Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington DC

Ben's Chili Bowl is a DC institution! This place was first opened in the 1950s by the saintly Ben Ali, an immigrant from Trinidad who brought a mean recipe for chili. This place slowly took off, thank to earning a powerful endorsement from Bill Cosby - their used to be a statue of the Jello Pudding Predator outside the restaurant, but has since been removed for obvious reasons.

Back to the chili. I swear that Crack cocaine is added to it because I've been craving it night and day since I left DC. Hence, you must order a chili dog, a chili burger, or the chili by itself. This place was my source for late night munchies after a concert at the Lincoln Theater. It is still family-owned by Ben's nephew and son, so support this local business.

Was great always heard about Ben's finally got a chance to visit next time I'm in the DC area this will be my first stop

Think about typical American fast food cross street food, you get Ben’s chili bowl. And this is a compliment, the menu is good, the hotdog sandwich tastes great if not phenomenal.
The sauce is a bit of a too much, but it’s ok.
This place was recommended by almost everyone, that by itself is something to think about. The staff are busy but very friendly, the place is like a bee hive, everybody is doing something.

Quick stop during a weekend visit to DC. Had to stop in and check the place out. Half smoke with chili was pretty good.

I'm not usually a fan of hot dogs, but the reviews here don't lie. Get their original half smoke hot dogs!

Worth a try for sure. One of the best places to eat in Washington, DC. Also they have parking at the behind of the building, and have a jukebox. Should definitely try the half smoke.

There is obviously a reason this place is as popular as it is and has lasted for so long. The food was exactly what I wanted and was fresh. The server at the cash register was super friendly and kind and really made sure I got my order exactly as I wanted. Really great experience and wish I could come back sooner.

Expectations were high. Expectations were exceeded. From the original chili half smoke and cheese fries to the service and iconic atmosphere; everything was outstanding

We saw the place on some show, which is why we went. Cute, older place, you can really feel the history. Got the original dog and cheese fries. Everything was fresh and decent tasting. I think i may hyped myself up a little more than i should've. There is free parking in the back for customers, just FYI. Open late on Saturdays, and the line moves very fast.

This place goes bonkers, spicy half smoke all the way, some chili cheese fries and a banana milk shake hits the spot all the time. Never don't go when you land in DC.

Cool experience in one of the most popular restaurant in the city! Highly recommend the half-half Hot Dog.
Service and quality of the food is great.

Ben's chili bowl has the best chili that I've tasted great place nice people great owner wonderful staff very clean I love Ben's chili bowl

Late night favorites! A cast of post party characters, amazing comfort food and a party atmosphere! BCB is awesome!

The dishes are probably very industrial, it is suitable for a hunger that we want to satisfy quickly in a setting of the 50s with effective communication on site which leaves the tourist dreaming.

Great food. There will be a wait due to the volume of customers. The food is worth the wait. I will be back for more.

We discovered the restaurant while exploring the area. From the outside it looks like it was in the 60s and there was a great atmosphere inside too. We decided on the two classics, consisting of a chili bowl and a kind of hot dog. Both were delicious, although the ORIGINAL CHILI HALF-SMOKE was relatively spicy. So it was probably a good idea not to take the spicy version. There are numerous pictures on display in the restaurant showing which personalities have already eaten here.

Ehhhh. They got our order wrong twice and it really wasn’t all that good. Hot dog wasn’t great but I do think just chilli was alright.

The food is good when you are starving, the service from the Day S cashier is terrible, we are shouted for being Latin.

They discriminate in this place, a mandatory step if you are in Washington, but I would not return.