A Community Landmark

Walk through the doors into a 1950’s diner setting with constant noise and people moving, a place that’s always crowded.  You’ve just walked through the doors of a business full of history, community and tradition.  Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, DC is home to a landmark known for it’s famous chili, a landmark that is special to the neighborhood it resides in.

            Opened in 1958, Ben’s has been a large staple in the neighborhood for over 50 years and has kept the area alive throughout the 1968 riots and the creation of the metro.  Ben’s has had its share of blessings like visits by Bill Cosby and Barack Obama throwing business into the limelight.  Faithful regulars, as well as tourists have kept Ben’s business booming to this day.

 Any day that I’ve stepped foot in Ben’s, even weekdays, there has been a line out the door.  It’s a regular eatery for concertgoers after shows at the local venue due to being open until 11pm on it’s earliest days.

            Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a popular eatery in the community for a long period of time.  It has managed to stay open despite hardships, and has become the anchor of this neighborhood.  A neighborhood that’s been beat down by troubles and is redefining itself thanks to this marvelous location on U Street that will always be the same place it began as, the same recipes, the same bar stools, the same love and support of everyone that steps through it’s doors.