Washington, D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl

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  • 1213 U Street NW
     Washington, District of Columbia 20009
    (202) 667-0909
recordnerd
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Ben's Chili Bowl

  • October 16, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by ifor_gal from Chicago, Illinois
D.C. has sausage and hotdog stands at almost every corner, but by far, Ben's Chili Bowl is D.C.'s most famous hotdog house. Many people may wonder why a little hotdog joint is so famous. Well, try a half smoke with everything on top and you'll know why.

Located in the culturally rich and historically jazzy part of D.C., Ben's is one place that brings people of all colors together. Starting with their extremely thick and creamy milkshakes, the thick slices of chocolate cake, and their french fries goooing with chili and cheese, here people leave Atkins and South Beach at the door, and let all their inhibitions go. No one cares about clogged arteries or heart-attacks here.

Ben's however is aware that there are those who aren't quite the hotdog enthusiasts, so they offer veggie burgers, but really, I wouldn't even bother. Their hotdogs are the real thing.

From journal Good Eats in D.C.

Editor Pick

Ben's Chili Bowl

  • August 19, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by pluralofcow from Washington, District of Columbia
Ben's Chili Bowl is a must-see (must-taste?) diner in DC's rapidly gentrifying U-Street corridor. Once the epicenter of DC's African-American community, U-Street maintains part of its jazz history while catering to a new kind of neighborhood resident. Ben's is one of a few institutions that remains from U-Street's heyday, and it is certainly the tastiest.

Ben's can be reached by Metro's Green line at the U-Street/Cardozo/African-American Civil War Memorial stop, alternatively you can take the 52/3/4 bus or the 66, and exit at U street.

When you first see the place from the street you immediately get a sense of its old-time vibe. There is no wait staff. When you get inside peruse the menu posted above the counter or grab a paper version while you wait in the line. With chili-dogs for $2.95, and Bill Cosby's favority chili-half-smoke for $4.15, meals are cheap and delicious. Most things are served with a side of potato chips, and delicious-looking slices of cake are displayed in a case near the register. Vegetarians will hardly be disappointed with the hearty bowls of chili. Once you pay for your selection grab a seat in any of the restaurants booths (and look at the walls for photos of celebrities who regularly visit when in town). Your food will be delivered to you there.

As an added bonus, Ben's is open until 2 am every night, and 4 am on weekends. Carry-out is also available.

From journal The road less traveled in DC...

Ben's Chili Bowl

  • November 21, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by recordnerd from Washington, District of Columbia
With nearly 50 years as one of black Washington's strongholds, Ben's Chili Bowl is being "rediscovered" by DCers from other neighborhoods as the place to cozy up with some damn good, uh, chili. Indeed, it has a retro feel--minus the segregation--that attracts a cross-section of folks, from area residents, to theatre-goers, to indie rockers. Check your pretensions at the door. As long as you're here to eat, you're in good hands.

From journal more than politics: d.c.'s capital

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