My wife and I, visited the first time,in early fall of 2009. Absoultely loved it!! So, my family came up from SC and my brother being the biggest Anthony Bourdain fan, seen the episode of DC and Bens Chili. My Mom and Dad raved about it afterwards and the whole ride back to Indian Head, MD. My brother was amazed at the fact of being in such a historic and famous establishment, so we talked about giving our own evaluation, A++++. So i passed on the new tradiation of being at BENS for Christmas!!! Thanks

Meyer

Jackson, South Carolina

I was introduced to your father today in the glorious celebration that took place at the Lincoln Theater. Clearly, he lived life to the fullest in every aspect of his world, from work to travel to family to contributing to the community. The stories shared--especially those from you and your two brothers--were funny, poignant and insightful. And I loved hearing his voice and words in the video at the end.
I couldn't help feeling though, as I sat there, that I had already knew him through your acts of generosity as a Teaching for Change board member and friend. Your ability to run a highly successful business and at the same time, devote time and energy to promoting social justice not only locally but nationally through our organization is inspirational. Of particular significance to me was when you stopped by to support us years ago at a Bruce-Monroe ES parent rally to demand DCPS officials keep their promises to DCPS families.(Thanks to those early protests, the Bruce-Monroe community is now getting a new school.) While your presence at board meetings I know was important, it was your presence at that rally that demonstrated to me your alliance with those who live in the neighborhood.
So for me, today was not only a celebration of your father, but of his legacy that you carry so well.
How grateful our community is to have the Ali family!
Blessings on all of you.

Jill
Washington, D.C.

What is your Ben's Story?:
I went in of Ben's Chili Bowl and ask for the owner and after meetng Mrs. V.
Ali se ask if, "I could repaint her window to match the name and paint on the other part of the window facing U St.?" I told and quher," I could and quoted her a fair price." After I completeted the job on the spot, she was pleased with my work. When she saw my invoice sheet "Skivvy Works" she ask me if," I could print T-shirts for her employees?" I said,"yes". I also printed shirts for her son's ice cream shop in the at the time "new Reeves Municipal Center"-silk screening was the technique I used in those days. We enjoyed many years of what I'd like to term as a "good business relationship and the meeting of a new friend that was also an entrepreneur providing a service and jobs with in our community. This will always be a memorable experience in my mind that I had with the Ben Ali family in their quest to help make a change for the better in the DC business and civci community. Skivvy Works is also proud to be part of that struggle to make our community a better place for all.

Mike and I went to DC for the first time July 1 through the 16th 2008.  I always research wherever we travel for special things to see and places to eat.  I stumbled upon the web site for Ben's and immediately placed it on my list of things I must do when in DC.  Boy am I glad I did.  We arrived in the late afternoon and wondered in unaware of what we would find.  We were amazed, not only was our food delicious but we were entertained by Maurice's fine singing while we ate.  The staff was so kind we felt right at home. Even though we were the only white couple in the place.  It was a wonderful experience and it only got better.  One of the sons came out, I'm so sorry I can't remember his name, but I do remember his smile. He sat and shared stories of Ben's with us and took us on a tour of all the wonderful photos in the restaurant.  It was the high light of my trip.  Just a week ago I had another highlight as I saw the movie that we had been told about on our visit.  We were told that Russell Crow was making a movie where he would come into Ben's.  Well I saw it and it was great.  The best part of course was Maurice (whose full name appeared in the credits, I wouldn't leave until I saw it) who served Mr. Crow with a smile.  I was so disappointed that he didn't sing though, it is a trademark of Ben's from what I understand and it surely was one of the highlights of my visit.  So I am coming back this July and you know Ben's is at the top of our list.  This time we hope to visit more than once just to enjoy the most wonderful, accepting and happy environment in DC.  Mike and I are seniors, although we feel and act like kids, so we know the value of family and Ben's has the atmosphere of family and caring throughout.  No one should miss Ben's when they travel to DC.  It is more historic and more fun than anything DC had to show off.  Thanks for a fantastic time.  Especially you Maurice, I'm coming for your autograph you star you!

I came to visit Ben's last week while on a business trip to DC where my business partner said that, before we left town, we HAD TO visit Ben's Chili Bowl.  Him and I, both being big chili fans, we made sure to stop in on our way driving back to Rochester, NY.  It had a very warm, inviting atmosphere right off the bat.  The gentleman at the counter was extremely hospitable and, when we asked what he recommended, he didn't skip a beat in suggesting the half-smoke right away.  His enthusiasm for the food and the restaurant were very refreshing, especially in these tough economic times where no one seems to be too happy to be at work.  I must say the food was outstanding and the various historic pictures on the wall were quite entertaining as well.  Ben's seems to be have a small but important place in Washington's history and we had heard about President Obama's recent visit so were excited to be a small part of that great history.  Ben's is quite centered around its rich African-American history but, being three white guys from New York, we were amazed at how welcoming and friendly everyone was there, cracking jokes and just having a great time serving food.  That's what it's all about everyone coming together to enjoy a tasty meal and even better company.  I am certainly going to spread the word about Ben's up here in Western NY and will surely visit again the next time I'm in your neck of the woods.  Ben's is certainly a model for all restaurants nationwide and I wish you great success for another 50 wonderful years.

 I lived in DC last semester as an intern.  I ate twice at the chili bowl, with a half smoke both times.  I visited last month and took my friend to eat there also.  Before I left DC last December I made this poem and shared it with my friends the night we all ate there. Thought you might like it.

"Ben's Chili bowl is tonight
I'm so excited for the sight
Of brown, gooey chili on a hot dog bun
The taste of it is so much fun
An experience that's hard to top
It's definitely a must-see stop

So eat up and get your fill
Who knows where you'll get your next meal?
The food is sure to satisfy
Burgers, half-smoke, and chili cheese fry Down it goes and makes you smile But make sure there's a restroom in the next half mile... "

I had the best lunch in the world there last Saturday. Service was awesome, food was great, atmosphere was the best ever. I bought a t-shirt. Alittle disappointed you didn't have any long sleeved ones. Maybe next time. Thanks for a great time.

Patrick
Head Cross Country/Track Coach