Washington, D.C.: Capital Comfort Food

The half-smoke is a D.C. classic. It's smoked sausage with a kick, paired perfectly with chili and onions. The best are at Ben's Chili Bowl, right across from the U Street stop on the Metro's Green Line. Make sure to check out the celebrity photos on the walls while you wait (202-667-0909; www.benschilibowl.com). Keep walking west toward Adams Morgan, and stop in at Love Café for a mouthwatering cupcake. Wait for the buttercream frosting to warm up to room temperature for the best effect (202-265-9800; lovecafe.cakelove.com). If you've got any more room, keep heading west on U Street until you hit 18th. Make a right and you'll run into Adams Morgan. Bypass the jumbo-slice pizza places for Amsterdam Falafelshop. The fries here are heavenly and can be topped with the same amazing fixings as the falafel: fresh tabbouli, hummus, roasted veggies and more—we're talking double-digit options (202-234-1969; www.falafelshop.com). By now you'll probably be in a food coma, so grab a coup of joe and crash on the comfy couches at Tryst, just up the block (202-232-5500; www.trystdc.com).
—Eve Chen, Atlanta, Georgia

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