Ben's Chili Bowl in D.C. Celebrates 50 Years
August 22, 1958, marks a big day in the District's history: the birth of Ben’s Chili Bowl's famous chili dog and chili half-smoke, considered some of the city's only indigenous foods. Why does the beans-topped tubular meat deserve a 50th birthday bash this weekend, complete with visits from Bill Cosby, Roberta Flack, and D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty?
Ben’s is one of the few culinary landmarks in this town not associated with JFK trying to shtup some bimbo, it remains a steadfast supporter of its Shaw neighborhood, and it still serves the best half-smoke around.
That's how Washington City Paper food columnist Tim Carman described the institution to Anthony Bourdain when the No Reservations host was in town recently to shoot an episode. The point here: Ben's is more than mediocre chili. Even during rough times in the U Street neighborhood—like in 1968, after Martin Luther King Jr's assassination sparked riots outside Ben's doors—the family business toughed it out. Watch a two-minute history on the D.C. landmark after the jump.
Ben's Chili Bowl Celebrates 50th Anniversary
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The New Nationals Stadium Dog: Ben's Half Smoke
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5 Comments:
Several years ago I got to spend a few weeks by myself purely playing tourist in DC so I embarked on two of my culinary quests: BBQ and hot dogs. Most people think it's easy to find a good hot dog place and they couldn't be more wrong. When I rode the Yellow line up to U Street to go to Ben's Chili Bowl I had no inkling of the history of the place; only the reviews and recommendations of the food drew me in. While I was there (fortunately there was a little bit of a wait) I got an appreciation of what the place meant in the history of the neighborhood and to DC. It is a rare find for a historical place to still be serving up great food, too; most rest on their laurels alone, not Ben's. Go for the half smoke (get it grilled) and get a lesson in history. And, don't be too proud to ask for extra napkins. Congratulations on 50 years and thanks for the great dogs as well.
jscarey at 9:59PM on 08/23/08
I find that quote stupid and offensive. I lived in DC for decades and no restaurant was particularly famous for JFK tricks, but many were famous for this or that one having been there before some stupid public stunt.
Just because some jerk in DC said it, doesn't mean you have to quote it.
Judith in Umbria at 6:56AM on 08/24/08
What's a half smoke?
erinlovestoeat at 11:21AM on 08/24/08
Iirc, a half-smoke is a half beef/half pork smoked sausage...BCB is famous for it. The CBS Sunday Morning Show had a great piece about the place this morning.
Curlz at 1:14PM on 08/24/08
ben's chili bowl also has vegan chili and makes a vegan chili burger as well as vegan chili fries. good freaking times.
al oof at 4:53PM on 08/24/08