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)
374 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- chili
- chili half smoke
- obama
- good for a late night
- bill cosby
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Tuan LeOctober 13, 2012If you're deciding between the Chili Half-Smoke and Chili Burger, then get the Chili Half-Smoke FOR SURE!!
EdreaMay 31, 2012Nothing beats a chili half smoke for a late night snack! :P Truly legendary. Don't forget the cash! Avoid the lines... come at odd hours! :)
If you're vegetarian, order the veggie dog with chili, cheese, mustard and onions. Delightful.
ChristopherMarch 3, 2013There is parking in the back for customers. Cash only. Come hungry. Half-smoke for life!!!
Ananda LeekeJuly 5, 2010If you want to be in the in crowd you may want to check it out as my favorite President has made it one of his places to go when he wants to get off his diet. Tip by Ananda's dad.
Ben's Chili Bowl was wonderful. I had the half smoke just like President Obama did when he was here.
I never had chili that was this good. Right amount of 'tang' to the taste!
Try the Half Smoke. Amazing bring cash they don't take credit cards.
Danielle InsettaApril 13, 2013Just "checked" the hipsters.. Skipped a bunch of them in line. Can't believe the Circus that's here. This place has "hipster changed." Has DC/U street jumped the shark (to add a layer)?
Irma ReyesApril 22, 2013Good chili. Not too spicy and not too mild. But if you get the chili cheese fries, beware, it's not real cheese.
Jane AvrietteOctober 19, 2013The French toast is the best thing on the menu except perhaps the steak au poivre.
Danny MaldonadoNovember 24, 2013Get a half smoke and some chili cheese fries! You won't be disappointed!- DoubleDeuceMarch 3, 2015I'm not even a little bit of a fan of this place. It's trashy food that's terrible for everyone. But I still come here because it's unique to the U Street area.
Justin ThorpOctober 2, 2011Go there late at night and get a chili half smoke, chili cheese fies & some fruit punch. You won't be disappointed.
Kenneth TubaughMay 6, 2017The food is okay but the ambiance is why you come here. It's an experience not to be missed.
Greg RAugust 16, 2011if you need a tip you're in the wrong place - late night, get a chili dog, chili half-smoke and chili cheese fries...heaven
Eat the Half Smoke with chili and everything on it! Just do it!
- ScoutmobNovember 28, 2011Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl. It was also the first place Prez Obama dined at when he came to DC.
Summer HoyaMay 16, 2012"only Obama and Bill Cosby eat here for free, but it's worth the wait and the price"- Scott, MSB'15
if you're here, you already knoe about the half smoke. The milkshakes are great too! Vanilla, strawberry, and cherry banana is surprisingly tasty!
Ben's takes cash only. ATM on sight if you need it. Half Smoke! Half Smoke! Half Smoke!
Dan NielsenApril 7, 2011For three of us with light to medium appetites, 3 half smokes and one shared order of chili cheese fries. Great meal!!!
Andrew NguyenFebruary 25, 2012Hey when you have 5 or more you can skip the lines and are served at the tables. So worth it!
Great eats. It satisfies the occasional half-smoke and chili fix.
The half smokes are great but what's even greater is being at a place with such historical significance in the DC area. It's almost like a museum!
Sofia CaseOctober 29, 2011Let's be honest. Does anything even taste better than chili cheese fries at 4 AM?!
Daniel DoughertyAugust 12, 2012People who eat for free here: Bill Cosby, President Obama and family. No body else. As per note taped to coffee machine.
- Stop in before a Caps game! Get off at the U Street Metro Station on the Green Line. Exit toward 13th street. Ben's is right across the street!
Stuart RosenbergJanuary 19, 2015Get the chili half smoke with chips. Too much food if u get the fries.
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.
Closed until 11:00 AM tomorrow (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
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
"Shrimp and Grits are really good. And you can't go wrong with any of the appetizers."
Mary Freda - 8.4
"beautiful theatre. stellar sound quality. stadium seating ensures that everyone has a great view."
Deanna Gordon
Appears on 1,132 lists
Must-See African American Historical Places In US
Created by BET
137 items • 649 followers
Created by Travel Channel
200 items • 9,609 followers
Created by Christian Tribastone
85 items • 477 followers