Ben's Chili Bowl

Apparently Ben's Chili Bowl is a beloved and well known spot in DC. I we want on a Saturday night around 8pm and it was jam packed for business. The chili half smoke and classic chili dog I ordered were very tasty. However I feel that they are overpriced, as this order cost me $15. The dogs and the chili were good, but I feel the history and feel of the place is what draws so many people. Of course their burgers and other items may be amazing, and I will definitely try those out on my next trip to the area.

We had a great evening at Ben’s (U street). Went for a birthday party and Nizam worked with me a couple days in advance to quickly and easily secure the back room. We met Mrs Ali on the way in and loved hearing her stories of DC through the decades. Food was great, service was great. Loved it - we will be back. What a great time!

Really loved this spot! I came in with an open mind, knew about it because of how Obama visited. Had to go while I was in DC man. Shout out Wale. My time here was quick, I just wanted to try it and that’s it. Man, that burger tasted REALLY good! It had such a nice flavor. Really was a straight up GOOD burger. That chili dog was great too. I’m not much of a hotdog person. I like em a lot, but they never stand out. This was also great. Now I know why Sonic the Hedgehog loves chili dogs. I expects this to be a one and done spot. Nah. I’m going again when I’m in DC and I’m not sharing. Big thank you to the staff who were super kind and lovely. I wish this place was just a short train ride away from me but it’s 4 hours away! I would be a regular.

This is such a neat place with lots of history! I enjoyed a chili burger, while the family enjoyed the half smoke and chili cheese fries! Everyone cleaned their plates. We had a shake for dessert and it is one of the best I've ever tasted! Highly recommend going to this gem in DC.

My son is a student at Howard and I asked him to introduce me to D.C. and Bens Chili is where he took me. Food was pretty good and that's not a knock. Service and atmosphere is what sets this place apart. I swear it seemed as if we were at a five star restaurant they way the staff went out of their way to take care of us. From the woman who took order and the gentleman working the register all the to the owner all made us feel welcome. The nostalgic feel of the restaurant added to the allure, it seemed as that the place is all original. Definitely a pl

Delicious food (owner’s family recipes)and excellent service. This photo is with the long-standing owner (pink sweater). Amazing history! Stop there if you’re in Washington, DC.

Pros: The food was very tasteful and the ingredients were of the highest quality. The atmosphere had some fo-real throwback vibes. Their story is interesting and translates to their methodology behind the counter.Cons: The seemed high... Everything is relative, but a burger, chili cheese fries, and a shake will set you back about 25 bucks. (Definitely worth it though.) The other problem was the demeanor of some of the employees. About half were standoffish and made rude comments—but the great attitudes of the other half made up for it.

I’m from Texas and I’ve had better chili. The food was okay, the rice chili bowl was cold. Cool environment. Mrs. Virginia is a sweet heart. Just to see her still working the restaurant and making her rounds to speak to the customers means a lot. All the employees were friendly.

The place was okay. I didn’t eat the food so I can’t comment on it! I went there with a friend who wanted to show me some great places in DC. They enjoyed their food. Great history in the place and I think that’s really nice!

The iconic Ben's Chili Bowl loved up to expectations! During the Covid 19 outbreak, they provided great food with great customer service... They treated us like family and we will go back for sure! We enjoyed our shakes and sandwiches. They had something for everyone! All of the employees wore masks and they were very careful to make sure there weren't too many customers in the restaurant at one time.

Had the half smoke with all the fixings, sweet tea, cheese fries and the lemon cake slice. It was so good! Service was great and the owner very attentive as we had a group of 6 and Ben's gets crowded. We were there at lunch time last Sat. The murals outside were amazing. Can't wait to go back!

Local hot spot! This place had maybe the best chili dog I have ever had. Everyone here was super awesome and cool. It can get very busy.

If you live in or near DC and haven't been to the original Ben's location you need to make the trip! Try the half smoke with chili, mustard, and onions. The chili makes an amazing chili-cheeseburger too! Add some fries and a milkshake and you're in for a treat! Don't forget to look around at photos of all the famous folks that have come through over the years! A DC institution since 1958!

Just ordered a Bobs Chili Burger to-go and opened it to find a normal cheese burger. No one is going to pay 8 dollars for a plain cheese burger that tastes the same as every other joint. Hire someone with more listening power that a toaster oven.

Visited when we went to DC for New Years. We ordered a regular half smoke, a spicy half smoke and a bowl of chili with cheese and onions. Someone in my group is vegetarian and had the Veggie Chili and said it was amazing. Everything was really good. the Half Smokes are great size and the chili bowl tasted great. It was nice to visit a legendary place like Ben's Chili Bowl. We had a great time and was surprised to see the Owner on the grill! but my favorite part was the murals on the walls. Would definitely go again.