Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl is a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C., United States, known for its chili dogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes. It was founded in 1958 by Ben Ali, a Trinidadian-born immigrant, and his wife, Virginia Ali. The restaurant is located on U Street, once known as "Black Broadway", and has been frequented by celebrities and politicians, including Barack Obama and Bill Cosby.
History[edit | edit source]
Ben Ali, a Trinidadian-born immigrant, and his wife, Virginia Ali, founded Ben's Chili Bowl in 1958. The restaurant was originally a silent movie house called the Minnehaha Theater. After the theater closed, the building was redone and opened as Ben's Chili Bowl. The restaurant has remained in the Ali family and is now run by the couple's three sons.
Menu[edit | edit source]
Ben's Chili Bowl is famous for its chili dogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes. The half-smoke, a half-pork, half-beef sausage, is the restaurant's most popular item. It is typically served on a warm steamed bun with mustard, onions, and spicy homemade chili sauce.
Cultural significance[edit | edit source]
Ben's Chili Bowl has been a staple of the U Street neighborhood for over 60 years. It has been a gathering place for the community during times of both celebration and tension. The restaurant remained open during the 1968 Washington, D.C. riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., serving as a hub for activists and first responders.
In popular culture[edit | edit source]
Ben's Chili Bowl has been featured in various media outlets and TV shows, including the Travel Channel's Man v. Food and No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. It has also been mentioned in several books and movies, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.
See also[edit | edit source]
Ben's Chili Bowl[edit | edit source]
Ben's Chili Bowl
Grill at Ben's Chili Bowl
Chili half smoke Bens
Bush mural - Ben's Chili Bowl
2020.03.19 DC People and Places, Washington, DC USA
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