Ben's Chili Bowl

Outside of the monuments and museums, there’s really nothing more "DC" than Ben’s Chili Bowl. In business since 1958, Ben’s is one of the only businesses in the neighborhood to survive the 1968 riots, during which it remained open to serve neighborhood residents, protesters, police and firemen. It also survived the preceding decline in the neighborhood, and the construction of the Green Line Metro, which closed the street in front of it. However today, with the neighborhood newly alive with trendy bars, clubs, restaurants and $1 million condos lurking in the background, it’s still standing and stronger than ever.

The food is good, but certainly nothing spectacular, but the experience, atmosphere and history are worthwhile. Try a half-smoke (a type of sausage unique to DC, slightly spicy and coarsely ground) with chili and onions. No, that’s not healthy, but if you’re on vacation or if you’ve already been out partying, why worry about that? Enjoy the friendly staff and the clamor of shouted orders; the music that varies between oldies from the 50's to American funk classics from the 70's to modern hip-hop; the furniture, most of which is original to the 1950’s; and the pictures of celebrities who have enjoyed the place, such as Bill Cosby (a regular), the Obama family, Chris Tucker and Bono.

A great place to get a quick dinner before a show at the Lincoln Theater, Black Cat, 930 Club, etc. Also a great place to hit up after a night of partying, thuogh expect long lines during lunch, dinner and after midnight.

If you are looking for a historic place to have lunch, or a late night snack with a unique atmosphere, Ben's Chili Bowl is the place! We ate here after a long day walking around the Tidal Basin during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and it was great! There was a long line to get in so you can place your order, but it moves along quickly and once we did get inside, there were plenty of tables to sit at. This is a self seating kind of place, and you order and get your food from the counter then take it to your table. If you have six or more people, you can get a table and someone will come take you order! There is crazyness happening behind the counter with employees singing and dancing while they cook and prep the orders! What a cool and fun place to eat! The music is going with 70's, 80's & 90's R&B and Hip Hop!
If you are in D.C., you must make this a stop to eat! For more info on Ben's Chili Bowl, including the history and directions, check out their website at http://www.benschilibowl.com/ordereze/Default.aspx

Eventhough it's been in the news alot because of Barack's recent visit to Ben's Chili Bowl, it has always been a great place. They just celebrated their 50th anniversary last year. I'm sad to say that I haven't visited Ben's as much as I would have liked to in all the time I have been living here in DC, but it's only cause parking on U street sucks so bad (whether it's day or night).

This place turned me on to turkey burgers bad. I ache for them as soon as I walk through the door. Is it worth as much as they charge? Eh, maybe not, but the ambience is cool and the people are cool and it's such a nifty place. They have veggie items on the menu, they serve breakfast, and they stay open late. It's a place you MUST visit, even if you're in DC for only a weekend.

We decided on this place for a late-night dinner after a long day of traveling! We actually found it based on the previous reviewer, which I corroborated with a few online guidebooks the DC Visitor's guide!

Absolutely delicious! Easy to get to, and was almost standing-room-only at a little after midnight. Because it was so late, we shared the chili cheese fries, and they were most definitely the best I'd ever had! The chili is a bit spicy, but I wouldn't say that people who don't like spice couldn't handle it. And with the flavor, you don't want to pass this up! Even their lemonade was really good! =)

A great, relaxed place to eat!

What can I say...Ben's Chili Bowl. I feel a closeness to this place, and not just because we have the same name. The restaurant itself is a DC landmark; you cannot go wrong with Ben's. I repeat, YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS PLACE. Great prices, and great hours. On weekdays, they're open 'til 2am; on weekends 'til 4am. Hit the clubs, bars, Georgetown, whatever, then go to Ben's afterwards. The place gets crowded, so be prepared for a long line, especially on those late weekend hours.