By I’m literally sitting here trying to think of the perfect introduction for this restaurant that I’m going to tell you about. I’m thinking.. I’m thinking.. Well, I have nothing. Wait! I do have something. Do you like shakes? Don’t answer that question if you’re lac-toast-in-tawlerent (yes, I know how it’s spelled) Wait, do you like half smokes? Well, that’s good that you do because this post has nothing to do with either of the two. Sorry. I just wanted to ask you some irrelevant questions that had nothing to do with this post. No, just kidding. Of course my questions have everything to do with the subject matter I’m going to discuss. Alright, I’m a little off track, but that’s only because I didn’t know how to start the introduction. ADDDDDDDDDD much? (No offense to those that have that horrible condition, I can only imagine)
I wanted to get an inexpensive meal that was good for lunch and was in the mood for a half smoke. Coincidentally, I found this place in Washington D.C. that I drive past a fair amount of time so I decided to check it out. So, as I was doing research regarding foods I happen to stumble upon a Wikipedia meaning of the word Half-Smoke. From Wikipedia it reads, “A half-smoke is a “local sausage delicacy” found in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region. Similar to a hot dog, but usually larger, spicier, and with more coarsely-ground meat, the sausage is often half-pork and half-beef, smoked, and served with herbs, onion, and chili sauce.” HA! I had no idea that half-smokes were mostly known for being in the D.C. area, did you? Well, we learn something new everyday. I was able to go in on a Sunday, and I guess because of festivities happening that day it was the reason the place was pretty empty. The restaurant is set-up cafe style, where you can choose from as many as twenty plus toppings, and has a lounge area that includes board games ranging from monopoly to jenga. (Please don’t challenge me in Jenga, you’ll never win, no I’m horrible at that game, but I’m a pretty good monopoly player) The restaurant is located off of Florida Avenue, about a mile off of one of the busiest roads in D.C., New York Avenue. The restaurant is known for their half smokes but I’d challenge that they should be known for their shakes which aren’t bad at all.
I was able to try two different sausages along with two shakes. The first was a lamb sausage. The lamb was topped with beer cheese, hummus, slaw, and D.C.’s specialty mumbo sauce! I’m not sure how the actual meal tasted because I inhaled it. I’m not too positive if the sandwich was really good or if I was hungry. Nevertheless, the sandwich was really good. The lamb had a hint of spiciness to it but the slaw and mumbo sauce helped even it out because of the sweetness it posed. I was also able to get sweet potato tots as a side to go with my sausage. The tots were really good, and if you’re anything like me then you’ll dip your tots in the mumbo sauce.
The next dish was a regular half smoke topped with beer cheese, cheddar, sauerkraut, honey mustard, and green onions. The half smoked was equally inhaled as the previous one. The sauerkraut wasn’t too tangy, and the onions and honey mustard added the perfect taste to the semi-spicy half smoke. You’re able to get any type of toppings you like, ranging from beer cheese to hummus.
I was able to get tow shakes as well. One shake was the chocolate chip shake and the other a strawberry sprinkles milkshake. The shakes were very good, but I had to return my chocolate chip shake because it melted as soon as it was placed in front of me. For as much money I’m spending on a milk shake ($12) then I expect it to stand a little longer. The presentation was amazing, but the overall shake was ok. If you have the extra money to get a “fancy shake” then do so, if not, you’re not missing anything.
Overall : This restaurant isn’t somewhere that I’d rush to get to, but if you’re looking for a half smoke then I’d suggest you try it. Be careful when you go though, you’ll end up questioning how much you spent because in all honesty, the price of the food doesn’t equate to the quality of the meal.
SavoryTravels 