This Must-Eat Chili Dog Is Washington D.C.'s Signature Dish | Legendary Eats

Washington, DC, has a little bit of everything for history buffs and foodies, but it's Ben's Chili Bowl, which sits on the historic U Street once known as Black Broadway, where the two come together. Insider's Lisa Paradise stopped by for a bite of the chili half-smoke: a half-pork, half-beef sausage smothered in homemade chili crafted from a generations-old secret family recipe that has remained popular for so many generations it was named the city's signature dish.
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This Must-Eat Chili Dog Is Washington D.C.'s Signature Dish | Legendary Eats

[@dobiumsui8800]

There's just more than taste. Ben's chili bowl is a landmark. I hope it stays, to tell us all, That time passed but history remained.

[@em_birch]

@David Hester Are you talking about the chili? Cuz straight chili don't give you toots, beans do.

[@bbface21]

Yes, and it's true that everyone is welcome. They even created a vegan chili dog option for the new hipster residents.

[@infernowa]

Yessir

[@worlddomination4840]

First time I saw a good comment on Insider. Just kidding. Or am I?

[@nolabets3130]

@David Hester aoc has a head like a llama

[@tookitogo]

I love this place. The half-smoke with chili, mustard and onions (well, let’s be honest... 2 of them) is to die for. The staff really is friendly, and I love supporting family businesses. And it’s living history.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? MUC MUD

[@tookitogo]

@@NazriB What??

[@henryottis295]

You're so lucky to have these locally.

[@tookitogo]

@@henryottis295 Well, I currently live around 5000 miles from it… :(

[@henryottis295]

@@tookitogo Oh, it sounded like you were a regular there ! Too bad, it's not in my neighborhood either, but I agree with you about supporting family businesses.

[@mguanipa2]

We need more places like this back again. Family owned, community, great food, and especially love.

[@tahamohammad1741]

And we need to make them hipster and blogger restricted

[@sirenthomas4595]

Ime the mom and pop places are where I get the worst customer service....they often think bc they have no corporate overlord they can do whatever and treat customers however.

[@Trapper50cal]

It IS on an establishment to not rest on their reputation...but we as customers need to regularly support such places.

[@buddhafortune6166]

Agreed

[@brenbeauty]

Also black owned

[@tosht2515]

When I visited D.C. while in college I went to Ben's for a half-smoke certainly but mainly for the history. Iconic joint and a must-visit for sure.

[@MrSuperG]

What did it taste like is it the best hotdog in America

[@tosht2515]

@Greg Siwek Too long ago to describe it today but as for it being the best in America? Nah. That's just subjective. I'm sure lots of D.C. locals might say this but everyone in New York and Chicago would make this claim as well. Personally I love a basic sauerkraut and mustard dog but my favorite style is a Carolina slaw dog.

[@MrSuperG]

@@tosht2515 ok thank you sir , for the explanation, and your knowledge.

[@batman4452]

I'm half asleep, and stoned from my wake and bake, and just started sipping my coffee here in NYC.... all I read was "I went to bens for a half-smoke, it was an iconic joint".... me: worddddd, must have been good getting one of them chili dogs, after blazin up. lmfao. Then I realized the Iconic JOINT was the place, and the half-smoke was the dog. Also like you said in your reply.... me as a New Yorker would argue this dog isn't anything crazy... looks good sure... but best in the world? Come on... Also, it's a hot dog lol... it's not like it's a burger, or pizza, or bagels... things that are actually hard to make... or can have a certain level of quality to them... hot dog is sausage in a bun... your sausage can be great yeah... but the only star here, or the only thing that could highly vary in quality from horrible to incredible would be the chili...

[@danielfox3003]

@@batman4452 dude, just the difference between an all beef hot dog and one made with chicken and pork or turkey is huge. It way more than just the chili.

[@tameshchattar7103]

I’m glad everyone loves this place. It shows the black and brown can get along. Just in case anyone didn’t know, Ben was a Indian (from India) born in Trinidad and Tobago. Indian people been here a long time

[@fabrizio483]

"I have no idea what to expect from it", she says, holding a bun stuffed with a sausaged, topped with mustard, onions and chili.

[@lighthousesniper124]

Lol, you're expecting a chili dog, just eat it.

[@goprodog4304]

She was told beforehand that there is black lives matter in it, she is a racist.

[@MCchizzle]

She said the mustard was sweet...

[@goprodog4304]

@@MCchizzle Sweet mustard. Shoot me in the head now. Probably the blm additive balances it?

[@mikeh4613]

@@goprodog4304 hahahahaha

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

Dad jokes are like chili dogs. *Frankly, I can’t get enough.*

[@Passionforfoodrecipes]

@@merrillgeorge1838 oh come on I know it was terrible but it's not *THAT* bad 😂

[@ricebro2730]

@@Passionforfoodrecipes Dad jokes are the wurst

[@siz7862]

@@ricebro2730 i cant believe you had the *audacity* to do that

[@nickelhydra3262]

@@Passionforfoodrecipes that was pretty good!

[@the_earlybirf1170]

@@Passionforfoodrecipes well I'll be a DOGone sucker for that joke.

[@scorpioqueen6878]

Ms.Virginia is a living angel, the family are kind,beautiful, hard working, respectful people. Such a Gem to the Community. The food is delicious.

[@danielschoen8402]

She is white

[@scorpioqueen6878]

@@danielschoen8402 Bye simple person. I've seen White people there,enjoying the food and experience. Gtfoh,stop being an ass. So unnecessary, promote happiness, joy ,love,peace. No more talk.

[@JamesBlake3]

Ben's Chili Bowl is THE standard for chili dogs. Been eating them for 25 years, and even passed it down to my kid. It really is an institution and should be a historically protected landmark!

[@AdamWitt]

yeah, but is it a hotdog or a sausage?

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Drama Comedy Like Harmless

[@1999_born]

Had a conversation with Virginia Ali today. Went to DC for the sole purpose of getting a half-smoke. Was trying to relay with fam but didn't end up working out. I don't think either of the kids were there, but Virginia showed up towards the end. She came in talking and smiling, very small in stature but very proud in tone. She talked to me about the boom box there and complimented me on my longboard, followed by the comment "Oh be careful now, you could get yourself real messed up on that thing". Absolutely made my day. This woman is a national landmark.

[@yumemaho151]

Title: must-eat chili dog My terrible eyes: must-eat child dog

[@321Tdog]

Yeah we don't need COVID-20 please

[@breaoertel5447]

The "Dirty water dogs" are good but to bring out the true flavor of a hot dog, you have to fry it.

[@aiish223]

Delicious puppies eh?

[@ellomizer3000]

Bruh

[@ankit_anima]

Guinevere, no.

[@joshewert13]

“Having worked in restaurants to pay his way through university”.... oh boy wouldn’t that be a delight if that were still viable.

[@SamP0rterBridges]

It was for me. I went to community College, graduated with honors and transferred with a full scholarship to a small state university. Plus the pell grant pays about 500 a month towards my living expenses.

[@SuWoopSparrow]

@@SamP0rterBridges That sounds like a scholarship + working paid your way through university.

[@SamP0rterBridges]

@@SuWoopSparrow yes. I worked a restaurant job and did University courses. The job more than paid for my bills on top of my scholarships and grants. With just dedication and the right school choice, you're education can be effectively free

[@SamP0rterBridges]

The scholarships I earned were purely for over a 3.0 GPA. They weren't difficult to get

[@neileskew3454]

Some profersor makes 250,000 dollars a year, in washington state univerity, so collage cost has gone way up, even at 15 bucks an hour, 27,000 for in state , housing cost 20,000 to 30,000 , for 57,000, 15 s hour is 28,000, with out taxes, so it 30 year to pay at least 120,000 or more, pay for collage

[@brianmoody2549]

It’s great how he,cook’s the food with love, and he makes you feel like you’re a part of what’s going on,that’s what makes he’s food so great..

[@_stephanie]

I'm vegetarian but seeing the history of this place (and the charismatic owners who seem so sweet) makes me want to pop in when I visit DC one day, even if I just get a drink. My husband has never had a chilli dog, so we'd have to go for his sake at least!

[@kyle0091000]

I agree completely with you. It’s too bad that they don’t provide vegan friendly option, otherwise I would definitely want to support small mom and pop businesses.

[@bbface21]

They have a vegetarian chili dog for you!

[@bbface21]

@@kyle0091000 They have veggie dogs, so don't let that stop you!

[@ioankibble8866]

Why don't you eat meat

[@juliorobinson5386]

How is he your husband then guys barley lived life.

[@ralphramos22]

II was finally able to visit and eat at Bens chili bowl and it was a bucket list moment for me. The rich history and the delicious chili dogs is truly amazing. Thank you for making videos like these for people to discover wonderful food and people

[@kathyerickson9402]

Truly a legendary place and family. It would be pretty interesting to spend a day hanging out with the regulars and hearing some stories.

[@kyled4132]

Very cool. Awesome to see family businesses still take so much pride in what they have for over 60 years.

[@silentdriver666]

This woman said: I never called him and the rest is history, I must have missed something here...

[@gentlespirit413]

He either called her or he went back to the bank and asked her out. They may have edited that part out. Back then the man did the calling and the asking out.

[@stevekaspar1396]

I'm sure it implies the obvious. He found her

[@5699CAR]

I thought I was the only one... she skipped some key steps...lol

[@timothychanthamala576]

I went here a couple of months ago. Ben’s wife was still in there talking to customers and giving people their food. Such a wholesome lady

[@unaffiliatedwealth1798]

This is awesome! That chili dogs looks fantastic. Love the history. On my list the next time I'm in DC. Legacy is everything. I wish more black families thought this way.

[@MrSpankee02]

I drove from Buffalo ,Ny just to go to Bens. It was worth the 9 hr drive.

[@MrSpankee02]

@Donald Donald that’s not what your mom says.

[@thomaspage7511]

Tell me more about it; I live in Buffalo and always willing to both try new things and bring other regional eats to WNY.

[@Nok2rnal1]

How was it vs Ted's?

[@MrSpankee02]

@@Nok2rnal1 I love Teds, but Bens is better. The chili sauce next level . There’s some different stuff on the menu. Try the half smoked. It’s like a Smokey hot dog sausage, kinda hard to explain.

[@Nok2rnal1]

@@MrSpankee02 Good heads up my sister lives in DC will be high on my priority list when I'm there for the holidays.

[@burdeo2313]

I visited DC when I was around 9 years old, and I swear I have never eaten a chili dog as amazing since then! I couldn’t remember the name of this place.

[@JimHawkwind03411]

I remember biking to Ben’s Chili Bowl when I lived in Mount Rainier, MD years ago.

[@rlin656]

Love the mother! She is so nice and homey. I am glad to see this place is still there. Can't wait to check it out!

[@azae00Vids]

The guy at the end was a delight and seems like a really great person

[@YashSharma-xd5rg]

I soooooooooooooo want to be in USA 🇺🇸 LOVE ❤️ 4M india 🇮🇳

[@rizas6904]

Isnt beef forbidden to eat there?

[@EireHammer]

A Mecca of the District! It wasn't the first hotdog I had in DC, but you can feel the history in the chili bowl!!

[@user-up4vd5ov8x]

I was mad Horace and Dickies closed on H St. This place is a historical landmark for sure and this video is important. Ooohhhhs&Ahhhhs is another spot.

[@williamkelly6319]

Mustard, onions, and secret chili on a charred dog and a steamed bun. Off the hook!!!!! I wish they had talked about the sides. Hopefully they have coleslaw fries and onion rings and some kind of lemonade and sweet tea. I'm guessing they have Pepsi products. It looks unbelievably delicious. Best of luck to the family. Thank you for all your hard work and promoting civil rights and also promoting delicious food

[@angelayanguwu1883]

the chili dog looks delicious! I've been to DC but I didn't try this....oh I wish I had tried this amazing dish!

[@frankchambers2114]

Great video. I am from DC and this is my first time hearing of "Black Broadway" Thank you for sharing!

[@Steve-tj9on]

You 😂 sure you from DC? Or if you are you gotta be young

[@ballislife2351]

This place is so good, I can still taste it

[@canecasavettes85]

So glad that they have a shop next door where you can get half smokes to take home!👍

[@piffjar79]

Still remember the first time I had a half smoke from Ben's, instant heaven!!

[@tookitogo]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@proudlarry8225]

I want to go here when it's safe to lift quarantine. I love me a good chili dog and I love everything I'm hearing.

[@algreen2827]

Make sure you get the Chilli cheese fries too

[@marshmallowpies1761]

I remember going here in 2015 when I took a trip to DC. :) I had chili fries

[@panzeyman]

Had the privilege of having dinner there back in 2018. The food was good, the legacy is awesome!

[@TeamLegacyFTW]

Jealous 😩

[@LoganOliver1]

MAN everytime they showed me that dog my mouth watered. And those burgers look hitting to! But that chili tops it off!!! OMG IT LOOKS SO FIREEEE

[@markomarin3414]

" don't know what to expect on chills dowg " " Mustard add some sweetness " Man ,where's the hell they found this type of food host ?

[@llew777]

We are talking about history here, Tradition, legacy, loyalty. may it NEVER DIE This type of eating establishment must live on, The torch must burn on

[@primeacc5989]

This is not just a landmark, This is part of US history

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

The chili is spectacular. The restaurant oozes history.

[@muldoon67]

Much more interesting than just a 'hotdog video'. This kind of history never gets written in 'the history books', but it's clearly has it's place.

[@shabut]

Most history books give two paragraphs to the Civil War they're not going to talk about hot dogs

[@AkodoNoEyes]

It’s why I love the video despite the host.

[@vadapolite8370]

I had one on Friday 3/22 and I was not impressed Chicago dogs are the best hands down

[@muhammadyousufsohaib4794]

That chili 🌶️ really gives you chills 😍

[@onigiriworld]

Did she say, “churned the spoon to add air and positive vibes”?🤣

[@onigiriworld]

She did🤣

[@rachelbhall]

I can’t wait to try it next week!!

[@rachelbhall]

I did and it was THE BEST!!!!!

[@sumeetlingala5845]

KZbin you know I have online classes in the morning, stop recommending food so late at night 😭

[@BrianFox]

Great story. Next time I’m down there I’m going.

[@ekajuliana3606]

More food documentaries from DC please!

[@mumblingmeow]

6:26 He felt that burger down to his soul 😂

[@rsrrecordings5583]

I’m from the uk, it was definitely the highlight to visiting DC. I just wish we had this here

[@NotAnEldritchHorror]

Why do I watch these videos when I'm hungry...

[@Brendacho]

I’m definitely gunna have to go here next time I’m in DC. Chili dogs are by far my favorite, so this place looks right up my alley

[@TheAstrocast]

"the mustard adds sweetness" ....uhh? ok

[@TheDragonstorm1993]

You'd think it's be the onion

[@gena7359]

The mustard gives it that little bit of tang

[@the_mighty_bearcat]

What do you expect from a diversity hire who has never had a chili-dog before?

[@zewofinite]

Can confirm, wonderful place to eat and still has that small diner feel no matter how bad your day gets.

[@fartlighter82]

The mustard adds a little bit of sweetness. said no one ever

[@CodyUnderstorms]

Lol she called the chili "creamy"

[@cameron357]

In life

[@Khazandar]

Clearly, you've never had sweet mustard.

[@gavcom4060]

@@CodyUnderstorms because it is creamy.

[@morrius0757]

Mustard generally has sugar in it.

[@simpleideas6470]

If you know Insider, everything is a must-eat and outrageous

[@Kylie_Koku_]

When I went to the DC auto show in 2017 and 2019 I believe I went to Ben’s chili bowl both times and it is amazing their food is really good and it’s really homey and Sweet

[@napazapata5735]

The Ali’s serving half-pork... Nice!

[@lorcanbonser-wilton3222]

Had the pleasure of visiting with school on a visit to DC - great service, even better food! even met Virginia, she was lovely!

[@FingeringThings]

Chill dogs are awesome

[@angelicdream708]

Sonic be like-

[@victoriacannella4371]

thinking about flying here because of not just the food but the history and heart warming story behind this place...wow I will definitely be here in the next year

[@TeamLegacyFTW]

Your comment is a year old.. Did you ever go? 🤔

[@CocinaConDaniyMel]

I want all of them please 😍 I would love to go there!

[@bobelliott2748]

This place looks pretty good. I will give it a try

[@furball8967]

I’m gonna try that hot chili dawg!

[@dianajoyr.l.8279]

really watching this videos until I make myself to sleep which makes me hungry 😋

[@algreen2827]

The chilli cheese fries are good to. I always get then with my dog.

[@efrenburguete2393]

Came here for a chilli dog... ended up with a history class... that's what I call a good service 👌🏻

[@ATrainMMA]

Had this at the airport. The chili is so good.

[@EWard-ud1oc]

I don't eat pork but hopefully I can drop by to take in their history & legacy along with something else with chili...

[@foodtrails]

Your videos are like short documentaries, so informative and moving. I love them.

[@fitrianhidayat]

"of course I don't call him. And the rest is history, we've been together for 50 years.." Umm, what?

[@613JMM]

It's pretty simple. She wouldn't have called him because it isn't lady like for a woman to call a man. Especially back then. He was probably persistent and won her over. They were together for 50 years before he died. You and anyone else that gives you a thumbs up can't possibly be that stupid that you can't figure that out.

[@jomama3465]

@@613JMM hahaha u nailed it.

[@Mordekev]

@@613JMM FOR REAL LOL

[@hayaglamazonluxe]

@@613JMM This 💯

[@byfaithwalking1529]

Old school "courting"

[@steveandyoung]

I tried it once when passing through Dulles airport. I still remember it -- was quite good!

[@Daria-rj7ov]

Where all my DC Natives at 👀????

[@PJ-cm8ix]

Are you a politician's family member?

[@Daria-rj7ov]

@@PJ-cm8ix No. I wish lol

[@duartenicholas7369]

Here yo

[@PJ-cm8ix]

@@Daria-rj7ov I usually assume anyone living in D.C is a politician or someone related to him/her😂😂

[@PJ-cm8ix]

I've never met a commoner who lives in D.C😂😂

[@benrodlockamy]

No one born and raised in D.C. eats from this place anymore. Haven’t done so in over about 20 years. Been a tourist attraction every since.

[@kres1510]

The opening got me like 🤤🤤🤤🤤.

[@queensmickey]

Bens Chili Bowl is my favorite place to eat in DC

[@johnpossum556]

She's never had a chili dog?!?! I have such great memories of having a 1/4# chili dog split at Dairy Queen after working hard hours in the hot fields as a kid. I wish DQ would bring them back! In addition to everything about they had cheese in them as well and one 1/4 pound hot dog with all these toppings was a whole meal.

[@Dani13G]

they still have chili cheese dogs at least where i live

[@johnpossum556]

@@Dani13G You going to share? Mail me one!

[@AkodoNoEyes]

Same. I remember when DQ started selling hot foods. I loved their chili dog and following it up with a DillyBar or a vanilla cone dipped in that amazing chocolate.

[@Cookeg04]

That looks so good. Thanks for the background on the food and family.

[@kamdhatt7648]

Beautiful

[@wildewilde5775]

People don't understand how easy it is now and days to figure out what and exactly how much is in a places "secret" sauces and recipes. Science is the answer to all.

[@pavelow235]

I've lived nearby from the U Street location for about 8 years, haven't had one yet. In addition most of the native washingtonians think this whole thing's a little overrated.... And I'm talking ones that descend from freed slaves, that's how long they've been around the DC area

[@viniciuspaiva3578]

Sonic might love this

[@azurecorviknight4189]

Some say a blue hedgehog went here and ordered 2 chilli dogs for himself to eat.

[@schism1208]

tbh when a dog is so pretty. What I noticed is my dog always loves it when I do the things I like and relax, like when I game CoD or listen to some of my favourite bands like Delta Parole it feel like my dog is rocking out to the music together with me. Being a dog owner is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life, if you can give your dog the time he or she needs you will learn something new about your dog every day.

[@Rhetzelle]

I'm drooling the sausage looks delicious

[@ArekSuroboyo1]

I lived in DC for 17 years only few blocks from Ben's. usually after the concerts at Black Cat, 9 : 30 Club, or Nation (the infamous notorious club ever/RIP), we would grab some dogs and chicks. food is average, but this place is more than just the food.

[@Retired88M]

Next time I’m in D C I’ll be heading to Ben’s I love a good chili dog

[@theassassin5252]

I used to work in a sausage factory that made the sausages for them so if anyone has any questions let me know😂😂😂

[@xXBrutalSkillzXx]

What's it made of fr lol

[@lewisevander]

Liar!

[@the_indelible_onion]

The essence of DC in a dish.

[@puperfiz]

God willing, when I visit DC that's the first place I'll go.

[@belmontst]

When my friends want to lose me, they give me a half smoke with chili cheese and onion so I’m in an hour long bathroom meeting by myself. WORTH IT.

[@mrlevity1984]

Director: "Let's cut to the actual Chili about 46,000 times during the documentary"

[@BoogerDeluxe22]

I was onboard until a certain point...

[@flamewolf552]

I can't be the only one thinking with a hot dog sausage like that it deserves a better hot dog bun to bite into

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

Would love to compare this with the Coney dogs in Detroit since they are similar in a way. BT

[@1983jblack]

Try Cincinnati style cheese coneys - the chili is much more saucy than thick which makes it ideal for hot dogs as well as spaghetti which is how we love it. We can say we're having a 3 way and it's not a dirty expression lol

[@NigelsFunhouse]

@@1983jblack Cincinnati chili is terrible, especially to a person that grew up on Detroit and Flint style. I definitely have a slight bias but honestly if you want an og coney it's Detroit style.

[@justwannapost69]

Can't believe I missed this when I was living in DC!

[@helima1474]

@Donald Donald why is it not good?

[@fleuttre4510]

@@helima1474 its like candy it's not something everyone likes

[@kingbullyrock8739]

@@fleuttre4510 It's not like candy, its overrated. The food is okay, it's just not all that.

[@fleuttre4510]

@@kingbullyrock8739 u didn't get it I am saying that different people have different taste yOu may think it's average but a range of people thing it's the bests o it really matters of op like it or to a large degree

[@redhouston8350]

Here from the south surburb area of Chicago them hot dogs look real good with the chili and mustard and onion

[@murrayaronson3753]

I live walking distance of Pink's Hot Dogs in Los Angeles which has been around since 1939 and an easy drive away from Tommy's on Beverly Blvd which started in 1946. Both places have chili which can be smothered on both burgers and/or hot dogs. It helps having a younger stomach, if you know what I mean. I've been to Washington many times, but didn't know Ben's otherwise I would have tried a chili bowl or something else. Maybe the next time.