Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s is to DC dining what the White House and Capitol are to sightseeing: a must-visit. To take that analogy a little further, while the White House and Capitol are the most recognizably important symbols of DC as capital, Ben’s holds the same status as regards DC, the place where people live. Opened and operated by Ben and Virginia Ali and family (it’s now adjacent to Ben Ali Lane; Ben Ali died during the research for this book, which left a large hole in the U St business community), the Bowl has been around since 1958. It’s one of the only businesses on U St to have survived the 1968 riots and the disruption that accompanied construction of the U Street Metro stop. The main stock in trade is half smokes, DC’s meatier, smokier (duh) version of the hot dog, usually slathered in mustard and the namesake chili. Until recently, Bill Cosby was the only person who ate here for free, but Michelle Obama and first daughters Sasha and Malia get the nod too – though apparently, not their presidential dad. That’s a short list, as a lot of famous faces have passed through these doors, from Bono to both Bushes. Next door is Ben’s Next Door, which offers a more upscale American menu (steak, trout, etc) at more upscale costs (mains $17 to $28). We have to admit we weren’t able to try this place during our research, but readers have sent us good reviews.