The half-smoke is the king of hot dogs. Since its inception in the 1950s by D.C.’s own meat packer Briggs and Co., the half-smoke is a god amongst men in comparison to its brother, the hot dog. This meatier, spicier and more coarse sausage-type dog is well-known in the D.C. area. Whether you like it smothered in chili or in a bed of ketchup, mustard and onions — or both — here is a list of half-smokes that will redefine what you think a hot dog can be.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Ben’s Chili Bowl is the celebrity icon of half-smokes. Having been visited by Bill Cosby regularly and President Barack Obama in 2009, Ben’s quickly gained notoriety. In addition to its celebrity clientele, Ben’s packs a punch in the form of Mr. Cosby’s namesake, a quarter-pound, half beef-half pork spicy smoked sausage on a steamed bun served with onions, mustard and spicy chili for $5.95. Whether you’re watching your favorite band or DJ at The Black Cat, The Velvet Lounge or U Street Music Hall, Ben’s is the place to stop for a quick bite to eat. NOTE: I would highly recommend the Bill Cosby grilled and split!
Meats & Foods
D.C.’s Meats & Foods is located near Howard University and a couple of blocks away from Ben’s. Meats & Foods offers a generously sized half-smoke on a steamed bun, split and grilled upon request. What you get: a spicy half-pork, half-beef sausage smothered in chili and onions with drizzled mustard to top it off for around $6. I would add bacon for about $1 more.
Bold Bite
Bold Bite is located practically on top of Union Station. It boasts a wide variety of half-smokes featuring a quarter-pound, slightly-smoked sausage served with a variety of toppings exclusive to the type you order. Whether you prefer sauerkraut, classic (chili, mustard and onions) or the veggie half-smoke, you can find it at Bold Bite for around $6 or $7.
DC-3
Located in the Capitol Hill area of D.C. near the Eastern Market Metro Station, this hot dog haven celebrates all things dog by featuring a dog from almost every major city in the U.S. Personally, the Philly Wit’ Dog is the best all-beef dog. It’s served on a proud Frankfurt loaf “wit” Cheese Whiz and sauteed onions for $4.99. It’s got the taste of a Philly pretzel and Philly cheesesteak in one! The place also serves a veggie dog for those who abstain from eating beef or are stuck to a limited diet.
Weenie Beenie
Weenie Beenie is a dive bar-esque food stand located in Arlington’s Shirlington area, just minutes from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This dog joint serves up the classics in a no-holds-barred fashion. At $2.75, this is the perfect place to get your feet wet with the half-smoke. The go-tos are definitely the classic with onions and mustard or the chili dog with the same on a steamed dog bun.
DCity Smokehouse
DCity Smokehouse is all things smoky and delicious! This full-on smokehouse offers the holy trinity of smoke: chicken, pork and beef. However, the D.C.-favorite half-smoke reigns supreme. It has been voted the best half-smoke in D.C.’s Washington City Paper Best of 2015, and rightfully so. Weighing in at a quarter pound, this half-beef, half-pork dog is smoky and spicy in all the right places. Served up split and toasted on a potato dog roll, this beast is smothered in a generous portion of chipotle brisket chili with red onions and a pass of French’s yellow mustard for $7. DCity is located just minutes away from Meats & Foods.
Boundary Stone Public House
D.C.’s Boundary Stone Pub is also located right down the street from Meats & Foods and DCity in the Bloomingdale area. This whiskey pub, whose name is derivative of the Founding Fathers’ plan for building the Capitol, has it all. The perfect combination of whiskey-based drinks paired with the half-smoke is a treat for any bar-goer and food connoisseur alike. This 13th St. Meats half-smoke is topped with house-made chili and aged Vermont cheddar cheese served with fries, and it runs about $13. Pair this smoky D.C. favorite with a sweet whiskey for a delicious meal.
The Partisan
The Partisan serves the half-smoke in a not-so-traditional manner. The spicy pickled half-smoke is served either by itself for $4.50 on a plate as a snack or in the Smoke on the Water plate as well, paired with andouille, bacon liverwurst and pecan rillettes for $19. The Partisan is conveniently located near the Shakespeare Theatre Co. and the Wooly Mammoth Theatre Co. If you are going to see a production at one of these great theaters, chow down on some great half-smoke as well.
ChurchKey
The ChurchKey is located near the historic Logan Circle in D.C. Its menu is packed with a wide variety of cheese plates, flatbreads and other snacks. However, if you find you have a larger appetite, the roasted half-smoke is the way to go. Served on a poppyseed bun with pickles and sweet potato chips, this classic rings up for about $12. You can’t go wrong with this version of the beloved half-smoke.
Straw, Stick & Brick Delicatessen
Straw, Stick & Brick Deli is located in the 16th Street Heights area of D.C. off of Georgia Avenue NW. The SSB menu offers a wide variety of smoked treats, such as the classic chili cheese half-smoke for $13. The menu claims “the name says it all,” and it couldn’t be more right! If you find yourself visiting the HellBender Brewing Co., definitely stop by SSB for some lunch after a great day of beer tasting.
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