Ben's Chili Bowl - Washington, DC

Ben's Chili Bowl

The name Ben's Chili Bowl may ring a bell if the remote has ever been tucked under the couch with the Travel Channel left on.  A signature spot on the food show circuits, this Washington D.C. establishment has even been revered as a historic site.  Located in the famed U-Street Corridor in the Shaw District, Ben's has stood for over 50 years, withstanding the riots that swept away and forced out many other businesses in the area.  Thank God that Ben's was able to endure the obstacles though, as this is one restaurant worth a long drive.

Made legendary by comedian Bill Cosby, Ben's Chili Bowl has counted visitors such as President Obama among its clientele.  While waiting in line, you will probably even notice a sign that says "The following people eat here free: Bill Cosby, President Obama, and no one else."  Frankly, the sign makes sense.  Anyone who tries the Chili Half Smokes here would be compelled to eat here every day if offered free meals.

While a tourist might just head over to Ben's whenever hunger strikes, they would be unwise in doing so.  Planning can be critical in this eating-out experience as the lines can go halfway up the alley next to Ben's.  Between tourists and the D.C. locals looking to get their chili fix, a trip at the wrong time can include a lengthy wait.  Based on my experiences, some times to avoid would be sunny weekends around lunch time, as well as potentially late-night, when bar-goers look to solve their drunk munchies.

As for the atmosphere, once you get through the line and finally in the door, it feels as though you have truly exited D.C. and entered a popular Caribbean restaurant.  The speakers blare with tunes that would make Bob Marley wish he was buried under the building.  I literally think I have heard "Buffalo Soldier" every single time I have been to Ben's!  The Chili Bowl was opened in 1958 by Trinidadian immigrant Ben Ali, who has kept it in the family ever since.

While waiting for a server to take your order, the smell of the grill emanates as hundreds of hot dogs and half smokes slowly simmer.  Mayhem seems to fill the air as the many servers shout over each other taking customers orders in a somewhat disorganized fashion.  In fact, that would be my biggest complaint about Ben's Chili Bowl.  While it can be easy to initially place your order, keeping track of it is essential as   the staff often take many orders at a time and have been known to lose track of some.  Paying can also be confusing, especially when eating at the counter as different servers have different methods, some preferring to have you pay while receiving your food, some bringing the food to you at the counter, and some taking payment at the counter after the meal.

Now that we have ordered our food and received it, time to dig in!  Personally, I always go with the staple item of Ben's, the Chili Half Smoke, a Half-Pork/Half-Beef Sausage topped with Ben's secret chili, served with chips.  A side of Chili Cheese Fries and the meal is complete.  Each item sets you back about $5.45, a tad pricy for the items that you are getting, but nothing unreasonable, especially given the fact that you will not leave hungry and would pay double that for the same items at a baseball game.

Digging into the Half Smoke too early could burn your mouth, but will get the juices flowing in it and give you a terrific preview into what awaits.  Each bite provides a blend of hot dog bun, little bit of mustard and onions, and of course the sausage.  The chili, while nothing overwhelming, has a tiny kick to it to go with the special blend that gives it such a unique chili flavor.  Combine that with some liquid cheese that is not too thick making it the perfect complement, and the Chili Cheese Fries are really the gem of Ben's.  A cup (or in my case a pitcher) of water to wash the food down and this is heaven.  Although I have never personally tried anything else on the menu, I have accompanied people who have ordered the Chili Hot Dog and Chili Cheeseburger (a bit small, but nonetheless good).  They also offer a veggie chili and veggie burger for those with tamer tastes.

As a University of Maryland student, this was a trip I was willing to take whenever the chance arose.  If in the D.C. area, take a trip over to U and 12th Street for a memorable experience and a meal you will not forget.

Price: 7

Chili Cheese Fries: 10

Chili Half Smoke: 8.5

Service: 4

Overall: 9