Eat Local: Hard Times Cafe

Who knew there was a National Chili Dog Day! Thankfully, Hard Times Cafe is a fully advised and highly qualified contributor to the culinary festivities.

This Thursday, from open to close, the Old Town location–and also the first ever Hard Times Cafe!–will celebrate the tasty event by giving away free chili dogs with any purchase. General Manager Mike Dankwa says the event is a way to thank faithful patrons while attracting new clientele to sample Hard Time's signature chili.

The all beef dogs will be prepared with the Cafe's "Cincinnati Chili"–a tomato-based chili with sweet spices including cinnamon, topped with shredded cheddar cheese. 

If you're still hungry after the free dog, other signature chili specialties include the "Texas", the "Vegetarian" and the "Terlingua Red." The recipes claim to be historically accurate versions of chili created during turn-of-the century Southwestern cattle drives and in the chili parlors of the Midwest. 

Popular menu items also feature the "Chili Mac", the "Frito Chili Pie"–Frito's corn chips topped with your choice of chili, and the "Chili Bubba"–two choices of chili atop cornbread. Mike says you can't go wrong with the chicken wings (I can attest to this–they're delicious!). The wings are deep fried, then grilled, and available in five flavors. 

Be sure to look for owner Fred Parker's 1941 Chevy pickup truck (with a fake horse in the back) parked in front of the restaurant most evenings and weekends. 

Hard Times Cafe is located at 1404 King Street. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - midnight. Phone: 703-837-0050.