Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl is one of the best-known casual restaurants in Washington, D.C., United States, and a landmark of the U Street Corridor at 1213 U St NW. Opened in 1958, the diner served as a gathering place through the decades when U Street was the centre of the city's Black cultural life, and it has remained in operation through changes in the neighbourhood. The cuisine is American soul food and diner fare, built around the half-smoke, a local sausage that is half pork and half beef, smoked, split on the grill and served in a steamed bun with mustard, onions and the house chili. The half-smoke with chili is the emblematic order, and chili cheese fries and a veggie half-smoke round out the signature dishes. The dining room is a compact, retro diner with a long counter, booths, memorabilia on the walls and a steady line at peak hours. Noise levels are high, service is fast and informal, and there is no dress code. Orders are placed at the counter and meals typically cost about $8 to $15 USD, which makes it one of the least expensive notable meals in the capital. There is no wine programme; the drinks are milkshakes, sodas and coffee. Reservations are not accepted, so the only planning involved is timing. Official hours list Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 4am, though older listings show different openings, so calling +1-202-667-0909 before a visit is sensible. Lunch is usually busy with office workers and tour groups, while late-night service on weekends draws a nightlife crowd leaving nearby music venues. The restaurant sits a short walk from the U Street metro station, which makes it easy to combine with a visit to the neighbourhood's theatres, murals and clubs. First-time visitors typically order the half-smoke the traditional way, with chili, and add a shared basket of fries to sample the full menu.