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Ben's Chili Bowl
Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
"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 reviewsFilter:
- chili
- chili half smoke
- obama
- good for a late night
- bill cosby
- (15 more)
Sort:
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Jaime SunwooDecember 11, 2016Half smoke with chili, onions, & mustard. Yum yum yum. The owner there looks so regal. 👑🌭
EdreaMay 31, 2012Nothing beats a chili half smoke for a late night snack! :P Truly legendary. Don't forget the cash! Avoid the lines... come at odd hours! :)- Amy GaskinsJanuary 23, 2012Most iconic restaurant in DC that, amazingly, hasn't turned too touristy. Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!
Charita S.September 26, 2010Ahh such WONDERFUL memories. I've enjoyed chili fries and Half Smokes here since 1990. All who are Cardozo Alumni had to have stopped in here at least once....or many more. The place is packed after l Read more
John BoothJuly 12, 2016Believe the hype, friendly service and amazing food. The smoke chilli half is incredible.
Audrey ADecember 22, 2012CASH ONLY! If you can't tolerate spice, the chili will make you sweat. Service is fast and the line goes quick!
Mark Neurohr-PierpaoliApril 28, 2015Try the Half-Smoke Chili Hot Dog - Half Smoke Chili Dog at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC (via @Foodspotting)
Travel ChannelNovember 15, 2010The half-smoke is a half-pork, half-beef sausage native to DC, generously covered with Ben's chili. The result – unparalleled deliciousness. – Adam Richman, Man v. Food Read more
Francis Page Jr.September 21, 2012You gotta try the half-smoked hot dog with chili, onions and mustard. French fries and a Coke. My Favorite:)
FiOS 50November 23, 2011The line winds out the door at Ben's Chili Bowl at what seems like all times of day. Try the chili half smoke - Ben's signature dish and a favorite of Bil Cosby's!
MariJuly 5, 2013They're known for their chili dogs but the cheeseburger with chili sauce is also pretty rad.
Dan 4January 29, 2012Veggie Chili is pretty good, and filling meal worth the drive if you are close anyway, so you can eat the same place Obama ate- Annie MattJanuary 28, 2018Great for late night food. Chilli cheese fries are the perfect way to the end the night. DC landmark
Brett GJuly 20, 2015Vegetarian? You have to try the veggie chili and/or veggie chili dog. Life changing.
Justin SchuckFebruary 4, 2011Get the Chili Half Smoke w/ Mustard & Onions -- even if you don't like mustard, onions or chili. Heck, even if you don't like meat. This is why God made Ben.
Jim WilliamsAugust 13, 2012This is a DC must. The chilli is hot and plentiful and as a hot dog lover you can't beat Ben's dogs.
Jimmy KastnerSeptember 4, 2014It's the perfect place to hit after a game. Chili dogs hit the spot, but prepare for a long line and no seats.
Dave HoptonDecember 2, 2011Truly legendary. Worth a visit for the pictures of celebrities alone, but the Chili Burger and cheesy chili fries are great.
SHAWNA PMay 18, 2018They have turkey & veggie options (some are not listed on the menu, so don’t be too shy to ask).
Irma ReyesApril 22, 2013Good chili. Not too spicy and not too mild. But if you get the chili cheese fries, beware, it's not real cheese.
ChristopherMarch 3, 2013There is parking in the back for customers. Cash only. Come hungry. Half-smoke for life!!!
Tuan LeOctober 13, 2012If you're deciding between the Chili Half-Smoke and Chili Burger, then get the Chili Half-Smoke FOR SURE!!
William ImperialeOctober 2, 2011Check out the jukebox while you're there: Amazing collection of R&B that you won't find at any other restaurant!
Andrew BajwaJanuary 25, 2014Totally recommend going here. Delicious. Affordable. A Washington, D.C. Staple. Simply wonderful.
Emily YaniskoMarch 15, 2014Half smoke all the way. Only way to do it. Nothing like anything else anywhere else, ever. Nothing better. I stop here after a 13 hour shift because if I'm here, I can't miss the chance to eat several
E. PerryAugust 7, 2014Veggie chili is good here actually. It's all about hot dogs and half smokes at 1am.
If you're vegetarian, order the veggie dog with chili, cheese, mustard and onions. Delightful.
Walter WhitakerMay 27, 2014pricey for what it is but very good! cash only and reminds me of my favorite dive back home!
ToryBurchJune 26, 2013Tory loves to eat here for a casual lunch with her boys and we love the history behind this DC institution- everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to President Obama has dined here.
Marc NgNovember 10, 2016Well worth a trip. Maybe not the size of portions you might expect in the States but tasty.
Caroleen WilkesApril 1, 2012Want good food near where you're standing? Check this notable and one of a kind restaurant. Featured on TV and previously enjoyed by President Barack Obama.
Justin ThorpOctober 2, 2011Go there late at night and get a chili half smoke, chili cheese fies & some fruit punch. You won't be disappointed.
Curtis McLeanNovember 10, 2013This place is awesome! The place of legends! No wonder it's so packed but it is fast with the service!
Try the Half Smoke. Amazing bring cash they don't take credit cards.
DoubleDeuceMarch 3, 2015I'm not even a little bit of a fan of this place. It's trashy food that's terrible for everyone. But I still come here because it's unique to the U Street area.
if you're here, you already knoe about the half smoke. The milkshakes are great too! Vanilla, strawberry, and cherry banana is surprisingly tasty!
Half-smoke and chili cheese fries are totally worth the wait. Bring cash as they don't take card!
Nathan WalbeSeptember 15, 2017perfect for a late night meal after a show....or at anytime of the day
Brenda AndrewsOctober 12, 2016Best place for late night food in the District. Ran into several friends from Detroit.
Danny MaldonadoNovember 24, 2013Get a half smoke and some chili cheese fries! You won't be disappointed!
2,035 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Ben's Chili Bowl is a black-owned American restaurant located in Washington, DC.
Open until 1:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
(202) 667-0909
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
See More
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Molly Cushing - 7.3
"The Great Chicago Fire Burger is dusted in chipotle and topped with fire-roasted chili and mango salsa, habañero jack cheese, and chipotle aioli. Make sure to drink a beer to cool down."
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