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What’s a favorite of both Bill Cosby and President Obama, comes in a bowl, and still costs less than $5? None other than Ben’s Chili Bowl, a D.C. staple celebrating its 55th anniversary this year.
Critics ranging from the country’s top chefs to its biggest celebrities have heralded this legendary hot spot as the place to go for good food and even better company. And with the cold weather of winter officially upon us, there’s no better time to hop on the metro and grab a bite, or a bowl, to eat.
Ben and Virginia Ali founded Ben’s back in 1958. The newlywed couple took their savings and renovated an old building on U Street, hoping to make a living off of their secret family chili recipe. Today much of the building and original menu remains unchanged, including its staff. The couple’s three sons all work together to run the restaurant, carrying on the family tradition.
While I know that not everyone likes the hot, soupy stuff — you can’t stop by here without trying the chili. If eating it straight from the bowl isn’t your thing, try it piled high on a hot dog (called the “half smoke” here if you want to order right) or as a layer topping off an order of French fries.
For vegetarians or those looking for a healthier option, Ben’s also serves vegetable chili as well as chili over a rice bowl to help cut down on the calories. If you’re really in a pinch these can save you, but they’re no substitute for the real deal. Best of all, a bowl of chili con carne is under $5, a half smoke is less than $6 and nothing on the menu cracks $10 — unless you order an entire cake.
To taste some of the nation’s best chili for yourself, take the 104 metro bus from Stamp student union to the College Park Metro and board a Green line train toward Branch Avenue. The ride to the U Street station takes less than 20 minutes and costs $3.50 with a SmarTrip card during rush hour.
Whether you make a trip in just to go to Ben’s or stop by on a tour of the city, there are few places around that better combine history with a good, hot meal.
