Sure, you can get a hot dog at 3:30 a.m. at legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, but a little-known fact is that at 9 a.m. you can order traditional breakfast fare of eggs, toast and bacon.

That’s right, Ben’s has breakfast — and it’s quite good.

This is one of the many little neighborhood secrets kept by D.C. denizens all over the metro area. Whether it is an older establishment that hasn’t been widely explored or a new neighborhood haunt that residents have kept on the QT, here are a few we visited and felt had to be divulged.

BREAKFAST AT BEN’S
It can be a shock to the system when you wander into Ben’s Chili Bowl when the sun has already risen and Prince’s “Purple Rain” is pumping from the stereo. The feeling quickly wears off when the smell of bacon, sausage and all things that make breakfast wonderful reaches your nose.

Despite the early hour, the staff is friendly and the counter is full of regulars — if you manage to find a seat between them, definitely do it to get the full diner experience.

Anything from Ben’s is inherently good in that hometown-diner way. The bacon is crispy, and eggs are made to order just the way you like them.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U St. N.W.
(202) 667-0909
www.benschilibowl.com

BRUNCH AT THE REEF
Typically known for the fantastic view of the city from the roof deck and cool blue ambiance inside, the Reef in Adams Morgan also boasts a brunch with unique offerings such as free-range bison with hollandaise sauce and eggs and salmon crab-cake Benedict.

Traditional brunch choices such as French toast (made with hazelnuts) and omelets are also available; however, the ingredients are a cut above other establishments. The produce is organic and the meat is free-range, provided by local farmers, according to the website.

The drink offerings are equally creative; for example the orange juice in your mimosa can be swapped for fresh grapefruit, pomegranate or poinsettia juice. The Reef’s Bloody Mary errs on the more traditional side but is so tasty that you immediately understand the bartenders simply did not want to mess with a good thing.
The Reef
2446 18th St. N.W.
(202) 518-3800
www.thereefdc.com

LUNCH AT CAF� LUNA
Nestled beneath Skewers and around the corner from Blockbuster Video, Caf� Luna offers some of the best and affordable food in the Dupont area.

Locals have long known that the healthy little restaurant has a plentiful selection of vegetarian-friendly dishes as well as plenty of choices for the more carnivorous clientele.

The appetizers are as colorful as the brightly painted d�cor. Try the Luna sampler, which is made up of several of the restaurant’s best starters, including the balsamic-drizzled avocado salad, mozzarella and tomato, tangy roasted red peppers and black olives.

If you decide on the bruschetta for a lunchtime appetizer, make sure you save room for the main course. The portions are generous, and the warm pizza dough topped with tomatoes and herbs is hard to stop nibbling on once you begin.

While breakfast is served all day and the dinner specials are superb, lunch at Caf� Luna features a wide array of unique sandwiches that range from $4.95 to $7.25. Try the avocado-and-tomato sandwich with sprouts on focaccia bread or the creamy chicken-salad sandwich.
Caf� Luna
1633 P St. N.W.
(202) 387-4005
www.skewers-cafeluna.com

DINNER AND DRINKS AT MARX
Don’t drive too fast down Mount Pleasant Street or you might miss this fun little restaurant.

Marx Caf�, named after the famous revolutionary Karl Marx, is a combination of a neighborhood bar and a slightly pricey bistro. It nearly pulls it off — except for the bistro part.

Furnished in dark wood and with appropriately red walls, the caf� provides a cozy, intimate environment. A tiny recessed area just off the bar is a perfect place to gather with friends to talk over a couple of Heifeweissen, served in (very) tall, cold glasses.

The tapas-style appetizers are excellent. Garlicky hummus served with warm pita and tender steak kebabs smothered in tangy sauce are two dishes to try.

The entrees leave something to be desired — flavor for the most part. The salmon was on the dry side, but the vegetables accompanying it were well seasoned and cooked just right. The chicken Caesar also lacked dressing, and the chicken itself was over cooked. The flair and flavor that one would expect after such impressive appetizers seemed to be missing from at least two of the main courses.
Marx Caf�  
3203 Mount Pleasant St. N.W.
(202) 518-7600