Ben's Chili Bowl
The U Street landmark that's been serving chili half-smokes since 1958 and stands as a pillar of Black Washington history.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Ben's Chili Bowl worth it?
Ben's Chili Bowl deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A no-frills counter with red stools, a half-century of photos on the walls, and a line out the door.
- 02
You come for the half-smoke and the history, not the decor.
Is it a fit?
Go if
What to order
The plates that decide it
- The chili half-smoke — the dish the place is built on; the one thing you can't skip
- Chili cheese fries — the reliable, indulgent sidekick
- Anything off-menu or fancy — this is a half-smoke joint — keep it simple
Plan it well
- Cost
- Inexpensive
- Allow
- 30–45 minutes
Ready to plan it?
Booking may earn us a commission. It never changes the verdict.
Sources and method (2)
- Founded August 22, 1958, at 1213 U Street; named a James Beard Foundation 'America's Classics' honoree in 2004. en.wikipedia.org ↗
- The signature chili half-smoke is a quarter-pound half-pork/half-beef smoked sausage with mustard, onions and spicy homemade chili. benschilibowl.com ↗