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Washington, DC

Ben's Chili Bowl

Half Smoke, American

1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

Hours
  • Mon11 AM – 11 PM
  • Tue11 AM – 11 PM
  • Wed11 AM – 11 PM
  • Thu11 AM – 11 PM
  • Fri11 AM – 4 AM
  • Sat11 AM – 4 AM
  • Sun · Today11 AM – 11 PM

From the local food press

Editor’s picks from published local guides
  • Hot Dogs

    A U Street institution since 1958 built on the half-smoke, a coarse-ground pork-and-beef sausage grilled and piled with house chili, mustard, and onions. The chili-cheese fries are a companion order. It is the reference point DC half-smokes get measured against, still served at the original diner counter and at a Nationals Park stand.

    Picks from Washingtonian and The Infatuation

  • Half-Smoke

    Open since 1958. James Beard 'America's Classics' honoree. The half-smoke with chili, mustard, and onions is the canonical DC order.

    Picks from Washington.org, The Infatuation DC, and Washington City Paper

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