Washington D.C. is not only a magnificent capital with its grand architecture but also a diverse and rich culinary paradise. If you have a penchant for nostalgia and are in search of unique dining experiences, let “Travel Around the World” take you on a journey through classic-style restaurants where time seems to stand still and traditional flavors are cherished. From long-standing eateries with renowned “half-smokes” to luxurious steak houses, D.C. will captivate any gourmet.
Ben’s Chili Bowl and the Legendary Half-Smoke
Half-smoke from Ben
When talking about classic dining in D.C., Ben’s Chili Bowl is a must-mention icon that has stood for over 60 years. This eatery is famous for its “half-smoke,” a special smoked sausage that’s grilled to bring out its irresistible spicy flavor. Ben’s Chili Bowl’s half-smoke is not just a dish, but a part of D.C.’s history and culture, entwined with the city’s ups and downs. Additionally, you can also enjoy other classic sausages like chili sausage or turkey sausage.
HalfSmoke – A Creative Twist on a Traditional Dish
Not far from Ben’s Chili Bowl, HalfSmoke offers a modern and creative version of the “half-smoke.” Here, you can customize your dish with mustard, crispy fries, bacon, and beer cheese on toasted bread. For those looking to experiment with new flavors, HalfSmoke is an excellent choice. A diverse menu with various types of sausages lets you craft your own unique “half-smoke.”
Good Stuff Eatery – Burgers Made from Fresh Ingredients
Delicious eatery
If you’re a burger lover, don’t miss Good Stuff Eatery, run by the famous chef Spike Mendelsohn. Good Stuff Eatery uses only fresh seasonal ingredients and farm-raised beef to create irresistible burgers. The burgers here are handcrafted, with perfectly grilled meat paired with fresh vegetables. Good Stuff Eatery has two locations on Capitol Hill and Georgetown, making it convenient to visit.
Capital Burger – Elevating the Classic American Burger
Capital Burger offers an upscale burger experience, transforming the classic American dish into a work of art. With a proprietary blend of beef, the restaurant creates unique burgers, such as their namesake patty sandwiched between Wisconsin Gruyère, caramelized onions, and shallot aioli. Capital Burger is the ideal destination for those seeking burgers with sophisticated flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Lucky Buns – International Flavors in Every Bun
Lucky Buns DC
Lucky Buns is a unique burger restaurant inspired by global cuisines. Chef Alex McCoy has created burgers with bold flavors and delectable buns. The menu at Lucky Buns is diverse, featuring rich egg-topped burgers covered in gouda, pickled beets, and grilled onions, as well as English breakfast-style burgers with sausage and bacon. With several locations, Lucky Buns is always ready to serve burger enthusiasts.
Shake Shack – Familiar Burger Taste Nationwide
Shake Shack has become a nationally recognized brand with perfectly grilled burgers, highlighted by soft potato rolls, crisp lettuce, ruby red tomatoes, and legendary ShackSauce. Shake Shack is also famous for its irresistible shakes made from premium custard with rotating flavors. With multiple locations in D.C., Shake Shack is a familiar and reliable choice for a tasty quick meal.
Hill Country Barbecue Market – Authentic Texas Flavors in D.C.
@hillcountrybbq – BBQ Plate from Hill Country Barbecue Market in Washington, DC – A Place to Buy BBQ and American Dishes in DC
If you love BBQ, head to Hill Country Barbecue Market. This restaurant brings authentic Texas flavors to D.C., serving genuine smoked meats in a vibrant market-style atmosphere. Hill Country regularly hosts live music performances, adding a lively and enjoyable vibe.
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company – The Secret to BBQ Lies in the “Wall of Fire”
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company offers all the essentials for a perfect BBQ experience: ribs, chicken, pork sandwiches, and brisket. Rocklands also features a “Wall of Fire,” where you can explore a variety of great hot sauces to enhance your meal. All meats at Rocklands are grilled over wood and charcoal, a rare find in the area.
2Fifty BBQ – A Unique Blend of Texas and El Salvador
2Fifty BBQ offers handcrafted, wood-smoked Texas-style BBQ with a touch of tropical flavor. Meats are smoked for six to 14 hours. At 2Fifty BBQ, you can pair your chosen dish with classic American sides and popular Salvadoran dishes such as esquites and plantains.
Ice Cream Jubilee – A World of Creative and Colorful Ice Cream
Ice Cream Jubilee
To end a perfect dinner, visit Ice Cream Jubilee. This ice cream shop is famous for its truly creative flavors, including banana bourbon caramel, cookies and cookie dough, blueberry pie, and more. You can also enjoy sundaes, milkshakes, and boozy ice cream treats.
Here’s the Scoop – A Sweet Space with Tempting Choices
Here’s the Scoop is not just an ice cream shop but a sweet paradise with pastries, cookies, and macaroons. The frozen treats feature numerous flavors, including salted caramel cookies and chocolate almond crunch, as well as vegan options from Taharka Brothers and Cajou Creamery of Maryland.
District Donut – Classic Donuts with Modern Flavors
@dcdoughnut – Donuts from District Donut – Best Local Donuts in Washington, DC
District Donut is a popular spot in D.C. with classic donuts enhanced by modern flavors. Dulce de leche is a crowd favorite, but you shouldn’t miss Nutella s’mores or brown butter and raspberry jam either. With locations in various areas, you’re never too far from District Donut.
Dog Tag Bakery – Enjoy Baked Goods and Support Veterans
Dog Tag Bakery is not just a bakery, but also a charitable organization empowering veterans and military families through its scholarship program. The Dog Tag Bakery menu is diverse, including sweet treats, breakfast and lunch options, desserts, and coffee.
Uncle Chip’s – Unique Cookie Experience
Uncle Chip's Cookies
Uncle Chip’s serves cookies and snacks at Truxton Circle. Stop by to experience one-of-a-kind cookies or try a sandwich, breakfast bagel, or signature weekend waffles.
City Tap House – Cozy Pub with a Creative Menu
City Tap House Burger
City Tap House offers a wide selection of craft beers, warm hospitality, and an inventive food menu featuring classic pub dishes. There are also plenty of American classics to choose from, including a delicious and hearty burger, a country-style pork chop, and a perfectly grilled ribeye steak.
Old Ebbitt Grill – D.C.’s Oldest Culinary Icon
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill is one of D.C.’s oldest restaurants, established in 1856. This establishment has served politicians and journalists for over a century. Old Ebbitt Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with takeout options, shareable desserts, and a signature raw bar.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse – Luxurious Steak Experience
@rohinimm – Steak and a Burger at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse at CityCenterDC – American Restaurant in Washington, DC
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a luxurious steakhouse located in the heart of CityCenterDC. The restaurant is renowned for its exquisite wine selection, impeccable service, and delicious dry-aged, hand-cut steaks.
Mastro’s Steakhouse – Perfect Blend of Elegant Service and Cuisine
Mastro’s Steakhouse combines elegant service with fine cuisine to create an unforgettable evening for you and your loved ones. This restaurant offers a variety of steaks, from petite filet mignon and bone-in ribeye to New York strip steaks and more.
Bourbon Steak – Premium Steaks from the Wood-Burning Grill
Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak, located inside the Four Seasons Hotel, is the creation of award-winning chef Michael Mina. Serving wood-grilled steaks, Bourbon Steak is perfect for a romantic evening.
Charlie Palmer Steak – Handcrafted Steaks with Bold Flavor
Charlie Palmer Steak delivers the bold flavor of handcrafted American beef. You can’t go wrong with the cowboy ribeye or the aged New York strip.
RARE Steakhouse – Midwest Charm in Every Bite
RARE Steakhouse combines Midwest charm with a first-class dining experience. The mouth-watering cuts range from local grass-fed ribeye to Wagyu strips and even bone-in steaks for two.
Washington D.C. is not just a city of history and politics, but also a culinary destination with numerous classic-style restaurants. From casual eateries to luxurious dining venues, D.C. offers a variety of rich and diverse dining experiences, pleasing to every palate. Come and explore D.C.’s classic flavors to witness the blend of past and present in each dish.