Larry Bleiberg
| Special to USA TODAY
Historic sites aren’t limited to battlefields or stately homes. Sometimes, they can be as surprising as a sushi bar. A new grant program sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express honors more than two dozen small, historic and culturally significant restaurants, which have suffered through the pandemic.
“These owners are dedicated to their craft, to their community, and to good food,” says Colleen Taylor, American Express’ president of merchant services for the U.S. “Without them, their neighborhoods would be different.”
She shares some favorites, all which have been operating for at least 25 years, with USA TODAY.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Washington, D.C.
When this Black-owned restaurant opened on U Street in 1958, Washington was still a segregated city. Over the years, it has fed scores of politicians and activists, everyone from Bono to Barack Obama. There’s even a special Ben’s archive at the city’s George Washington University. Popular offerings include a large spicy hot dog called a half-smoke, a regional specialty. “It’s good local comfort food,” Taylor says.
More information: benschilibowl.com
Maneki
Seattle
One of the…
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