Restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl

A DC institution since 1958, beloved for its chili half-smoke (a smoky sausage topped with chili, mustard, and onions) and deep ties to the U Street and civil-rights history. Casual, cash-friendly, and open late. Note: it reopened in May 2026 after a roughly 10-month closure, so it's back in business and busier than ever.

Address

1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009Opens in Google Maps

Website

Visit site

Image: Ben's Chili Bowl — via Wikimedia