Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.
Planning a trip to Washington?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
The chili at Ben's Chili Bowl is a can't miss
"Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!"(22 Tips)
"everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to President Obama"(16 Tips)
"Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl."(11 Tips)
"Travelers: Get the chili dog and chili half smoke to get super full!"(30 Tips)
375 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- chili
- chili half smoke
- obama
- good for a late night
- bill cosby
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Emily YaniskoMarch 15, 2014Half 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 MartellJanuary 6, 2012Half 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
Andy HarrisonFebruary 24, 2013This 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 BoothJuly 12, 2016Believe the hype, friendly service and amazing food. The smoke chilli half is incredible.
GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010Past 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.
AbDecember 18, 2014Super "famous" at this point, but I'm not sure the folks who run it have noticed. The food's great, unhealthy but delish
Nathan WalbeSeptember 15, 2017perfect for a late night meal after a show....or at anytime of the day
Jimmy KastnerSeptember 4, 2014It's the perfect place to hit after a game. Chili dogs hit the spot, but prepare for a long line and no seats.
Caroleen WilkesApril 1, 2012Want 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 CollectionAugust 30, 2012Try 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 HillAugust 30, 2012Try 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 GJuly 20, 2015Vegetarian? You have to try the veggie chili and/or veggie chili dog. Life changing.
CurbAugust 12, 2011Eat 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 ADecember 22, 2012CASH ONLY! If you can't tolerate spice, the chili will make you sweat. Service is fast and the line goes quick!
There's a reason everybody orders the chili cheese half smoke. Also, the vegetarian chili is great if that's your thing.
E. PerryAugust 7, 2014Veggie chili is good here actually. It's all about hot dogs and half smokes at 1am.
Jaime SunwooDecember 11, 2016Half smoke with chili, onions, & mustard. Yum yum yum. The owner there looks so regal. 👑🌭
El' RenfroMarch 22, 2018The Famous Half-Smoke with Ben Ali's secret recipe chili and cheese with a side of fries and an ice cold Coca-Cola!
Curtis McLeanNovember 10, 2013This place is awesome! The place of legends! No wonder it's so packed but it is fast with the service!- Amy GaskinsJanuary 23, 2012Most iconic restaurant in DC that, amazingly, hasn't turned too touristy. Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!
Walter WhitakerMay 27, 2014pricey for what it is but very good! cash only and reminds me of my favorite dive back home!
MariJuly 5, 2013They're known for their chili dogs but the cheeseburger with chili sauce is also pretty rad.
Andrew BajwaJanuary 25, 2014Totally recommend going here. Delicious. Affordable. A Washington, D.C. Staple. Simply wonderful.
SHAWNA PMay 18, 2018They have turkey & veggie options (some are not listed on the menu, so don’t be too shy to ask).
Close GitmoJanuary 11, 2012Jan 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 ChannelNovember 15, 2010The 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
Brenda AndrewsOctober 12, 2016Best place for late night food in the District. Ran into several friends from Detroit.
Dave HoptonDecember 2, 2011Truly legendary. Worth a visit for the pictures of celebrities alone, but the Chili Burger and cheesy chili fries are great.
Half-smoke and chili cheese fries are totally worth the wait. Bring cash as they don't take card!
Charita S.September 26, 2010Ahh 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
Jim WilliamsAugust 13, 2012This is a DC must. The chilli is hot and plentiful and as a hot dog lover you can't beat Ben's dogs.
William ImperialeOctober 2, 2011Check out the jukebox while you're there: Amazing collection of R&B that you won't find at any other restaurant!
Francis Page Jr.September 21, 2012You gotta try the half-smoked hot dog with chili, onions and mustard. French fries and a Coke. My Favorite:)
Marc NgNovember 10, 2016Well worth a trip. Maybe not the size of portions you might expect in the States but tasty.
Justin SchuckFebruary 4, 2011Get 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 4January 29, 2012Veggie Chili is pretty good, and filling meal worth the drive if you are close anyway, so you can eat the same place Obama ate
2,049 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Ben's Chili Bowl is a black-owned American restaurant located in Washington, DC.
Open until 1:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
(202) 667-0909
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
See More
You might also like
- 8.4
"Wow this is a hidden gem. Love everything about this place. Frito pie is of course awesome."
Jesse Thomas - 6.6
"Wow this place was great! The Italian sausage was amazing, will be back to try the lamb! Great for lunch after the pop up bar down the street!"
Char - 8.4
"Shack Burger. Mushroom burger. Blueberry lemonade. Milk shakes. You can't go wrong. But bring back the crinkle fries!!"
Joe Gizzi
Places people like to go after Ben's Chili Bowl
- 9.2
"Really cool place for a show. Try to get there early for the upstairs stools. Overall, very fun! Bathrooms were also very clean (at least early on)."
Melissa Goodnight - 7.3
"The fried chicken & Waffle plate is goodness unexpected! The Waffle is SO light, airy and crispy goodness!!"
1 Sly Minx - 8.6
"Beautiful historic theater. A great place to see a show."
LetTeddyWin .com
Appears on 1,132 lists
Best Places to Check out in United States Pt 5
Created by WannaSee ItAll
200 items • 298 followers
Must-See African American Historical Places In US
Created by BET
137 items • 649 followers
Created by Travel Channel
200 items • 9,609 followers