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18 Winter-Ready Cocktails to Try Right Now in D.C.

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12 Winter-Ready Cocktails to Try Right Now in D.C.

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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.

21 Iconic D.C. Area Dishes

Tastes every DMV diner should know

by Tierney Plumb and Eater Staff Updated
View as Map
A classic half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl.
| Rey Lopez/Eater D.C.
by Tierney Plumb and 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 late-night favorites like insanely greasy jumbo slice to the messy-as-can-be half-smokes found at U Street’s decades-old institution Ben’s Chili Bowl. The legendary orders go the retail route for the first time starting Friday, June 23, as part of a new partnership with Giant Food.

Other must-try eats reflect a diverse D.C. community that bonds over curtido-topped pupusas, pork pate-packed banh mi, and beautifully charred Peruvian chicken. Some 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.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

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.

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 standby is a popular stop on Maryland’s pupusa highway. Order takeout or dine-in at the restaurant, which has an additional location in Wheaton.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484
A plate of pupusas at Pupuseria La Familiar.
Pupuseria La Familiar/official photo

Also featured in:

Neapolitan Pizza at 2 Amys

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Cleveland Park’s fan favorite amongst diners and chefs alike is considered D.C.’s standard-bearer for traditional Neapolitan pizza. A smart decision to add takeout during the pandemic proved to be so popular, it’s here to stay. Anchovy lovers will be very happy here. Finish off meals with sweet cannoli. Dine-in or place pickup orders online.

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

Also featured in:

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. Baseball fans can also pick up Ben’s from a few stalls in Nationals Park. Its famous half-smokes now go the retail route for the first time starting Friday, June 23. Head to local Giant stores to find original and spicy-half smokes, chili con carne, turkey chili, and the restaurant’s secret chili sauce in prepared food sections and hot bars.

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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Around since 1988, the Adams Morgan go-to counter for late-night jumbo slices that hold up while sober famously fed protesters taking refuge inside the home of a good Samaritan in 2020. Order takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 4 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. The hip hangout for global comfort foods also serves the dish as part of its “Tour of the World” dinner tasting menu or with breakfast sausage during its $40-per-person Sunday brunch service.

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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Chef Mike Friedman’s rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and pecorino romano is the definition of comfort food, and its popularity only skyrocketed after the President and First Lady famously ordered the same dish during a date there this winter. The seasonal Italian hit in Bloomingdale also keeps a prized dessert on the menu — a roasted maple panna cotta with caramelized hazelnut crumble and whipped cream.

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 with a lively patio. Order online or call for pickup.

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

Also featured in:

“Hot Chick” Sub at Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli

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Georgetown students on a budget are crazy for this hangover handheld under $10. But fans from all over also make the trek to campus for a hoagie deep-fried chicken tenders, Muenster cheese, tomato, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan pepper dressing. Order takeout or delivery from 8 a.m. to 11 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 recently made it past year 30, and its beloved avgolemono soup remains a best seller. The weekday-only counter offers takeout and delivery during a short lunchtime window (11 a.m. to 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. The walk-in venture with a laser-cut metal facade is open for lunch and dinner.

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.
Daikaya/Facebook

Also featured in:

Creme Brulee Doughnuts at Astro (Multiple locations)

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The creme brulee doughnuts, sticky and caramelized with a vanilla pastry cream filling, are a local favorite from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. Order online for carryout or delivery at its D.C. and Falls Church locations. A huge Shirlington edition is coming soon.

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 served with curry sauce for an affordable $6. After that appetizer, sample many amazing Sichuan dishes, including dry-fried eggplant, bamboo fish, and grandma's noodles. Open for lunch and dinner, with takeout or delivery via DoorDash. An additional area location sits in Rockville.

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. In addition to dine-in, the original Penn Quarter location also takes online orders for delivery and takeout. The West End location near the Ritz-Carlton sports a big patio and gets all sorts of celebrity guests (Angelina Jolie, VP Kamala Harris, and Mick Jagger, to name a few).

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:

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 lunch and dinner daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355

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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. Around since 1978, the D.C. institution wakes up at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday (and starting at 9 a.m. Sunday) and closes around 2:30 p.m. Debit cards are now accepted. ​

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. Tennis great Serena Williams famously swung by for a poultry fix last summer. Look for the plume of charcoal smoke overhead in Arlington or Wheaton, Maryland. Open daily for carryout from 11 a.m. to 10 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. Open 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 midnight.

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 8 p.m.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300

Fried Whiting at Horace & Dickies Seafood of Glenarden

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This institution closed its H Street NE location in 2020, but fish fans can now flock to a newer location in Glenarden, Maryland, for takeout (or delivery) of its famed fried whiting and other seafood dishes.

7905 Martin Luther King Jr Hwy, Glenarden, MD 20706
(301) 773-0140
(301) 773-0140

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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.

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 standby is a popular stop on Maryland’s pupusa highway. Order takeout or dine-in at the restaurant, which has an additional location in Wheaton.

8145 Baltimore Ave K, College Park, MD 20740
(301) 474-8484
(301) 474-8484
A plate of pupusas at Pupuseria La Familiar.
Pupuseria La Familiar/official photo

Neapolitan Pizza at 2 Amys

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

Cleveland Park’s fan favorite amongst diners and chefs alike is considered D.C.’s standard-bearer for traditional Neapolitan pizza. A smart decision to add takeout during the pandemic proved to be so popular, it’s here to stay. Anchovy lovers will be very happy here. Finish off meals with sweet cannoli. Dine-in or place pickup orders online.

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

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. Baseball fans can also pick up Ben’s from a few stalls in Nationals Park. Its famous half-smokes now go the retail route for the first time starting Friday, June 23. Head to local Giant stores to find original and spicy-half smokes, chili con carne, turkey chili, and the restaurant’s secret chili sauce in prepared food sections and hot bars.

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

Around since 1988, the Adams Morgan go-to counter for late-night jumbo slices that hold up while sober famously fed protesters taking refuge inside the home of a good Samaritan in 2020. Order takeout or delivery from 11 a.m. to 4 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. The hip hangout for global comfort foods also serves the dish as part of its “Tour of the World” dinner tasting menu or with breakfast sausage during its $40-per-person Sunday brunch service.

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

Chef Mike Friedman’s rigatoni with fennel sausage ragu and pecorino romano is the definition of comfort food, and its popularity only skyrocketed after the President and First Lady famously ordered the same dish during a date there this winter. The seasonal Italian hit in Bloomingdale also keeps a prized dessert on the menu — a roasted maple panna cotta with caramelized hazelnut crumble and whipped cream.

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 with a lively patio. Order online or call for pickup.

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

“Hot Chick” Sub at Wisemiller's Grocery & Deli

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

Georgetown students on a budget are crazy for this hangover handheld under $10. But fans from all over also make the trek to campus for a hoagie deep-fried chicken tenders, Muenster cheese, tomato, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan pepper dressing. Order takeout or delivery from 8 a.m. to 11 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 recently made it past year 30, and its beloved avgolemono soup remains a best seller. The weekday-only counter offers takeout and delivery during a short lunchtime window (11 a.m. to 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. The walk-in venture with a laser-cut metal facade is open for lunch and dinner.

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.
Daikaya/Facebook

Creme Brulee Doughnuts at Astro (Multiple locations)

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

The creme brulee doughnuts, sticky and caramelized with a vanilla pastry cream filling, are a local favorite from Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken. Order online for carryout or delivery at its D.C. and Falls Church locations. A huge Shirlington edition is coming soon.

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 served with curry sauce for an affordable $6. After that appetizer, sample many amazing Sichuan dishes, including dry-fried eggplant, bamboo fish, and grandma's noodles. Open for lunch and dinner, with takeout or delivery via DoorDash. An additional area location sits in Rockville.

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. In addition to dine-in, the original Penn Quarter location also takes online orders for delivery and takeout. The West End location near the Ritz-Carlton sports a big patio and gets all sorts of celebrity guests (Angelina Jolie, VP Kamala Harris, and Mick Jagger, to name a few).

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

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 lunch and dinner daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

1721 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 525-7355
(703) 525-7355

Related Maps

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. Around since 1978, the D.C. institution wakes up at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday (and starting at 9 a.m. Sunday) and closes around 2:30 p.m. Debit cards are now accepted. ​

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. Tennis great Serena Williams famously swung by for a poultry fix last summer. Look for the plume of charcoal smoke overhead in Arlington or Wheaton, Maryland. Open daily for carryout from 11 a.m. to 10 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. Open 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 midnight.

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 8 p.m.

3103 Graham Rd #C, Falls Church, VA 22042
(703) 205-9300
(703) 205-9300

Fried Whiting at Horace & Dickies Seafood of Glenarden

7905 Martin Luther King Jr Hwy, Glenarden, MD 20706

This institution closed its H Street NE location in 2020, but fish fans can now flock to a newer location in Glenarden, Maryland, for takeout (or delivery) of its famed fried whiting and other seafood dishes.

7905 Martin Luther King Jr Hwy, Glenarden, MD 20706
(301) 773-0140
(301) 773-0140

Related Maps