Reviews of Ben's Chili Bowl (Restaurant)

Ola Hantkiewicz

Nice place for a quick meal, however it is nothing you will remember for the next day. No breathtaking tastes, no astonishing ingredients. Fries are good, but won’t recommend the ones with chili sauce and cheese - just too much everything, …

Jaime Tant

Great place for a quick bite, even as a tourist! The service was quick, the food was fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere was just awesome! Had the original half smoke and while sausages and hot dogs aren’t my thing, this was! The …

Lara Akinsanya

Great spot for super late night grub. Me and 9 of my friends visited at about midnight and we all loved what we got. Food was fresh, hot and tasted great!

Tara Nejad

We’re visiting DC and saw everywhere we should try this “amazing” half smoke hot dog. Let me tell you I TRULY understand why Americans are all OBESE. This was the nastiest greasiest food I have ever had. We all felt nauseous after eating the food and had to go home. This is not a place for someone with a relatively clean diet. Your stomach can’t handle this much grease.

Timothy Schantz

Fantastic little restaurant. The history and atmosphere is truly unique. Really liked the double smoke chili dog

Sterling W.

Their Chili Burger was one the best burgers I've ever had, and I loved the old style vibe of the restaurant, and how much it stands from the rest of the neighborhood.

S Allen

Great food. The best beef hot dog I ever had... I will definitely be returning and will tell my friends. Delicious!!

Lisa Pitcher

Nice atmosphere service delicious food

STEVEN BEARD

This place has quite the history if you wish to know about DC. The mural on the side of the building was my first impression of Ben’s Chili Bowl and once I found out this was the place me and my family were eating at, I knew this would be a moment to remember. Walking in, seeing all the pictures and history of where this place came from to now... I knew alot of those familiar faces on the wall. Actors, writers, movie stars, comedians, and a President of the United States of America sitting in that restaurant on his first day of being inaugurated into office says alot! Besides the history, the food was simply a must have and set the tone for DC dining! I thoroughly enjoyed my half smoke chili dog and will be back again for many more half smokes!! It was quite an experience and Ben’s Chili Bowl will be a place I go to every time I visit DC! Not only did I get to see and taste the history here, but I also got to meet the co-owner/ co-founder of the restaurant!! She is the kindest, gentle, and well knowledgeable person I met in DC and was welcomed with a smiling face that made me feel at home. She told me and my family many things about the place and the surrounding area and how things are changing in that area... Needless to say, I believe that this place will stick around for the rest of time. Im glad I got to experience a remnant piece of DC’s history eating here! I shall see yall soon enough sometime... Thank you!

jacob smith

Walking into the restaurant was a trip straight back to the 1950's, a great atmosphere. The portion sizes were actually sensible unlike most places in America, so that's a plus. The chili was delicious. The fries were good, but nothing special. Only downside is that the restaurant was quite dirty, though mostly on the more hard to reach places, so not too bad. Overall a good experience.

K Lopes

It was worth the experience to taste the original but nothing was overly impressive or extra.

Big Mace Bike Life

Food was great! I would have give 5 stars if it weren’t for the waitress messing up our order. She didn’t even write it down when she took our order so we expected she would screw it up and she did. We were mildly irritated but the taste of the food made up for it mostly. Will visit again.

Sarah Rose Vaughn

Delicious! It was packed, but we still recieved excellent customer service. There was a little wait to order food, but it came out quickly. My husband loved the half-smoke and I had one of the best cheeseburgers ever. We wanted to purchase a T-shirt, however the gift shop was closed, the owner went and got us shirts! We will be coming back for sure.

Shaun Paine

If you're in D.C. Don't miss the chance to go to Ben's Chili Bowl. You won't be disappointed.

rodogg34

Breakfast is good..opening on time isn't their specialty though

Tung Ba

Great soul food. Reasonable price. Unique atmosphere

Eric J. Jones

Loved this place my entire life. Breakfast quietly one of the best in the city.

Marcy Hamrick

The hot dogs and burgers were good but the wait was overkill for what you get in my opinion. The chili on the dogs was ok but don’t see why famous. I am glad we went we did enjoy the food just felt it was overhyped. If you want to go for iconic reasons cool but if it is “just” for the food, don’t do the wait.

Bernard Long

Best hot dogs I've ever had we ordered 38 to bring to lA.

Jackie Oraedu

First, did you know that Obama has been here! Other famous people as well! I like that they are open late, even on weekdays. The food was great! The chili burger and chili jumbo dog were fantastic! We ordered chili to go as well. I do wish the large chili was larger for the price. I love the history of this place though and was glad to support the business!

Lori Pearson

Very personable, Mrs Ali stopped by our table to talk to the youth who were on a Travel and Learn Mission trip to D.C..

Hannah Watkins

Lots of fun, tasty food, super chilled (yet v efficient) staff. Definitely go, it's worth the hype.

Angela Williams

Awesome chili and the dog was cooked deliciously. Great down home kind of taste that reminds me of childhood, but better

Brandye Smith

Always awesome. The.shrimp and grits were amazing as always. My fam favorite place to eat.

Nick Brown

Got to scratch another place off my food bucket list and it was totally worth the wait. Got the regular half-smoke next time I need to try the spicy. Just a heads up, the line can get real long real quick so timing is everything.

Chris Agacite

Definitely an icon of the city, but way overpriced for mediocre food. The chili dog was decent, but the fries were horrible. While eating my meal I noticed that the cooked fries were refried to heat up for new order. Is this a common practice? If so, that maybe the reason why my fries tasted so bad.

Alisa K

Service is slow. Half smoke and Junior dog were good. We'll try *next door* next time for better service. :)

corey hawkins

The service was quick, the food was fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere was just awesome! Had the original half smoke and while sausages and hot dogs aren’t my thing, this was! The fries were wounderful and the service was amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better experience! I want to make it a tradition every time I come to DC

Benjamin Scott

Great place to stop in and get a bite to eat. The food is excellent and everyone there is welcoming and friendly. From Michigan to D.C. with love and affection.

Ola Hantkiewicz

Nice place for a quick meal, however it is nothing you will remember for the next day. No breathtaking tastes, no astonishing ingredients. Fries are good, but won’t recommend the ones with chili sauce and cheese - just too much everything, prefer it classic way. Chili sausage bun was tasty but not excellent, the chili sauce actually is something different but not something to die for. What is very important to say that they use a real, tasty sausage for their buns - bravo! Another bravo goes for the burger with impossible meat. It’s great to see another place with this option. The burger was just as it should be. I am not the fan o the cheese added, because it’s kind of artificial for me, you can see it in the picture. The staff was super friendly and fast. The whole place was okay but I think it could use a little cleaning from time to time.

Tanya R

I must say I didn't eat here. I did the tourist thing and snapped photos. It was a warm and friendly place. My friend chatted up the owner and I took it all in. Food next time at this historical landmark in Washington DC.

Katrinia Hazel

Was real excited about this place, but the service was TERRIBLE. I literally had to chase my waitress for my food after an hour and half. So disappointed

Nathaniel Mitchell

Food not really any good. The historical factor is the only reason to go. Chilli is really runny and has very little ground beef. Everything tastes fresh, but it's nothing special on your palate.

Lachyn Shaw

This place is awesome! Great food and great people

April Cole

DELICIOUS! I got a burger and chili cheese fries and it was perfection! Just spicy enough!

Griselle Lassalle-Wiggins

Great food but service not the best

Dennis Tryon

Great Chili Dog! Perfect meal before departing on a week long business trip.

Kacie Dearman

I'm usually not even the biggest fan of chili dogs, they're ok, but nothing spectacular. Ben's Chili bowl though, they make some pretty damn delicious chili, and it goes perfectly with their hotdogs and fries too! I highly recommend!

Tyic Leach-Hammonds

Best Burger I've had in a looooooong time. Atmosphere was awesome. President Obama ate there. We had to stop!

Kasey Steendam

Oh this place is so good. I’ve been at all hours of the day and night. Best time to go is after a night of drinking. Line is always long. Chili is always tasty and worth it. Every time I go they keep rising the prices. But again, worth it! I always order too much. Sometimes you run into celebrities. That’s cool I guess.

Mean Joe

Maybe it was late night or because ive been to better chili places. But not a fan

Jaime Tant

Great place for a quick bite, even as a tourist! The service was quick, the food was fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere was just awesome! Had the original half smoke and while sausages and hot dogs aren’t my thing, this was! The milkshakes are full flavored and delicious. The fries were HOT (they shouldn’t be any other way!). I want to make it a tradition every time I come to DC

Michael Graham

Great food and inexpensive. Wait staff was friendly. Very relaxed atmosphere. Dozens of pictures on the walls of celebrities who have eaten there from Fox News personalities to Obama, from late-night TV hosts to famous comedians. Not so clean that you fear spilling something and not too dirty that you feel queasy... so the right mix of friendliness, home, business, good food, and something to talk about. Original owner (from 1958) was still helping at the grill! What a treat!

Lisa Taylor

Great food and atmosphere. Fun place and friendly people. Don't miss it if you're in D. C.!

Riskittles .

Delicious! We had some initial confusion about whether we were supposed to order at the counter or wait at our seats (the guy at the register told us to go have a seat and someone did eventually come take our order). Once we ordered food was out quickly and was very good. We ordered spicy half smokes and fries and milkshakes and they were all delicious!

Eric Medina

Today was my second visit. First time I had a half smoke with chili and cheese with chili cheese fries and boy, was it good. Today was breakfast, my bacon egg and cheese sandwich had enough bacon for two sandwiches at other places. Places like this are one of the reasons I love this city.

Danny Crasto

Decent chilli but the spicy original chilli dog was where it was at. Shakes looked good.

Ruth Knight Pagac

Great place. Small and local, my favorite. Cant beat the food. Shakes are wonderful too! Standing in line, watching food cook and visiting is all part of the process and fun.

Shadarra James

Loved it. Not only was the food good, but the desserts were amazing. I got a caramel cake that made me want to come back for more. We will for sure visit this place every time we visit DC.

galen francis

Food is great, nice location. Had the double burger with fries, DELICIOUS

Budda Worth

Not what it used to be but it's still very good. Veggie/vegan dogs and burgers are a bit over priced but overall good service and food when you have the cash

Kaijuu

Prices are ridiculous for what you are getting even if I take into account the tourism factor. They keep forgetting parts of our order. Atmosphere was loud and stressful while they locked out plenty of tables in the back for parties of five or more. Just seems like an unintuitive system. Milkshake was warm.

Lance Hill

What an amazing place, full of history & excellence! So nice talking to the owner & getting his story. I wish we had this back in Houston. Thanks Sage!

Greg Perry

Taste like the very first time I ate there in the 90's!

Florian Schwanzara

This is a absolutely amazing place. You need time - It is not comparable to McDonalds or others. Here the whole family works together. I was so exited to talk to the founder of the place with her age around 80 years she is still in the business and so cute! If you are in the area: come and visit. So many pictures on the walls with famous people that where here also like President Obama ....

Scott LaRoc

Great food. Clean atmosphere

Rendisto Sog

So delicious. When you sit in Ben's Chili Bowl you can feel the history, you can taste the history. And the half smoke?! Perfection. Every bite has a snap as you crunch through the casing. Writing this and I wish I would have gotten a second to go.

jason nuzzo

Always friendly and always consistent. Great for a late night drop in.

Mark Sicat

Solid chili with a little kick. The staff was extremely polite and patient. This place is a DC staple that absolutely must be visited while in town.

Aaron F. Stone

The food is always great and the people who work here are always so wonderful and pleasant!

Riskittles

Delicious! We had some initial confusion about whether we were supposed to order at the counter or wait at our seats (the guy at the register told us to go have a seat and someone did eventually come take our order). Once we ordered food was out quickly and was very good. We ordered spicy half smokes and fries and milkshakes and they were all delicious!

Michael Hawkins

Delicious chili con carne and American cheese. An easy to understand menu consisting of chili with hot dogs, fries, burgers or in a bowl. Served in an authentic diner experience. An excellent place to go for any tourist seeking an American dining experience in a restaurant over 60 years old. Staff are very friendly and the service was quick.

Harriet M

A cool, authentic experience. But the restaurant was chaotic and service lacking in general. Can recommend the Original Chili Half-Smoke. Fries were okay, but not freshly fried, too much cheese sauce too.

Dave Turley

Good food. Service not so great. Was expecting a bit more charm and charisma.

Justin Dominick

The half smoked and chili cheese fries are fantastic. Milkshake was really good too. A little pricey, but if you want the experience this place has to offer its definatly worth it.

John Kidd

Customer service was amazing, made us feel like family!

Aaron Jefferys

If you're ever in DC craving food, good company and are free of all diet restrictions, you should definitely check this place out. I tried the Half-Smoke (half pork, half beef sausage) and was thoroughly satisfied. Another plus for me is the beautiful murals that you'll find along the walls on the side of the building. 10/10 experience, you should definitely check it out.

Robyn D

If you are visiting DC, this beloved treasure needs to be on your must see list. Great food with a side of local flavor.

Natasha D'Souza

Fantastic old school location. The reason you're going here is because of the name and the history behind this spot. The everything hot dog isn't far behind. Super crowded, good luck finding a table but the stand is worth the wait.

Jessica Guy

Delicious and good value chili dogs and loaded chips. Staff were really nice too. Worth visiting this institution if you're in DC

Kaushik Mishra

Decent food. This place has lot of history associated to it. You should definitely check this place out. The staffs are very friendly and will make sure you have a good experience.

Reaching Higher

The Customer Service that I received there today was deplorable. I have been dining at Ben's for over a decade and today was my last day eating there. I have a video, which I intend to post showing me standing at the service counter for over five minutes. There was no other person in line and the four employees behind the counter repeatedly walked past me, looking me dead in the eye without speaking. I felt aweful. Ben Ali would be disgraced. Oh well. I guess they opened Ben's next door and the original spot does not matter anymore.

Keith Aboraah

A DC landmark. Serving one of the best burgers and fries with their secret sauce. If you ever find yourself in DC this place is a must to visit. On the side of the building is also street arts recognizing black talents.

Mark Swinden

If you're ever in the DC area, you have got to pop into Ben"s Chili Bowl. It honestly doesn't look like much from the street, but once inside, you'll see decades of local history in play. The food is spectacular, as well. Especially the D=Chili Half-Smoke dog. It is simply outstanding. I will be back if ever in DC again.

j k

nice staff.. food was god... but nothing special.. i wouldnt mind having it again but its not something i would drive out of my way to get

Tara Hart

Not as good as before but very satisfying

Ebony Ellington

Great menu for a late night bite after a night out

Eric Medina

Today was my second visit. First time I had a half smoke with chili and cheese with chili cheese fries and boy, was it good. Today was breakfast, my bacon egg and cheese sandwich had enough bacon for two sandwiches at other places. Places like this are one of the reasons I love this city.

Maurice Jackson

Delicious food an the exptional customer service Brandon is a great manager

John K

I definitely give it five stars. The employees were super nice it was busy but they turned out food very quickly. The chili was pretty good not the greatest. I thoroughly enjoyed the milkshakes. The Oreo and also the maple I would highly recommend! Definitely historic spot in a great place to come and get some food. I can’t wait to come back again!

Hannah Pedersen

Ben’s is a must see in DC due to its strong history in the area and the fantastic food. This diner has been visited by several celebrities and political figures such as Bono and Barrack Obama which you see in their picture gallery. As for the food, they have an amazing chili recipe with just the right amount of kick. I tried the classic “half-smoke” which is a combination of pork and beef to give you a flavorful chili dog.

Kerri Schmidt

Love the food. If you like spicy chilli this is definitely for you.

Timothy Duncan

First time eating at Ben's chili bowl and I been living in the city for 56 years I think it was great

Robin Robinson

Nice place to grab a hot dog or burger. Great fries and shakes.

Kevin Seepersad

Apparently world famous. Definitely a local iconic restaurant and favoured by locals and tourists. Open late which is a plus if you're bar hopping around and it's not too far out. Wish there line up/ordering system was a little better organized but it is what it is. The food was great, simple and straight forward good classics.

Nadell Robertson

The original owner welcomed me with the history of the establishment. Love the atmosphere.

Jake Pritchard

Staple of DC. It's been here through it all, and is a fixture on tour routes now. Every once in a while you can still see the founder at the original U street location, Virginia Rollins - her Husband Ben has since past. Everyone seems to like the half smoke (a chili dog). I get the Big Ben.

scott jordan

A classic staple of DC cuisine. No trip to DC is complete without a stop for a half smoked. Old dinner charm and legendary food.

T C

A great place to eat with wonderful atmosphere.

Jessica

It was really good. I had the sausage with chili. Next time I will just do the regular hot dog. Chili had a nice spice to itm

Mike P

Had to try the famous chili bowl and it was great! The thickness was just right and I like how there was just enough spicy to make it right but not burning. The beef was also tasty that's in the chili. I'll be back for the chili dog next. Just wish their prices went so high... $6 for a small chili and $4 for fries seemed a bit steep, but you get what you pay for too I guess.

Veena Advani

Fast service, good food and good portion size. Made for a great snack!

Sharyn Meffin

The best chilli dog in town. Great service. Photos of Obama and other celebraties on the wall.

Deborah Smith

This is a family owned business and it's family friendly with great customer service and most of all great food.

Hey Ms. Parker

All these years and they still haven't solved how to wait on customers efficiently. The food is always good but the customer service definitely needs work.

Lavender Kelley

Ben's is a DC institution that attracts locals and tourists alike. The menu is simple: yummy things you can do with a spicy chili sauce (vegetarian style available too). They put it in bowls, on burgers, on dogs and more. I suggest a chili …

Lemond Simpson

My uncle Eddie cook for bens for adopt 30 years so bens like family too me miss you uncle eddy love RIP

Joker Bravo

Lively and fun place to eat. You have to try it. It's a famous spot with cool history.

Sam Persons Parkes

You have to know what you are going for here. It's a diner. It's a bit greasy. But that's what we came for! I had a half-smoke, split and grilled, with fries. Perfect, perfect fries. So good. Our group also had burgers which were awesome. The condition of the ladies room keeps me from five full stars.

Alessio Buson

Amazing location with photos of all people who marked the history! Good price, good taste, you have to eat the half smoke!

Jonathan Denton

Went to Ben's from the presidential reputation and left with memories that my family will hold dear. Sat in the back and through a series of events, had a wonderful conversation with the original owner and son! My family is still amazed how awesome they were! This experience put a cherry on the DC trip that will never be forgotten!

John K

I definitely give it five stars. The employees were super nice it was busy but they turned out food very quickly. The chili was pretty good not the greatest. I thoroughly enjoyed the milkshakes. The Oreo and also the maple I would highly recommend! Definitely historic spot in a great place to come and get some food. I can’t wait to come back again!

P W

Husband and I visiting DC for the first time. But we knew we had to try Ben's chili bowl. Amazing food we had the famous half smoke & fries. And we met the original owner herself and she was so gracious to take pics with us. A must while your visiting The DC area.

Deonjalo McGirt

I love this place, but I wish there was better customer service.

Latonya Armstrong

Great food. Great experience. Pricey for chili and hot dogs. Nearly $50 for two, having jumbo dogs, drinks, a couple slices of cake and oh, we shared an order of fries. But then you get to take a picture with the owner, Ben’s wife!

Troy Collins

Historic, tasty place that has lasted for over 60 years. A true DC staple.

Charles Acree

Time Tested Menu - Call ahead for large orders to have a quicker pickup. Always friendly and usually meet a few tourists each time we are there.

James Black

Great place! Got "the original" and a chocolate shake. The paper straws suck but the food was great.

Ms. Parker

We visit here every time we’re in DC for the gift shop and jumbo sauce to my surprise on this visit you could purchase jumbo auction from the actually restaurant. Quick and easy process the gift items are at the back of the store but any wait staff can help you grab what you want

ryan deng

Great hotdogs. Very busy have to wait for a long line

Elizabeth LaPlant

A wonderful atmosphere, great food, and even better people made our experience here the best!! The fries were cooked perfectly (crunchy but not burnt), the chili is very spicy and flavorful, and the half-smoke sausage was delicious! We came with a school group and couldn't have been happier.

Warren Edwards

I was told by several locals this is the spot to go, a landmark and staple for those who live in DC. Ben's Chili Bowl has been around since 1958 and this was the original location. Looking at the photos on the wall many celebrities have …

Michael Bowers

It was good. The food is good. The hype for the chili is a bit higher than the experience of eating it. The real experience here is the incredible historical relevancy of this location and the spirit of a continually owner operated restaurant in an area like DC. Definitely a must visit and if you love the food then keep going.

Andrew M. Travis

Cool experience, food is nothing amazing.

Gilberto Rivera

Well, what can I say? The best chily bowl place in Washington DC, the owner visit us and she was super friendly. Service is fast and good, the menu is full of options, from vegetarian to o gluten free. The portions are good and prices are fair. I'll say a must in Washington DC

Rickell Sheppard

Definitely a go to for fast, yummy chili dog and fries. The line can get very long on late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.

Andriana Genualdi

Came here to try the famous half smoke! I got it in a combo with a chocolate milk shake and French fries. The dog was good, but I wish they used real cheese and not cheese sauce. The place was nice, clean, and the staff were really friendly and nice!

William Lawson

"The original Ben's Chili Bowl on U St. in N.W. is a great place to drop in for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. The Ali family are very committed to providing top-notch service to the community, and has a wide variety of meals that will not only satisfy your tastebuds, but also do so at reasonable price!"

Steve Bradshaw

The home of the original half smoke, a DC landmark and one of the best chili dogs on the planet. You can't go wrong.

Ramona Roddy

A great place to eat even if it's just to experience eating in the shadows of celebrities who visit there.

Eric San Jose

A Washington DC institution. An absolute must visit for anyone going to Downtown DC. The Half Smoke with Chilli is an absolute must. Easy to see right off of U Street servicing North West DC and the adjoining areas. Parking on the Street is available but it fills up fast especially at night and on the weekends. Moderately clean facilities. Public Restrooms. Reasonably priced. Nice staff. We will definitely be going back.

JB

I loved this place! We ordered the half smoked dog and it was so delicious

Tiffany W.

Had my first visit today. Hot dog with chili and fries, peach soda. There was nothing special about the food, and I was quite disappointed the fries had no seasoning. Please know that when you come here, you are paying for the name only. However, I still gave them five stars because of the customer service I rec'd. Everyone working today was very kind to me and treated me like a valued customer. The workers were happy and eager to assist. I will go back just for the customer service alone.

Karl Young

Friend and quick service. Oh and not to mention my cheese fries were everything and more. I truly enjoyéd this restaurant.

the etk family

Excellent and amazing service 100 out of 100 would recomend. I had a Ben's famous chili burger and fries and it was absolutely amazing!

Sid Curl

Excellent! Original half-smoke definitely something to brag about. Small chili with cheese and onions was perfect side dish. Friendly cheerful staff. Great time. Will return

Elizabeth LaPlant

A wonderful atmosphere, great food, and even better people made our experience here the best!! The fries were cooked perfectly (crunchy but not burnt), the chili is very spicy and flavorful, and the half-smoke sausage was delicious! We came with a school group and couldn't have been happier.

James Christmas

The best, all I need to say! I travel to DC , just to eat there, it’s so well worth the drive! If anyone has a problem with the food ,, not to be rude, but just go someplace else or stay home and cook it your way. Problem solved.

Alexandre Talbot

Food was good, service was a bit chaotic, happy to have tried this.

James Gibson

Ben’s Chili Bowl offers tasty food in a friendly atmosphere. On June 21, 2019 I ordered a vegetarian chili dog and a drink. I was surprised to receive a bag of potato chips with it, and when I stated I hadn’t ordered them was informed that they were included at no additional cost. The meal was tasty. This restaurant has apparently become a Washington, DC icon, and I wanted to visit it during my trip. I’m glad they decided to add vegetarian dogs and vegetarian chili to their menu! Though I’d read old reviews stating that they were cash only, I saw persons in front of me in line paying with cards, and when I asked, the cashier informed me that they do take credit cards. In addition to chili dogs and chili, the restaurant offers a few other items such as a few salads. It’s a nice place to visit if you like chili (or just want to see this iconic restaurant) and are in the area.

Kate Morton

Ben’s consistently lives up to expectations, the half smoke is good! Only complaint was that the chili cheese fries came with spicy chili and I wasn’t aware, it was much hotter than I was prepared for! Milkshake was great and very thick, and customer service was on point.

Krista Jennings

Was excited to go for a DC staple, was not impressed at all! Tasted like a grocery store cheap sausage with store bought chili and fake cheese. It didn't get me sick, but there's no way I could ever go there again with all of the wonderful places to eat in DC! Unfortunately I was super disappointed, and am sad to say it's just overrated fat food. ☹️

John Castillo

A DC treasure for over 60 years now, a living representation of the history and culture of the city and its community. No matter what you eventually decide to order, you'll have made the right choice. The chili is world-famous, and once you have it, you'll know why. It packs a little kick, but that's exactly what the chocolate shake is for. There's a slight possibility I might have a chili-induced heart attack later on tonight, but if I do, I'll go happy knowing it was thanks to Ben's. :p

Risa Sapyta

Very cool. Tasty chili dogs and cheese fries

Tassia Stewart

It's alright. The Chilli is delicious. The Service was decent. And prices are reasonable.

Gregory Kudzin

Great food, great atmosphere and fantastic value

Tamara Watts

Their chili is good, but mine is better! Friendly staff, food is good. One of my favorite restaurants.

Betty Marks

The owner spoke/introduced herself to everyone.The food,service and hospitality w/enjoyed by all.

Deborah Mays

Love this Historic Restaurant. The food is fresh and I enjoyed the tasty half smoke with chili cheese and onions, the crispy fries, delicious milkshake, and topped it with a homemade coconut cake. I will go back soon. I enjoyed as a child and coming back is a pleasurable memory. The staff is very accommodating.

Warren Edwards

I was told by several locals this is the spot to go, a landmark and staple for those who live in DC. Ben's Chili Bowl has been around since 1958 and this was the original location. Looking at the photos on the wall many celebrities have graced the presence and I can see why - the chili dog was awesome. My only regret is getting plain fries instead of chili cheese. But I did go with the chili half smoke, the signature dig. Great choice and I will definitely return when I am back in town.

Crystal Sherman

You can feel the history as soon as you enter, very hospitable. Ms. Virginia is an ANGEL

Adam Jett

Super nice staff. Delicious chili dogs. Whole family loved it and stuffed themselves.

D Brooks

Fantastic dogs and chili. The burgers are pretty good too, if you're in the mood. Fries are fresh as can be and the proprietor might even bring your food out to you! (She's a lovely woman) Definitely see why this place has a reputation for great eats. Evidently even has its own historian on some days!

Daniel Browne

The spicy chili half smoke was so delicious. The chili was good, but the sausage was outstanding.

5baylev

Best chilli and good fries. Workers are very polite and the Grafitywall next to Ben's Chili Bowl is awesome.

Lauren Roberts

The line was pretty long and took a long time but it's not a big place. I liked the chili but I feel it needed some extra salt. The sausage was great and so was the cheese.

Richard Cortez

Hospitality was very pleasant. Good chili has a homemade taste. Sweet tea and lemonade is a little on the sweet side but the tea was good. You get the feeling of the deep history that this spot has.

LAKIA ROBINSON

Ben Ali and Mrs.Ali open this gold mine restaurant many, many moons ago please go visit this historical site Chili is the bomb, breakfast served all day if that's your favorite, try out their vegan dishes also Don't be surprised you run into alot of celebrities. Celebrity sightings all the time

Allan Chen

Love the history and culture behind this place. It’s really amazing. The sausage sandwich is good but not as much as the hype

A Ce

The 3 stars are for the friendliness of the servers. We tried The chilli dog and the loaded fries. They were nothing to write home about. We visited on a Saturday afternoon and the place was surprisingly not crowded. I had tried to go once before only to turn back discouraged by the super long line waiting to enter the establishment. This time there were about 4 people ahead of us. But even with about 50 hot dogs cooking at the same time (on a flat top grill) it took almost 20 minutes for us to get a chance to order and another 15 to be served. I watched one of the cooks fumble over and over again trying to open the hotdog buns with her tongs. Lots of room for improvement in the speed of service dept. The food itself was not that great. The DC hot dog vendors are cheaper and the taste is comparable - well almost (the street side vendors don't cook their hot dogs on a flat top grill.) Overall an underwhelming experience considering the hype around the place. But if you go there just for chilli hotdogs then it is OK.

Michael Bowers

It was good. The food is good. The hype for the chili is a bit higher than the experience of eating it. The real experience here is the incredible historical relevancy of this location and the spirit of a continually owner operated restaurant in an area like DC. Definitely a must visit and if you love the food then keep going.

SheSco Soaps

Delicious! We ordered our halfsmokes spicy, and we loved them!

Hossein Jazayeri

I love this place. It has a very high quality hot dog with a delicious chilli sauce. Also try fries with melted cheese on top.

LaChelle Brown

Good flavor, spicy, chili cheese fries were piping hot and retained their heat my entire metro ride home (perfection)

Spam

One of D.C.'s most culturally historic eateries. Enjoy an authentic half smoke and check out photos on all the walls of celebrities who have visited over the years.

Adidas2daMax

Food is great and customer service is awesome. Never had a bad time in this place. Make sure you go see Angie. She is fabulous. I rate this place A++++++

Victor Mora

The HALF SMOKE all the way is unbelievable. The snap of the spicy sausage on every bite will make you fall in love.