Reviews
Ben's Chili Bowl is a legendary spot in Washington, DC famous for its chili, halfsmokes, and rich history. Located in a historic neighborhood bustling with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, Ben's is a must-visit for those soaking up the city's culture. While recent additions of vegetarian hotdogs and chili may not be showstoppers, the experience of dining at this iconic establishment is worth at least one visit. Celebrity sightings, a resident historian, and a vibrant atmosphere add to the charm, making Ben's a popular spot for post-show munchies. The food quality varies for vegans, with some experiencing confusion over menu items, but overall, Ben's remains a beloved DC landmark with a unique vibe and a promising future ahead, on average, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been rated as 4.1.
Reviews from various websites
not my best choice
we came here at 2:00 a.m. after catching up a local show. this is a great place to eat when everything is closed, but not something I would just get during norm...
read morepleasant chili
we ordered the vegan chili and vegan chili frits (without cheese) the vegan chili was good. the vegan chili-fried ratio was off. much too much chili, we could h...
read moreIconic Chili
the veg chili meets the place! many vegetarian options and some vegan options, so no one misses. the chili dog for vegetarian and chili burger for vegan are bot...
read moreFor meat eaters
I would say this place is definitely more for meat eaters than vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. They didn’t have Impossible burgers (although on the menu) so I or...
read morePretty good
They gave me meat at first and then reassured me it was the beyond burger when it wasn’t. I don’t think they knew what I meant by the beyond burger. Just make s...
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read moreI was born in 1970 in DC and was born and raised there until I left for the Army in 1988..so I know just a little about the historic spots to eat in DC. Ben's C...
read moreIt's ok. Nothing spectacular. I ordered a half smoke, chili cheese fries and a shake. They charge you an extra $5 to make you the meal and want a tip. Never see...
read moreHistorical eatery. Ask questions about the history to the emoyees. It's fascinating.
Heavy crowded but tastes good. Should add to your definite try.
Purchased their all beef chilli dog and chilli fries. Only complaint is not enough onions on the dog. Even the chesse on their fries had a kick to it. Never bee...
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read moreSince I come from the city with the best hotdogs, I was skeptical at first. This place didn't disappoint and is AWESOME.I had a chili dog, cheese fries, and a b...
read moreGreat DC relic. Super pleased they had vegetarian and vegan options for all entrees they serve. The service was friendly and though appeared a bit disorganized...
read moreI have lived in the DC metro area for 45 years and I have visited Ben’s Chili since I can remember. The food has always been great. I can remember seeing Mrs. A...
read moreFirst time trying Ben's tourist, so I had to. I like chili hot dogs. Don't usually do Chili in the summer. Overall, the food was great. Onion rings were excelle...
read moreSuch a cool place, a must-visit when you're in Washington DC. The place has a very old school original vibe, with the inside just as vibrant as the outside. The...
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read moreWhat a treat. Not only was I able to have the most amazing cheese fries accompanied with a 1/2 smoke but I was treated to a bit of history. I met the owner, Mrs...
read moreI was told that a visit to DC is MUST include the Original Ben's Chili Bowl on U street in the Shaw neighborhood of DC. What I learned is that Ben?s is not just...
read moreThe place is not small, but, it will fill a bit like that at Fridays and Saturdays night as in the middle of the bar and club zone, along with its tourist popul...
read moreWalk in and order, they will bring you your food. There are a few tables up front, in the middle and in the back. Pictures of famous people all over the walls....
read moreThis is one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. I ended up getting 2 of them. They are on the pricier side, but they are worth it. They come with chili of you...
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read moreDecent Chili
We ordered the vegan chili and vegan chili fries (without cheese). The vegan chili was good. The vegan chili fries portion ratio was off. Way too much chili, we...
read moreNot my top choice
We came here at 2:00 am after catching a local show. This is definitely a great spot to eat when everything is closed but not something I would just get during...
read moreBe realistic
Let's be realistic, you're not coming to Ben's for 5 star food. You're coming for the history, nostalgia, reputation, and late hours. But what I do appreciate i...
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read moreKnown for their chili dogs and chili cheese...
Known for their chili dogs and chili cheese fries, Ben’s is a great place to go on U street after going out to the bars. Not for the super healthy or faint of h...
read moreBreaskfast is always good! They have real southern grits....
Breaskfast is always good! They have real southern grits. The chili cheeseburgers and chili cheese fries are great, especially late at night.
Chili dogs at 1AM! This place is a landmark....
Chili dogs at 1AM! This place is a landmark. Not for the faint at heart. Chili is what it is. Cheese Fries and shake to go. They have 1 or 2 veggie meals. If yo...
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