A large group of teenagers and some adults standing outside a restaurant called Ben's Chili Bowl, posing for a photo. The restaurant has a yellow and red sign, with an open sign illuminated in the window. The group appears happy and excited.

GROUPS

Group of people inside a restaurant named Ben's Chili Bowl, smiling and posing for the photo. The interior has red, yellow, and white decor with a sign indicating it's known for its chili half-smoke.

We love groups! We are so happy to welcome your groups to Ben's Chili Bowl and give them the Ben’s experience. Whether it's school groups, tours, corporate events, or gatherings, we love to share Ben’s with everyone. Ben’s is one of a kind and is much more than just a meal. It’s the must-visit place when coming to Washington. We can take reservations up to a year in advance, and we can screen a video about Ben's history, the celebrities who have come to Ben’s, and President Obama's visit during your group meal.

For all groups of over 10 people, please email us as far in advance as possible to make a reservation. For group bookings at The Original Ben's Chili Bowl or Ben's on H ST NE, please email our group coordinator.

For very last-minute group reservations or last-minute issues, call Ben's Chili Bowl U Street at 202-667-0909 or Ben’s Chili Bowl H Street at 202-733-1895.  Click here to view our School Year 2026-2027 Group Menu. DC sales tax is included, but gratuity for the staff is not. We recommend 18%-20%, but we leave the tip up to you.

Our U Street Space

Interior of a retro-style diner with red chairs, checkered black and white floor, framed newspaper articles, and multiple wall-mounted televisions.
Inside a vintage-style American diner with red chairs, checkered black-and-white floor, and walls decorated with numerous framed photos and a large mural about the history of Black Broadway and the Jim Crow era.
A diner with red chairs, white tables, black-and-white checkered floor, decorated with framed photos, murals about social justice, and a black television screen on the wall.
Interior of a restaurant with red chairs and white tables, decorated with framed photos and portraits on the walls. The upper part of the wall features a red banner with images of people and text about Ben's legacy, along with other signs and posters
Interior of a vintage American-style diner with red chairs, white tables, black and white checkered floor, and walls decorated with framed photos and murals celebrating Black culture and history.
Interior of a retro-style restaurant with red chairs, white tables, black and white checkered floor, and framed photos on the walls depicting African American individuals and historical moments. Large black-and-white portraits and colorful murals wit

Group FAQs

  • We can accommodate up to 60 guests at one sitting at both U Street and H Street locations. For 2 buses, we need to split them 1 hour apart or have one bus at each location starting at the same time.

  • Both our U ST and our H ST locations are very capable of accepting and welcoming your groups. Both locations can accommodate up to 60 people at one time and both locations can show our history video to your group. Our U ST location has a backroom that is separate for your group, whereas our H ST location has long booths and an area inside the restaurant for your groups.

  •  Yes! When you reach out, please let us know of any allergies, restrictions, or other specific needs that members in your group may have. Note: Ben’s is a peanut-free facility.

  • At our U Street location, buses can generally pull up in front of the Lincoln Theatre next to Ben’s to unload passengers and stay parked. Our H Street location accepts a lot of groups but bus parking is tougher there very close to the restaurant. After drop off, busses may need to drive a few blocks to find parking.

  • Yes! You can choose from two great options for your group. Both menus (Menu 1 or Menu 2) have the same appetizer, entree, and drink choices, but Menu 1 includes dessert.

    Click here to download our latest Group Menu.

  • We ask for payments for all groups on the day the group is served. You can pay by cash or credit card onsite, or we can send you our credit card authorization form and we will charge your card the day of service and email your receipt the following day.