Food in Washington DC: 10 Quintessentially Washington DC Dishes and Where To Eat Them
Washington DC has long been an underrated dining destination. Many food lovers visiting the East Coast ignore it in favor of New York City, while sightseers typically focus more on the museums and monuments than on dinner. While some of the clichés about DC dining do bear out—yes, this is a city that knows how to power-lunch—that’s only the beginning of what it has to offer.
Home to an array of Michelin-starred and James Beard Award–winning restaurants, the capital also boasts unpretentious neighborhood eateries serving everything from Ethiopian to Salvadoran and Peruvian fare. Whether you’re after steak, martinis, and crab—or are looking for something as simply satisfying as a classic half-smoke—here’s your essential Washington DC food guide.
1. Half-smokes
What’s not to like about the half-smoke combination of sausage and chili?
When it comes to traditional DC foods, it’s hard to beat the half-smoke—even if no one knows exactly who invented it, or how it earned its name. Typically served in a bun with cheese and chili topping, the hot dog–like half-smoke is a sausage composed of pork and beef, and is often smoked (and a little spicy).
Sure, it may not be highfalutin’ fare, but that makes it all the more satisfying—especially if you’re seeking hearty comfort food after a busy day on the sightseeing circuit.
Where to try the half-smoke in Washington DC: Made famous by President Obama’s visit in 2009, Ben’s Chili Bowl is the best-known spot for a half-smoke in DC. Drop by during a walking tour of U Street.
2. Blue crabs
You don’t need to go to Maryland to enjoy Chesapeake Bay blue crabs.
Washington DC is a city that takes its seafood seriously. It’s not quite coastal, but the capital is still just a quick trip up the Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay, long prized for its blue crabs.
During the April through December season, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Chesapeake crab dishes in DC, whether you savor them as soft-shells, enjoy mess-free crabcakes, or relish the challenge of breaking down a steamed hard-shell crab (or several).
Where to try blue crabs in Washington DC: Opened in 1805, the historic Municipal Fish Market is a great place to buy live or cooked blue crabs, though you can also try Chesapeake crab on an off-the-beaten-path DC eating tour.
3. Steak
In a city that runs on power lunches, steak is an obvious choice.
Sure, steak isn’t exactly a dish that’s unique to Washington DC, but it’s still a ubiquitous fixture of the capital’s culinary landscape. Credit the city’s high ratio of power players, including politicians, lobbyists, and lawyers, many of whom still prefer to gather over fine wine and filet mignon.
However, DC’s steak options aren’t preserved in amber, and a range of new-school steakhouses are offering a more contemporary twist on the format.
Where to try steak in Washington DC: First, tour the U.S. Capitol, then head to storied Capitol Hill eateries such as The Monocle or the nearby Capital Grille for an old-school experience. Alternatively, enjoy modern fine dining in DC at St. Anselm.
4. Soul food
Eating soul food in Washington DC is an essential culinary experience in the capital.
Soul food has been a mainstay of Washington DC’s dining scene for generations, reflecting the city’s longstanding African-American heritage. Although some cherished restaurants have recently closed after decades in business—see the much-mourned Georgia Brown’s—it’s still more than possible to enjoy a delicious soul-food feast in the nation’s capital, whether you crave staples such as shrimp and grits, sweet potato pie, or fried chicken.
Afterwards, embark on an African-American history tour for richer cultural context.
Where to try soul food in Washington DC: Head to Florida Avenue Grill, open since 1944 and said to be the world’s oldest soul-food restaurant, or swing by Henry’s Soul Cafe.
5. Pupusas
This Salvadoran staple is a popular quick-eat in DC, a stronghold of Salvadoran culture and immigration.
It’s not exactly hard to find international cuisine in DC. As the nation’s capital, Washington DC is home to scores of embassies, consulates, and other political hubs that draw global crowds. One bonus of this international scope is a fantastic array of cuisines to explore, including from El Salvador.
In DC, you’ll find numerous restaurants selling hearty favorites such as pupusas, or griddled and stuffed corn cakes that have some resemblance to Colombian arepas and Mexican tamales. They’re usually affordable, made fresh, and wonderfully satisfying.
Where to try pupusas in Washington DC: Head to local-favorite El Rinconcito in Mount Vernon Square, try El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan, or enjoy as part of a market-focused food tour.
6. Ethiopian sharing platters
You can’t leave DC before going out for an Ethiopian meal.
Washington DC has been home to a large Ethiopian community since the 1970s, and even boasts a “Little Ethiopia” along Shaw’s 9th Street Corridor. Today, there’s a wealth of fantastic Ethiopian restaurants on offer in the city, both in Little Ethiopia and across the wider metropolitan area.
The best way to explore the cuisine is by ordering a sharing platter: Typically, a mix of fragrant, spiced stews are arrayed on a large piece of injera, or sour-fermented, spongy flatbread. Get ready to eat with your hands (and enjoy deliciously vivid flavors).
Where to try Ethiopian sharing platters in Washington DC: Try Elfegne or Habesha Market, while a Little Ethiopia DC food tour is a great option for a cultural exploration.
7. Peruvian chicken
“Pollo a la brasa” is another international option that’s become a DC mainstay.
Another international cuisine that has long thrived in Washington DC, Peruvian is a must-try while you’re visiting the nation’s capital. There are many dishes to seek out during your stay, including everything from ceviche and lomo saltado to fusion Japanese-Peruvian, or Nikkei, dishes.
But if you’re after something that is both ultra-comforting and fantastically delicious, you can’t beat Peruvian-style roast or rotisserie chicken, or pollo a la brasa. Pro tip: Go heavy on the companion green sauce, or ají verde, and don’t forget the side of yuca fries.
Where to try Peruvian chicken in Washington DC: Try District Rico, reputed for its chicken, or the equally excellent Crisp & Juicy.
8. Mumbo sauce
Yes, one of Washington DC’s quintessential dishes is a sauce.
Speaking of chicken—if you’re after something spicy, sweet, and sour all at once (and don’t mind a casual dining experience), then be sure to order chicken wings with a side of Mumbo sauce during your Washington DC visit.
More a condiment than a dish in its own right, this DC local favorite is often compared to barbecue sauce, though it packs more of a punch. Head to the city’s low-key carryouts, where the sauce is said to have originated, to enjoy it—perhaps after a late night out on the town.
Where to try mumbo sauce in Washington DC: One no-nonsense spot is Yum’s II Carryout, where you can try the wings-and-Mumbo-sauce combo, while Honeymoon Chicken offers Mumbo dipping sauce.
9. Jumbo slices
There's nothing not to like about extra, *extra*-large pizza—enter: jumbo slices.
The next must-try on this quintessential DC dishes list certainly lives up to its name: The jumbo slice is, yes, an extra-large slice of pizza. Some measure more than 15 inches (38 centimeters) long.
Created by Pizza Mart in the 1990s, the jumbo slice is most commonly associated with the Adams Morgan neighborhood (uncoincidentally known for its nightlife). While they would never be confused with fine dining, jumbo slices are ideal fuel after a pub crawl—or if all the sightseeing has made you ravenous.
Where to try a jumbo slice in Washington DC: In addition to Pizza Mart, swing by Duccini’s Pizza or try Pizza Boli’s.
10. Cupcakes
For a sweet treat in DC, finish your food crawl with a cupcake.
What Magnolia Bakery—whose cupcakes earned a cameo spot on Sex and the City—is to New York City, so Georgetown Cupcake is to Washington DC. After opening in 2008, the business starred on a TLC show, DC Cupcake, and expanded from there.
Since then, it’s become a mainstay of DC’s dessert scene, and numerous other specialty bakeries have followed in its wake. Today, swing by to try a classic flavor, or sample seasonal specials from blueberry waffle to pumpkin marshmallow.
Where to try cupcakes in Washington DC: Aside from Georgetown Cupcake, look out for Baked & Wired and Red Velvet Cupcakery.
Book more things to do in Washington DC
Keep reading
