The calendar has flipped over to October, and it is officially cozy season. Dig out your scarves, your warmest mittens and your cutest knit hat. Then, grab your wallet and head out to fill your belly with the best fall comfort foods money can buy in the DMV.
Ben’s Chili Bowl | Locations in Washington, D.C.
When it comes to fall food, you can’t go wrong with a good bowl of chili. Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been synonymous with chili in the DMV. With customers such as Barak Obama, Anthony Bourdain and jazz greats Miles Davis, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington, Ben’s certainly has the credibility of being the best. But it’s not the only game in town.
Republic Cantina | Truxton Circle, NW D.C.
Hit up Republic Cantina for a Tex-Mex twist on chili. The brisket chili features cotija cheese, cilantro, cream and a serving of caramelized cornbread at the bottom of the bowl. (In the neverending debate about whether beans belong in chili, Republic Cantina’s does not have beans).
Founding Farmers | Multiple locations throughout the DMV
When you need a comfort meal on a cold day, look no further than Founding Farmers. Its chicken pot pie hits all the high notes and nostalgia that your growling stomach craves. Not a pot pie fan? Founding Farmers also serves a hearty butternut squash and mascarpone ravioli to satisfy your tastebuds.
Ted’s Bulletin | Multiple locations throughout the DMV
With so many fall flavor breakfast options, you may want to eat at Ted’s Bulletin more than once. The apple spiced pancakes have a creamy ricotta and caramelized apples. Jam packed with the flavors of the season, the pumpkin pecan French toast is hard to pass up. Ted’s also features pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, overnight oats with chia pudding and date and ricotta toast with candied almonds.
Oohh’s & Aahh’s | Multiple locations throughout the DMV
If Thanksgiving can’t come soon enough for you, hop in your car and stop in at Ooh’s & Aahh’s for the turkey chops platter. Served fried over a bed of rice with gravy and onions, you may need to bring your elastic pants. The restaurant also has turkey wings and an appealing veggie platter heaping with three signature sides. Don’t leave without trying the world-class garlic mashed potatoes, whipped yams and decadent mac and cheese.
Katie Schubert’s favorite cozy meal is her mom’s yellow pepper soup. Email her if you want the recipe. (Seriously). She also never met a bowl of mac and cheese she didn’t like.
More Places To Eat Your Fill
Prescription Chicken | Online and select retailers throughout DMV
Chicken noodle soup and matzah ball soup
Pennyroyal Station – Mt. Rainier, MD
Shrimp and grits that’ll hit the spot and pastrami croque madame
Baked & Wired | D.C. – Georgetown
Pumpkin ginger bread and pear pecan cake
