Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is not only famous for its historical monuments and magnificent architecture but also a captivating culinary destination, a melting pot of American and international cuisine. From humble street food to luxurious restaurants, D.C. offers a diverse and rich culinary tapestry that delights every palate. This article will serve as a useful guide, leading you to discover the must-try specialties in Washington D.C. and enjoy them like a local.
Half-Smokes and Hot Dogs
When it comes to Washington D.C.’s street food, the iconic “half-smoke” is a must-mention. This dish is a unique twist on the hot dog, featuring a robustly flavored smoked sausage grilled over charcoal, creating a distinctive taste that is unmistakably its own. Half-smokes are typically served on a soft bun, topped with yellow mustard and diced onions. Some variations include chili or cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. culinary institution that has been around for over 60 years, is the ideal place to savor an authentic half-smoke. This casual eatery has become an integral part of the local culture, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world. At Ben’s, you can enjoy the classic half-smoke or try other variations like chili cheese or turkey sausage.
A half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl, a signature dish of Washington D.C.
If you’re looking to explore more innovative half-smoke flavors, visit HalfSmoke. This eatery offers a creative take on the half-smoke with unique combinations of mustard, crispy fried onions, bacon, and beer cheese on a toasted brioche bun. In addition, HalfSmoke provides a diverse hot dog menu, allowing you to customize and create a half-smoke that truly reflects your personal taste.
Best Burgers in Town
Burgers are a staple in American cuisine, and Washington D.C. is no exception. The city boasts countless restaurants and eateries serving delicious and enticing burgers, from classic versions to unique creations.
Good Stuff Eatery, owned by renowned chef Spike Mendelsohn, is a must-visit destination for burger enthusiasts. This eatery is famous for using fresh, seasonal ingredients and farm-raised beef, creating high-quality burgers with exceptional flavor. Good Stuff Eatery has two locations in D.C., one on Capitol Hill and one in Georgetown, making it convenient for visitors to stop by.
An appetizing burger at Good Stuff Eatery.
Capital Burger is another excellent choice for those seeking a more upscale burger experience. This gourmet burger joint has elevated the classic American dish to new heights, transforming it into a fine dining experience. Capital Burger’s exclusive blend of ground beef is the secret to their amazing burgers, featuring signature items like patties stuffed with Wisconsin Gruyère cheese, caramelized onions, and chive aioli.
A Capital Burger with unique flavors.
If you’re in search of more creative and unique burgers, head to Lucky Buns. This burger spot is known for its flavorful buns and bold flavors, inspired by global cuisine. Chef Alex McCoy has created tempting burgers like the OG double cheeseburger topped with gouda, pickled beets, and grilled onions, or the English breakfast burger with sausage and bacon.
Creative burgers at Lucky Buns DC.
Shake Shack, a nationally renowned burger chain, also has multiple locations in Washington D.C. Shake Shack is beloved for its perfectly grilled burgers, soft potato buns, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and signature ShackSauce. Besides burgers, Shake Shack is also famous for its frozen custard milkshakes in a variety of delicious flavors.
Irresistible BBQ Flavors
BBQ is an indispensable part of American cuisine, especially in the Southern region. Washington D.C. also has many fantastic BBQ joints, offering flavorful and rich BBQ, prepared in various styles.
Hill Country Barbecue Market brings authentic Texas flavors to the heart of Washington D.C. This BBQ spot combines a meat market and restaurant, creating a casual and cozy atmosphere. Hill Country is famous for its Texas-style BBQ, featuring meats like ribs, brisket, and sausage slow-smoked for hours, resulting in a rich and unforgettable flavor.
A platter full of BBQ at Hill Country Barbecue Market.
Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company is another excellent option for enjoying BBQ in D.C. This eatery offers a full range of classic BBQ dishes like ribs, chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, along with delicious sides such as cornbread, baked beans, and coleslaw. Rocklands pays special attention to using wood and charcoal to grill their meats, creating a distinctive smoky flavor that you’ll hardly find elsewhere.
2Fifty BBQ is a relatively new establishment but has quickly become a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts in D.C. This BBQ joint specializes in handcrafted Texas-style smoked meats, using the “low and slow” method to ensure tender and flavorful meat. 2Fifty BBQ’s menu also features a unique fusion of American and Salvadoran cuisine, with sides like esquites and grilled plantains.
Dessert Heaven
After indulging in savory main courses, don’t forget to take some time to explore the sweet dessert world of Washington D.C. The city has countless tempting options, from cool ice cream to delicious doughnuts and crispy cookies.
Ice Cream Jubilee is an ideal destination for ice cream lovers. With multiple locations across D.C., Ice Cream Jubilee is known for its innovative and unique ice cream flavors, such as Bourbon caramel banana, cookies and cookie dough, blueberry pie, and many others. In addition to ice cream, the shop also serves sundaes, milkshakes, and local-style ice cream cakes.
Cool ice cream at Ice Cream Jubilee.
Here’s the Scoop not only serves ice cream but also offers a variety of tempting pastries, baked goods, cookies, and macarons. Their ice cream flavors are diverse, including salted caramel pretzel and double chocolate macaron, along with vegan options from local brands.
District Doughnut is a must-visit spot for doughnut lovers. This doughnut shop is famous for its soft, fluffy doughnuts, coated in sweet glazes and eye-catching decorations. Dulce de leche flavor is the most popular at District Doughnut, but you can also try other flavors like Nutella s’more, brown butter, or raspberry jam.
Appetizing doughnuts from District Doughnut.
Dog Tag Bakery is a special bakery, not only serving delicious handcrafted baked goods but also carrying a profound social mission. Every purchase at Dog Tag Bakery contributes to supporting veterans and military families through the bakery’s scholarship program. Dog Tag Bakery’s menu is diverse, including pastries, breads, desserts, and coffee.
Uncle Chip’s is an ideal place to enjoy cookies and snacks in D.C. Uncle Chip’s is famous for its crispy, delicious cookies, with many different flavors. Besides cookies, the shop also serves sandwiches, breakfast bagels, and signature waffles on weekends.
Delicious cookies at Uncle Chip's.
Distinctive Pub Fare
Pubs are not just places to enjoy drinks but also an important part of American food culture. Pubs in Washington D.C. often serve tempting light dishes, perfect for pairing with beer or cocktails.
City Tap House is a popular pub in Chinatown, with a spacious and cozy atmosphere, serving a wide variety of craft beers and a creative food menu. Classic pub fare like corn and crab hushpuppies, spiced wings, and blue crab mac and cheese are excellent choices to start your dinner. City Tap House also has many other American classics like burgers, country-style pork chops, and grilled ribeye steak.
An appealing burger at City Tap House.
Old Ebbitt Grill is a Washington D.C. icon, one of the city’s oldest restaurants. Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill has served generations of politicians, journalists, and locals. This eatery is open all day, from breakfast to dinner, with a diverse menu including sandwiches, desserts, and a fresh raw bar. Old Ebbitt Grill’s bar is an ideal spot to enjoy a drink and nibble on a classic grilled cheese sandwich or a bowl of chili.
Cozy ambiance at Old Ebbitt Grill.
Upscale Steakhouses
Steakhouses are an indispensable part of upscale American cuisine. Washington D.C. has many luxurious steakhouses, serving premium steaks made from high-quality beef.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a renowned steakhouse located in the heart of CityCenterDC, a luxury shopping district in D.C. Del Frisco’s offers a sophisticated and elegant dining atmosphere, with a diverse steak menu, including 45-day dry-aged prime ribeye and Wagyu tomahawk chops. The restaurant also has a fine wine collection and impeccable service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Steak and burger at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse.
Mastro’s Steakhouse is another excellent choice for those wanting to experience a high-end steakhouse. Mastro’s combines elegant service and sophisticated cuisine to create a memorable evening. The restaurant has a variety of steaks, from petite cuts to double-cut porterhouse and New York strip steaks.
Bourbon Steak, located inside the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, is a high-end steakhouse created by renowned chef Michael Mina. Bourbon Steak serves wood-fired grilled steaks, with a signature dish of butter-poached, slow-cooked steak. The restaurant also has an award-winning wine program, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Elegant interior at Bourbon Steak.
Charlie Palmer Steak, located on Capitol Hill, is a favorite spot for politicians and influencers. This stylish steakhouse offers robust flavors of handcrafted American beef, with highlights like cowboy-cut ribeye and aged New York strip. Charlie Palmer Steak also has an impressive rooftop space, ideal for romantic evenings.
RARE Steakhouse combines Midwestern charm with a first-class dining experience. RARE Steakhouse has two distinct spaces: a first-floor tavern serving bar snacks and local oysters, and an upscale second-floor steakhouse with an extensive à la carte menu. Steaks at RARE are diverse, ranging from local grass-fed ribeyes to Wagyu strips and a 50 oz bone-in steak for two.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Beyond the famous dishes and restaurants mentioned, Washington D.C. also offers many other unique culinary experiences, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity and dynamism.
Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals baseball team, is not just a sports venue but also an attractive culinary destination. Here, you can enjoy countless diverse food and drink options, from classic hot dogs and burgers to local and international specialties. The dining experience at Nationals Park is an integral part of any baseball game outing.
Nationals Park stadium, where you can enjoy food and baseball.
Conclusion
Washington D.C. is a culinary paradise with countless tempting options, from humble street food to luxurious restaurants. Whether you are a fan of burgers, BBQ, steak, or sweets, D.C. can satisfy all your culinary preferences. Take the time to explore and enjoy the unique specialties of this city, and you will have an unforgettable food experience.