On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
U St/African-Amer Civil |War Memorial/Cardozo (Green, Yellow)
Mon-Thu. 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Loading...
What do Bourdain, Bill Cosby, and Barack Obama have in common? They're all fans of Ben's Chili Bowl, of course. When we rolled up to the building at 1 AM on a Saturday night, we weren't surprised at all by the throng of customers inside. We were, however, shocked to score prime counter space for the three of us as we shuffled along in line.
Since we were all Ben's virgins, we had to order the renowned Chili Half-Smoke ($5.20), made famous by Bill Cosby, who eats free at this establishment. Now, as a Hot Doug's fan (http://www.hotdougs.com/) and after 6 years of being spoiled by Chicago sausage, I wasn't sure how it was going to measure up. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the 1/4 lb half pork and beef smoked sausage on a warm bun with brunoised onions and spicy chili placed in front of me. DC is undeniably home to a real master of encased meats.
With respect to the ambiance, Ben is like being transported to another era, from the old school diner furniture they've kept over the years right down to the music. I loved that the jukebox was spinning Earth Wind and Fire - September and that it was subsequently followed up by some Aretha. I couldn't help sing along a little with Say A Little Prayer for you and bumping along with the old school tunes. Also, I was amazed at the civility in there. Yes, U Street Corridor has definitely been gentrified, but I'm sure half the crowd wasn't sober. The amalgamation of yuppies and hipsters produced no visible disdain on either side, merely simply an ubiquitous eagerness for noms, which is another sign of the respect this institution commands.
Finally, the cheese fries...mm...what a way to go. Forget chocolate, Ben's chili and melted cheese are the ultimate delectable sin. If ever someone makes a cultural tribute to DC, Ben's definitely ought to be on the list.
I'm glad I tried it, but I'm in no rush to go back.
Here's the issue: I was sober. I bet if I was drunk I would be raving about it right now. Anything that's covered in sauce and served quickly is appealing when you're drunk. I'd eat chicken tika masala with my bare hands if I was drunk and it came quickly.
But, on a sober Tuesday night, Ben's Chili Bowl just doesn't hold that much appeal. There's better food, and better value, of the same nature elsewhere. Yeah, the chili cheese fries are gooey and delicious... but what chili cheese fries aren't?
So as a tourist, people tell us when we get to DC:
"you've gotta try the burger at Ray's steaks, Obama goes there"
"Ben's chili bowl is Obama approved"
Since when did we elect Obama to be a food critic extraordinaire? No diss on one of the most powerful and influential persons in the world, but i don't know if that says a lot. But then how can you avoid that. So as the days get closer to our trip, it became decided that we need to seek out this chili place Obama is so proud of. My friend and I get to the place and its your old school looking diner with a little touched up like that bear outside. But the people here are really friendly and the vibe is just great to be in.
The chili is different, and I'm not sure if I've been mistaking chili for a before this, but this one is really dark, meaty, and thick and I become all confused.
I had the bowl of chilli and the smoked sausage chili dog. It's a bit overpriced, which I'm not sure why, but it makes for a good once in a lifetime experience.
I was impressed. It was PACKED at 130am.
The chili is pretty good I must say. I had the half-smoke (whatever that means) and it was goooood. Very savory, I love it. I like how the place has so much character. Luckily a group of us came from Town and so we were seated in the back part where groups get served. Also I tried the chili cheese fries. Needless to say, I need to go the gym for 6 months straight to lose all those calories.
The only downer was that our waitress was obviously very confused and very frazzled. I took forever to get our bill and we needed to get on the last Metro...freakin' out a little!
I went...I didn't like so much. I had the half smoke with chili, I didn't think it was so yummy, lacking in flavor some. I also had the carrot cake...mmm mmm good! I shall go again when I'm appropriately intoxicated, perhaps everything will taster better?
Please don't beat me for the harsh review!
This is one bad review I don't wanna give. But I have a couple good reasons to.
I had a regular chili dog since the half-smoke from my last visit didn't do it for me. It was pretty overcooked. After biting into it, I could see the overcooked outside, which was crusty in comparison to the inside of the hot dog. I couldn't even bring myself to finish it because of it being overcooked. Majorly disappointed. The chili fries were on point though. I'm still trying to figure out what to order that will make me fall in love with this place and overwhelmingly rate it with a 4- or 5-star.
Not to mention, my boyfriend and my cousin saw a guy and a girl come out of the men's bathroom as if they just had sex. The guy peeked his head out first to possibly see if any employees were around, then they both exited the bathroom. The guy was praised himself by clapping. We were thoroughly disgusted. The place was too busy at 3AM on an early Sunday morning for any employees to notice.
I'm still willing to give this place another chance. I just don't know when that'll be.
This was definitely a must visit for me during my trip to DC. I'm a sucka for chili and it was very… Read more »
For the record, we discovered Ben's after Denzel but before Obama. A couple of weeks ago, my daughter and I came back for our vegetarian chili cheese fries' fix while she was visiting from San Diego (see photos). It's still as good as ever! They forgot the cheese, but we didn't even notice until we had eaten half of our food.
Now instead of buying your Ben's Chili Bowl T-shirts in the always- packed restaurant, they have a gift shop upstairs with some pretty good merchandise. We came. We ate. We got fat. We waddled out the door with shirts, aprons, hats, and order forms to have some of Ben's food shipped. I'm pretty sure they'll be getting an order from San Diego soon.
Health fanatics beware! I do order the vegetarian, chili cheese fries, which are yummy with heaven… Read more »
I normally try to stay SO FAR AWAY from places that blow up, or that are taped in hip hop music videos (ex: WALE's "chillin" video). I don't like landmarks but DC is full of them, I had no choice, I was born here.............ok I sound like a pure hater and I'll try not to be, the U St. area has changed SOOOO much in the past 7 years I can't even deny it, it's a total HATE/ LOVE relationship in general
BEN....you've sucked me in....you've expanded and how can I say no to cheese fries??? Who can resist your turkey burgers???? Man......you kill all my hate and make me love every bite all over again.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
ONE LOVE............BOP BOP BOP!!!!
The Obama's need a new favorite restaurant.
Everything is plain, nothing is special. It's overpriced. Best thing about this place was the Coca Cola, it was ice cold. Honestly it's just nothing stands out besides the pictures of celebrities on the wall. Other than that, it's just any burger and hot dog joint in any town U.S.A.
Come if you're into going to restaurants for reasons other than the food. But otherwise it's not worth the trip.
Saw this on Man Vs. Food and I knew I had to get some on my trip to D.C. Half smoke chili dog with an ice cold sweet tea and a side of chili fries. Freakin good!! Service was great, the crowd here was warm and welcoming. Everyone had a smile on their faces. The owner of the restaurant helped out a lot (which I admire). It definitely has a mom and pop feel to it. I loved this place. We ate here two days in a row!
Decor is cool too =)
Pics of all the many famous faces that have dined at Ben's Chili Bowl.
Yes, I am a fan of Ben's! The history and atmosphere greatly contribute to that, not to mention the delicious half-smoke! The sausage was legit, greasy yes, but had a great meaty texture and bite to it. Super delicious, and perfect meal for a football saturday (which is when I ate it!)
Chili-cheese fries... hum, skip them, the liquid cheese tastes like a sodium bomb that left salty-yellow goop behind, not a cheese product.
Yes, everyone is right, this place is awesome. It's the perfect combination of dive and historic.
I ate here around 11 pm on a Sunday night with a girlfriend. The line wasn't long. We found a table in the back with enough room for my double jogging stroller. My friend had the fries with veggie chili. One of the best veggie chili's ever and I don't even like vegetarian chili. The fries were perfectly crispy on the outside. My burger was alright. The beef chili wasn't the best I've had -- too mushy. The burger patty wasn't juicy. The bun was a plain ole white bun. I expected a mind blowing meaty chili experience. Instead I found a semi-mind blowing vegetarian chili experience which is quite surprising.
The people watching was priceless -- an eclectic bunch of characters.
I personally, haven't eaten Chili since I was a pup. Why? Never liked it. Never got into it. Decided to give it a try at Ben's Chili Bowl. Located in a scary part of town. Loads of crazies but you can get past all that if you keep your cool. Workers were friendly and the menu was simple. I went with the Bill Cosby, a Chili half smoke Made by Ben in 1958 for Mr. Bill Cosby. It's a 1/4lb. half pork and beef smoked sausage on a warm steamed bun, toppings galore and of course their homemade chili. The Bill Cosby was around $5. Came with what looked like Ruffles. Can't beat that. If you're tired of the getting the Subways, Quizno's, McDonald's. Ben's Chili Bowl is where it's at. EastCoast attitude and flare.
Also, When I looked behind me, I guess President Barack Obama frequents Ben's Chili Bowl, they had a photo of where he usually sits and a photo of his last visit. Hey, if our president can come to respect this mom & pop establishment. I can too. YES WE CAN.
A couple days after our visit, I read on the news that the founder, Ben Ali passed away at the age of 82. I was just there you know. Sad to hear.
Washington, DC does not have famous places to eat. Ben's Chili Bowl would be it. You see photos of famous people who have eaten there around the walls.
I always order the same thing when I come here which is the chili dogs and chili fries. Those two items are always good.
Since it's the most known food place in DC, there is no doubt that it gets crowded.
Well what can be said that hasn't been said already?
I've been here so many times it's ridiculous and it's more the sense of pride than anything that comes from the tasty dogs behind the counter.
The food is not bad, pretty good, it's the same half smokes you can get at Eastern Market also. But I really come back for the neighborhood history, to see the same people behind the counter, and the courteous service. Seems they expanded since Obama showed up in town as well. The chilli burgers are also good, however I haven't had breakfast here yet so I can't comment on that.
The menu can also reflect the cities sense of taste, some dogs are kosher, and there's veggie dogs, and veggie chili also.
Check it out, and you can also get their half smokes at Nationals Park. make sure you have enough napkins it's also messy.
half smoke MFer! awesome drunk food with rude service and no pretense.
After seeing the place on Food Network and Travel Channel we just had to go here and so glad we did. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend this as a must-see destination for DC visitors.
Really enjoyed the ambiance of the place. The workers are enthusiastic and energetic. The walls are covered with pictures of celebrities including President Obama, Cosby, and the Temptations. The location is actually a lot larger than I would have thought with two more rooms in the back. For a 50+ year old institution, the place is very clean.
The Chili Half Smoke is oiutstanding. The Chili reminds me a lot of the chili they use at Tommy's in Los Angeles and it is a great taste combination with the half smoke. The menu is quite a bit more extensive than just the Half Smoke with many breakfast, burger, and sandwich options.
Upstairs, they have a gift shop loaded with all of the Ben's paraphenalia you could ask for. The t-shirts and polo shirts are tremendous bargains and the workers are very friendly. Better chance to see some of the celeb pictures up close (Smokey Robinson).
Getting the Ben's book upstairs is also a good way to see a great number of their pictures without having to bother other patrons.
Ben's Next Door also looks like a cool restaurant. More upscale than the original and its not clear if they share some of the same menu items as the original Ben's.
The new sign reads that Barack has to pay "because Cos says so".
i dont like chili, but hell yeah IM GONNA EAT AT BEN'S AGAIN!
im sure it would only take a couple more trips for me to actually start eating a whole bowl of chili, but hey -
the chilicheesefries in here ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(and who cares about the crazies? its right outside a subway stop!)
I went there the day after Michael Jackson died. I only remember that because we came from a show at the 930 club where MJ's "No. 1 Tribute Band," Who's Bad? was playing. It was an 'eh' experience all around (including the show). Shit, I can't even remember what we ordered, but I remember not being that impressed. I will go back because it's cheap and I love that area, but it was just ALRIGHT.
RIP to the owner =(
I really don't know why people make such a big fuss about this place! Its almost like if everybody is a chili or half smoke connoisseur! Please! You don't even know what a half smoke is made of! But that's another subject, as far as Bens'. Well this place does sell a good hot dog, but then you have to ask yourself, "how hard can it be to make a great hot dog?"
Not very, especially since it comes ready to be grilled! And as far as the chili? Oh wow, I've had much much better chili at hard times which isn't even really that great to begin with! I think for the most part people love Bens' because its been around for 60 years. And since longevity stands for quality, then by that factor alone people love this place!
Nobody talks about how watery, flavorless, bland, average, and forgettable the chili is because everybody thinks its such treason to question the quality of something or an establishment that's been around for so long! Besides, people think that just cause a place has been around for a long time it means that everything and anything they sell or do is magic! As for me, I think not! I give the bland canned tasting chili 2 stars, and the half smoke gets 3 stars. You'd definitely make a hell of a lot better dog and chilli if you made it yourself at home on the grill! But I gues that people would rather just cough up $10 than slave over a stove!
I do like a nice hot dog every now and then. But I will warn you about this grease pit! If you so much as stand inside this place for 5 seconds, you will reek of nasty miasmic gristle grease from head to toe! Everytime I've gone into this place I had to take a shower soon as I got home, and washed my clothes that same second I took them off! Otherwise my room or closet would end up smelling of burnt gristle grease!!
This place made me want to be a black woman. Because there is a certain kind of vibe at Ben's Chili Bowl that I, a Jewish girl from New Jersey, simply cannot comprehend. But I'll do my best. And I did do my best as I sat and pondered over my bowl of chili.
Oh I wanted those chili cheese fries and I wanted them BAD. But the line was crazy, the restaurant was hot, and we had a movie to catch. Armed with a cup of water and a bowl of chili I knew I was experiencing something all sorts of awesome. Something historic, something meaningful, and something deliciously spicy.
You go girl.
It is good, but was it the best ever? No, not really. I think it's been a bit over-hyped. But it's not too expensive (unless you're buying it at Nats stadium), it is tasty and it filled me up for under $15.
So overall, good, but would I make an effort to get it, no. I'll eat it if I'm in the neighborhood or at the ballpark.
Ben's Chili Bowl was a famous place that I was told I just had to go to when I was in DC. I wasn't disappointed.
I am a little bit of a chili fanatic, and I would call this chili some of the best topping chili ever. I don't know if I would ever just crave a bowl of it alone, but man were the chili cheese fries AMAZING.
The crowd at this place is part of the fun, I would agree with another poster that it is reminiscent of Pinks in LA. I went there after a show at the 930 club, and the place was still hopping (I think it was around 2ish?)
Definitely a cool, historic-feeling place to check out while visiting DC.
There is something to an institution that survives for 50 years. With that said, come here for the history but don't expect too much from the food.
We ordered 2 chili half-smokes. The hot dogs are substantial, they are thick and meaty. The half smokes come with chili, mustard, and onions. The chili is simple and fairly decent. Nothing amazing or out-of-the-ordinary here. The onions and mustard serve to add some pep to the dish.
We also ordered cheese fries. The fries were crispy and drenched in an overabundance of cheese. At a meat and potatoes place like Ben's this is a good thing.
Service was excellent. We were politely escorted to a section of the bar when the line started getting long. Our server was quick, but polite and friendly. The interior is what you might expect at a decades old building. A bit worn down and cramped (we Americans are a bit bigger these days :P ), but overall clean.
We payed $20 for 2 hot dogs and fries. Pricey. While I enjoyed my experience at Ben's I do not think I will be going out of my way for their half-smokes. Decent food and good service.
Three words: Nom nom nom.
I've been here on 3 occassions...twice after a night of drinking...once completely sober. And while most food tastes better after drinking (think Jumbo Slice), I came back here yesterday completely sober and the food was just as I remembered: Delicious. The cheese fries are soooo good and one order is enough to share with someone else. Along with the cheese fries, I recommend the half-smoke. I like my half-smoke with the cheese sauce on top as well. I'd definitely recommend Ben's Chili Bowl for locals or visitors coming to DC!
Once a full moon ago, I used to rave about Ben's Chili Bowl. Now, I find myself outside of the hype and viewing this wonderful eatery as merely a late night excursion. The late business hours allows for ones post-midnight craving to be met with the greatest welcome in the world. But that's the thing, I tried the same order during the day and it was completely different. Not that I didn't enjoy the half-smokes, chli-chz fries, or even the hamburgers, but I could not pump myself up.
Ben's Chili bowl is an excellent option for tourists and for anyone who has the late night munchies, but outside of that it is just another tasty american eatery
So everyone and their mom has been to and reviewed Ben's, but after hearing some tourists say they didn't want to to Ben's because they don't like beans, I'll throw in my 2 cents. First of all, don't shoot me, but I don't think the chili is all that great (and it doesn't have beans). It's more like a meat sauce, and isn't spicy. The half-smoke is fine, but I won't order it again (and no, it'd not a sausage. It's a half beef, half pork hot dog). Same with the cheese fries (note, all times I've eaten at Ben's were to-go, so that could influence things).
You probably wouldn't think to order a turkey burger at a place famous for chili, but you should. Their turkey burger with cheese is the best I've ever had. I probably won't order anything else here again.
Some tips for tourists - Ben's is always crowded. Immediately after entering, you go to the counter and order. Then you pay and wait for your food. Yes, you can grab a seat while you wait. There are a few tables up front, and more in the back. If you can't decide what to get, step aside and don't get in line yet. It's pretty simple.
I've heard so much about "Ben's" that I had to try it. When I arrived
there was a long line but I was still determined to get a half-smoke.
Until I saw how the half-smokes were prepared. On a flat greasy
grill, BURNT and looked hard. I immediately lost my appetite and
left.
Tried the Half Smoke Chili Dog since the famous people have spoken! [Sorry Keane, next time I'll try the turkey burger.] While good, it's not oh-my-gosh-awesome. Still worth a try if you're in the DC area. It's one of those foodie landmarks. They've used the same recipe for the last fifty years, witnessing many moments in history and making it through the tough and good times. Located right by the U-Street Metro station, it is super easy to get to. They're open late for the late night munchies!
If you head to the back room, you'll see all the photos with the famous people.
They are 100% wind-powered. When I first saw that on their website, I thought to myself, are they being funny? Chili would result in some sort of wind... Hehehe. Nope, it's true. They switched from electric power to wind power. How sweet is that? That's the one extra star right there.
The only reason people still go to Ben's is because it's centrally located on U Street across from the metro, and it's a tourist spot. Now that Ben's dead maybe the place will die with him. The half-smokes are overcooked, the grill people have no concept of sanitation, the service is pathetic, it's cash only, and the chili has way too much vinegar!
Seriously, if you want a good bowl of chili, try a Tex Mex place. Ben's Chili Bowl is just a scam.
Fortunately, I got here before the dinner rush, and got a seat on the counter.
I grabbed the standard Chili Half Smoke and some fries and a strawberry milkshake. For some reason, the half smoke was so good I had to get another one. It was that good. (And I haven't had a good chili dog in a while)
I'm also digging the vibrant atmosphere, with everyone busy working and the music bangin'. Hell, they had the cooks singing Purple Rain in the background while working. Love that song.
Sure, it's a touristy place and all. But Ben's Chili Bowl definitely keeps it real.
eh-you got to go because it is famous. Food is a notch below mcdonalds and the chili is just dreadful, but it is in a good location, and I saw obama there the last time I went, which defintely has to count for Something!
Ben's...Chili...Bowl! What can one say about a restaurant that is a DC landmark, and loved by folks like Mr. Bill Cosby and even President Obama!?? Well what I want to say is, it's just ok! How can you have the word "chili" in your name and your chili is awful?? Other than that, the staff wasn't very friendly and the wait was ridiculous. Ok....maybe I'm not being fair to Ben's since I've only been there once. Maybe I should give it another try...maybe.
Jumbo Beef Dog served with Half Smoke Chili and Chili Cheese Fries.
Overkill on the chili? Absolutely not.
Late night eats or devilish, mid afternoon pick me up. You choose, either way you WIN.
Did I mention they ship to CA...bad bad...
It's really over-hyped. After all the reviews and TV spots, I was really expecting more. And as such I was let down.
It's fine and all, but I won't be going out of my way to come back here.
SO i am not the biggest Ben's fan. everybody is entitled to an opinion. Ben's is good for breakfast and i am sticking by it. Crispy Scrapple, delicious eggs and decent coffee in styrofoam! i love it. Breakfast ends at 10:30 or 11. Next time i am in for breakfast definitely trying the stewed apples.
Lunch and dinner are fine but its the late night that everybody craves to go to Ben's.
NOTE: Bens chili half-smoke/Hot Dog does not travel well when eaten.
see stain on t-shirt. and trail of napkins. if your going to try it out have a seat on a stoop or the curb if there is no seating inside.
If you're a tourist, or someone who has to do all the "touristy" stuff, fine. If you're someone who is into nostalgia and history, eat here.
If you like good food and a clean place to sit and good service and desserts that haven't sat until they're hard and inedible, this ain't your place.
Remind to find my middle school lunch lady and tell her that she made some of the best chili (apparently by Yelp DC standards), because that's what the stuff tasted like at Ben's.
This may be considered DC heresy, but I really do not see what all of the fuss is about. So Bill Cosby can keep his Ben's, cuz I don't want it.
If you order a chili dog, you get the dog and chips. If you order a chili dog and a side of fries for an extra 2 bucks, the fries replace the chips (wtf!). My girlfriend ordered a bowl of chili and it was downright cold. Another couple we were with ordered two bowls of chili (both also cold) and ONE order of fries, and when their order came up, they had made TWO orders of fries. The cashier made them pay for both of them.
Oh yeah, and it's all overpriced.
Even drunk people can do better.
Chili cheese fries while drunk: Yay!
Any other time: Nay?
It was alright. I had the chili half-smoke. It was a good combination of smoked dog and chili and onions, but the chili wasn't anything spectacular.
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: Bars
Washington, DC
Category: Southern
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter
Category: Delis
Washington, DC
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
You can give the cows the night off at these great…
But on the positive side / You're my piece of the…
All the places you'll find me with too much food…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
When I'm in need of something yummy for the tummy,…
The Best Lunch Time spot in the DMV to grab a bite…
so, i'm taking a weekend jaunt to the DC metro…
Great places. Local owned. Let's help keep them…
