Washington, DC Landmark: Ben's Chili Bowl. 

More history there than you may be aware of... No ”tourists trap”.... It's a Black & American Culture Institution.... I don't live in nor am I from D.C. and in my opinion it's one of the few Holy Grails left within black communities that has withstood the test of time across America. Shout out to Virginia Ali and her late husband Ben! I had the pleasure of meeting her my very first visit there. An amazing host and patriarch of the community.

JL Jupiter, I luv your content. Respectfully Ben's Chili Bowl is historic, not a tourist trap. Ben's means so much to the community. It survived the riots, metro rail construction, and gentrification. Those who are of a certain age who have experienced DC know that Ben's is special.

When I graduated from Howard, I had my celebratory dinner at Ben's Chili Bowl in the back room. My favorite order there is a cheeseburger topped with their vegetarian chili, fries, and a cherry milkshake.

It don't mean a thang if it ain't got that DC swang. Ben's Chilli Bowl is a classic. Much love ✌

I was born and raised in DC. I’m very well aware of Ben’s Chili Bowl and it’s history. I didn’t actually get food from there until I was an adult. I literally felt like I was ordering food at a museum. There’s a spiritual vibe as soon as you walk through the door. Going to Ben’s isn’t really about the food. It’s more about being there.

When you come back to DC right down the street from Ben's is a place called Oohs and Aahs. On 10th and U Streets in NW. Definitely try the buffalo wings and shrimp and grits as well.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is part of the culture and history in DC and the food is GOOD!DC - The place to be!

Any restaurant that has been around since 1958 and serving the community like it has, can’t be a “tourist trap”. Be blessed my brother JL.

I'm right outside DC. Ben's is like that ! Its built in fabric of the city and meeting place..."Chocolate City baby !"

Ain't no more a tourist trap than Nathan's in Coney Island or Rutt's Hut in Jersey. I'm up for Ben's next time I get to DC.

Ben's Chili Bowl is delicious sober, but imagine going there after a late night of drinkin and clubbin...heaven!🙌 Speaking from experience.

Takes me back to when I used to sneak a chili half smoke and chili cheeseburger into the Lincoln theater for all night movies. Memory Lane!

I'm so happy you didn't listen to the haters telling you not to go. This spot is on point! Glad you took the recommendation ✊🏾

we went there about 15 years ago when we went to dc. i was going with a friend and we split most costs. at the last minute, my mother sent me a 1000.00 and told me to live it up when we went to dc. i decided to research the fabulous restaurants in dc and i told me friend that i would pay for dinner for both of us every night. so we went to amazing 5 star restaurants every night. it was a wonderful experience.

You hit all the spots! I visited Ben's Chili bowl when I visited D.C some years ago. Good spot for sure.

I was just here in November! Mrs. Ali was a pleasure to meet and their half smokes are excellent. 😋 Great piece of DC history.

Grew up there. Use to walk pass there everyday. My house was down the street. Miss there so much. So many memories.

Can’t be a tourist trap if locals love it and was around before u were born 😂😂

Good food and an interesting environment when the clubs let out.

This is a must go every time i'm in DC. Live up to the hype if you're thinking of trying it and this is your type of cuisine

You know that banana pudding was fire though... How they both start spinning in they chairs?! 😂😂 7:37

I love Ben's Chili Bowl ❤

JL, this looks great. You and Miz are finding Great places to eat at. Nothing but love for you both. 🥰🥰🥰

J L , ... & Miz .... Thanks for visiting Ben Chilli Bowl !!!! . , ..... From S J ! = Stan Jackson , ... Peace !

My hometown. Glad you stopped at Ben’s before hitting the road. They are great and your right it does it busy. Thanks for coming to my city and enjoying the food.

Miz in the back suffering from the spice and drinking a crisp soda 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I am weak 😂😂😂 great job guys ❤️👏🏽

Much love to the brother's back at it again. Genuine vibes ❤

It really looks tasty. Now I got to go make something to eat! Thanks JL. 😂

The history at Ben's is huge. The first time I heard of it was way back in the day from the Bill Cosby show. So I finally got to go after about 35 years later when I was going to a protest in August of 2020. It was well worth the wait. Also got to meet the owner. She was such a sweetheart 💕. Great place to eat, and it's a must visit tourist attractions. Thank you for making this video and keep up your great content 👏🏾

I had so many fun times at Ben's, salute Fam for showing some love!!

Everything thing looks tasty,everything cooked perfectly great flavor ingredients fresh ,the color and smell,that place’s looks cool.the meal looks fresh delicious and made with love heart and understanding.ever part of the tray looks delicious.

The food looks so good! I am going to go try it! Always looking for great eats like this! Love it! Thanks!!!!

What slow... Chili is the best on a rainy day! Thanks for sharing imma check it when visiting I love chili!!

This is the place to go. If you are ever in DC you must go to Ben's Chili Bowl. There is one at tge BWI Air Port.😊

Ben's chili bowl is a must when in DC 🫡 🙌🏼👏🏼

Adam Richman visited that place on Man V Food! Them chilly dogs looks mighty delicious!!!🌭🌭🌭🍅🍞🧀

Ben's is amazing for so many reasons and Ms.Virginia is a beautiful soul and kind woman

You gotta love Ben's Chili Bowl... Miss it so bad

D.C. in the HOUSE. 😁😁😁

Bro what is this soulful beat, I'm over here freestyling over yall review.. Makes me wanna drive slow through wakanda😂😂

Dammmnnn...looks good . 💙

Great D.C. staple. It has stood the test of time. The food is pretty good.

All over DC I see...... Welcome enjoy yourself. Hit up the gogo while you're here

You're right...I was there on a Saturday in July and it was absolutely packed. Love Ben's!

As somebody that has stayed in DC for over 10 years. I will tell you don't go there for the food You're going there for the history.

“All the way” . .. “AYoooooo” c’mon JL! 😂

I grew up on Georgia Avenue not far from Ben's...still here, and never leaving...thanks for stopping through...been following the channel for a while requesting a visit...next up: wings and Mumbo sauce...

I am glad that the both of y'all enjoy ur selves and God bless the both of y'all always. 🙏 Baltimore MD

They on that So Beautiful lol classic the vibes def there and that food look 💣

Great job guys and love seeing you guys hanging out again 💙💙

My buddy works for the city, and he eats lunch there every other work day. He loves it that much. But then again, he grew up in that neighborhood

Cool JL it will be great to see you in the DMV MORE OFTEN BRO U GOT FANS DOWN HERE!!!!

This place looks amazing and when I saw it on the food network and found out about the history it has within the DC community I said to myself as a Cuban American I knew if I'm in DC to stop there thanks for the video bro

Soooo many late night's Ben Chili Bowl got me right. After the club the counter would be jam packed. I LOVE YOU BEN'S CHILI BOWL ! 💯 😋

Been here 2017. Awesome dogs and awesome service with awesome people ❤

Tourist trap?? I think not. Ben's is a DC staple and landmark food spot. I am blessed to live 10 minutes away from the H Street Corridor location. Just discovered your content fellas -- keep up the good work. I will be stopping by Ben's for a turkey dog with vegetarian chili and cheese -- and an order of onion rings -- to go. ✊🏽💣💥🧡❤️💋💯

Those sausage dogs look screamin. Chili. Mmm mm. No copyright problems? Just what I like. Hard to find a good chili dog. 👍😋😋❤❤😎🤑

We were there June 7th this year because I had read in RU-vid what a fabulous place this was. Here from California to see the Nationals Park (having visited 42 stadiums over the years), we stopped in and from the moment we walked in, it was quite the vibe. The greatest people working there. Of course, we ordered the half smoke combo. Then out comes this wonderful, most gracious elderly woman, to meet us at our table as if we were celebrities. She told us how she and her husband Ben had founded this place in 1958. She welcomed us to come back for the 65 year celebration in August. She took pictures with us. The next day the game got "smoked" out because of the Canadian fires, instead of sightseeing all the history in DC, we came back to this place and this time I had the Chili Bowl. What a fabulous place.

Don't judge, I'm born and raised in D.C. and live not too far rom Ben's Chili Bowl/Howard University and I don't think I've ever been to Ben's Chili Bowl. I think my mother took my brother and me there as young children. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

Mitz energy is super dope. He is a great man and family man.

I enjoyed Ben’s Chili Bowl when I went! They had Go-Go music playing while we ate.😋

I love y'all's friendship!!!!

The best... I can't wait to get back there!

I’ve not visited Ben’s yet, but I did order some online, shipped to the crib, and it was well worth it. I plan on visiting one day soon.

FROM DC.... YOU CAN BUY THEM AT COSTCO.

Good to see yall boys together...peace ✌️

Damn I mad I missed you in my hometown. So many more historic places to go to

yesssss food is of the chain

“We Don’t Touch Dogs” 😂😂😂

So glad you went there! There is so much rich history there! Looking forward to videos in Maryland! Welcome to the DMV!

Been watching you for awhile & it’s good to see you in DC. I’m in Baltimore & look forward to you visiting!

I absolutely love a good hot dog 🌭

Have loved since 1966 Herr in DC!

Just had some last week. I like my halfsmoke extra charred. Highly recommend.

You two always looks like your enjoying the food which is good to know…

I heard of it before I'll try it next time when I'm back in DC 👍

Looks so good.. Chili dogs are awesome

Was just there last Saturday! They are half smokes from Mangers in Baltimore. You can go there and buy.

Milk and hot dogs is outta pocket 😂 stomach gotta be in shambles

Bron and raised is SE DC, This is a staple of the communtiy that we're proud of.. the prices are a lil high but it's Black owned with Quality food and has fed millions of Washingtonians✊🏿💯

Puttin Miz on blast “why you breathing so hurt!?” 😭😭

Always a pleasure to see you and watch you eat😊

this is a great review ,the food looks terrific

🤣 look over there 🤣 now I want some chilli ☺️

I have no idea what it taste like SOBER 😂😂 or what it taste like when the sun is up😂 I’ve only been there twisted and at night

Definitely enjoyed Ben's Chili Bowl in my DC days!

Been following you for a couple years man, solid work. Plus wifey Dominican, I’m Dominican so I know you eat good at home! Thumbs up y’all blessings

Growing up in VA (757 area) I’ve been to DC so many times and never been there lol. I’ve always known about it but never think about it when I go. I’ll try to remember it this year but usually end up going to something nearby where I stay

A staple. They've been inside Nats Park for a couple of years. I always grab one at the game.

half smoke chili and cheese w mustard and onions, absolute fire

One time, I had Ben's Chili Bowl at the airport in DC. I think it was Dulles, but I'm not 100% sure. In either event, it was okay. I needed more time to enjoy my food and I also needed to not be at the airport stressed as hell about catching my flight.

It’s not tourist spot. Get there at night and see how the locals flood over there, especially HU students.

That's the spot!

I know it's good when, brother got to rocking after he bit off into it. 😂

You guys always have fun together👍🏾

It’s history… Plus they have two other spots. They serve the community. They use turkey for those who don’t eat beef or pork. Definitely NOT a tourist trap.Half smoke is the best dog on the East Coast.

That's what I do miss about the East Coast, there's good pizza and hot dogs. Oh well, I get to watch you explore delicious foods Eastern United States...

I worked a bunch in DC and Baltimore a lifetime ago and I miss the great food down their. You should hit some Baltimore spots as well! Now I want a chili dog!

My man made it to my hometown of DC. Lets gooo.

Lawd! Chili dog on cold day! Life doesn't get better!