Ben's Chili Bowl Ben's Chili Bowl GOLD medal

TV Shows

Man vs Food

Man vs Food

Aired on 10/21/2009
Episode: DC

"Half-Smoke," a half-pork, half-sausage frankfurter topped with Ben's famous chili


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Map & Directions

1213 U St NW
Washington , DC 20009
2026670909
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Restaurant Details

Connect

Business Hours:

  • Mon-Thu 6am-2am Fri 6am-4am Sat 7am-4am Sun 11am-11pm

Cuisines:

Cost:

  • $

Features:

  • Local Favorite
  • Breakfast
  • Late Night Dining
  • Family-Friendly Dining
  • Historic Setting
  • Hidden Find

External Links:

Comments & Tips

User Comments

  • cash only. I've only ever had the half smoke and chili cheese fries, but that's all I need. I would recommend getting it during the day is less crowded and your body will make you regret sleeping on all that fat and grease the next day. by covertrambo Thu 09/06/2012 12:00 AM Joined Sep 2012 11 Posts 7 Restaurant Visits
  • i had the veggie burger w/ vegetarian chili... which was just a generic microwavable veggie burger on a bun w/ cheese, but their chili definatly made up for it. it was very good :) my boyfriend had the half-smoke & chili cheese fries which he said was also very good. There was no wait, and got our food quickly. Cheep, GOOD food, FAST :) can't beat it. by myukniewicz Thu 08/09/2012 12:00 AM Joined Aug 2012 2 Posts 2 Restaurant Visits
  • awesome chili. fries are crisp. the new bens next door upscale version has all the same great chili bowl food plus awesome seafood and alcohol. we had chili cheese fries for a starter, then the filet sandwich and crab cake sliders. very yummy and no wait to sit down. by tclcttb Sat 06/16/2012 12:00 AM Joined Jun 2012 6 Posts 15 Restaurant Visits
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CitySearch Tips

Fun Fact

Several movies feature the interior and exterior of Ben's, including "The Pelican Brief" and "State of Play."

The Extras

Send Ben's! Use the online store to mail food and apparel to those who miss the D.C. original.

Parking

Turn down Ben Ali Way (named for Ben's founder) to find the lot. It's some of the easiest parking you’ll find in the neighborhood.

FourSquare Tips

  • Travel Channel
    The half-smoke is a half-pork, half-beef sausage native to DC, generously covered with Ben's chili. The result ? unparalleled deliciousness. ? Adam Richman, Man v. Food
  • Eater
    An iconic Washington establishment, Ben's Chili Bowl is well-suited for late-night half-smoke cravings. [Eater 38 Member]
  • Jonathan H.
    Head to Ben's Chili Bowl, grab a chili half-smoke
  • BeBlogalicious
    Bring cash!
  • DC After Five
    They pour grease over the hotdogs. So good!
  • Victor Z.
    The line is optional if you know what you're doing.
  • kimberley s.
    Go to Ben's and get a chili half smoke, fries, and a shake. Yes, it's worth the wait in line! Also, keep an eye out for the list of people who get to eat there for free.
  • GourmetLive
    Past 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.
  • Ernie
    Order a Chili Half Smoke with mustard and onions
  • James W.
    Three words: Chili Half Smoke