In 1958, newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali used $5,000 to begin renovating a building at 1213 U Street in Northwest Washington DC.

Built in 1910, it first housed a silent movie house called the Minnehaha Theater. Later, Harry Beckley, one of D.C.’s first Black police detectives, converted it into a pool hall.

After six decades of Washington DC history, the Ben’s brand is red hot and is a must-visit restaurant for anyone visiting the city.

The one constant we’ve had since 1958 has been the loyalty of our guests, and we listened when you said, "whatever you do, never change this place." The counter, booths and stools are all original; the fresh homemade chili, half smokes and banana pudding are still made with love, using the same recipes, and service and quality are guiding principles. To our guests and especially our regulars, we appreciate you and thank you for supporting Ben's. To those reading this that have yet to come to Ben's, we look forward to seeing you very soon.

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Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl's headquarters in Washington, United States

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