5 Tastes Of Washington, D.C. Slideshow

Founded in 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl is a true Washington, D.C. establishment. Fans like Bill Cosby and President Obama have enjoyed the secret-recipe chili that has stayed consistent since opening day, along with the original counters, booths, and stools. Their signature dish is the Bill Cosby's Original Chili Half-Smoke, popularized by the actor in the '60s. The dish is a ¼-pound half pork and half beef smoked sausage on a warm bun topped with mustard, onions, and their homemade chili sauce.

There is something special about this pizza that is made to the exact Italian specifications (really, it's certified by the Italian government!). 2Amys serves real Neapolitan pizza, with everything from the dough to clumps of gooey buffalo mozzarella being cooked perfectly in the wood-fired oven. The signature pizza is simple (tomato, mozzarella, and basil) but the result is a legendary pizza known throughout the D.C. area. 

These fried-to-order delights cause people in D.C. to line up all day (and night), hoping to stuff as many possible toppings and condiments into their falafel pita. Inspired by the falafel shops in Amsterdam and Europe, the allure of the restaurant is in the Middle Eastern spread of relishes, pickles, and condiments visitors use to top what the company calls "simply, the best falafel." The result is a messy, but flavorful stuffed pita fit for daytime and late-night eaters. 

The fluffy blueberry buckwheat pancakes at Market Lunch (located in D.C.'s Eastern Market) cause a line so long it is notorious throughout D.C. The pancakes are only served on Saturdays and guests can dine on the brunch item at the long communal table in the restaurant. The pancakes are made with buckwheat powder, which creates a hearty flavor, sweetened with blueberries, and topped off with two generous slabs of butter. The restaurant also serves a variety of American favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and crabcakes.

This appetizer at Founding Farmers may seem simple, but the popcorn is seasoned every day with a new batch of seasonings ground in-house. The restaurant celebrates the importance of the American farmer by using the best seasonal products. Some days the popcorn is seasoned with rosemary and Parmesan and on others the treat is covered in cinnamon sugar. No matter the variety, the snack is always only $2, and certainly of better quality than the popcorn you make in a microwave.