Ben’s Chili Bowl, a Chocolate City landmark in its own right, is rare business that has managed to survive the fluctuating economy and societal troubles through six decades.
The restaurant is known for serving iconic chili dogs, milkshakes, and half-smokes, a D.C. favorite usually comprised of both beef and pork, giving it its proper name. The combination of red, yellow, and white in its scenery may not wholly resemble the nation’s colors, but the state of Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a breeding ground and meeting place for new ideas and future cultural leaders since its establishment.
What makes this Black-owned business so special it can withstand nearly anything? Maybe its the simplicity of its menu, or its world-renowned chili sauce, but one cannot deny how its location plays a pivotal role not only in its success, but its historical significance.
ad2">The AFRO curated a profile on the hotspot for Black Restaurant Week, commencing on July 16, 2023, giving the restaurant its flowers by remaining consistent and thus becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The company has homegrown roots, founded by a newlywed couple Ben and
Virginia Ali in 1958. The small restaurant was built in a lucky location, right in the middle of U street, a famous neighborhood home to many Black-owned businesses. Those companies have come and gone; Ben’s has stood the test of time for decades.Through new presidents, movements, and residents, Ben’s Chili Bowl serves up not only the D.C. delicacy that is a “glizzy,” but also community. Its slogan, “At Ben’s, everyone’s family,” extends beyond customers, but symbolizes the familiarity and comfort that they helped build in the famous Black neighborhood.
Further details on the history of “The Bowl” can be found at The Afro and the beloved restaurant’s website, where deep dives on its place in historic moments can be found.