If you are a health food nut skip Ben's Chili Bowl. For those of us that love flavor with our food, there's none better. The chili dogs are to die for whether straight up, half-smoke, or smothered in chili. I have traveled all over the world and the U.S. and haven't foud a better dog anywhere. That includes New York City and Chicago. ...

We go to Ben's Chili Bowl as a special reward for my son and whenever we want to have just a nice family day. The Cosby Half smoke is my son's favorite as are the banana milkshakes. Three can eat off one order of fries that is served in a large basket. The owner's son was very nice to us one a recent Sunday and even put a recording in ...

HUGE disappointment. Given the reputation I expected to at least like, not love, my food. I ordered the chili dog and was so disappointed that I didn't want to finish it. The chili was very bland and tasted watered down. The fries were good. The milkshake was good but was not worth the price. Overall, I would not recommend this place to anyone. Overhyped and overpriced.

Not so good. Greasy, poor service, and too expensive for what you get. Plus my order wasn't made right. I hate mustard. Points for a good atmosphere.

Ben's is a must for any visitor to DC. It is a neighborhood institution. The food would make any junk food junkie happy; first timers will want the chili-cheese half-smoke experience. For those who are more health-conscious, Ben's has veggie chili and turkey burgers. Great place to watch football on Sundays.

"Home of the Famous Chili Dog": That is Ben's motto & it's serious business. Ben's Chili Bowl is not only a historical landmark, it's also a Black owned business since 1958. The best chili cheese burgers I've tasted around Washington, DC.

I'm an international foodie with a penchant for quality as well as a private gourmet mad scientist (Dark Chocolate Chili Watermelon Rise anyone?)

Believe me, this is a review you can take seriously.

Ben's Chili Bowl is a great place if what you want exactly is a warm, noisy, "good to be home" feeling.
The food is NOT ...

I USE TO COME HERE A LOT AFTER THE MOVIES WHEN I WAS A CHILD ... NOW OVER 30 YEARS LATER ... I STILL LOVE THIS PLACE ... GREAT WHEN YOU ARE EATIN' ALONE OR WITH THE FAMILY ...

I recently visited Ben's Chili Bowl and the service was cordial, and expedient.
I had the Chili and Jumbo Beef Hot dog and it was awesome. My whole dining experience was wonderful!!! Ben's is not a fancy restuarant but a restaurant that serves quality food. I am from Oklahoma where we have very good restaurants but I have to add this restaurant to the list. If and when I return to DC I will always look them up.