If you haven’t heard of Ben’s Chili Bowl, you must have been on another planet in January. During the inauguration week, Adrian Fenty (DC Mayor) and President Obama went to Ben’s Chili Bowl. Prior to their visit, the line at Ben’s Chili Bowl have always stretched out the door, similar to Pink’s in Los Angeles. Since their visit, the local DC staple has become a tourist attraction.
Having survived the riots during the Civil Rights Movement, Ben’s Chili Bowl was the only building that wasn’t burned to the ground in the historical U Street Corridor of Washington.
Van and I were out on a Tuesday night and decided to visit Ben’s. We were not sure if there would be a long wait and to our surprise, there was no line or wait. It was my first time at Ben’s Chili Bowl and I was pleased with the fast service and ambiance of the restaurant. We were thinking about going to Ben’s Next Door (the higher end restaurant of Ben’s Chili Bowl) but settled for a cheap late night meal. Van ordered the all beef chili dog and I opted for the half-smokes with a small cup of chili. By far, Ben’s chili is the best I’ve had.
If you plan to visit Ben’s Chili Bowl, we highly recommend that you go there on weeknights. We arrived around 12:30 AM and were in and out within a few minutes. Parking is a bit of a pain but with patience, you will find a good spot.
Van’s Thoughts: Listen to ATek, I’ve experienced the weekend craze where an order went wrong and seating was at a premium. I’m one to opt out of a hustle and bustle environment, so Tuesday night was definitely a hit with me. But if presented with a weekend night where I’m craving another all beef chili dog, I will certainly tough it out. Next stop, Next Door. I would love to experience Chef Rock Harper’s take on classic American fares.
Friendly Tip: Ben’s Chili Bowl only accepts cash. If you’re short on change and a few bucks, they have an ATM inside.
Photo Source: Ben’s Chili Bowl, aTek’s iPhone
