Get Your Grease On

"God bless America," was the overstuffed  uttering of Chris Moody following an evening outing to Ben’s Chili Bowl. Seven of the notorious nine were in attendance for this week’s ethnic food fest at the DC landmark. The genre? Definitely all-American: chili cheese dogs, chili cheeseburgers, and chili cheese fries. Praise the sweet Lord.

Ben’s has been serving up some of the best food and the worst indigestion the city has to offer since 1958. Back when U Street was known as “Black Broadway,” the local eatery was frequented by such greats as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald. Bill Cosby once held a press conference at Ben’s in the 80’s. District native Dave Chappelle and Dr. Dre, a cardiologist from Massachusetts, have also stopped by in recent years. But the dog and burger joint has always been home to the locals.

Owners Ben and Virginia Ali kept Ben’s doors open during the riots following MLK’s assassination, feeding activists and officers involved. During the construction of the metro’s green line, Ben’s was one of the few businesses to stay afloat, serving up neighborhood regulars and Metro workers. On any given night these days Ben’s welcomes the after-concert crowds from the nearby Black Cat and 9:30 Clubs, overworked suits who just escaped from Capitol Hill and peeps who grew up just down the block.

On your visit to Ben’s, sidle up to the counter, smile and order Ben’s famous chili cheeseburger for $4.60. There’s also the DC favorite, the half-smoke, a Ben’s original that’s bigger and spicier than a regular dog for $4.55. Pair either with chili cheese fries (big enough to split) for $4.55 and you’ve got yourself the best $10 meal in town.

Up late studying? Ben’s is open till 2 a.m. on weeknights and  4 a.m. on weekends.Want to cater to your inner fat kid? (And who doesn’t?) Add a slice of German chocolate cake for $2.90 and a vanilla shake for $2.65.

Ben’s is located right off the U Street metro stop on the green line. Take the 13^th   Street exit and cross the street to the beacon of all things American. God bless it.

Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U Street NW
(202) 667-0909.

This fine eatery is also vegetarian friendly.

Comments

[Kerri Hostetler]

Love the Dr. Dre comment