Eats : USA : Washington D.C. : Ben's Chili Bowl
About Ben's Chili Bowl
Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has been a gathering place and focal point for black Washington. It has witnessed the rise, fall and resurrection of U Street and is probably the only business on this strip that survived both the 1968 riots and the construction phase of the Metro Green Line.
Chili is only one of the reasons people keep coming back year after year. The large neon "Home of the Famous Chili Dog" sign out front hearkens back to another time. So do the red 1950s-style bar stools and Formica counters. Even the music on the jukebox is retro (a mixture of Motown, Stax-Volt, reggae and a few modern soul tunes thrown in). The staff is cheerful and efficient, a rarity in such a high-volume, high-turnover place. Its kitchen is also extremely clean.
Ben's attracts a diverse cross-section of Washingtonians. Lawyers, college kids from nearby Howard, folks en route to a performance at the Lincoln Theater, musicians, you name it. Bill Cosby has been coming here for so long that he's even got a chili dog named after him. No special service for stars, however. Once at the counter, everyone is treated equally.
For a look at how the District was in the '50s, check out Ben's Chili Bowl on a busy night. The place has an energy all its own. U Street has come back and Ben's is right there where it's always been. The chili's pretty good, too.
Ben's Chili Bowl Review By Monica S. : Orange, CA
AMAZING! I have been dying to try this place.
I visited this place will a couple of friends, and was stuck waiting in a line that wrapped inside the restaurant three times - definitely worth it though! I got the half-smoke, which is a chili dog served with potato chips. The char-iness of the dog & the finger licking good of the chili - it just needs to be experienced! My friend got the cheese fries, which was amazing as well! The fries tasted really fresh. One recommendation though, the chips are a bit random...It would of been smarter to stick some of those delicious fries in there! Maybe something they can work on? (who agree's?)
Overall, fun atmosphere, nice staff, although on the expensive side, I can see the hype - i'm in love with this place! i think I'm going to try the chili cheese fries next time I decide to visit & you should too!
Contact Ben's Chili Bowl
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Address 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009-4442 | Phone (202) 667-0909
Contact Washington Post Goig Out Guide (GOG)
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