“Presidents have eaten here, including Barack Obama”

Opened in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali, Ben’s has been a constant on U Street through segregation, the civil rights movement, the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and decades of change in Washington, D.C. While much of the neighborhood burned or closed during the riots, Ben’s remained open, serving both the community and first responders.

Over the years, Ben’s Chili Bowl has become a cultural landmark. It has hosted musicians, activists, politicians, and locals alike. Presidents have eaten here, including Barack Obama, whose visits helped cement Ben’s place in modern pop culture while reinforcing its long-standing role in the city’s identity. Photos, memorabilia, and news clippings lining the walls tell the story of a place that has never separated food from community.

When we visited, we ordered the chili cheese fries and milkshakes—simple, classic, and exactly what Ben’s is known for. The menu hasn’t chased trends, and that’s part of its appeal.

Address: 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009