Ben’s Chilli Bowl, Washington D.C.

It was one of those trips when I’m more excited to eat rather than walk around the city. 
The bus from New York to DC wasn’t exactly the longest trip but due to our excitement  we skipped the breakfast just to be in time for our trip to witness the centennial celebration of Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The weather seems to be uncooperative as the drizzle dampen on what supposed to be an epic trip to the state capital.  We hurriedly left our bags at the Holiday Inn – Georgetown and found ourselves  driving around the blocks of U St.  Despite the not – so-good weather we had difficulty finding a parking space.  It was literally a scramble finding a  one, most of us were losing patience until we come upon a vacant lot in T Street.  

arriving at Washington DC's Chinatown

A couple of minutes walking  and finally we dropped in at Ben’s Chilli Bowl. We saw a long line of people waiting for their turn. A long line could only mean two things, it's either they have a terrible food service or their food is so good. I hope its the latter. According to our friend, this place is an institution here in DC and has been in the business for 52 years.  And just who are the famous person who eat here? 

waiting game

Ben's bear sculpture in the front of the restaurant

this man must be really really hungry

Nothing less than the President of the United States of America – Barrack Obama, some handful of celebrities like Bill Cosby and has been featured in Adam Richman’s Man Vs. Food. Just by the name alone of these people one would say that the price of their food would be expensive apparently it was quite the opposite.

Only Obama and Bill Crosby get a free food for life here in Ben's Chilli Bowl

hard at work

Thank goodness that even though the line was long  it was moving fast . Looking like an ultimate tourist we were assisted by the friendly food runners , handed us some menus and suggested a must try in their menu. The atmosphere of the place is that of a typical diner -  the place wasn’t big enough to accommodate all the guest and it was loud as hell.  It was a treat seeing pictures of Obama on the wall before we proceed ordering our food. I ordered the Ben’s Famous Chilli Bowl and Cheese Fries.
Our order came out quite fast. And now for the verdict.   
The Ben’s Famous  Chilli Dog was just decent nothing spectacular or unique about its’ taste. And the Spicy Chilli Sauce wasn’t spicy enough to say the least. The steamed bun seemed to disintegrate pretty fast. Even my wife who detest spicy food, surprisingly was able to devour what she ordered.  However the cheese fries that I expected it to be a little messy out were crispy  and straight up delicious.
Being excited for,  it isn’t  what it’s all hyped up to be.  I’m just glad I tried Ben’s Chilli Bowl and have a look of its piece of history. I think they're better after you had way too much to drink after a night out in Dupont Circle. Again that's just me.
1213 U Street NorthwestWashington, DC 20009
(202) 667-0909http://www.benschilibowl.com/