Ben's Chili Bowl is DC's most famous restaurant, a U Street landmark since 1958 that survived the 1968 riots and fed the civil-rights movement. The chili half-smoke is the order. Cash-friendly, cheap, iconic, open late on weekends.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 11:00am-11:00pm Tue 11:00am-11:00pm Wed 11:00am-11:00pm Thu 11:00am-11:00pm Fri 11:00am-4:00am Sat 11:00am-4:00am Sun 11:00am-11:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial Metro (Green/Yellow), right outside |
| Time needed | 30-45 min |
| Best time to go | Weekday mid-afternoon to skip lines; late night Fri/Sat for the classic after-hours scene |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.7/10- Value8.3
- iconic9.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity9.4
- Accessibility8.8
Frequently asked questions
- Where exactly is Ben's on U Street?
- It's at 1213 U Street NW, essentially on top of the U Street Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. You can't miss the storefront. Transit drops you at the door.
- How late is Ben's open?
- Weeknights and Sunday it's open until 11pm, but Friday and Saturday it stays open until 4am, making it a legendary late-night stop after U Street bars. The after-midnight crowd is part of the experience.
- Is there vegetarian food at Ben's?
- Yes, they offer a vegetarian chili and veggie/turkey half-smoke options, so plant-leaning eaters aren't shut out. The classic experience is the pork-beef half-smoke, but you have choices. Ask at the counter.
- Is it touristy now?
- It draws tourists because of its fame, but it remains a real neighborhood institution that locals still eat at. The history is genuine, not manufactured. Come off-peak and it still feels like the real thing.
- Does Ben's Chili Bowl take cards?
- Yes, it takes cards, though the line moves fast and cash is welcome. It's an inexpensive, counter-service spot. Expect to order at the counter and grab a stool or booth.
- Why is Ben's Chili Bowl historically important?
- Open since 1958, it was a hub for the Black community and civil-rights leaders, stayed open during the 1968 riots to feed people, and has hosted figures from Duke Ellington to Barack Obama. It's a genuine DC institution.
- What should I order at Ben's Chili Bowl?
- The chili half-smoke: a spiced smoked sausage on a bun topped with mustard, onions, and their signature chili. It's the dish that made Ben's famous and runs around $9-10. Add chili-cheese fries if you're hungry.
- What's a half-smoke?
- A half-smoke is a DC specialty, a coarser, smokier, spicier cousin of the hot dog, traditionally half pork and half beef. Ben's version is the definitive one. If you try one thing in DC, make it this.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- U Street CorridorNeighborhood0.07 km · 1 min walk
- Busboys and Poets (14th & V)Café0.28 km · 4 min walk
- The Wydown Coffee BarCafé0.3 km · 4 min walk
- Florida Avenue GrillRestaurant0.37 km · 5 min walk
- ShawNeighborhood0.76 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near Ben's Chili Bowl
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