This is one of the best hot dogs I have ever had. I ended up getting 2 of them. They are on the pricier side, but they are worth it. They come with chili of you choose to get that as a topping. The hot dogs that ended up getting were all beef. One set of fries is all you need. There's also a place right next door that they own that has some really good cheap drinks. Great spot.
I wanted to check what the hype was about since it's well-reviewed on Google. I was disappointed by the service since they skipped our order until we asked them about it. It was then that they started to prep our order. I was annoyed that we didn't even get an acknowledgment that they messed up.We ordered a chili burger, and it was pretty tasty but small. As for the Oreo shake, it was mediocre. I think it's worth coming at least once since it's a Washington staple.
The original location of DC's delicious and iconic Ben's Chili Bowl. The server's were really friendly and the decor is very nostalgic. I really enjoyed my time here because the food was delicious and filled me up. I ordered the Large Turkey Chili Bowl, Spicy Chili Half-Smoke and a water which came out to $18 before tax and tip. I highly recommend you visit this place which is a part DC's African American history!
I had to check this place out... I've heard so much about it over the years but had never been here. I finally made it and it was worth it. The food and service were terrific... and it has some personality. That's what makes it special. The portion size does not look like much. But it is filling and delicious. After eating there, I craved it during the rest of my trip to DC. It's easy to get to... right across from a Metro stop. And it's worth it.
Authentic old fashioned restaurant with delicious Hot Dogs, fries and a perfect chili bowl. This is soul food at its best.
Walk in and order, they will bring you your food. There are a few tables up front, in the middle and in the back. Pictures of famous people all over the walls. Even have a TV playing with more pictures. This is a DC landmark.The place is fun to check out. But the chili was just ok...Service was good.
One of the more famous restaurants in DC and rightfully so! I visited this place several times after the venues in U street. From Obama to Bourdain, a lot of famous people have been to place and it is been tourist’s attraction for DC. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you can tell this place has been around for a long time. I ordered their famous half smoke chili dog, chili cheese fries and milkshake. Probably one of the best chili I ever had and beef dog was cooked really well. Even the milkshake was pretty good too. It is a perfect late night food after the venue or a few drinks. I was there pretty late during the weekend and there were plenty of drunk people there. I highly recommend this place for some good chili and half smoke dog!
We loved the food! The half smokes were just delicious! They are half pork half beef sausage dogs with chili, mustard and onions. I had the onions left off. Our boys had junior dogs. Each came with a bag of Ruffles potato chips. I had lemonade which was delicious. The girl who took our order thought I said 3 half smokes instead of two but I ended up eating the dog and skipping the bun and chili on the 3rd and ate most of the dog. It was spicy but not overly hot. I'd definitely eat there again. There are several locations across DC but this one is the original and I'm glad we ate here!
We loved the food (burgers, chili cheese fries) and atmosphere with pictures of customers and employees covering the walls. The employees were very kind with us (obvious tourists that stared at the menu for awhile). Highly recommend!
After hearing of and reading of "Ben's Half Smokes" over the years we decided to go there on this trip. It was great. Food, atmosphere, etc. Even got to meet Mrs. Ali while there for meal.