ChipsTrips: Metro Edition

Tired of the usual downtown Silver Spring dining options? Just can't bring yourself to swallow yet another Big Mac? The scent of Jerry's threatening to make you nauseous? Fear not: Next time hunger strikes, forget the mundane and instead give one of these delicious alternatives a try. With a few dollars and a Metro fare card, you'll find there are plenty of new places to indulge.

Amsterdam Falafel Shop

It won't take long to decide what to order at Amsterdam Falafel Shop — there are only three items on the menu. Simplicity rules at this popular Adams Morgan eatery, where diners can choose between falafel, fries and brownies.

Falafel, the Middle Eastern specialty of fried balls made from spiced chickpea flour, is the shop's main attraction. Available in either small (three falafel for $3.85) or regular (five falafel for $5.50), the crispy falafel are served unadorned in warm pockets of pita.

The real fun comes from the extensive toppings bar — follow other customers' leads and stuff your pita to its seams. From the spicy (chili paste and jalapeno slices) to the exotic (pickled beets, fried eggplant with garlic sauce and a tomato-based Turkish salad seasoned with cumin) Amsterdam offers a multitude of extras to make sure your falafel is packed with flavor.

The cramped, narrow restaurant has an Amsterdam theme that manifests itself in the city maps hung on the walls and the countertop inlaid with menus advertising the city's various head shops, which make for interesting reading as you enjoy the area's best falafel. 2425 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. (202) 234-1969.

Take Metro to: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red Line). Walk across the Duke Ellington Memorial bridge into Adams Morgan, about six blocks. Turn right on 18th Street; Amsterdam Falafel Shop will be on the left side.

Teaism

In our over-caffeinated society, most people turn to coffee chains like Starbucks to get their fix. But at Teaism, a small restaurant and tea shop located in Dupont Circle and within walking distance of three Starbucks, you won't find any coffee beans or frozen frappuccinos.

Instead, Teaism offers over 20 different teas in addition to the restaurant's Asian-inspired menu. Featuring noodle dishes, kebabs and bento boxes — the Japanese take on a brown bag lunch — Teaism serves up flavorful dishes at reasonable prices (small dishes range from $2.00 for a dish of sticky rice to $6.00 for a tender beef kebab, while most entrées hover around $8.00).

A visit to Teaism wouldn't be complete without a sample of the restaurant's namesake beverage, and the menu includes plenty of ways to try some tea. From the tea-cured salmon at breakfast to the moist, irresistible chocolate torte with subtly flavored green tea ice cream for dessert, tea permeates the restaurant's offerings.

Of course, you can always opt to drink tea in its liquid form. Served in sleek clay pots, the tea arrives already steeped and ready to be sipped. For novices, the staff will recommend a brew to try, while more experienced drinkers will appreciate the wide range of green, black, white and oolong teas available. Teaism's peaceful ambience and unique, flavorful dishes create the perfect atmosphere to relax with a cup of tea. 2009 R Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. (202) 667-3827.

Take Metro to: Dupont Circle (Red Line). Depart from station's Q Street exit, walk two blocks north to R Street. Teaism is at the corner of R Street and Connecticut Ave.

Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl has been serving its famous homemade chili since the restaurant first opened its doors in 1958. One taste of the chili and it's easy to see why Ben's has lasted over the years and attracted so many fans.

The menu at Ben's, posted above the counter where customers line up to order, features hot dogs, hamburgers, half-smokes, french fries and, of course, chili. Bill Cosby, partial to the half-smoke smothered in chili, is one of the restaurant's loyal customers. At $3.10, Ben's Famous Chili Dog is the star of the show. A juicy, grilled hot dog topped with a drizzle of mustard, a handful of chopped onions and a blanket of the restaurant's namesake hot, peppery chili, the chili dog's blend of flavors is irresistible.

To wash down your chili, order one of Ben's thick, creamy milkshakes. Available in flavors like banana and pineapple in addition to the familiar chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, the icy concoctions go well with the spicy chili. 1213 U Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009. (202) 667-0909.

Take Metro to: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green Line). Depart from station's 13th and U Street exit; Ben's Chili Bowl will be directly across the street.

Five Guys

Though Five Guys might look like your typical fast-food hamburger restaurant, the food is far better than McDonald's. The first clue to Five Guys's successes are the glowing reviews that cover the walls, describing in detail the delicious burgers and delectable fries. While you sink your teeth into the area's best burgers, don't expect five-star settings — the floor at Five Guys is littered with peanut shells, the tables are rickety and there is no silverware.

It's Five Guys's tender patties of fresh beef (there is no freezer in the back) grilled to perfection and served on soft sesame buns that keep customers coming back to the chain's many locations. The patties are enhanced by the many free toppings available. From the traditional tomatoes, onions, pickles and lettuce to the more adventurous fresh jalapeno peppers and sautéed mushrooms, Five Guys offers plenty of ways to amp up your burger's flavor factor. The burgers come in either regular (two patties for $3.99) or little (one patty for $2.69) and can be topped with crispy bacon and American cheese for an additional charge.

Don't miss Five Guys's crispy, golden brown fries. With their skins still on, the fries come either lightly salted or "Cajun" seasoned. Go with the classic and enjoy the simple pleasure of french fries made properly.

While you wait in line to place your order, grab some free peanuts to snack on — the source of the shells on the floor — as the aroma of sizzling hamburger fills the room. All food at Five Guys is served foil-wrapped in a grease-stained paper bag, in keeping with the restaurant's no-frills atmosphere. The bottom line: when you're in the mood for a burger, there is no better place to satisfy your craving than at Five Guys. (202)393-2900. 808 H Street NW, (in building on 799 9th Street, N.W.) Washington, D.C., 20009.

Take Metro to: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red, Green and Yellow lines). Depart from the station's 7th and H Street exit, walk left one block to 8th Street and Five Guys will be on the south side of H Street, between 8th and 9th Streets.