- chili
- chili half smoke
- obama
- good for a late night
- bill cosby
- (15 more)
- Popular
- Recent
- Jérôme TomasiniFebruary 9, 2016You can't go wrong with the Chili Half-Smoke hotdog. Add up more calories with the Chili French fries. The vanilla thick milkshake will sweeten the chili burn.Upvoted Mar 27
- Ken Pierre IIAugust 7, 2014Great landmark in DC! The chili dog is amazing!! This is a great location to get a taste of what makes Washington DC! The line is long but it goes incredibly fast!Upvoted Feb 22
- PaddyJanuary 2, 2015From what I hear this place is a DC staple. The "famous" half-smoke was delicious. The chili is more savoury than it is spicy. More like a stew than any chili I've had before but was still excellent.
- During the 1968 riots following MLK's murder, Ben's stayed open to feed police and activists alike. It was untouched by violence and is still home to the best chili dog (half smoke) you'll ever have.
- LisaAugust 26, 2013No wrong options here. Don't be shy...have the chili half-smoke (spicy hot dog they R famous 4) with everything. Get a med-drink for free-refills. All fresh, made to order. Will ship nationwide
- Travel + LeisureJanuary 4, 2013A 60-plus-year-old institution known for its no-frills grub. Our favorite: the Chili Half Smoke, a pork-and-beef smoked sausage on a steamed bun with mustard, onions, and Ben’s signature chili sauce.
- Mark RussellNovember 18, 2017Chili Half Smoke combo is the real deal. It really doesn't need the cheese, which seemed like a cheese sauce. There are a few locations, but the original is the best, just for the history.
- This place never gets old! The half smokes with all toppings is amazing. Don't want a hotdog the smothered fries ( veggie Chilli or regular) is something to write home about. Seriously
- Vickie JohnsonJuly 11, 2017Great food and atmosphere. The staff was helpful and really nice! I'll definitely be coming back next time I'm here.
- Kurt HaaMarch 15, 2016Why Ben's Chili Bowl? A historical place in DC, great late night meals, spicy chili, friendly staff. My favorite place to have a hot dog in town
- Gambino GiavagliaMarch 22, 2017Famous Ben's chilli bowl,I love it. Have been going here since I was a teenager,now my kids love it💯💪 Always a great outing when we come to Bens...
- Men's Health MagAugust 3, 2014Call it a hot dog and we’re going to whup you two ways to K Street. A “half smoke” kicks sand in the face of your traditional wiener. It’s beefier, spicier, and a whole lot tastier. Read more
- Ashley WalkerAugust 28, 2020If you’re in DC you MUST eat here!!! Half smoke is awesome. But definitely try the Chili Burger Sub.
- CaraSeptember 19, 2014A half smoke is obviously classic, but the best conduit for their legendary chili is definitely some fries. Plenty to share and absolutely killer, drunk or sober.
- Road UnraveledAugust 18, 2019Every trip to Washington, DC should include a visit to Ben’s Chili Bowl. The half-smoke is incredible!
- Sarah J ParkerOctober 11, 2017Great dogs, great chilli, but not off the scale. More than decent veggie option and unique history make this place a safe bet in DC
- Naomi OyadomariOctober 15, 2012Oh man! Great chili! Great burgers and fries. Historical and campy! I made my Ben's Chili Bowl pilgrimage, and I am very satisfied! President Obama is what made me visit this place!
- BETJanuary 31, 2013During the riots, black activists obtained permission to allow Ben's to stay open past curfew. Celebrate Black History by checking out amazing African American contributions:
http://bet.us/BHM - Ashley HoweJuly 3, 2015Good, cheap food - go for the half smoke for the best hotdog. Their homemade lemonade is also delicious.
- Joshua DelanoJuly 11, 2013One of the top 5 hot dogs of all time, the half smoke. Verybgood breakfast as well. People are nice too...unless Cosby or Barack stop by, they eat for free.
- National Car RentalOctober 7, 2012Open late and located in the popular U Street area, this 54-year-old landmark is just minutes away from the National Mall by car or metro. Try the chili grilled cheese!
- Morgan ThomasFebruary 3, 2015Only come here if you have never been here before, new to dc or there is no line. This is a great late night spot but don't expect the best chili you've ever had.
- This Is My SouthOctober 23, 2013Be prepared to wait in line any time of day and bring cash. Go with the chili half smoke dog, Bill Cosby's favorite. Read more
- Real Living | At HomeJuly 5, 2013It's almost unfair to say this is a burger place, but they do make one of the best ones in town. But, you MUST smother it with their famous Chili or there is no point to it.
- Andrew BadenhorstJune 16, 2013The best!! You can't visit Washington DC without a visit at Ben's Chili Bowl! I was there during February 2013 with a South African delegation.
- Morgan CorpeAugust 4, 2011Delicious! Last time we waited an hour for our meal but it was worth it. People watching, fun atmosphere, great food. They even gave us free water while we were waiting. Bring cash!
- Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 12, 2012Sloppy chili dogs, thick milkshakes & chili cheese fries are universal pleasers at the inexpensive Ben's Chili Bowl. Or try comedian Bill Cosby's favorite, the chili half-smoke. -- Green Guide Editor
- Ghostly InternationalJuly 14, 2011This place is incredibly famous and deserves it's fame. The chili here is, of course, delicious and it's run by a family, so the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Chili fries are the best.
- Honey RushJuly 11, 2017Long wait to order because it's packed!! People were supper friendly. Great music. Nice to see the history of the restaurant and famous visitors
- Social News NetworkDecember 5, 2013The best chili you will ever have ever. The walls are filled with photos and tales of its rich history, and many a famous face have been known to walk in.
- Laura G AdamsSeptember 25, 2011The chili cheese fries are my go-to meal here, but the half smokes are pretty good too. Walk all the way back and sit in the back room if you can - the pictures are extraordinary.
- Catherine WongJune 5, 2012Chili cheese fries when you have the late night munchies hit the spot. Make sure you share with at least one other because the portion is pretty large. Cash only!
- The BigBDecember 17, 2022Good Chili, good fries, good vibes. It’s the total work of art that gives this place its meaning. Recommended!
- Military Discounts CentralFebruary 21, 2012Now this place may not have a military discount, but the food is so cheap, yet so delicious. You must go here and try one of their famous chili dogs. Yummmm!
- Stone CannizzaroMay 9, 2013The half smoke is def the way to go! Fries are big enough to share, or skip the fries and get free potato chips.
- Tyler MayneMarch 6, 2015They will bring you strawberry shortcake if it's your birthday... Just don't attempt to leave before they bring it to you!
- Evan[Bu]July 13, 2011Be sure to bring Barack Obama with you, he eats for free. Get the Original Chili Half-Smoke, with a side of fries (the works). Bring cash, this place no likey the credit cards.
- Design*SpongeAugust 3, 2014It’s an amazingly simple concept and the food is simply amazing. My favorite is the good ole chili dog. Yum! Read more
- Zach MartellJanuary 6, 2012Half smoke is where its at.. Chili onions, cheese is extra but a must! Oh and mustard.. A little on the expensive side but still a great place to go
- Ryan&KarenOctober 13, 2015Not bad at all. Very crowded not a fancy place. Take cash! No credit accepted. Tasty spicy chili but I have had better. $20 for chili cheese fries two chili dogs and tea. Just right portions.
- Rob BJanuary 31, 2013Get the half smoke all the way and an order of chili cheese fries all the way. You'll be good to go for a week! I <3 Ben's
- There's a reason everybody orders the chili cheese half smoke. Also, the vegetarian chili is great if that's your thing.
- Andy HarrisonFebruary 24, 2013This place is busy, but the food is great! If you don't want to wait in the long line, try getting a spot at the bar.
- GourmetLiveOctober 18, 2010Past customers read like the end of an African-American history book: Ellington, Carmichael, Cosby, and now, Obama, who ordered what every guide book would recommend: chili, sweet tea, & cheese fries.
- AbDecember 18, 2014Super "famous" at this point, but I'm not sure the folks who run it have noticed. The food's great, unhealthy but delish
- Laura CovingtonMay 23, 2012if you book ahead, you can have a large party in the back room. makes for an amazing business lunch. who can say no to veggie chili cheese fries?
- Juan MontoyaMay 8, 2015Great late night food...gotta get the iconic half smoke, chilli cheese fries, and chilli cheese dog!