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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. U Street has seen many changes over the decades, but our steadfast commitment to our guests remains the same. We 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.
Hours
| Sunday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–4 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–4 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 667-0909
Website: https://benschilibowl.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
jkus eats
Couldn’t find the appeal of their menu. Place is definitely a beautiful historical icon with great people staffing, but the food was just that. Chili dog is okay but tastes nothing out of the ordinary. Chili cheese fries were great but also very standard. Rather expensive as well.
… moreJon Lynch
Ben’s Chili Bowl seemed like an easy spot to grab some familiar food and a quick bite. Step inside and you find yourself surrounded by history, and the love of a DC icon who first opened the original storefront (currently under renovation) across the street in 1958.
The food is great, family recipe chili selection, burgers, dogs, fries. Perfect portions to be able to try a few things. This is a bustling spot with plenty of traffic, but ample seating.
Stick around. You may have the privilege of meeting Virginia Ali, the co founder and hear her amazing and inspiring story.
… moreThe food is great, family recipe chili selection, burgers, dogs, fries. Perfect portions to be able to try a few things. This is a bustling spot with plenty of traffic, but ample seating.
Stick around. You may have the privilege of meeting Virginia Ali, the co founder and hear her amazing and inspiring story.
Kana
A wonderful American diner! The spicy half-smoke was absolutely delicious—tasty and juicy. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this location over the one at DCA.
… moreStaci Jackson-Weir
This was an amazing experience for me! So much history in a landmark! The hot dog burst juice as soon as a put a fork in it! Delicious chili cheese fries and this homemade coconut cake with pineapple was SINFUL!
The staff are so friendly, they make you feel right at home. Their original spot across the street is being remodeled, but there temporary space was just as amazing. You’ve won my heart, Ben’s Chili Bowl! I will be back!
Cool merch as well. Not sure how I’m going to fit it!
… moreThe staff are so friendly, they make you feel right at home. Their original spot across the street is being remodeled, but there temporary space was just as amazing. You’ve won my heart, Ben’s Chili Bowl! I will be back!
Cool merch as well. Not sure how I’m going to fit it!
Jinhee Son
Ben’s Chili Bowl in DC truly lives up to its legendary reputation. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the history and heart that make this place such an icon. Even though the location is temporarily moved during renovations, the atmosphere is still welcoming, lively, and full of character. The staff keeps the spirit of Ben’s alive, and you can tell they take pride in serving food that generations have loved.
The chili is hands down some of the best you’ll ever have—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. It’s comforting without being heavy, and you can taste the care that goes into every batch. The chili cheese fries are an absolute must-order: crispy fries smothered in that signature chili and melty cheese, making them completely addictive. The spicy hot dogs are another standout, delivering just the right amount of heat and bold flavor in every bite.
Despite the temporary relocation, the quality of the food and the overall experience haven’t changed at all. Ben’s Chili Bowl continues to be a must-visit spot in DC. I can’t wait to come back once the renovations are finished and experience it again in its classic home.
… moreThe chili is hands down some of the best you’ll ever have—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. It’s comforting without being heavy, and you can taste the care that goes into every batch. The chili cheese fries are an absolute must-order: crispy fries smothered in that signature chili and melty cheese, making them completely addictive. The spicy hot dogs are another standout, delivering just the right amount of heat and bold flavor in every bite.
Despite the temporary relocation, the quality of the food and the overall experience haven’t changed at all. Ben’s Chili Bowl continues to be a must-visit spot in DC. I can’t wait to come back once the renovations are finished and experience it again in its classic home.
Mark Graff
That Half Smoke hot dog lives rent free in my memory! Old school vibe matched by quality ingredients, quick food service, and friendly staff. Chili was solid, if unspectacular; a little light on meat and beans. Highlight was the all beef hot dog topped with chili and zippy yellow mustard that had me sweatin’. Fries were perfectly cooked and salted. A DC must!
… moreAnastasiia Shults
This is definitely a historic and iconic place, and I can see why so many people love it. The atmosphere is great, it really gives you that classic American vibe.
As for the food, we liked it, but to be honest, I’d rate it 4 out of 5. French fries weren’t our favorite. Also, they forgot one of the milkshakes we ordered, and we had to wait quite a while for it. It was finally brought out when we had already finished eating and were getting ready to leave.
… moreAs for the food, we liked it, but to be honest, I’d rate it 4 out of 5. French fries weren’t our favorite. Also, they forgot one of the milkshakes we ordered, and we had to wait quite a while for it. It was finally brought out when we had already finished eating and were getting ready to leave.
Steven Raatz
If you can survive the traffic and find parking, this is a must stop. Food was phenomenal, service was friendly and food came out quickly. I got the half smoke and some chili friends, right amount of spicy with the right amount of sweet.
… moreMichael Konowitz
Was disappointed the original is closed for renovations, but had a great experience here from start to finish.
A guy outside – security or maybe just on break – saw I have a limp and a cane and opened the door for me which is always nice.
Guy at the counter was patient and friendly about making recommendations.
Now, the chili fries came out with no chili – I didn’t realize until after I took the photo and started eating, but the counter guy was very apologetic and brought me fresh ones without taking the originals – which were still pretty warm – away. Then he saw me starting to eat the originals after I finished the replacements with chili, and he offered to give me more chili for those originals. Hell yeah. Talk about making it right!
And then, there’s a loop of history/media coverage of Ben’s that they play with sound on the TVs, which was a very cool experience. It elevated the whole eating experience watching the history and media coverage of the place as I ate!
And the food was bomb.
Other staff was very friendly and helpful too. Brought my food to my table when they saw my disability instead of making me walk up to the counter to get it, which I had no problem doing, but it was just nice. And then another staffer offered to take care of my dirty tray for me.
A++
… moreA guy outside – security or maybe just on break – saw I have a limp and a cane and opened the door for me which is always nice.
Guy at the counter was patient and friendly about making recommendations.
Now, the chili fries came out with no chili – I didn’t realize until after I took the photo and started eating, but the counter guy was very apologetic and brought me fresh ones without taking the originals – which were still pretty warm – away. Then he saw me starting to eat the originals after I finished the replacements with chili, and he offered to give me more chili for those originals. Hell yeah. Talk about making it right!
And then, there’s a loop of history/media coverage of Ben’s that they play with sound on the TVs, which was a very cool experience. It elevated the whole eating experience watching the history and media coverage of the place as I ate!
And the food was bomb.
Other staff was very friendly and helpful too. Brought my food to my table when they saw my disability instead of making me walk up to the counter to get it, which I had no problem doing, but it was just nice. And then another staffer offered to take care of my dirty tray for me.
A++
Riccardo
A classic American diner with chili dishes and more. Juicy and tasty hot dogs, very good burgers and sandwiches. The fries are really good—I personally prefer them without cheese, as I think the cheese makes them a bit worse, but that’s just a matter of taste.
If you want to dine in a typical tourist-style American diner, this is the right place for you. I had a burger with cheesy fries, then more fries and a hot dog. Everything was good, and the prices were fair!
I would suggest improving the way order numbers are called out for dish delivery, since they are hard to hear because of the background noise and the loudspeaker. Also, I’d remove the fries served in the paper bag, which feel a bit underwhelming.
Highly recommended!
… moreIf you want to dine in a typical tourist-style American diner, this is the right place for you. I had a burger with cheesy fries, then more fries and a hot dog. Everything was good, and the prices were fair!
I would suggest improving the way order numbers are called out for dish delivery, since they are hard to hear because of the background noise and the loudspeaker. Also, I’d remove the fries served in the paper bag, which feel a bit underwhelming.
Highly recommended!