The Washington, D.C., hot dog that is larger, spicier, and coarser than a regular hot dog is the half-smoke. It is a regional sausage associated with the capital and surrounding area.
Half-smokes are often made with a mixture of pork and beef, although recipes vary widely. The sausage is usually smoked or given a smoke flavor and has a coarser texture than a standard frankfurter. It is commonly served in a bun with onions, herbs, mustard, or chili sauce, depending on the vendor.
The name has several proposed explanations. It may refer to the traditional half-pork, half-beef mixture, a texture midway between a smoked sausage and a hot dog, or the practice of cutting the sausage in half while grilling. None of these theories is universally settled.
The half-smoke is closely associated with Ben’s Chili Bowl, while Weenie Beenie is another well-known local purveyor. It is also recognized as the official dog of the Washington Nationals.