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Ben's Chili Bowl
Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
The chili at Ben's Chili Bowl is a can't miss
"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)
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Ben's Chili Bowl was wonderful. I had the half smoke just like President Obama did when he was here.
Dan NielsenApril 7, 2011For three of us with light to medium appetites, 3 half smokes and one shared order of chili cheese fries. Great meal!!!
El' RenfroMarch 22, 2018The Famous Half-Smoke with Ben Ali's secret recipe chili and cheese with a side of fries and an ice cold Coca-Cola!
Eat the Half Smoke with chili and everything on it! Just do it!
Affinia Hotel CollectionAugust 30, 2012Try Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half Smoke – trust us! P.S. Did you know Ben’s will ship food to all 50 states? Spread the chili love!
The Liaison Capitol HillAugust 30, 2012Try Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half Smoke – trust us! P.S. Did you know Ben’s will ship food to all 50 states? Spread the chili love!
Stuart RosenbergJanuary 19, 2015Get the chili half smoke with chips. Too much food if u get the fries.
I never had chili that was this good. Right amount of 'tang' to the taste!
Jane AvrietteOctober 19, 2013The French toast is the best thing on the menu except perhaps the steak au poivre.
Carl BleichMay 25, 2014Half smoke is delicious. Not a place to eat healthy but it doesn't claim to be either.
Close GitmoJanuary 11, 2012Jan 11(right now!): the National Day of Action Against Guantanamo & the NDAA! Join us at 1130 in Lafayette Square across from the White House. The program and march will run from Noon-2:30pm EST
Reni AbrahamJuly 3, 2011Great happy hour specials and try the signature half smoke sausage with the chili cheese fries!!!!
Bre HammondFebruary 15, 2020I had a veggie burger. It was fair. My friend ordered chili, it was ok. They got our order all wrong.
J.j. Gorena IISeptember 18, 2012Get the half smoked. This is a true Washington DC moment...don't visit without eating there.
Greg RAugust 16, 2011if you need a tip you're in the wrong place - late night, get a chili dog, chili half-smoke and chili cheese fries...heaven- ScoutmobNovember 28, 2011Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl. It was also the first place Prez Obama dined at when he came to DC.
RickAugust 8, 2011Don't expect anything for free... only Obama or someone like that gets that treatment. But you can expect really, really good grub!
CurbAugust 12, 2011Eat a half smoke after bars close. Then skip the all-out melee for a cab by booking with Taxi Magic. Schedule pickup around the corner (13th & V, maybe) and outsmart the crowds.
The half smokes are great but what's even greater is being at a place with such historical significance in the DC area. It's almost like a museum!
Summer HoyaMay 16, 2012"only Obama and Bill Cosby eat here for free, but it's worth the wait and the price"- Scott, MSB'15
Andrew NguyenFebruary 25, 2012Hey when you have 5 or more you can skip the lines and are served at the tables. So worth it!
Guadalupe RodriguezMarch 16, 2015For some reason I was very disappointed this time. The chili tasted very generic and it's scary to walk outside. Do not go alone.
Kenneth TubaughMay 6, 2017The food is okay but the ambiance is why you come here. It's an experience not to be missed.
Great eats. It satisfies the occasional half-smoke and chili fix.
Sofia CaseOctober 29, 2011Let's be honest. Does anything even taste better than chili cheese fries at 4 AM?!
kimberley shultsMarch 6, 2009Go to Ben's and get a chili half smoke, fries, and a shake. Yes, it's worth the wait in line! Also, keep an eye out for the list of people who get to eat there for free.
Ben's takes cash only. ATM on sight if you need it. Half Smoke! Half Smoke! Half Smoke!
Daniel DoughertyAugust 12, 2012People who eat for free here: Bill Cosby, President Obama and family. No body else. As per note taped to coffee machine.
RonAugust 7, 2010It's a historical landmark in DC. Great Chili dogs. Dine-in and people watching at its best. Cash only.
Jeff NixSeptember 10, 2011Celeberties all over the walls, if you like chili and dogs this is the best place for them.
2,035 Photos
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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
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