What to eat in United States — and what it costs

By Harper Wells, United States host 10 August 2026 7 min read

Close-up of a hand slicing juicy, smoked beef brisket on a wooden cutting board, showcasing deliciously cooked meat. — Photo by Gil Goldman on Pexels

The air in D.C. in August hits you like a damp wool blanket the second you step out of a Metro car, and the last thing you want is a heavy meal. But that’s exactly when the city’s food scene shines — when you’re sweating through your shirt on the walk from Eastern Market to Barracks Row, and a cold, bright bite suddenly makes the humidity worth it. I’ve lived here through a dozen of these swampy summers, and I know exactly where to point you, and what you’ll pay.

Start at the Market: Eastern Market and Union Market

If you’re on Capitol Hill, make your first stop Eastern Market, the 1873 public market hall that’s been the neighborhood’s beating heart for 150 years. On a Saturday morning, the weekend flea market spills out onto the sidewalks, and the smell of grilled breakfast sandwiches from the Market Lunch counter pulls you inside. They’re famous for their crab cake Benedict and blueberry buckwheat pancakes — a stack runs you about $12–15, and it’s worth every cent. The produce stalls are piled high with local peaches, sweet corn, and heirloom tomatoes this time of year; a pint of berries sets you back around $4–6. It’s not fancy, but it’s real, and it’s the kind of breakfast you’ll remember when you’re back home in January.

Across town in NoMa, Union Market is a different beast — a polished food hall with rotating vendors, artisan stalls, and the Made in D.C. shop for local souvenirs. You can graze your way through tacos, ramen, and gourmet grilled cheese, with most counter meals in the $10–15 range. It’s a bit more gentrified than Eastern Market, but the energy is infectious, especially on a Friday evening when the bar area fills up with people escaping the heat. If you’re on a budget, grab a bagel with schmear for around $5 and sit on the outdoor patio, watching the city buzz past.

D.C.’s Signature: The Half-Smoke and the Chili Dog

You cannot visit Washington and skip the half-smoke — a spiced, smoked sausage that’s the city’s culinary claim to fame. The holy grail is Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, the legendary spot that’s been serving since 1958. It’s a dive in the best way, with photos of every president from Obama to Biden on the wall (and a few celebrities). A half-smoke with chili, onions, and mustard will run you about $8–10, and a side of their famous chili-cheese fries is another $5–6. It’s a gut-bomb, but it’s essential — the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and your memory. Go on a weekday afternoon if you can, because the line on weekends snakes out the door, though it moves fast.

If you’re not up for the full chili experience, order a regular hot dog for around $4–5, or a simple grilled cheese and let the air-conditioning revive you. U Street itself is worth wandering afterward — it was “Black Broadway” in the 1930s, and the Howard Theatre still hosts concerts. The neighborhood is a dining and nightlife hub now, so you can easily make an afternoon of it.

Sit-Down Meals: Where to Splurge Like a Local

When the heat finally breaks in the evening, D.C.’s restaurant scene steps up. For a quintessential power-dinner experience, book a table at Old Ebbitt Grill near the White House. It’s been around since 1856 and feels like a time capsule — dark wood, brass rails, and a raw bar that’s always packed. Oysters are around $3–4 each, and their crab cakes (a Maryland staple) are $30–40. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also genuinely good, and the people-watching is unbeatable. A more relaxed option is Founding Farmers DC in Foggy Bottom, which serves a farm-to-table menu with rock-solid fried chicken and their famous sticky buns. A full meal for two with drinks will come to about $60–80 — not cheap, but reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

For a taste of the city’s nightlife without the price tag, head to Adams Morgan on 18th Street, where international restaurants crowd the block. Ethiopian food is D.C.’s other claim to fame, and you can get a massive vegetarian platter (injera, lentils, and vegetables) for around $15–20 at any of the half-dozen spots along the strip. It’s meant to be shared, so grab a friend and order two dishes. If you’ve got a bit more to spend, Stan’s DC Restaurant and Elephant & Castle — both near the White House — offer solid pub fare; expect $15–20 for a burger and fries.

Sweet Treats, Coffee, and the Summer Festival Circuit

When the humidity gets to you, hunt down air-conditioning and a cold drink. Dolphin Cafe in Georgetown is a no-frills spot for a scoop of ice cream ($3–5) and a view of the C&O Canal. For a proper caffeine fix, try Big Bear Cafe in Bloomingdale or DUA DC Coffee in Shaw — a cappuccino runs about $4–5, and both spots have plenty of indoor seating to escape the sun. If you want to work remotely for an hour, Bluestone Lane Logan Circle Café has decent wifi and healthy-ish bowls for around $10–12.

August is also festival season. The Panda Fest lands on Pennsylvania Avenue in Penn Quarter in mid-August — it’s free, with panda-themed decor, bounce houses, street food, and live performances. It’s delightfully weird and very D.C. For a more refined deal, Alexandria Restaurant Week runs through late August, with prix-fixe dinners at $35, $45, or $55 at dozens of Old Town restaurants. That’s how you get a $60+ meal for $35 — book ahead, and use it as an excuse to cross the Potomac. The Arlington County Fair (August 12-15) is another option: carnival rides, archery, ax-throwing, and a Night Market with food trucks. Cheap eats run $5–10.

Street Food, Budget Bites, and the Cheapest Full Meal

If you’re truly on a shoestring, D.C. is more affordable than you’d think — you just have to know where to look. Food trucks line the Mall and L’Enfant Plaza at lunchtime, with tacos, falafel, and Korean BBQ bowls for $8–12. That’s your best bet for a filling, varied lunch near the Smithsonian museums. For a classic diner breakfast, Ted’s Bulletin – 14th Street serves massive omelets and homemade pop-tarts for about $10–12. And the DC Circulator bus, which costs just $1, can get you between Capitol Hill and Georgetown, so you can eat cheap without burning your legs in the heat.

The cheapest full sit-down meal I know is a slice of pizza and a soda at any of the neighborhood slice joints — around $6–8 total. Or hit the National Museum of African American History and Culture cafeteria (free entry, but book timed passes in advance), which serves up elevated soul food — fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens — for $12–15. It’s a museum meal with heart.

Practical Notes: Prices, Weather, and What to Skip

To give you a frame: the city’s inflation is hovering around 2.9%, so prices are roughly stable. A sit-down dinner with a couple of drinks will run $30–50 per person at mid-range spots; a nicer place like Old Ebbitt or Founding Farmers will push $50–75. A casual lunch at a cafe or food stall is $10–15. Tap water is free, and the public drinking fountains on the Mall are mostly working — bring a bottle and refill constantly, because it will hit 34°C with a “feels like” of 38°C and rain showers are more mist than relief.

Don’t waste money on the hop-on-hop-off buses; the Metro (with a $2 SmarTrip card) will get you everywhere for $2.25–6.75 per ride. And skip the overpriced riverfront restaurants at Navy Yard if you’re watching pennies — the food is fine, but you’re paying for the view of Nationals Park.

One final tip: if you’re here on a Tuesday or Wednesday, check the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage — it’s free every evening at 6pm, and you can grab a pre-show snack from the nearby food trucks. That’s the D.C. I love: a city that might swelter, but it never skimps on a good meal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the signature dish to try in Washington, D.C.?

The half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street is the city's iconic sausage dish, with chili, onions, and mustard for about $8–10. It's a must-try for first-time visitors.

How much does a cheap meal cost in D.C.?

Street food and food trucks run $8–12, pizza slices $6–8, and a cafe breakfast at spots like Ted's Bulletin is around $10–12. The DC Circulator bus ($1) can help you reach budget-friendly neighborhoods.

Are there any food festivals in D.C. in August?

Yes! Panda Fest (free, panda-themed street food and activities) is on Pennsylvania Avenue in mid-August, and Alexandria Restaurant Week offers $35/$45/$55 prix-fixe dinners through late August in Old Town Alexandria.

What is the best market for fresh, cheap food in D.C.?

Eastern Market on Capitol Hill is the historical 1873 market hall with produce, crafts, and the Market Lunch counter for cheap breakfasts (~$12–15). Union Market in NoMa is a more modern food hall with $10–15 counter meals.

Is it safe to carry cash or use cards in D.C. restaurants?

Most places accept credit cards and contactless payments like Apple Pay. Cash is fine too, but cards are easier. Beware of SmarTrip card scams — only buy transit cards from station kiosks or wmata.com, not from street sellers.

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