The half smoke belongs somewhere in the hot dog family, but its pedigree is dubious. Is it called a half smoke because it is only smoked halfway? Because it is a half-and-half mix of beef and pork? Because some cooks bisect it lengthwise before cooking it on a grill? One claim to fame with which no one can argue is that the half smoke is the one single dish that is unique to Washington, D.C. It mostly is street food, sold by corner carts, but it also is a signature of Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant, as well as of Weenie Beenie, a one-time D.C.-area chain that is now a single location in Arlington, Virginia. Basically a fat hot dog with a coarse texture and an elusive smoky taste, the half smoke is always served in a bun and is typically topped with spicy beef chili.
Ben Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl, where half smokes rule.
Half smokes on the griddle at Ben’s Chili Bowl.