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Since Ben and Virginia Ali opened the doors in Since Ben and Virginia Ali opened the doors in 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a pillar of the Washington, DC community. Since we expanded to H Street, we’ve welcome our regulars as well as those visiting from across the country and around the world. Our fresh homemade Chili and delicious Half Smokes are still made with love, using the original secret recipe. Dine in, carry out, or enjoy delivery from one of our locations, or order online to bring a taste of The Bowl to your own table. Thank you for supporting Ben’s – we look forward to seeing you soon!
Historic chain eatery that’s famous for its spicy hot dogs, chili-cheese fries & milkshakes.
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Ben’s Chili Bowl
Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has served Washington DC’s original half-smoke. Locally owned, with options to suit every appetite.
Famous Half Smokes, Hot Dogs, and More – Ben’s Chili Bowl Menu
Ben’s Chili Bowl Washington D.C.. HALF SMOKES & DOGS · BURGERS · CHILIS & BOWLS · SUBS & SANDWICHES · FRIES AND SIDES · VEGETARIAN OPTIONS · SALADS · DRINKS.
Ben’s Chili Bowl – Wikipedia
It was frequented by both police and protesters during the 1968 Washington, D.C., riots, and has been visited by celebrities, such as Anthony Bourdain, Chris …
Reviews
Everton Morais
food is delicious, great staff too! I also got some stickers, postcards and a nice magnet!
kudos to Adam and to the nice lady from California, they’re both very friendly and sweet I should have gotten their contacts
I’ll deffff come back when I visit DC next time!
… morekudos to Adam and to the nice lady from California, they’re both very friendly and sweet I should have gotten their contacts
I’ll deffff come back when I visit DC next time!
Wendy
One morning to check ben’s chili bowl out for some time now. I finally got the chance this weekend as my friend was in from Chicago, and he looked up where to get the best hot dog in DC.And ben’s chili bowl was it! We each got a half smoke, with chili cheese mustard in onions. It was really good. I was in love with the cheese as i’m picky about that type of melted cheese. This was really good.
We also got a little container of potato saland my friend’s wife got a slice of cake. The potato salad was pretty good but the cake was not good at all.
Service was awesome.The gentleman behind the counter was very nice and helpful.
I LOVE, LOVE,F LOVED the atmosphere and the inside the way it was set up and the decorations. I had originally heard of ben’s chili bowl when I lived just a block down the road from this location.
Then my son in law saw it on TV and told me about it. I included a picture of all the awards they have won for their food as well!
… moreWe also got a little container of potato saland my friend’s wife got a slice of cake. The potato salad was pretty good but the cake was not good at all.
Service was awesome.The gentleman behind the counter was very nice and helpful.
I LOVE, LOVE,F LOVED the atmosphere and the inside the way it was set up and the decorations. I had originally heard of ben’s chili bowl when I lived just a block down the road from this location.
Then my son in law saw it on TV and told me about it. I included a picture of all the awards they have won for their food as well!
Joshua Ding
December 2025
We decided to stop by this restaurant after many rave reviews on DC must eat. Slow evening with many empty tables. Looked clean but smell like cleaning solution.
Over rated restaurant riding in past glory.
If you are in DC area, you can come and check it out. Not worth for us to return.
… moreWe decided to stop by this restaurant after many rave reviews on DC must eat. Slow evening with many empty tables. Looked clean but smell like cleaning solution.
Over rated restaurant riding in past glory.
If you are in DC area, you can come and check it out. Not worth for us to return.
Matthew Farnham
Great piece of DC history! Definitely will fill you up! Great food and fast service! Will be back!! Get the half smokes Ben’s way you won’t be disappointed. It is a little pricey but worth it.
… moreFiona C
The food was super good and there was plenty of seating in the store, the staff was super nice and even gave us an extra cup for our drinks
… moreKearston & Justus French
Great lunch! Very minimal parking but that’s to be expected. There are no prices on the menu. A little surprised to pay close to $150 for burgers, hotdogs and fries. Although everything was delicious! The half smokes are incredible and the chili was really great. Everything was really fresh. We would come again! I love that you can order some of their food items online to be delivered and I’ll definitely be ordering some half smokes to be shipped to us. The staff were very kind and accommodating. We had a hard time finding a clean table but overall it was a great experience.
… moreTindra Tramontano
One of the ladies who worked there was so nice and helpful when I came in looking for a place to eat and charge my phone. I was really stressed because I’ve never traveled to a big city by myself and my phone was about to die, but the lady who worked there made me feel so welcomed and safe, and all of the workers were really friendly and welcoming. I didn’t learn her name but she has really pretty nails. The food was so good and it definitely lived up to the hype. Thank you!!
… moreKa To
While travelling to DC, we were told this place is a MUST. After ordering, spending $40 on 2 dogs and a bowl of chili I’m not sure I was wowed to the level to recommend this to visitors. It was a good dog and chili, but pricey in my opinion. The staff was super helpful and friendly. I wish I got the guys name last night. They did a wonderful job taking care of the patrons while juggling an influx of middle schoolers on a field trip the people are great and for that I would go back.
… moreMadeline B
We ordered take out and everything was still piping hot when we ate it. The fries might have been the best part because they were hot and crispy! The beef and spicy smoked dog were both good. Yummy cornbread! Everything seen in the picture was $30 total. It was busy for a Thursday night at 8:30 pm but we timed the order to arrive when it was ready so that wasn’t an issue.
… moreJames Lawson
We were visiting from Cleveland Ohio the staff were very polite. The food was great with a lot of options to.choose from.
… more