Grab a Half Smoke at Weenie Beenie

The Weenie Beenie is one of Arlington’s most storied and beloved institutions — a walk-up hot dog stand at 2680 S. Shirlington Rd. in the Green Valley neighborhood that has been feeding Arlingtonians since 1954. Founded by brothers Carl and Bill Staton, the restaurant’s name comes from Bill’s nickname — earned for his love of hot dogs and beans — and his funding source: winnings from a series of billiards bets, including $27,000 from a 1960 trip to Arkansas. Bill was an internationally renowned pool player and trick-shot artist who appeared in the film The Color of Money.

The Weenie Beenie claims to be the original home of the half-smoke — the local pork-and-beef sausage later popularized by Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C. — and prepares it the same way it has since day one: grilled inside out, with chili, mustard, relish, and onion. The menu also includes North Carolina-style BBQ, all-day breakfast sandwiches, and Philly cheese steaks. The restaurant is historically notable as one of the few white-owned businesses in Arlington during segregation to practice non-discriminatory hiring. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, who grew up in the area, honored the shack with a song on the band’s debut album. Open daily (closed Sundays). Visit weeniebeenie.net.