The best half-smoke in Washington, D.C.
A coarse, smoky sausage of pork and beef, split and grilled, in a steamed bun under chili, mustard and raw onion. The dish to eat here, and the three places that do it best. Recipe at chefamazing.com/food-travel/dish/washington-dc.
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Ben's Chili Bowl
U StreetGet: The original chili half-smoke, all the way
On U Street since 1958, and the version every other half-smoke gets measured against.
Also on these lists: Long lines in Washington, D.C., Where the famous eat in Washington, D.C..
- 2
Meats & Foods
Florida Avenue NW, BloomingdaleGet: The house half-smoke with beef chili and cheese
A small sausage shop that makes its own half-smokes, a Washington Parent 2025 pick.
- 3
Weenie Beenie
Shirlington, Arlington, Va.Get: The char-grilled half-smoke
A roadside stand across the river, open since the 1950s, with a smokier, grilled version.
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