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Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl

Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
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8.3/10
1,323
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Travel + Leisure
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • Travel + Leisure
  • Tips
    Amy G.
    "Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!"(22 Tips)
    ToryBurch
    "everyone from Ella Fitzgerald to President Obama"(16 Tips)
    Scoutmob
    "Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl."(11 Tips)
    Will C.
    "Travelers: Get the chili dog and chili half smoke to get super full!"(30 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon374 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • chili
  • chili half smoke
  • obama
  • good for a late night
  • bill cosby
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  • Alex N.
    Alex NguyenMarch 5, 2010
    A little pricey but, still, nothing can beat a split chili half-smoke with mustard and onions.
  • Joseph K.
    Joseph KahnJanuary 16, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Go to Ben's Chili Bowl and get a Chili Half Smoke. Bring cash, though. Ben's doesn't take cards. Read more
  • Will C.
    Will ChungNovember 11, 2011
    This place plays awesome music!
  • Paul B.
    Paul BishopNovember 1, 2011
    Parking is better on 13th Street, don't bother trying to park on U Street.
  • DeAna M.
    DeAna MoultonJuly 18, 2011
    It's all about the Chilli. Read more
  • Rupert P.
    Rupert PupkinSeptember 1, 2013
    Inefficient service. I'm not a bugger for customer service, but it's an absolute joke here.
  • Jereme R.
    Jereme RiceNovember 3, 2011
    Just get the Half Smoke!
  • Tom B.
    Tom BrandtAugust 27, 2012
    Get the half-smoke
  • Danielle I.
    Danielle InsettaApril 13, 2013
    FYI this is NOT NYC... They have no sauerkraut in the establishment.
  • 25 M.
    25 MagazineJuly 28, 2010
    You have to get the chili fries w/cheese
  • Preston C.
    Preston CornishDecember 31, 2011
    The best in DC.
  • DishOnIt
    DishOnItApril 28, 2011
    Found Half smoke as Yum. Try it and dish on it at http://dishonit.com Read more
  • Aristeu C.
    Aristeu CostaOctober 14, 2011
    Half smoked with chilli and cheese
  • Matt D.
    Matt DOctober 27, 2011
    Cash only, pay when you're served
  • Diosdado P.
    Diosdado Pasamonte JrJanuary 22, 2011
    Cash Only but ATM is available inside the restaurant.
  • Rob S.
    Rob StaufferMarch 5, 2012
    The half smoke with chili is great...Obama, not so much
  • Rob C.
    Rob ChristensenNovember 26, 2011
    Yes! Chili cheese life!
  • Tracy
    TracyAugust 24, 2012
    Cash only.
  • Shannon Y.
    Shannon YazurloApril 4, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    I've got the swag and it's clogging up my arteries
  • Jacob P.
    Jacob ProfferJanuary 15, 2013
    It's hype the food sucks, it was burnt 2/3 visits and the guys hassling outside the door for change are aggressive.
  • Austin O.
    Austin O'LaughlinOctober 13, 2010
    You may catch bill cosby here wearing a "Hello Friend" sweater
  • Melissa M.
    Melissa MJuly 17, 2011
    Bring cash!!
  • Andrew W.
    Andrew WisemanOctober 9, 2011
    They have chili here
  • Josei ==> @ShoesNFood w.
    Landmark. Happy staff = Happy customer
  • Lee M.
    Lee MatthewsJanuary 1, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Pretty good breakfast
  • Andrew L.
    Andrew LaValleeDecember 26, 2009
    When you order your half-smoke, ask to have it split and grilled
  • DFresh C.
    DFresh CoconutGroveJanuary 6, 2012
    Half Smoke, nuff said!
  • Jeff C.
    Jeff CarrollJanuary 18, 2012
    Skip the fries (not that great) and get two half-smokes instead...
  • Adam B.
    Adam BurrellFebruary 18, 2011
    You aren't a Washingtonian until you've sucked down a half smoke with the works.
  • Ayo
    AyoAugust 10, 2014
    Long lines. Very crowded
  • Belle B.
    Belle BasnightAugust 17, 2011
    Get a chili half-smoke!
  • Dante M.
    Dante MacApril 27, 2012
    Good dogs!!!
  • Ian Y.
    Ian YAugust 9, 2010
    Don't get it to go. It turns to a mess quickly, and they give you chips if you eat in.
  • Tom M.
    Tom MacWrightAugust 10, 2013
    despite being famous this place is terrible. It's like McDonald's minus quality control.
  • Clara S.
    Clara SAugust 25, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Gotta have the halfsmoke
  • Luis P.
    Luis PerezMarch 17, 2011
    Nobody, I mean nobody has a better chili halfsmoke. And I bet you that they will never forget your order.
  • Kendra W.
    Kendra WalterDecember 3, 2010
    Bring cash!
  • Larry C.
    Larry ChengFebruary 4, 2010
    Get one of their famous hot dogs and chow down!
  • Khang N.
    Khang NguyenApril 10, 2010
    Get there early. Line is long!
  • John
    JohnJune 20, 2012
    Another Half Smoke, please?
  • Mehmet
    MehmetDecember 21, 2011
    the sauce is not so good.
  • Rob B.
    Rob BakerAugust 15, 2013
    Do yourself a favor and skip this place.
  • Tim B.
    Tim BrownMarch 12, 2010
    Go to Ben's Chili Bowl and get chili half-smoke.
  • Mike A.
    Mike AbbateDecember 3, 2011
    Don't order a BLT after 10AM- they don't like it one bit!
  • travis m.
    travis militzerSeptember 12, 2010
    Tell them your bill cosby
  • Jaime L.
    Jaime LangJune 20, 2013
    I'm sorry but this place blows!
  • Mike S.
    Mike StillSeptember 26, 2010
    I ate a poop pie that a wizard said was a hamburger. Whoops!!
  • Debra M.
    Debra MacklinMarch 17, 2011
    Ben's is the Best
  • Greg G.
    Greg GioiaDecember 1, 2009
    Been here 5+ times
    Open 24 hours and has free wi-fi!
  • BeBlogalicious
    BeBlogaliciousApril 16, 2010
    Bring cash!
Photos2,049 Photos

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