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Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl Review

Long before U Street became hip, Ben's was serving chili. Chili on hot dogs, chili on Polish-style sausages, chili on burgers, and just plain chili. Add cheese fries if you dare. The faux-marble bar and shiny red-vinyl stools give the impression that little has changed since the 1950s, but don't be fooled—this favorite of President Obama and his aides has rocketed into the 21st century with an iPhone app and kiosks at Nationals baseball games. Turkey and vegetarian burgers and meatless chili are the menu's more upscale nods to modern times. Ben's closes at 2 am Monday through Thursday, at 4 am on Friday and Saturday. It serves no breakfast on Sunday but stays open until 11 pm. Southern-style breakfast is served from 6 am weekdays and from 7 am on Saturday.

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Member Reviews

  • JaneBond009, from Fort Worth, TX
    1/4/09

    It was a pretty busy/happening place and had friendly service. I'm not much of a hot-dog fan, but I felt I had to try this famous place's chili dog.

    Ratings details: Food: 4 | Atmosphere: 4 | Service: 4 | Value: 4
  • rfliberto, from Pensacola, FL
    12/25/08

    We went to DC Christmas 07 and we loved Ben's. The atmosphere was great, food was great. We loved it so much we went back 2 more times.

    Ratings details: Food: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 5
  • wherestheparty, from Oklahoma
    3/10/08

    Ben's Chili Bowl is a must on your food list. Located on U Street and easily accessible via the Green Line Metro, try the chili dog or the half smoke. Milk shakes are good but very thick. Chili is great without being too spicy. Our service was a little slow, but the atmosphere is great. The restaurant has been around for 50 years and is a community gathering place. Extremely affordable.

    Ratings details: Food: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 4 | Value: 5
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