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Ben's Chili Bowl
Hot Dog Joint, Burger Joint, and Diner$$$$
U-Street, Washington
The folks at Eater and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle like this place. Would you agree?
"Grab a chili half smoke with everything and some chili cheese fries!"(21 Tips)
"... Cosby, and now, Obama, who ordered what every guide book would..."(16 Tips)
"Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl."(11 Tips)
"Try the Bens Original Half Smoked Chili Dog - Mixed beef and pork"(30 Tips)
374 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- chili
- chili half smoke
- obama
- good for a late night
- bill cosby
- (15 more)
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EdreaMay 31, 2012Nothing beats a chili half smoke for a late night snack! :P Truly legendary. Don't forget the cash! Avoid the lines... come at odd hours! :)
If you're vegetarian, order the veggie dog with chili, cheese, mustard and onions. Delightful.
ChristopherMarch 3, 2013There is parking in the back for customers. Cash only. Come hungry. Half-smoke for life!!!
Ben's Chili Bowl was wonderful. I had the half smoke just like President Obama did when he was here.
Ananda LeekeJuly 5, 2010If you want to be in the in crowd you may want to check it out as my favorite President has made it one of his places to go when he wants to get off his diet. Tip by Ananda's dad.
I never had chili that was this good. Right amount of 'tang' to the taste!
Try the Half Smoke. Amazing bring cash they don't take credit cards.
Danielle InsettaApril 13, 2013Just "checked" the hipsters.. Skipped a bunch of them in line. Can't believe the Circus that's here. This place has "hipster changed." Has DC/U street jumped the shark (to add a layer)?
Irma ReyesApril 22, 2013Good chili. Not too spicy and not too mild. But if you get the chili cheese fries, beware, it's not real cheese.
Jane AvrietteOctober 19, 2013The French toast is the best thing on the menu except perhaps the steak au poivre.
Danny MaldonadoNovember 24, 2013Get a half smoke and some chili cheese fries! You won't be disappointed!
Justin ThorpOctober 2, 2011Go there late at night and get a chili half smoke, chili cheese fies & some fruit punch. You won't be disappointed.- DoubleDeuceMarch 3, 2015I'm not even a little bit of a fan of this place. It's trashy food that's terrible for everyone. But I still come here because it's unique to the U Street area.
Kenneth TubaughMay 6, 2017The food is okay but the ambiance is why you come here. It's an experience not to be missed.
Greg RAugust 16, 2011if you need a tip you're in the wrong place - late night, get a chili dog, chili half-smoke and chili cheese fries...heaven
Eat the Half Smoke with chili and everything on it! Just do it!- ScoutmobNovember 28, 2011Bill Cosby is the only person who eats free at Ben's Chili Bowl. It was also the first place Prez Obama dined at when he came to DC.
Summer HoyaMay 16, 2012"only Obama and Bill Cosby eat here for free, but it's worth the wait and the price"- Scott, MSB'15
if you're here, you already knoe about the half smoke. The milkshakes are great too! Vanilla, strawberry, and cherry banana is surprisingly tasty!
Ben's takes cash only. ATM on sight if you need it. Half Smoke! Half Smoke! Half Smoke!
Andrew NguyenFebruary 25, 2012Hey when you have 5 or more you can skip the lines and are served at the tables. So worth it!
Dan NielsenApril 7, 2011For three of us with light to medium appetites, 3 half smokes and one shared order of chili cheese fries. Great meal!!!
Great eats. It satisfies the occasional half-smoke and chili fix.
Sofia CaseOctober 29, 2011Let's be honest. Does anything even taste better than chili cheese fries at 4 AM?!
The half smokes are great but what's even greater is being at a place with such historical significance in the DC area. It's almost like a museum!
Daniel DoughertyAugust 12, 2012People who eat for free here: Bill Cosby, President Obama and family. No body else. As per note taped to coffee machine.
- Stop in before a Caps game! Get off at the U Street Metro Station on the Green Line. Exit toward 13th street. Ben's is right across the street!
Stuart RosenbergJanuary 19, 2015Get the chili half smoke with chips. Too much food if u get the fries.
Daniel BarojasApril 18, 2012Get the chili half smoke, & ask for it "split & burned" for more crunchy deliciousness
Reni AbrahamJuly 3, 2011Great happy hour specials and try the signature half smoke sausage with the chili cheese fries!!!!
2,035 Photos
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Ben's Chili Bowl is a black-owned American restaurant located in Washington, DC.
Closed until 11:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu, Sun
- 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri–Sat
- 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
(202) 667-0909
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
No
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
See More
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- 6.6
"Build your own halfsmoke with their many toppings. Also, don't miss their funnel cakes! Late night happy hour on Friday and Saturday."
Daycation DC - 8.1
"Shack burger and shake will never be a bad decision. Busy lines move fast. Food is ready quickly. My favorite place."
Molly Cushing - 8.3
"Everything here is great, we opted for the Chorizo topped with peppers and onions, Chili topped with cheese, and a Halfsmoke topped with bacon and jalapeños."
Behrad Eats
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