My trip to Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, DC

Hello All,


Welcome to my first post! Yaaa! I'm so excited to finally be blogging. Anyway, so my name is Tek, and I'm an extraordinary girl from the great state of Maryland! I enjoy getting out on the weekends, and going to some new and exciting places around the DMV and beyond. One weekend, I thought to myself, I am going to get up and go too Ben's Chili Bowl. I had heard so much about their award winning chili, and never experienced it myself. I love history, and the history of this long standing restaurant was amazing. According to the Bens Chili Bowl official website,

"In 1958, newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali used $5,000 to begin renovating a building at 1213 U Street.  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. From the tumult of the late 60’s race riots to the tough times in the 70’s and 80’s and finally to the revitalization of the U Street Corridor beginning in the 90’s, Ben’s has seen it all.  Bill Cosby and thousands of others attended our 45th anniversary in August 2003. A just ten days before his inauguration on January 10, 2009, President-Elect Barack Obama visited and ate lunch here ". www.benschilibowl.com

Pres. Obama, has eaten here as well as a host of other celebrities so, I just had, to eat here and experience the food! So, I did! It is easily accessible via the DC metro system. The place was packed, I mean club packed! The food was awesome! Not very healthy, but a wonderful guilty pleasure. They also ship there famous chili worldwide! So, if you craving some wonderful chili, you can get your fix, by ordering online at their website. The only downfall is that they only accept cash, but not to worry, they have graciously provided an ATM. All in all, I had a great experience. Here are some pictures of the restaurant.

My View of Bens Chili Bowl!

Some of the tasty "smokes" at Bens Chili Bowl

 

Bill Cosby At Bens Chili Bowl. Photo Source: Bens Chili Bowl

President Obama being served at Bens Chili Bowl. Photo Source: Washington Post