed its 14th Street NW location for good, but its Adams Morgan outpost is still going strong for takeout and delivery daily. Customize the falafel pita with as many pickles, toppings, and sauces as your heart desires. Its L’Enfant locale is temporarily closed.

2425 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 234-1969
(202) 234-1969
A falafel pita from Amsterdam falafel
A falafel pita from Amsterdam falafel
Amsterdam falafel [official]

Half-Smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl (Multiple locations)

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

A Ben’s half-smoke covered in chili and cheese is arguably D.C.'s most recognizable dish. Order takeout online from its historic U Street location or on H Street NE.

1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 667-0909
(202) 667-0909
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
A half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Duccini's Pizza

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009

The Adams Morgan go-to known for late-night hours and jumbo slices that hold up while sober famously fed June protesters taking refuge inside the home of a good Samaritan. Order takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.

1778 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 484-8484
(202) 484-8484
Ducinni’s Pizza DC slice
A massive slice at Duccini’s Pizza.
Rey Lopez/Eater DC

Khachapuri at Compass Rose

1346 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Khachapuri, a traditional Georgian dish of bread, cheese, and egg, became an instant hit in D.C. and is gaining traction across the U.S. Order takeout and delivery from Compass Rose via Tock, Wednesday to Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1346 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
(202) 506-4765
(202) 506-4765
Khachapuri from Compass Rose
Khachapuri from Compass Rose
Compass Rose [official]

Rigatoni at Red Hen

1822 1st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

This Bloomingdale restaurant's rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and pecorino romano is the definition of comfort food. Make it at home via chef Mike Friedman’s to-go meal kit for 2. There’s also a prized dessert dish on the menu — a roasted maple panna cotta with caramelized hazelnut crumble and whipped cream. Order online for pickup 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1822 1st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 525-3021
(202) 525-3021
The bar at the Red Hen
The bar at the Red Hen
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Grilled Cheese at Stoney's (Multiple locations)

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

The super grilled cheese, with tomato, bacon, and red onion, is a must-try at this neighborhood bar. Order online or call for pickup orders (or snag a seat on the patio) at its dual D.C. locations in Logan Circle and Foggy Bottom.

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 234-1818
(202) 234-1818

Chicken Sub at Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli

1236 36th St NW #2627, Washington, DC 20007

Georgetown students on a budget are crazy for the chicken madness sub ($8.95). But fans from all over also make the trek to campus for a hoagie filled with grilled chicken, sweet peppers, onion, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Takeout or delivery is avialable 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

1236 36th St NW #2627, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 333-8254
(202) 333-8254

Avgolemono Soup at Greek Deli

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

This renowned Greek deli from chef/owner Kostas Fostieris turned 30 last year, and its beloved avgolemono soup remains a best seller. Takeout and delivery are available daily until 2:30 p.m.

1120 19th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 296-2111
(202) 296-2111

Ramen at Daikaya

705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Many of Daikaya's ramen varieties are beloved, but the vegan version has made a surprising and lasting impression on diners — even if they end up adding egg or pork to the mix. Order carryout or delivery daily from 11:30 a.m. or 9 p.m.

705 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 589-1600
(202) 589-1600
Daikaya DC ramen Digging into a bowl of ramen at Daikaya. Photo: Daikaya

Creme Brulee Doughnuts at Astro (Multiple locations)

1308 G St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

The creme brulee doughnuts, sticky and caramelized and full of custard, from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken are a local favorite. Order online for carryout or delivery at its D.C. and Falls Church locations.

1308 G St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 809-5565
(202) 809-5565

Scallion Bubble Pancakes at Peter Chang (Multiple locations)

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207

Come here for the eye-catching scallion bubble pancakes, a speciality of pastry chef extraordinaire Lisa Chang. After that appetizer, sample many amazing Sichuan dishes, including dry-fried eggplant, bamboo fish, and grandma's noodles. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for takeout or delivery via DoorDash.

2503E N Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22207
(703) 538-6688
(703) 538-6688

Palak Chaat at Rasika (Multiple locations)

633 D St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

The palak chaat — a snack of super crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney — helped chef Vikram Sunderam win a James Beard award. Both the original Penn Quarter and West End locations are open for pickup, delivery, or patio/inside dining.

633 D St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 637-1222
(202) 637-1222
Palak Chat from Rasika
Palak Chat from Rasika
Michael J. Colella

Related Maps

Pho at Pho 75

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

This cash-only, no-frills Vietnamese joint stands out from competitors with outstanding beef broth that’s kept customers coming for decades. Open for carryout only daily.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355
View this post on Instagram

Finally some #pho for the soul.

A post shared by Gene Park (@genepark) on

Buckwheat Pancakes at Market Lunch

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Get to Eastern Market’s famous lunch (and breakfast) counter early on weekends to pick up its beloved blueberry buckwheat pancakes. It’s open with a limited menu from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Debit cards are now accepted. Call for curbside pickup. ​

225 7th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 547-8444
(202) 547-8444

Peruvian Chicken at El Pollo Rico (Multiple locations)

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201

Diehards may debate which of the D.C. area’s Peruvian chicken restaurant reigns supreme, but it's hard to deny that this standby has the most loyal following. Look for the plume of charcoal smoke overhead in Arlington or Wheaton, Maryland. Open daily for carryout and delivery from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

932 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-3220
(703) 522-3220

G Man Subs at Mangialardo's

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Mangialardo's remains a D.C. destination, not only for its "G Man" Italian sub — piled high with ham, pepperoni, salami, and mortadella — but also because it has a very D.C. backstory. Order online for weekday pickup from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1317 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 543-6212
(202) 543-6212

Wings in Mumbo Sauce at Good Hope Carry Out

1350 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

This Anacostia carryout specializes in mumbo sauce-covered wings, spicy-sweet specimens that are a long-time D.C. favorite. Swing by for pickup from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

1350 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
(202) 678-7383
(202) 678-7383

Banh Mi at Banh Mi DC Sandwich

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042

The takeout Vietnamese deli in Falls Church with the attention-grabbing green awning offers a wide variety of banh mi, all stuffed with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. Open daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300
View this post on Instagram

When the lighting hits your bánh mi just right

A post shared by Aims (@feedingaims) on

Fried Whiting at Horace & Dickie’s (Multiple locations)

5601 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20746

This institution closed its H Street NE location last year, but fish fans can still flock to locations in Camp Springs, Maryland, and Takoma for takeout of its famed fried whiting and other seafood dishes.

5601 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 909-1030
(301) 909-1030
An order of fried whiting at Horace & Dickie’s
An order of fried whiting at Horace & Dickie’s.
Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.

Related Maps