What are the opening hours?

Monday 11am - 9pm Tuesday 11am - 9pm Wednesday 11am - 9pm Thursday 11am - 11pm Friday 11am - 4am Saturday 11am - 4am Sunday 11am - 10pm

Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl is a Black woman-owned restaurant in Washington, DC. Locals, celebrities, and Presidents all come to Ben's. Shipping Nationwide on
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Considered a DC landmark, Ben's is home to world-famous chili and mouth-watering Half Smokes. Please be aware that all content and posts are bound by Facebook’s Terms of Use (http://www.facebook.com/terms.php)

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Finally, the appearance of external links on this page does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of Ben's Chili Bowl.

07/16/2026

Cathy Hughes has been a friend of the Ali family for over 50 years, so it meant a lot to see her honored with the key to the city from Mayor Bowser this week! She built one D.C. radio station (WOL) into Urban One, now the largest Black-owned media company in the country. Ben's is proud to have been Cathy's first 12-month advertising contract. Congrats, Cathy Hughes!

07/15/2026

IShowSpeed enjoyed THREE half smokes on his last visit! How many would you like? National Hot Dog Day at Ben’s — A timeless tradition! 🌭🌭🌭

07/03/2026

Happy Independence Day weekend! Good news: all Ben's locations are open regular hours, including until 4 AM Friday and Saturday on U Street. We hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend full of family, friends...and grilling out with our half smokes, of course! Pick yours up at all Giant Food and select Costco locations. Pictured: Virginia Ali with Chef Huda, who showed off her own grilling skills at the Giant BBQ Battle.

06/27/2026

Half Smokes. Chili. Banana Pudding. Cookies & Cream. All on sale!

Enjoy special pricing and nationwide shipping on your Ben's food favorites during Goldbelly's 4th of July Sale, June 27 through July 5. Fire up the grill, 'cause now's the time to stock up for the rest of the summer. https://benschilibowl.goldbelly.com

06/25/2026

D.C. has two things the rest of the world can’t get enough of: Go-Go music and Ben’s Half Smokes. , 2026 Go-Go Dancer of the Year and D.C.’s Official Go-Go Ambassador from Tokyo, came by to see Mom and get her half smoke. That’s the real DC right there.

06/19/2026

U Street has carried D.C.'s story for generations, from Black Broadway to the '68 riots, and every decade of change since. Ben's Chili Bowl has stood with D.C. residents for all of it. We're proudly Black-owned, and proudly still serving you today and every day. Black Lives Matter! Happy Juneteenth, D.C.

06/17/2026

Happy Pride Month! At Ben's, we believe Love is Love. We've said it on our wall for years, and we mean it just as much in 2026.

Capital Pride Parade kicks off Saturday, June 20 at 3pm, starting at 14th & T NW, just blocks from our U Street doors. The festival and concert follow on Sunday, June 21, from noon to 10pm on Pennsylvania Ave. Stop by before or after the festivities for a half smoke and a seat at the counter. Everyone is welcome at Ben's, and always has been.

06/13/2026

99 years ago today, Ben Ali was born in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree at Howard University and, along with Virginia, built a restaurant that would become an anchor for the community and an institution in DC.

When we recently renovated our Original U Street Location, we knew we wanted to honor his life and legacy with a special tribute. Today, when you stop by The Bowl, take a moment to read more about his story. Pops, we celebrate you today and are so proud of the indelible impact that you've had on our lives and on Washington, DC.

06/07/2026

We were so happy to have José Andrés and his family stop by for a late-night bite. Like Virginia, Chef Andrés understands the power of food to build community and create spaces where all are welcome. His service to humanity inspires us all! ❤️

05/31/2026

Father's Day is June 21st! Get Dad a Ben's logo apron or pick up a copy of Ascend by Kamal Ben Ali, a signed, personalized guide to elevation, success, and purpose for ALL the loved ones in your life. Shop both at HalfSmokes.com.

Address

1001 H St NE
Washington D.C., DC
20002

Opening Hours

Monday	11am - 9pm
Tuesday	11am - 9pm
Wednesday	11am - 9pm
Thursday	11am - 11pm
Friday	11am - 4am
Saturday	11am - 4am
Sunday	11am - 10pm

Website

http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Alerts

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