Ben’s Chili Bowl - Washington, D.C.

What a treat. Not only was I able to have the most amazing cheese fries accompanied with a 1/2 smoke but I was treated to a bit of history. I met the owner, Mrs. Ali, and her family. Very nice woman. Quite spunky to say the least.

I was told that a visit to DC is MUST include the Original Ben's Chili Bowl on U street in the Shaw neighborhood of DC. What I learned is that Ben?s is not just a minority owned restaurant, it is a civil rights landmark. Stepping into Ben?s is looking back at a glimpse of history and feeling the sense of community it built. Like a museum, Ben?s walls are adorned with framed photographs, of founders, Virginia and her late husband, Ben, taken throughout the past 60 years;

The place is not small, but, it will fill a bit like that at Fridays and Saturdays night as in the middle of the bar and club zone, along with its tourist popularity because Obama was there (along with some other celebrities). They say they have parking at the back, I did not do much to find it as I already have parked my car somewhere else. The food is very good if not great, it feels of good quality and fresh, with obviously a great and original flavour. Even though,

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.

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.