A Taste of Tradition at Ben's Chili Bowl
Discover the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., where delicious chili and rich history come together for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ben's Chili Bowl, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is a culinary landmark famous for its delicious chili and vibrant atmosphere. This family-run establishment invites tourists to savor classic American comfort food in a historic setting, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
A brief summary to Ben's Chili Bowl
- 1213 U St NW, Washington, Cardozo, District of Columbia, 20009, US
- +1202-667-0909
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 am
- Saturday 11 am-4 am
- Sunday 11 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
- Try the half-smoke sausage, a local favorite!
- Take a moment to read the historical photos on the walls—they tell a fascinating story.
- Pair your meal with their homemade lemonade for a refreshing treat.
- Check their website for special events or limited-time offerings during your visit.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving within Patapsco Valley State Park, start by heading toward the main entrance of the park. Take the exit onto US-29 N and merge onto I-95 N. Continue on I-95 N for about 10 miles, then take exit 53 for US-1 toward Washington. Merge onto US-1 S and continue for approximately 24 miles. Look for signs to merge onto I-395 N toward Washington. Stay in the right lane and take exit 8C toward U St NW. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto U St NW. Ben's Chili Bowl will be on your left at 1213 U St NW.
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Public Transportation
From Patapsco Valley State Park, you can take a bus to reach Ben's Chili Bowl. Walk to the nearest bus stop and catch the 409 bus towards Elkridge. Get off at the Elkridge station and transfer to the Light RailLink. Take the Light Rail towards Hunt Valley and get off at the Baltimore Arena. From there, take the Metro SubwayLink towards Johns Hopkins Hospital. Transfer to the Green Line at the Gallery Place station, heading towards Greenbelt. Alight at the U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo station. Exit the station and walk west on U St NW for about 5 minutes; Ben's Chili Bowl will be on your left at 1213 U St NW.
Discover more about Ben's Chili Bowl
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