Ben's Chili Bowl

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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]

Stub icon
   This article is a US-based restaurant or restaurant chain stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



Ben's Chili Bowl[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD