Ben’s Chili Bowl…Just When You Thought You Had Experienced All of Washington, DC Has to Offer!
Ben’s Chili Bowl is like no other. Located on the recently revamped U Street Corridor at 1213 U Street in northwest Washington, DC, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to get there. And then, again, maybe not. It’s truly no secret to the true locals as it appears to have earned icon status. And to prove it, members of the DC city council gave Ben’s it’s own street sign appropriately named “Ben Ali’s Way” on a widened alley adjacent to the establishment. Talk about making your mark!
As a long-time resident of the DC metropolitan area, I have long had a curiosity about this much-hyped chili joint best known for it’s chili-dogs, chili-half-smokes and chili-everything-else. So, I dropped in on a typical Sunday afternoon to literally buy into the “hype.” Not to mention, I was famished! I didn’t order the ever-famous chili-dog. Instead, I ordered chili-cheese-fries, a chili-cheeseburger (since I am quite a burger buff) and a grape drink.
Well, all I can say is someone at Ben’s Chili Bowl got it right! Talk about critiques being on-point? I was outdone to say the least! The food was fabulous. And, as I don’t advocate violence of any sort, I must admit, yes, I did want to slap my grandmother! The price was not that of your typical cheap, vendor price. But then again, it’s not your typical cheap, vendor chili dog, either. Justifiably worth the slightly elevated price.
There’s an old saying that goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The overall feel of Ben’s Chili Bowl, set smack dab in midst of DC’s success and on-going gentrification movement, is one of a mom & pop joint that refuses to conform to the times, although, they do have a website, www.benschilibowl.com. Strangely, I felt as though I was living the riot-era, sans the chaos or surrounding structural damage. They have all the original furniture since opening in 1958. I swear, they really do! It’ s been kept this way they say to keep their promise to customers to never change, and, to stay as they are.
Truly, I was expecting to see the entire cast of the ’70’s hit show, Happy Days, to make a grand entrance. And it wouldn’t have been far-fetched, either. Many notables have embarked upon Ben’s Chili Bowl when are in the Nation’s Capital. There are pictures lining the walls of such stars as Bill Cosby, Denzel Washington, former DC mayor, Marion Barry, rap mogul Dr. Dre, basketball star Allen Iverson and a host of others. What an experience! Stop by or give’em a call at 202.667.0909…your taste buds will thank you for it!
