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Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl

Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
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8.3/10
1,323
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Men's Health Mag and Travel + Leisure recommend this place
    • Men's Health Mag
    • Travel + Leisure
  • Tips
    Amy G.
    "Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!"(22 Tips)
    ToryBurch
    "everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to President Obama"(16 Tips)
    Scoutmob
    "Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl."(11 Tips)
    Will C.
    "Travelers: Get the chili dog and chili half smoke to get super full!"(30 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon374 Tips and reviews
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  • chili
  • chili half smoke
  • obama
  • good for a late night
  • bill cosby
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  • Emily Y.heart icon on user image
    Emily YaniskoMarch 15, 2014
    Half smoke all the way. Only way to do it. Nothing like anything else anywhere else, ever. Nothing better. I stop here after a 13 hour shift because if I'm here, I can't miss the chance to eat several
  • Zach M.
    Zach MartellJanuary 6, 2012
    Half smoke is where its at.. Chili onions, cheese is extra but a must! Oh and mustard.. A little on the expensive side but still a great place to go
  • naveen
    naveenJuly 6, 2013
    a must-hit when in D.C. Obama and family eat free; everyone else, cash-only.
  • Andy H.
    Andy HarrisonFebruary 24, 2013
    This place is busy, but the food is great! If you don't want to wait in the long line, try getting a spot at the bar.
  • John B.heart icon on user image
    John BoothJuly 12, 2016
    Believe the hype, friendly service and amazing food. The smoke chilli half is incredible.
  • GourmetLive
    GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010
    Past customers read like the end of an African-American history book: Ellington, Carmichael, Cosby, and now, Obama, who ordered what every guide book would recommend: chili, sweet tea, & cheese fries.
  • Lane R.heart icon on user image
    Lane RettigOctober 26, 2015
    The half smokes were to die for. Best dog ever!
  • Abheart icon on user image
    AbDecember 18, 2014
    Super "famous" at this point, but I'm not sure the folks who run it have noticed. The food's great, unhealthy but delish
  • Tom M.
    Tom M.August 1, 2017
    The original chili half-smoked is to die for
  • Nathan W.
    Nathan WalbeSeptember 15, 2017
    perfect for a late night meal after a show....or at anytime of the day
  • Jimmy K.heart icon on user image
    Jimmy KastnerSeptember 4, 2014
    It's the perfect place to hit after a game. Chili dogs hit the spot, but prepare for a long line and no seats.
  • Caroleen W.
    Caroleen WilkesApril 1, 2012
    Want good food near where you're standing? Check this notable and one of a kind restaurant. Featured on TV and previously enjoyed by President Barack Obama.
  • Affinia Hotel Collection
    Try Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half Smoke – trust us! P.S. Did you know Ben’s will ship food to all 50 states? Spread the chili love!
  • The Liaison Capitol Hill
    Try Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half Smoke – trust us! P.S. Did you know Ben’s will ship food to all 50 states? Spread the chili love!
  • Brett G.
    Brett GJuly 20, 2015
    Vegetarian? You have to try the veggie chili and/or veggie chili dog. Life changing.
  • Curb
    CurbAugust 12, 2011
    Eat a half smoke after bars close. Then skip the all-out melee for a cab by booking with Taxi Magic. Schedule pickup around the corner (13th & V, maybe) and outsmart the crowds.
  • Audrey A.
    Audrey ADecember 22, 2012
    CASH ONLY! If you can't tolerate spice, the chili will make you sweat. Service is fast and the line goes quick!
  • Ellen S.heart icon on user image
    Ellen S. P.December 24, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    There's a reason everybody orders the chili cheese half smoke. Also, the vegetarian chili is great if that's your thing.
  • Maurice E.
    Maurice EdwardsAugust 18, 2014
    Half- Smoke, Chili Dog or Chili Burger you can't go wrong
  • E. P.heart icon on user image
    E. PerryAugust 7, 2014
    Veggie chili is good here actually. It's all about hot dogs and half smokes at 1am.
  • Jaime S.heart icon on user image
    Jaime SunwooDecember 11, 2016
    Half smoke with chili, onions, & mustard. Yum yum yum. The owner there looks so regal. 👑🌭
  • El' R.heart icon on user image
    El' RenfroMarch 22, 2018
    The Famous Half-Smoke with Ben Ali's secret recipe chili and cheese with a side of fries and an ice cold Coca-Cola!
  • Curtis M.
    Curtis McLeanNovember 10, 2013
    This place is awesome! The place of legends! No wonder it's so packed but it is fast with the service!
  • Amy G.
    Amy GaskinsJanuary 23, 2012
    Most iconic restaurant in DC that, amazingly, hasn't turned too touristy. Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!
  • Walter W.
    Walter WhitakerMay 27, 2014
    pricey for what it is but very good! cash only and reminds me of my favorite dive back home!
  • Julia A.heart icon on user image
    Julia AsakawaFebruary 5, 2016
    Delicious chili dog, worth a visit
  • Finella Jianna V.heart icon on user image
    Rice bowl is the best. Good service too! Above and beyond :)
  • Mariheart icon on user image
    MariJuly 5, 2013
    They're known for their chili dogs but the cheeseburger with chili sauce is also pretty rad.
  • Josh H.heart icon on user image
    Josh HigginsJuly 11, 2015
    Awesome food. Go to the ATM beforehand, though - no cards.
  • Andrew B.
    Andrew BajwaJanuary 25, 2014
    Totally recommend going here. Delicious. Affordable. A Washington, D.C. Staple. Simply wonderful.
  • SHAWNA P.heart icon on user image
    SHAWNA PMay 18, 2018
    They have turkey & veggie options (some are not listed on the menu, so don’t be too shy to ask).
  • Douglas P.
    Douglas PaulMay 26, 2014
    Ignore the details. This spot is cash only. CASH ONLY!!
  • Close G.
    Close GitmoJanuary 11, 2012
    Jan 11(right now!): the National Day of Action Against Guantanamo & the NDAA! Join us at 1130 in Lafayette Square across from the White House. The program and march will run from Noon-2:30pm EST
  • Travel Channel
    Travel ChannelNovember 15, 2010
    The half-smoke is a half-pork, half-beef sausage native to DC, generously covered with Ben's chili. The result – unparalleled deliciousness. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food Read more
  • Celia A.
    Celia A.July 21, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Shrimp and Grits!
  • Brenda A.heart icon on user image
    Brenda AndrewsOctober 12, 2016
    Best place for late night food in the District. Ran into several friends from Detroit.
  • Manda C.heart icon on user image
    Manda CurrellNovember 10, 2021
    Amazing. Stunned by the amount of vegetarian options!
  • Dave H.
    Dave HoptonDecember 2, 2011
    Truly legendary. Worth a visit for the pictures of celebrities alone, but the Chili Burger and cheesy chili fries are great.
  • Mohan B.heart icon on user image
    Mohan BergJuly 14, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Half-smoke and chili cheese fries are totally worth the wait. Bring cash as they don't take card!
  • Charita S.
    Charita S.September 26, 2010
    Ahh such WONDERFUL memories. I've enjoyed chili fries and Half Smokes here since 1990. All who are Cardozo Alumni had to have stopped in here at least once....or many more. The place is packed after l Read more
  • Дмитрий М.heart icon on user image
    Delicious and normal price
  • William I.
    William ImperialeOctober 2, 2011
    Check out the jukebox while you're there: Amazing collection of R&B that you won't find at any other restaurant!
  • Jim W.
    Jim WilliamsAugust 13, 2012
    This is a DC must. The chilli is hot and plentiful and as a hot dog lover you can't beat Ben's dogs.
  • Francis P.
    Francis Page Jr.September 21, 2012
    You gotta try the half-smoked hot dog with chili, onions and mustard. French fries and a Coke. My Favorite:)
  • Marc N.heart icon on user image
    Marc NgNovember 10, 2016
    Well worth a trip. Maybe not the size of portions you might expect in the States but tasty.
  • Alaa S.
    Alaa ShakerAugust 26, 2014
    One of the must-try stops in U St if not in DC. Cash only!
  • More Than H.heart icon on user image
    More Than Horsin'August 9, 2018
    What history and interesting food!
  • Justin S.
    Justin SchuckFebruary 4, 2011
    Get the Chili Half Smoke w/ Mustard & Onions -- even if you don't like mustard, onions or chili. Heck, even if you don't like meat. This is why God made Ben.
  • Dan 4.
    Dan 4January 29, 2012
    Veggie Chili is pretty good, and filling meal worth the drive if you are close anyway, so you can eat the same place Obama ate
  • Jamesheart icon on user image
    JamesSeptember 21, 2021
    Famous for chili -chili dogs and burgers must get chili -casual
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