So many establishments abuse their signage with superlatives such as “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” that we typically ignore any such boasting when searching for quality grub. But occasionally some joint will be just dingy and dilapidated enough that a rusted sign proclaiming “Famous Roast Beef” will cause us to reconsider our position.

Hodge’s Sandwich Shop may be barely more than a shack, but it easily deserves as much acclaim as other classic slices of old school Washington like Ben’s Chili Bowl or the late Sholl’s Cafeteria.

According to the signs outside, as well as an old catering poster inside, Hodge’s has been around since 1898, though not always in its current location. The menu from 1944 posted to the right of the small fixin’s station seemed to confirm its vintage, listing one of their glorious roast beef sandwiches for a mere 75 cents. These days, it will set you back $5.45.

Although the menu posted over the counter lists a number of items, regulars know that Hodge’s really only excels at its trifecta of great sandwich making: roast beef carved from the steamship round, “smoked baked ham,” and roast turkey.