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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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8.4/10
1,327
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Travel + Leisure
    • Eater
    • 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
Filter:
  • chili
  • chili half smoke
  • obama
  • good for a late night
  • bill cosby
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  • Ricky S.heart icon on user image
    Ricky SherrillSeptember 27, 2014
    One of my guilty pleasures when in DC.
  • Michelle J M.
    Michelle J MillerSeptember 27, 2013
    They have veggie chili, burgers & dogs!!
  • Julie J.
    Julie JEWELeSApril 29, 2012
    Try the Half-smoked With Chili - So yummy
  • Eli M.
    Eli M.March 14, 2010
    Bypass 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.
  • HashtagNYU
    HashtagNYUJune 19, 2015
    SO GOOD. MUST GO. Read more
  • Albert H.
    Albert HsuFebruary 12, 2011
    Ben's chili half-smoked tasted really great. No wonder lots of famous celebrity come here.
  • Camille W.heart icon on user image
    Camille WrightMarch 5, 2015
    Two words: CHILI FRIES
  • Matt P.
    Matt PalmMarch 19, 2013
    The strawberry shake is amazing!
  • Will C.
    Will ChungNovember 11, 2011
    Travelers: Get the chili dog and chili half smoke to get super full!
  • Alex D.heart icon on user image
    Alex DobyanDecember 11, 2014
    It's tourist kitschy, but good for a late night.
  • Connor T.
    Connor TurnerJune 20, 2011
    It's best to go on an off time, but there is nothing like a Chili Half-Smoke and a large pop. Read more
  • Louie L.heart icon on user image
    Louie LouieJuly 21, 2017
    Chili is a powerful meal.
  • Candi W.
    Candi WilliamsOctober 15, 2012
    The french toast was delicious!!! :)
  • Chris B.
    Chris BrownNovember 16, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Chili cheese fries. Get them.
  • Kustom K.heart icon on user image
    Kustom KaneApril 27, 2016
    Yeah chilli cheese fries are a go!
  • Eric W.
    Eric WApril 9, 2012
    Bring cash. They have an ATM but its cramped to use it
  • Julian B.
    Julian BondJanuary 9, 2012
    Order two, there that good, you'll want more!
  • Terrea M.heart icon on user image
    Terrea MitchellOctober 17, 2015
    Had the breakfast. Bacon was crispy but not burned.
  • Mike W.
    Mike WaltersNovember 18, 2011
    Order a bill Cosby with everything and chili cheese fries
  • Romy R.
    Romy ReynebeauJune 14, 2012
    This place is cash only but totally worth the inconvenience
  • Spazzoheart icon on user image
    SpazzoMarch 16, 2015
    Half smoke, veggie chili and Chili👍
  • Honey B.heart icon on user image
    Honey Bear ♛January 31, 2013
    U can't walk on U St. Without stopping at Ben's Chili Bowl.
  • Ben R.heart icon on user image
    Ben RDecember 14, 2015
    Late night half smoke, of course.
  • AyeBrooke
    AyeBrookeAugust 22, 2023
    happy 65th anniversary
  • Terrence G.
    Terrence GJanuary 16, 2013
    Get the half smoke it kills!
  • Desiree
    DesireeJune 18, 2014
    It's all about the Half-Smoke!
  • Jason S.
    Jason SproesserMarch 10, 2013
    Window seats make the experience better. It's almost like dinner and a show
  • Douglas B.
    Douglas BellJanuary 25, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Two words: half smoke.
  • Worthy Sheep
    Worthy SheepJuly 1, 2012
    Bring cold hard cash and ask for extra cheese on everything.
  • Diego R.heart icon on user image
    Diego ReynosoApril 15, 2015
    Best chilli dogs around
  • Lynnne.
    Lynnne.August 12, 2010
    Get A Reg. Hot Dogg.,Wiff Chilli Ketchup Mustard Relish.,Lil Oninons.,&& Fries. YUM. =]
  • ROBERT
    ROBERTSeptember 28, 2014
    Hot dogs chill and milk shakes
  • Ciprian R.
    Ciprian RusenDecember 4, 2013
    I don't understand why this place is so highly rated. The service is slow, even if the place is not full. The burgers are boring. The only good thing about it is the price.
  • Tina Z.
    Tina ZimmermanMarch 1, 2012
    The Chili Fries are my favorite!
  • Lillian W.
    Lillian WaltonDecember 30, 2012
    Brig cash, order drinks when you get your food not at the register, and only bill Cosby and Obama eat free. Service is meh. Good spicy chili.
  • Claud-Michael P.
    Claud-Michael PringleSeptember 26, 2013
    If u don't go for the food go for the history
  • travel42
    travel42August 3, 2011
    The vegetarian chili is excellent, even for meat-lovers!
  • Eric T.
    Eric TysenMarch 26, 2013
    Gotta try the potato salad, seriously.
  • Mekka P.
    Mekka PrayogaDecember 29, 2011
    This is not for Asian people, the level of the hotness is low for the dog
  • DJ C.
    DJ CostantinoFebruary 16, 2013
    Get the Half-Smoke. No questions.
  • Alex M.
    Alex MonsalveAugust 7, 2012
    Good place but their advertising on four square they don't honor it!
  • Dion H.
    Dion HSeptember 17, 2012
    Try the Ben's Famous Chili Dogs
  • Antoinette M W.
    Turkey Halfsmoke with Veggie Chilli and mustard! No reliable parking...bring a friend to take the wheel while u order.
  • Julia L.heart icon on user image
    Julia Lord NickleDecember 22, 2014
    Get the half-smoke.
  • Jan R.heart icon on user image
    Jan RosenbergNovember 4, 2014
    Fabulous hotdogs!
  • ꌅꁲꉣꂑꌚꁴꁲ꒒ ꌅ.heart icon on user image
    hotdog pedas rupanya
  • sokari e.
    sokari ekineJuly 30, 2012
    Basic chilli dog is enough - could do with more chilli though. Friendly buzz 6/10
  • Amit J.
    Amit JoshiMarch 11, 2013
    Try the turkey dog!
  • Christopher B.
    Christopher BarnesSeptember 2, 2013
    Best food in the city.
  • Евгений П.heart icon on user image
    Евгений П.April 23, 2017
    Nice meals;)
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