You can’t visit a city like this without finding some amazing foods to fill your tummy. Of course there are many to choose from, but here are a couple you really should consider.
The restaurants you must try…
Ben’s Chili Bowl is one of those places where you’d better know what you want when you get there. The line seems to go faster than you think it will and the place is very busy. Luckily, you can watch what the people in front of you order to get the hang of it. Obviously, you must have the chili dogs and chili fries with a side of chili. Get a burger with chili, too, while you’re at it.
I didn’t really think it was the best chili I’d ever had, but the experience is where it’s at. The famous people pictured on the walls have all eaten there, including several presidents. The food here is hot, filling, and predictable. The prices aren’t too bad either.
Brabo Tasting Room in Alexandria, Virginia, is just 30 minutes south of D.C. and is a culinary hot spot. Brabo is on the top of my list. Their curry-soaked mussels, Italian-style pizzas (when I say Italian, I mean Italy), and meat and cheese platters were all outstanding. The beer and wine offerings are fantastic, too. The prices were on the higher end, but you get what you pay for. I assure you, our table ate well that night. We had way too much food, but it was perfect for spending time with friends.
Ping Pong Dim Sum was my favorite eating spot. It’s located in the heart of Washington D.C., just inside the Chinese district, and yet is so trendy. It’s not the typical tasty, dive-y, take-out spot I’m used to, either. Our group had a blast as round after round of dumplings, buns, and steamed bamboo baskets arrived at our table. Small plates of dim sum make it easy to sample many different flavors. This place would be my lunch spot if I worked nearby and a destination to which I would take my friends and family if I lived in D.C. But, since I don’t, I will just make a point of going each time I’m visiting Washington D.C..
For more advice on what to do in Washington D.C., check out this other blog post:
• Washington D.C.: Arlington Cemetery
travel. eat. hike. 