Ben's Chili Bowl

Frommer's Review

Ben's is a veritable institution, a mom-and-pop place where everything looks, tastes, and probably even costs pretty much the same as when the restaurant opened in 1958. Ben's has won national recognition, too, including an award granted by the prestigious James Beard Foundation in 2004 for being an "America's Classic," one of four restaurants in the country so named for being "renowned for their timeless appeal."

The most expensive item on the menu is the veggie-burger sub for $8.15. Formica counters, red bar stools, and a jukebox that plays Motown and reggae tunes -- that's Ben's. Ben's continues as a gathering place for black Washington and visitors like Bill Cosby, who's a longtime customer (a chili half-smoke is named after him). Everyone's welcome, though, even the late-nighters who come streaming out of nearby nightclubs at 2 or 3am on the weekend. Of course, the chili, cheese fries, and half-smokes are great, but so are the breakfast items. Try the salmon cakes, grits, scrapple, or blueberry pancakes (available during breakfast hours only).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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