What meat-based dishes are really symbolic of D.C.? Whether it be dishes that reflects the city's international population, mascot-style dishes like the Ben's half-smoke, or immensely popular items like the Ray's Hell Burger, there was no lack of meaty favorites to choose from for this feature. For the sake of narrowing the field, this dish forsakes chicken and seafood in favor of truly meaty items like beef, lamb and pork. Have another suggestion for an iconic D.C. meat dish? Share it in the comments.
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Here are D.C.'s 25 Iconic Meat Dishes

Ray’s³ [Ray's To The Third]
The Dish: The original Hell Burger
The first Hell Burger location, as well as its offshoot spin-off, have both closed. But the burger itself lives on at Ray's to the Third in Arlington.
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Ben's Chili Bowl
The dish: Half-smoke with chili
The half-smoke is D.C.'s mascot dish, and no one makes a more iconic one than Ben's.
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Dino's Grotto
The dish: Wild Boar ‘Cinghiale’
Dino's beloved wild boar pasta has made its way onto the Dino's Grotto menu.
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Duplex Diner
The dish: Meatloaf
Perhaps D.C.'s most famous meatloaf, the dish draws regulars to the Adams Morgan diner.
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Little Serow
The dish Si Krong Moo (pork ribs)
These Asian pork ribs have been on the menu at Little Serow since the beginning.
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Meaza Restaurant & Market
The dish: Regular kitfo
This dish is a signature on most Ethiopian menus, and Meaza is a destination spot for raw meat items.
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Fast Gourmet
The dish: The Chivito
Late night diners seek out this multi-meat sandwich in a converted gas station.
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Mangialardo & Sons
The dish: The G-Man
This classic Italian sandwich, piled high with meat, is the signature dish at this longtime D.C. institution.
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Ravi Kabob House
The dish: Lamb kabob
Ravi Kabob is one of the most popular destinations in the area for kabobs (so much that they've expanded to multiple locations) and the lamb kabob consistently delivers.
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Hill Country Barbecue Market
The dish: Moist brisket
Texas-style brisket can be hard to find in D.C. but Hill Country is a consistent source for the juicy meat.
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Jaleo
The dish: Jamón ibérico de bellota Fermín
Jose Andres was instrumental in bringing this prized Spanish ham to D.C.
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Pho 75
The dish: Pho #1
D.C. residents can argue over who serves the best Pho in the area, but the conversation isn't complete without at least considering Pho 75.
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Le Diplomate
The dish: Steak frites
DC has a surprising number of restaurants serving up the dish, but Le Diplomate's version has been a hit since the restaurant's opening.
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DGS Delicatessen
The dish: Reuben
This sandwich spot (which also makes a mean pastrami) delivers on this corned beef combination.
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Bourbon Steak Washington DC
The dish: Prime dry-aged steak burger
One of D.C.'s most expensive burgers is also one of its best.
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Komi
The dish: Roasted goat shoulder
The goat is frequently the grand finale for the tasting menu at Komi.
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Honey Pig Gooldaegee Korean Grill
The dish: Pork belly (Korean bbq)
Diners customize their own tableside barbecue at Honey Pig, but it's pretty likely that pork belly will end up making an appearance.
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Red Apron Butchery
The dish: Porkstrami
Red Apron has several popular sandwiches, and the porkstrami has a particular cult following.
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The Passenger
The dish: Pork cheek nachos
The Passenger's food menu is pretty limited, but these nachos are among the standouts.
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Stachowski Meats & Deli
The dish: Pastrami
It's almost hard to pick a signature dish from Stachowski's, which also excels at sausages and other sandwiches, but the pastrami is a definite favorite.
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Prime Rib
The dish: Prime Rib
This old school DC classic restaurant is the place to get the eponymous dish.
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La Caraqueña
The dish: JP's favorite
La Caraquena is known for its arepas, and this one is stuffed with steak, peppers and onions.
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Toki Underground
The dish:Toki classic ramen
Customers will wait in hours to get a seat at this tiny restaurant, known for its ramen.
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Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro
The dish: Miniburgers
Ordered by the number (3, 6 or 9), these miniburgers are DC's most famous, topped with a huge portion of onion straws.
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Ray's The Steaks
The dish: Hanger steak
Ray's is one of D.C.'s most affordable destinations for steak (and the meat's still stellar).
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