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Ben's Chili Bowl

Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$

U-Street, Washington

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Ben's Chili Bowl

8.3^/10

1,325

ratings

Ranked #1 for hot dog joints in Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Men's Health Mag and Travel + Leisure
"Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!"(21 Tips)
"... Cosby, and now, Obama, who ordered what every guide book would..."(16 Tips)
"Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl."(11 Tips)
"Try the Bens Original Half Smoked Chili Dog - Mixed beef and pork"(30 Tips)

374 Tips and reviews

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chili
chili half smoke
obama
good for a late night
bill cosby
casual
good for a quick meal
milkshakes
great value
breakfast food
good for groups
spicy food
landmarks
trendy
good for singles
sweet tea
people watching
happy hour specials
jukebox
chili cheese dogs
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Jérôme TomasiniFebruary 9, 2016
You can't go wrong with the Chili Half-Smoke hotdog. Add up more calories with the Chili French fries. The vanilla thick milkshake will sweeten the chili burn.
Upvoted Mar 27
Ken Pierre IIAugust 7, 2014
Great landmark in DC! The chili dog is amazing!! This is a great location to get a taste of what makes Washington DC! The line is long but it goes incredibly fast!
Upvoted Feb 22
PaddyJanuary 2, 2015
From what I hear this place is a DC staple. The "famous" half-smoke was delicious. The chili is more savoury than it is spicy. More like a stew than any chili I've had before but was still excellent.
EdOctober 29, 2012
Been here 5+ times
During the 1968 riots following MLK's murder, Ben's stayed open to feed police and activists alike. It was untouched by violence and is still home to the best chili dog (half smoke) you'll ever have.
LisaAugust 26, 2013
No wrong options here. Don't be shy...have the chili half-smoke (spicy hot dog they R famous 4) with everything. Get a med-drink for free-refills. All fresh, made to order. Will ship nationwide
Travel + LeisureJanuary 4, 2013
A 60-plus-year-old institution known for its no-frills grub. Our favorite: the Chili Half Smoke, a pork-and-beef smoked sausage on a steamed bun with mustard, onions, and Ben’s signature chili sauce.
Mark RussellNovember 18, 2017
Chili Half Smoke combo is the real deal. It really doesn't need the cheese, which seemed like a cheese sauce. There are a few locations, but the original is the best, just for the history.
Behrad EatsJune 21, 2016
The Chili Half-smoke is why you come to this DC landmark!
KStreet202 DC Real-Estate BrokerDecember 22, 2014
Been here 5+ times
This place never gets old! The half smokes with all toppings is amazing. Don't want a hotdog the smothered fries ( veggie Chilli or regular) is something to write home about. Seriously
Vickie JohnsonJuly 11, 2017
Great food and atmosphere. The staff was helpful and really nice! I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm here.
Kurt HaaMarch 15, 2016
Why Ben's Chili Bowl? A historical place in DC, great late night meals, spicy chili, friendly staff. My favorite place to have a hot dog in town
Gambino GiavagliaMarch 22, 2017
Famous Ben's chilli bowl,I love it. Have been going here since I was a teenager,now my kids love it💯💪 Always a great outing when we come to Bens...
Men's Health MagAugust 3, 2014
Call it a hot dog and we’re going to whup you two ways to K Street. A “half smoke” kicks sand in the face of your traditional wiener. It’s beefier, spicier, and a whole lot tastier. Read more
Ashley WalkerAugust 28, 2020
If you’re in DC you MUST eat here!!! Half smoke is awesome. But definitely try the Chili Burger Sub.
CaraSeptember 19, 2014
A half smoke is obviously classic, but the best conduit for their legendary chili is definitely some fries. Plenty to share and absolutely killer, drunk or sober.
Road UnraveledAugust 18, 2019
Every trip to Washington, DC should include a visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl. The half-smoke is incredible!
Sarah J ParkerOctober 11, 2017
Great dogs, great chilli, but not off the scale. More than decent veggie option and unique history make this place a safe bet in DC
Naomi OyadomariOctober 15, 2012
Oh man! Great chili! Great burgers and fries. Historical and campy! I made my Ben's Chili Bowl pilgrimage, and I am very satisfied! President Obama is what made me visit this place!
BETJanuary 31, 2013
During the riots, black activists obtained permission to allow Ben's to stay open past curfew. Celebrate Black History by checking out amazing African American contributions: http://bet.us/BHM
Ashley HoweJuly 3, 2015
Good, cheap food - go for the half smoke for the best hotdog. Their homemade lemonade is also delicious.
Joshua DelanoJuly 11, 2013
One of the top 5 hot dogs of all time, the half smoke. Verybgood breakfast as well. People are nice too...unless Cosby or Barack stop by, they eat for free.
National Car RentalOctober 7, 2012
Open late and located in the popular U Street area, this 54-year-old landmark is just minutes away from the National Mall by car or metro. Try the chili grilled cheese!
Morgan ThomasFebruary 3, 2015
Only come here if you have never been here before, new to dc or there is no line. This is a great late night spot but don't expect the best chili you've ever had.
This Is My SouthOctober 23, 2013
Be prepared to wait in line any time of day and bring cash. Go with the chili half smoke dog, Bill Cosby's favorite. Read more
Real Living | At HomeJuly 5, 2013
It's almost unfair to say this is a burger place, but they do make one of the best ones in town. But, you MUST smother it with their famous Chili or there is no point to it.
Andrew BadenhorstJune 16, 2013
The best!! You can't visit Washington DC without a visit at Ben's Chili Bowl! I was there during February 2013 with a South African delegation.
Morgan CorpeAugust 4, 2011
Delicious! Last time we waited an hour for our meal but it was worth it. People watching, fun atmosphere, great food. They even gave us free water while we were waiting. Bring cash!
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 12, 2012
Sloppy chili dogs, thick milkshakes & chili cheese fries are universal pleasers at the inexpensive Ben's Chili Bowl. Or try comedian Bill Cosby's favorite, the chili half-smoke. -- Green Guide Editor
EaterJuly 28, 2011
An iconic Washington establishment, Ben's Chili Bowl is well-suited for late-night half-smoke cravings. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
Ghostly InternationalJuly 14, 2011
This place is incredibly famous and deserves it's fame. The chili here is, of course, delicious and it's run by a family, so the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Chili fries are the best.
Honey RushJuly 11, 2017
Long wait to order because it's packed!! People were supper friendly. Great music. Nice to see the history of the restaurant and famous visitors
Social News NetworkDecember 5, 2013
The best chili you will ever have ever. The walls are filled with photos and tales of its rich history, and many a famous face have been known to walk in.
Laura G AdamsSeptember 25, 2011
The chili cheese fries are my go-to meal here, but the half smokes are pretty good too. Walk all the way back and sit in the back room if you can - the pictures are extraordinary.
Catherine WongJune 5, 2012
Chili cheese fries when you have the late night munchies hit the spot. Make sure you share with at least one other because the portion is pretty large. Cash only!
Military Discounts CentralFebruary 21, 2012
Now this place may not have a military discount, but the food is so cheap, yet so delicious. You must go here and try one of their famous chili dogs. Yummmm!
The BigBDecember 17, 2022
Good Chili, good fries, good vibes. It’s the total work of art that gives this place its meaning. Recommended!
Stone CannizzaroMay 9, 2013
The half smoke is def the way to go! Fries are big enough to share, or skip the fries and get free potato chips.
Tyler MayneMarch 6, 2015
They will bring you strawberry shortcake if it's your birthday... Just don't attempt to leave before they bring it to you!
Evan[Bu]July 13, 2011
Be sure to bring Barack Obama with you, he eats for free. Get the Original Chili Half-Smoke, with a side of fries (the works). Bring cash, this place no likey the credit cards.
USA TODAYAugust 5, 2013
Get the half smokes, a beef-and-pork sausage that's lightly smoked and served with mustard, onions and, of course, chili. Read more
Design*SpongeAugust 3, 2014
It’s an amazingly simple concept and the food is simply amazing. My favorite is the good ole chili dog. Yum! Read more
Zach MartellJanuary 6, 2012
Half smoke is where its at.. Chili onions, cheese is extra but a must! Oh and mustard.. A little on the expensive side but still a great place to go
Ryan&KarenOctober 13, 2015
Not bad at all. Very crowded not a fancy place. Take cash! No credit accepted. Tasty spicy chili but I have had better. $20 for chili cheese fries two chili dogs and tea. Just right portions.
Rob BJanuary 31, 2013
Get the half smoke all the way and an order of chili cheese fries all the way. You'll be good to go for a week! I <3 Ben's
Ellen S. P.December 24, 2015
Been here 5+ times
There's a reason everybody orders the chili cheese half smoke. Also, the vegetarian chili is great if that's your thing.
Andy HarrisonFebruary 24, 2013
This place is busy, but the food is great! If you don't want to wait in the long line, try getting a spot at the bar.
GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010
Past customers read like the end of an African-American history book: Ellington, Carmichael, Cosby, and now, Obama, who ordered what every guide book would recommend: chili, sweet tea, & cheese fries.
AbDecember 18, 2014
Super "famous" at this point, but I'm not sure the folks who run it have noticed. The food's great, unhealthy but delish
Laura CovingtonMay 23, 2012
if you book ahead, you can have a large party in the back room. makes for an amazing business lunch. who can say no to veggie chili cheese fries?
Juan MontoyaMay 8, 2015
Great late night food...gotta get the iconic half smoke, chilli cheese fries, and chilli cheese dog!

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