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Ben's Chili Bowl
Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
This hot dog joint is famous for their chili. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"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)
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Reni AbrahamJuly 3, 2011Great happy hour specials and try the signature half smoke sausage with the chili cheese fries!!!!
Daniel BarojasApril 18, 2012Get the chili half smoke, & ask for it "split & burned" for more crunchy deliciousness
RonAugust 7, 2010It's a historical landmark in DC. Great Chili dogs. Dine-in and people watching at its best. Cash only.
Carl BleichMay 25, 2014Half smoke is delicious. Not a place to eat healthy but it doesn't claim to be either.
- best (if not only) place to grab a bite after partying it up on U St. after hours!
Martin SextonJanuary 15, 2013Best chili this side of the Potomac...washed down with Virginia sweet tea.
Guadalupe RodriguezMarch 16, 2015For some reason I was very disappointed this time. The chili tasted very generic and it's scary to walk outside. Do not go alone.
J.j. Gorena IISeptember 18, 2012Get the half smoked. This is a true Washington DC moment...don't visit without eating there.
Bre HammondFebruary 15, 2020I had a veggie burger. It was fair. My friend ordered chili, it was ok. They got our order all wrong.
Danielle InsettaApril 13, 2013There was a trading room upstairs. A bit over ten years ago. Wonder if its still there.
RickAugust 8, 2011Don't expect anything for free... only Obama or someone like that gets that treatment. But you can expect really, really good grub!
Aru SJuly 16, 2010If you come here with friends, tell them what you want to order and camp out in the dining room for a table.
kimberley shultsMarch 6, 2009Go to Ben's and get a chili half smoke, fries, and a shake. Yes, it's worth the wait in line! Also, keep an eye out for the list of people who get to eat there for free.
Arielle DixonJuly 18, 2012Bring cash.. They don't accept credit or debit and the ATM fee is ~$3. (which means nothing if you have PNC)
Jeff NixSeptember 10, 2011Celeberties all over the walls, if you like chili and dogs this is the best place for them.
Eli M.March 14, 2010Bypass the line and grab a seat in the back. They table service is solid and you get to enjoy you food in a leisurely manner.
2,049 Photos
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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
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