Phone: +12026670909
Address: Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights, 1213 U St, 20009-4574, Washington, D.C., United States
City: Washington, D.C.
Menu Dishes: 35
Reviews: 13287
Website: http://www.benschilibowl.com/
"I was born in 1970 in DC and was born and raised there until I left for the Army in 1988..so I know just a little about the historic spots to eat in DC. Ben's Chili Bowl is JUST OKAY...if you live here it probably is not your go-to for a half smoke. Especially since their prices are really absurd these days. I have never been a fan of the chili which is more like canned chili...Wendy's has a more robust chili. I am very fair and honest in my assessments of places to eat. On my last visit they only took cash YET there was a big ole ATM sitting right there in the lobby!! LOL. Bill Cosby aint from DC....Obama ain't from DC...Sure visit Ben's but also know that some street vendors selling Half Smokes in DC have very, very good Half Smokes!! Although you may just view them as just another hotdog stand. Pics represent the half smoke and chili sauce package."
Full menu - 35 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
The Original - Chili Half-Smoke
Burger
Beyond Burger
A plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a special sauce on a toasted bun.
Cheese Burger menu
A juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun.
Turkey Burger
Grilled turkey patty with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Veggie Burger
A delicious veggie patty with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and creamy avocado on a toasted bun.
Entrées
Onion Rings
Crispy, golden-brown onion rings, lightly seasoned and perfectly fried for a crunchy bite.
Chili Cheese Fries
Crispy fries smothered in spicy chili and melted cheese.
Sandwiches
Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo on a toasted bun.
Side Dishes
Grits
Creamy Southern-style ground corn dish, often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp.
Main Courses
Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh salsa.
American Food
Hot Dog
Classic hot dog with a juicy sausage in a soft bun, topped with ketchup, mustard, and relish.
Rice Bowl
Dad'S Hot Dogs
Salads
Salad Bowl
A fresh and vibrant salad bowl with crisp greens, seasonal vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal option.
Dessert
Milkshakes
Creamy milkshake made with premium ice cream, blended until smooth, and available in a variety of classic and creative flavors.
Sausage & Co.
Fried Potatoes
Cheese Fries
Golden fries topped with melted cheese, perfect for a savory and indulgent snack.
Bites
Smokes And Dogs
Healthy Choices
Vegetarian Dishes
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp blend of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, served with a choice of dressing.
Denise
A must try when coming to DC! I loved eating here.. everyone wears masks and are nice and friendly.. the hot dog was okay.. the burger and chili bowl with rice is what shined.. check it out
Address
Reviews
Vadim
It's ok. Nothing spectacular. I ordered a half smoke, chili cheese fries and a shake. They charge you an extra $5 to make you the meal and want a tip. Never seen that before, but I'm from the west coast.
John
What a treat. Not only was I able to have the most amazing cheese fries accompanied with a 1/2 smoke but I was treated to a bit of history. I met the owner, Mrs. Ali, and her family. Very nice woman. Quite spunky to say the least.
Denise
Walk in and order, they will bring you your food. There are a few tables up front, in the middle and in the back. Pictures of famous people all over the walls. Even have a TV playing with more pictures. This is a DC landmark. The place is fun to check out. But the chili was just ok Service was good. View menu
Denise
I don?t know what else can be said of this diner. The half smoke is one of the best Chile dogs you can have and their milkshakes just compliment the spiciness of the chili. You really should seek it out if you?re anywhere near U Street in DC. Just make sure you go to the original one. Their new one in the convention center is only open during events.
Du
This is one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. I ended up getting 2 of them. They are on the pricier side, but they are worth it. They come with chili of you choose to get that as a topping. The hot dogs that ended up getting were all beef. One set of fries is all you need. There's also a place right next door that they own that has some really good cheap drinks. Great spot.
Denise
A classic lunch counter in the heart of DC! Right across the street from the U street metro station on the yellow/green line. Fast, friendly service. Counter order and then seat yourself. The meal combo deal is an extra $5 for a fountain drink and fries. I recommend skipping it because it's not quite worth it. Spend the money on a milkshake instead! The walls are filled with pictures famous people who have eaten there. This place is great! Definitely check it out. View menu
Denise
The place is not small, but, it will fill a bit like that at Fridays and Saturdays night as in the middle of the bar and club zone, along with its tourist popularity because Obama was there (along with some other celebrities). They say they have parking at the back, I did not do much to find it as I already have parked my car somewhere else. The food is very good if not great, it feels of good quality and fresh, with obviously a great and original flavour. Even though,
Denise
I was told that a visit to DC is MUST include the Original Ben's Chili Bowl on U street in the Shaw neighborhood of DC. What I learned is that Ben?s is not just a minority owned restaurant, it is a civil rights landmark. Stepping into Ben?s is looking back at a glimpse of history and feeling the sense of community it built. Like a museum, Ben?s walls are adorned with framed photographs, of founders, Virginia and her late husband, Ben, taken throughout the past 60 years;
LEETHAD
I was born in 1970 in DC and was born and raised there until I left for the Army in 1988..so I know just a little about the historic spots to eat in DC. Ben's Chili Bowl is JUST OKAY...if you live here it probably is not your go-to for a half smoke. Especially since their prices are really absurd these days. I have never been a fan of the chili which is more like canned chili...Wendy's has a more robust chili. I am very fair and honest in my assessments of places to eat. On my last visit they only took cash YET there was a big ole ATM sitting right there in the lobby!! LOL. Bill Cosby aint from DC....Obama ain't from DC...Sure visit Ben's but also know that some street vendors selling Half S... View menu
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States, known for its historic landmarks. Typical cuisine often includes crab cakes, half-smokes, and diverse international fare from various embassies.
Categories
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Tea Explore our selection of soothing teas, offering both classic and exotic blends. Perfectly brewed to awaken your senses, indulge in our range for a moment of tranquility and flavor in every sip.
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Meat Explore our mouth-watering meat selection, featuring expertly grilled steaks, tender chicken, and flavorful lamb dishes, each seasoned to perfection for an unforgettable dining experience. View menu
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Cheese A curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world, featuring diverse flavors and textures that delight the palate. Perfect for sharing or savored individually with the ideal accompaniments.
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Burgers Juicy, flavorful burgers crafted with premium ingredients, from classic beef to unique vegetarian options, all served with fresh toppings and a choice of hand-cut fries or a crisp salad.
Amenities
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Wifi
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Kids
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Seating
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Delivery
