Emperor's Garb

Ben's has landmark status because it managed to stay in business when the neighborhood declined horribly in the 60s and 70s. So it's a media darling. Going to Ben's is something people do because they read cloying things about it somewhere. People with any sense who go there seldom make the mistake twice. It's absolutely disgusting. I don't know what's in that stuff they sell. It's certainly not chili, not by any stretch of the imagination. It's deplorable swill. It's beneath contempt.

Cuisine Snobs are alive in DC

With much chagrin, I sampled some of the reviews of Ben's as posted herein. To those who find the food offensive, let me state the obvious - Ben's Chili Bowl is NO haute cuisine, nor was ever it intended to be. Twenty-five years ago, those that critize the food would have never as much set foot in the U street area, much less in any black enclave of the city to sample its food. Had it not been for restaurant critics that "discovered" Ben's since the famous had previously dined and after glowing reviews by WaPo and other local publications, Ben's would have not been deemed "safe" enough to entertain those sensitive and discriminating palates so critical of its food. My suggestion: have your sensitive palates remain Chevy Chase and Bethesda!

Gut busting, greasy and overpriced

This place is all about hype. It's a bandwagon kind of place that relies on reputation so everyone feels they have to go. Want a good chili dog? Make your own and save your $$.

Just Great!

I'm really glad I didn't let some of the reviews here dissuade me from going. I went and it was as good as I'd hoped. And we got some funky music, too! "Brick House".

Too Greasy for Me!!

I thought I would try this out because I heard all the hype of going there and I didn't like it very much. I actually scrapped the chili off and just ate the hot dog. You have to really like greasy chili to eat here.

Worst chili I've ever had!

After hearing all the hype about Ben's I got my husband to take me there. The chili is disgusting. We both scrapped it off our hot dogs and ate the dog plain. The french fries were beyond hope and we tossed them in the trash. Get a dog from a street vendor.

Economy an Atmosphere

I am a native washingtontian. This place has a history both with my family ( my aunt worked there) and the district. If you like all -american chili dogs along with conversation,jokes and a feeling of home especially if you are a regular, come to Ben's. Whenever I travel, I am always asked "Tell me about Ben Chili Bowl? I have brought many out of towners to this spot. LOVE IT

So you expected what? Gourmet chili?

Ben's dishes up old fashioned food at old fashioned prices. It may be greasy and it may taste suspiciously like hormel + cheese whiz (although I don't think that's the case). But sometimes some good comfort food is all you're really looking for, and Ben's definitely hits the spot. It's delightfully unpretentious, and a breath of fresh air from the standard DC dining "experience."

Go for the history, NOT the food.

I got a chilidog and it was so bad that I scraped off all the chili and at it plain. Has: no flavor, too much grease, mushy consistency.. I could go on and on. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how unclean this establishment is. Buns strewn all over the floor, cheese splattered everywhere. Like the review title suggests, go to experience/be a part of history and plan to eat elsewhere. Overrated.

terrible, too

I went to U street expecting, at least, they (Ben's Chili Bowl) would have good chili. The chili tasted like it came from a can, Hormel or something. Tasted metallic. AWFUL!Definately NOT homemade. The suasages were really ordinary and very greasy. I can't understand why this place should have the reputation it does!

Terrible!!

I'm not sure what the hype is about. I had chili burger and it had NO flavor. It tasted like chili out of a can. I will NEVER go back.

History and Fast Food

Nobody will ever mistake Ben's for gourmet. But it is good solid food - LOVE the chili half smoke - good solid junk food - LOVE the cheese fries - and the shakes are so thick and delicious that you can't drink them too fast. Breakfast is good basic fast breakfast too. So head to Ben's for your snacking needs, and they will take good care of you.