Ben’s Chili Bowl
In 1958, newly married founders Ben and Virginia Ali invested $5,000 to transform a building at 1213 U Street NW in Washington, D.C. Originally constructed in 1910, the space first operated as the Minnehaha Theater, a silent movie venue, before later becoming a pool hall under the ownership of Harry Beckley, one of the city’s earliest Black police detectives.
More than sixty years later, Ben’s Chili Bowl has become a celebrated landmark and an essential stop for visitors exploring the nation’s capital.
From the beginning, the unwavering support of our guests has shaped who we are. When longtime patrons urged us to preserve the character of the restaurant, we honored that request. The original counter, booths, and stools remain in place, and our signature chili, half-smokes, and banana pudding continue to be prepared with the same recipes and care that defined us in 1958. Exceptional service and consistent quality remain at the heart of our mission. To our loyal customers—and especially our regulars—thank you for your continued support. And to those who have yet to experience Ben’s, we look forward to welcoming you soon.
HALFSMOKES.COM
Ben’s Chili Bowl extends its legacy beyond Washington, D.C., by offering nationwide shipping through HalfSmokes.com. . Led by Nizam and Sonya Ali, our online team ensures that customers across the country can enjoy our classic dishes at home. Visit HalfSmokes.com to explore our products, discover special offerings, and bring the flavors of Ben’s directly to your doorstep.
May, 2026
Tuesday
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
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10:30 pm - 11:00 pm
August 26,2019
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