Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl stands as an iconic eatery in Washington, D.C., situated along U Street, adjacent to the Lincoln Theatre, within the U Street Corridor in the northwestern part of the city. This establishment has gained local fame for its delectable offerings, including chili dogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes. Since its inception in 1958, it has been an integral part of the U Street neighborhood. During the tumultuous 1968 riots in Washington, D.C., both law enforcement personnel and protestors frequented this eatery. Notably, it has also attracted visits from prominent figures like Anthony Bourdain, Chris Tucker, and, famously, President-elect Barack Obama in January 2009.

Ben's Chili Bowl was founded on August 22, 1958, by Ben Ali, an immigrant originally from Trinidad with Indian heritage. The restaurant occupies the historic Minnehaha building, Washington's first silent movie theater established in 1911. This edifice contributes to the Greater U Street Historic District. Remarkably, much of the restaurant's furniture remains original from the 1950s era. At that time, U Street was renowned as "Black Broadway," and it was a favored haunt for legendary jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Nat King Cole whenever they performed at U Street clubs.

The restaurant has also served as a backdrop for scenes in several films, including "The Pelican Brief" and "State of Play," and has made appearances in numerous TV shows. Notably, the short film "Breakfast At Ben's" was predominantly filmed within its confines. In 2019, the restaurant became the primary filming location for the documentary "Traveling While Black," a virtual reality project addressing issues of racism.