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“Atmosphere!”
Review of Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl
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Ranked #12 of 212 Quick Bites in Washington DC
Certificate of Excellence
Price range: $0 - $7
Cuisines: American
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Restaurant details
Good for: Local cuisine
Dining options: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Late Night, Takeout
Description: Ben's Chili Bowl is a black-owned American restaurant located in Washington, DC. Ben's Chili Bowl is a famous DC hot spot for American classics like half-smoked sausage, banana pudding, chili dogs, and even vegan chili. In part to our deeply rooted history, we've become a popular stop during tourist visits to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. We attract locals, tourists, and celebrities such as Barack Obama, Anthony Bourdain, and more. Stop by Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street for your favorite American classics, or book us for catering in the Washington, DC area.
Reviewed March 20, 2017

It's a famous neighborhood hang-out that some friends took me to. Apparently it's been visited by lots of celebrities and Obama liked to go there. They have hot dogs, fries, chili (of course) -- fairly ordinary stuff in that genre -- but it's good. Go there if you like that kind of food; the menu is limited.

People who work there are great. Would be nice if you could buy a beer to go with with food.

Date of visit: March 2017
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Thank WSThompson
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (2,157)
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353 - 357 of 2,157 reviews

Reviewed March 19, 2017

Chili dogs n half smokes are outstanding, love the casual atmosphere, a great place to relax and unwind.

Date of visit: December 2016
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Thank Shubhashish D
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 16, 2017 via mobile

We went to Ben's Chilli Bowl after a few drinks on U Street and we waited in line looking at all the options. We went with the chilli half smoked dog with mustard and onions. Sooooo good!!! We even had it again when we got to the airport on our way home!!!

Date of visit: March 2017
Thank Hannah A
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 15, 2017

A simple yet nostalgic American diner that is famous for its chili dogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes.

Date of visit: February 2017
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Thank TOH_TB
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 13, 2017

You can't visit DC (or live here) without going to Ben's. Situated in the historic section of U street, its a cheap local way to connect with decades of DC history.

Date of visit: August 2016
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Thank Charles D
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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