A good way to combine a vigorous walk around Columbia Heights with a bite to eat is to head south down 13th street toward U street.  At the crest of Clifton, where the road dips, you can see the National monuments poking through southern neighborhoods and upon descending, if your sniffer is any good, you’ll begin to pick up the first wafts of the legendary DC Chili Bowl.

The history of all of the northern DC neighborhoods is reflected in the story of Ben and Virginia Ali and their collective will to keep their business running through thick and thin since 1958.  They have prevailed and enjoy a reputation that approaches folk heroes.  This history is well written-up on their website; take a minute to click through, read it and view the historic photos of U street.
 
As for the food, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a staple for quick lunchers and those on the go.  Three out of four people are ordering “half-smoke w/ chili” (aka Bill Cosby’s favorite and only $4.35).  Fries are another buck or two.  Sure, they have salads and tuna salad sandwiches, but why bother?  It’s a place to get messy with your dog.  I notice the regular contingent of customers from the Army bases usually wear their camouflage uniforms—an excellent fashion choice for the occasion.
 
As a bonus, if this hypothetical walk is on a warm afternoon (and it’s always noon somewhere), you might decide to chill your chili next door with a beer from the extended beer menu at “The Saloon.”  Or continue on, rounding the corner homeward at the Bohemian Caverns (stop to see what acts are scheduled on the board outside).  Eleventh street is a good CH-bound route because it’s less of an incline than 13th and it’ll put you closer to finishing up with another little drinky at Wonderland as your reward for mile(s) walked.