Ben's Chili Bowl

American
|
$$$$
Location
U Street/Cardozo
202-667-0909
What's Nearby
There are no  near this location
Expand map
Interior View
Photos

Since 1958, Ben's Chili Bowl has been a gathering place and focal point for black Washington. It has witnessed the rise, fall and resurrection of U Street and is probably the only business on this strip that survived both the 1968 riots and the construction phase of the Metro Green Line.

Chili is only one of the reasons people keep coming back year after year. The large neon "Home of the Famous Chili Dog" sign out front hearkens back to another time. So do the red 1950s-style bar stools and Formica counters. Even the music on the jukebox is retro (a mixture of Motown, Stax-Volt, reggae and a few modern soul tunes thrown in). The staff is cheerful and efficient, a rarity in such a high-volume, high-turnover place. Its kitchen is also extremely clean.

Ben's attracts a diverse cross-section of Washingtonians. Lawyers, college kids from nearby Howard, folks en route to a performance at the Lincoln Theater, musicians, you name it. Bill Cosby has been coming here for so long that he's even got a chili dog named after him. No special service for stars, however. Once at the counter, everyone is treated equally.

For a look at how the District was in the '50s, check out Ben's Chili Bowl on a busy night. The place has an energy all its own. U Street has come back and Ben's is right there where it's always been. The chili's pretty good, too.

-- Neal Becton

Expand to read full review
 
Average reader rating
| 1 Reader review »
This D.C. establishment beckons diners with delicious chili on hot dogs and burgers enjoyed at '50s-style bar stools and Formica counters.

View the full menu »

Hours: Mon-Thu 6 am-2 am; Fri-Sat 6 am-4 am; Sun 11-8 pm
Neighborhood: U Street/Cardozo
Cuisine: American
Nearest Metro: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green Line)
Price range: $ ($14 and under)
Reader reviews (1):
Use this form to submit corrections about this venue
 
Submit
Thank you for your feedback. Our editors will review your correction and make updates as soon as possible.
OK
 

Rate and Review Ben's Chili Bowl

Average reader rating
Showing 1 of 1 reader review
 
terrible chili at Bens Chili Bowl

I can't believe the reputation this palce has and their chili is AWFUL. not only awful but it tastes like it comes from a can, has that tin-ny taste. Their half-smokes were OK but the chili is the worst!

Request Removal of a User Review

You have chosen to submit a user review for possible removal by our editorial staff due to its offensive or inappropriate nature. Please confirm that you would like the review submitted for evaluation. If our editors find that the review does not fall within our user review guidelines, then it will be removed promptly.

 
Submit For Evaluation
 
 
 
 
 

Thank You

 
Close
 
 
 
 
 
Sign in
Register
Close
Ben's Chili Bowl
1213 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009 | 202-667-0909 | Web site »
To get driving directions please enter your starting address below
Close
E-mail This Going Out Guide Profile to a Friend
Ben's Chili Bowl
(Enter the e-mail address of the recipient(s), separated by commas. Please limit to 10 recipients. )
Add a Personal Message:
(Optional) - max 150 chars, HTML tags will be stripped
 
 

Save to Go Out List

You must be signed in to complete this action. Sign In or Register

What You've Recently Viewed On Going Out Guide
Ben's Chili Bowl
Expand
What is this toolbar at the bottom of my screen?
It's a new way to save your ideas about places to go and shows to see in Washington, and it can help you find things to do with your friends.
See something interesting?
Click on the I want to go button to add it to your Want to go list. The number on the button shows how many people want to go. If you're signed in with a Facebook account, your friends can see where you'd like to go.
Already been there?
If you have been to a place or event already, click the I've been there button to add it to your Been there list. The number shows how many people have been there. If you're signed in with a Facebook account, your friends can see where you've been.
Where are my lists?
The things you add to your Want to go and Been there lists will be saved for you. Click on your username anytime to view your list and see all those ideas.
When you want to keep your plans private, turn off the sharing toggle. You'll be able to save items to your lists without sharing them on Facebook.
Why should I sign in with Facebook?
It can help you make plans with friends for things to do together. When you share your Want to go and Been there lists with your Facebook friends, it's easy to see when you and your friends want to go to the same place.
Close
For a better experience, Please login with Facebook
What are the benefits of connecting with Facebook?
Sharing your ideas about places to go and things to see just got easier. Share your Want to go and Been there lists with Facebook friends and see where your friends want to go or where they've been and make plans together.
Ready to get started?
Log in to Facebook
Close