Ben's Chili Bowl
$ • American, Hot Dogs, Smokehouse
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington
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I am at Reagan Airport in Washington DC. Ordered a big bowl of chili and a grilled cheese sandwich. Took two bites of the chili and couldn’t eat anymore. It was so salty and when I told the gentleman behind the counter he just smiled. My 9 year grandson can make a better grilled cheese sandwich. Good lord people how did you survive since 1958??
Check #355
9/13/25
4:08pm
Sadly, an ingredient was in the food that was not mentioned - beans. Highly allergic. Would have been nice since all the other ingredients were listed. Waste of money and time and no dinner.
We visited from Florida and had read about Ben's Chili bowl and decided to give it a try since it has existed since 1958. I must say it was a huge disappointment. We ordered the famous spicy half smokes, a large chili bowl and just a veggie hot dog. First, they have no prices on the board. My friend wanted the hot dog with nothing on it. They served it as a single hot dog sliced in half completely dry and look absolutely disgusting and inedible. The price for the single small...read full review
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Ben's Chili Bowl is a historic restaurant with a rich atmosphere, featuring numerous photos. The menu offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices such as Chilli Cheese Fries, which can be made with beef or without. The staff is cooperative and understanding, willing to rectify mistakes and provide excellent service. The Big Bens Burger is also a popular choice.
Customers have mixed opinions about the restaurant. Some find the food good, with one customer enjoying the vegan dog and vegetarian chili, while another was satisfied with the beef chili. However, others feel the prices are too high, with one customer spending over $22 for a hot dog and fries without a drink. The location at the Washington Convention Center is praised for its friendly staff, but the high prices may deter some from returning.