Join us for our U Street Grand Re-Opening in Early May!

Until then, be sure to stop by our pop-up location at 1208 U Street for all your Ben’s food favorites.

Ben’s Chili Bowl

A Washington, D.C. icon since 1958, Ben’s is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a taste of history!

From our famous original half smokes and award-winning chili, to sizzling fresh burgers, classic chili dogs, delicious milkshakes, and PETA awarded veggie items, there's something for everyone at Ben's Chili Bowl. No visit to D.C. is complete without a trip to Ben’s.

Pick Up

Delivery

Who should be on our new U Street Mural?

The current mural is coming down in early May, and we want to hear from YOU! Share your ideas on who to feature next.

SUBMIT YOUR MURAL SUGGESTIONS

Minimalist line drawing of a person riding a scooter with a backpack.

ORDER

Order pickup online, get delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats, or visit us in person. Fast, convenient, and always delicious— get your Ben's fix your way!

Line drawing of a fast food burger and a to-go cup with a lid and straw.

GROCERIES

Find our original and spicy half smokes, chili con carne, turkey chili, and chicken noodle soup in the deli aisles and at the hot bar in all 166 Giant Food Stores.

Line drawing of a box with a heart emerging from it.

BCB FOUNDATION

The Ben's Chili Bowl Foundation continues Ben and Virginia Ali's legacy of community service, supporting nonprofit organizations and giving back to those at-risk in Washington, D.C.

At Ben’s, Everyone’s Family

When newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali opened our doors with $5,000 and a dream, they created something magical—a restaurant where all were welcomed and respected, and where everyone treated like family.

For over 67 years, we've been the heart of historic U Street and of DC, bringing people together over incredible food and warm hospitality. We've had the honor of serving everyone from neighborhood regulars to presidents, civil rights leaders to celebrities, all united by our belief that great food in a welcoming and safe space, creates lasting connections.

Our Story

A woman grilling hot dogs at a stand, with condiments in bottles behind her and a yellow sign advertising meats and hot dogs in the background.

A man standing outside a restaurant named Ben's Chili Bowl, which serves chili bowls, hot dogs, and smoked items. The restaurant has a bright yellow and red sign with a chili pepper graphic and an 'OPEN' sign in the window.

Two containers of Ben's Chili Bowl chili, one labeled Turkey Chili with beans and the other labeled Chili Con Carne with beans, along with packaged Half Smoke sausages on patterned red and white background.

Three men cooking and working behind a counter in a restaurant kitchen. One man in a white shirt is grilling meatballs, while another in a yellow shirt and glasses is preparing food. A third man in black is looking away, near shelves with boxes and k

Group of people dressed in black "Cross" t-shirts gathered inside a fast food restaurant, smiling at the camera. The background shows menu boards with food options, and an elderly woman standing in the middle is surrounded by others. The text overlay

Chili hot dog in a bun with chopped onions and mustard, topped with chili.

A young man in a blue suit and hat standing inside a fast food restaurant, posing with an elderly woman in a yellow blazer. The background features a menu board, counter area, and other customers.

Barack Obama shaking hands with a man at a diner counter, surrounded by other people, smiling, with framed photos hanging on the wall behind them.

Assorted fast food including four cheeseburgers, a hot dog with mustard and relish, French fries, onion rings, chili cheese fries, a small bowl of chili, and cups of dipping sauces on a patterned paper with Ben's Chili Bowl branding.

A man enjoying a burger at a casual restaurant, with a milkshake on the table, and a woman filming with a camera in the background.

Three people standing outside a food stand labeled 'Ben's Chili Bowl' on a busy street. The older woman is in the center, flanked by two men. Text at the bottom reads 'Doug Williams & Jayden Daniels.'

Chili cheese fries in a paper tray at Ben's Chili Bowl, topped with chili and melted cheese.

Group of six smiling people taking a selfie in a restaurant or cafe, some wearing yellow and one with a maroon shirt, with a busy background including other patrons and framed pictures on the wall.

Four people standing inside Ben's Chili Bowl restaurant, smiling for the photo. The background features a sign that reads 'Home of the Famous Chili Dog' and various decorations on the wall.