In 1958, newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali used $5,000 to begin renovating a building at 1213 U Street in Northwest Washington DC.
Built in 1910, it first housed a silent movie house called the Minnehaha Theater. Later, Harry Beckley, one of D.C.’s first Black police detectives, converted it into a pool hall.
After six decades of Washington DC history, the Ben’s brand is red hot and is a must-visit restaurant for anyone visiting the city.
The one constant we’ve had since 1958 has been the loyalty of our guests, and we listened when you said, "whatever you do, never change this place." The counter, booths and stools are all original; the fresh homemade chili, half smokes and banana pudding are still made with love, using the same recipes, and service and quality are guiding principles. To our guests and especially our regulars, we appreciate you and thank you for supporting Ben's. To those reading this that have yet to come to Ben's, we look forward to seeing you very soon!
"The celebrity (and presidential) photos on the wall are clear indications of Ben's Chili Bowl's city landmark status, but the continuous lines out the door are evidence that the restaurant's chili cheese dogs are some of the best in the country. The Half Smoke is so good…it’s the undisputed best.”
// THE DAILY MEAL //
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A HALF SMOKE?
It's been voted DC's Signature Dish and its our most popular menu item! And here's a great video from Zagat to help further answer that question.
DOES BEN'S CHILI BOWL SELL GIFT CARDS?
We sure do! You can purchase an eGift Card online in amounts from $5 to $100, personalize it, and schedule it to send at a date of your choosing. Ben’s eGift Cards are accepted at our U Street, and H Street locations. Gift cards are available for purchase at our Reagan National Airport location, but they can only be redeemed there. Our gift cards are not accepted at Ben's stadium locations.
DOES BEN'S CATER?
Yes, we offer catering! Full scale set up and delivery catering is available. Visit our Catering page for more info.
HOW ABOUT BUSINESS GIFTS?
Whether it’s to reward your staff or show appreciation for a client, giving the gift of Ben’s is a great way to say “Thank You”! Select a memorable gift from our wide selection of food, merchandise, and e-Gift cards available to ship nationwide or for local pickup at HalfSmokes.com. Another option is to let us create one or more custom gift baskets with personalized messaging - just drop us an email at orders@benschilibowl.com with any details on the intended recipient and your ideal gift experience.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT BEN’S CHILI BOWL, ITS HISTORY, OR U ST?
Contact our official historian Dr. Bernard Demczuk at bernie@benschilibowl.com or visit George Washington University’s Gelman Library where all of our historic papers, photos, artifacts and videos are archived. Contact Bernie for a private lecture, lunch or walking tour for you, your group or your office.
DOES BEN’S HAVE PARKING?
YES! We have leased about 10 parking spaces directly behind Ben’s so you don’t have to search for parking. From U Street, take the alley to the left of Ben’s named Ben Ali Way (named after founder Ben Ali), past the store and to the rear where you will see signs against a large brick wall saying ‘Ben’s Chili Bowl Customer Parking.’ Or you may turn on 12th Street, make a left on V Street and then turn left into Ben Ali Way to find parking. If no spots are available, please circle the block for street parking.
HOW CAN I CONTACT BEN'S CHILI BOWL?
For general inquiries, comments, or suggestions it's best to send us an email.
HOW CAN I GET A JOB WORKING AT BEN'S?
If you're interested in joining our team, please visit our Careers page to learn more.
DOES YOUR FRENCH FRY OIL CONTAIN TRANS FAT?
No. In 2007 we switched to a trans fat free fry oil. It costs us more, but hey you’re worth it!
WHERE WAS BEN BORN?
Trinidad, West Indies
IS BEN'S ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE?
Yes, we are very conscious of our environment and the world around us. We know that what we do today will affect all of our kids tomorrow and that we only have one Earth on which to live. From 2007 to 2002, we switched all of our electric power over to 100% wind power. We have also replaced all of the light bulbs we can with fluorescents. If you have any further suggestions for us please let us know!
DIRECTIONS
By Car
The Original Ben’s Chili Bowl is conveniently located at 1213 U Street NW in the heart of Washington, DC. From Adams Morgan, head east on U Street NW; from Howard University, head west on U Street NW. From the monuments and National Mall, head north up 14th Street NW and turn right on U St. We have 10 parking spaces located behind Ben’s for your convenience, and street parking is also available.
By Public Transportation
Ben’s is directly across the street from the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro stop on the Green and Yellow Lines. When you get to the station, take the 13th Street exit, and we are directly across the street. We’re also located next to stops for the 90, 92, and X3 buses.