Washington DC Food Tour Pt. 1 | Ben's Chili Bowl

[@joelwing1433]

The owner is a national treasure

[@richard-mr1vz]

So is Alex, what a tremendous person 👍👍, 20 minute vid seemed like 5💗💗!!

[@GenGenChilling]

Yes

[@kharyvines6971]

NOT THE OVERRATED FOOD

[@ebonyr.b.1216]

Omg I was GLUED to the screen when Mama was talking. It is so important to hear stories first hand from our elders who are still with us. Thank you Alex and Cuzzo!! 🎉

[@lesliescott7787]

Facts ❤❤❤ blessings

[@dancingfiretarot6508]

Yes !!❤

[@correttaharden3534]

She is captivating!

[@cUnHeavenCuzMoyacca]

🙌🏾👍🏾🙏🏾

[@VaGaMadeMe]

Frfr😁 I didn’t want it to end🙏🏾👍🏾

[@jvickers67]

MAM is 91 years young????? Her memory and recant of the 60s experience is impeccable..She is truly blessed and I pray she stays that way with her sharpness and detailed stories..I could listen to her all day.❤. WE NEED TO KNOW THIS HISTORY AND SHARE THIS WITH OUR CHILDREN FIRSTHAND NOT WATERED DOWN COMIN FROM THEIR BOOKS.. thank you Alex!!!

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

Yea

[@lukehemsworth3686]

I love how she didn’t cave to wearing wigs.

[@CarrieWest1]

Blessing ❤

[@engineengine9]

I love when elders tell their stories

[@earth2air2water]

What an honor to get an interview from Virginia Ali. She is a living legend.

[@shakarussanders9911]

Mama Virginia makes me miss my Grandmother's 😢 Appreciate your elders while you have them 🙏❤

[@aaroncater103]

Her memory is immaculate 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@JWNS08]

Yes, she is very sharp!

[@PeaceNLove777]

I love it! My grandmother is 94 and I just let her talk. Then she says something wild and we crack up!

[@lorenzoalston7975]

Bro, next to the White House, Ben’s is the most iconic building in DC. And you had the privilege of interviewing the Queen, Ms. Virginia ,Who has a wealth of knowledge and interest of Washington! Much respect to you and your partners! I need to make a trip back there myself! ❤

[@JWC24.7]

The White House USED TO BE iconic! 🙄🤡

[@faithmassey9489]

🔥

[@mangomaharaja6859]

STILL IS YOUUU HUSH 😢😮😂😂😂😂​@@JWC24.7

[@kharyvines6971]

FOOD NOT GOOD

[@CoraWilson-t7i]

This is your best interview yet, love the atmosphere the owners and food , a lot if history

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

Right. I could listen to those women talk for hours.

[@HypedBeast]

facts! Great video

[@faithmassey9489]

!!!

[@deniseedwards8238]

This was beautiful. The history alone was worth it. God bless Mrs Virginia.

[@moisesmarrerogonzalez7670]

Awesome right? Almost felt like I was a part of the history as she told the story'

[@faithmassey9489]

!!!

[@ciaracrews5912]

This is why I love Washington DC because not only does it have amazing entertainment and so much nostalgia . it has a lot of black communities and history.

[@Sheraytv]

Absolutely

[@spankbuda3769]

But this community wasn't originally black. Heck, the owners aren't black.

[@Black_Jus202]

​@spankbuda3769 yes the community is and was black, please don't speak on what you don't know were called chocolate city for a reason since the 70s. We are atlanta without the rainbow nonsense

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

​@@spankbuda3769 damn

[@WestsideWacko]

​@@spankbuda3769 What was it then?? I think he was speaking for the time period.

[@TheLamont0914]

She is a walking history book. Cherish it!

[@bamagirl1655]

Listening to her tell her story gave me chills! We’ve come along way

[@fred5149]

Just gotta stop shooting one another

[@NE.DC.TRIPLEOG]

This is why it is imperative that we don't go backwards ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@djmat2006]

Chillis*

[@indigoiridescencecreations7912]

I LOVE HOW YOU GAVE MAMA YOUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION 🥰🥰🥰..That was truly Beautiful to see and hear.

[@bingobiscuit5995]

Absolutely RIGHT ON!!!!!!

[@richard-mr1vz]

Alex is truly incredible, I just luv him💗💗!!

[@princessphillips5584]

That home training kicked in big time and that’s when the magic happened ❤

[@DL-powerfulhope]

That was so beautiful. Virginia Ali, The Matriarch of DC! All the history and love she brings everywhere she goes is legendary. Even the way she leaned her hand on your arm while she dropped all that knowledge the way our most beloved elders often do. Like family. Thank you, brother, for sharing these important moments among our people.

[@burgessfrederick2]

Bruh the way you connect with the people is top tier!! Never change!!

[@blackkobain4165]

I love alex man taking the time to let that lady to tell her history, alex is a good dude fr

[@EdwardSanchezProductions]

Mama Virginia is amazing

[@paigecain311]

I’m in love with momma and her wonderful stories she’s a legend

[@richard-mr1vz]

I’m in luv with Alex✅✅, he is such a pleasure, makes life worth living 👍👍!

[@aone1369]

I miss my grandma 😢😢Thank you Miss Virginia ❤❤

[@lpotts75]

Yeah my grandma just died a few months ago she was 92.

[@greylashproductions3076]

God Bless our Ancestors. We do not want to let them down!!!!

[@Uknown291]

if i make it to 91 years old that'll be a blessing

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

Man what lovely ladies. Nothing better than seeing someone proud about their people without saying how much they struggled or how wonderful they are. Probably my favorite episode thus far.

[@cherylrleigh1912]

Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a Washington, D.C. landmark since 1958, when it was founded by Ben and Virginia Ali on U Street NW, in a historic building that once housed the city’s first silent movie theater. At the time, U Street-known as "Black Broadway"-was a vibrant cultural hub, attracting legendary musicians like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis. From the start, Ben’s became a favorite gathering place for locals, musicians, and civil rights leaders. The restaurant’s signature dish, the half-smoke, helped put it on the map. This spicy, smoky sausage, topped with Ben’s famous chili sauce, became a must-try for visitors and a staple of D.C. cuisine. But beyond the food, Ben’s Chili Bowl has stood as a symbol of resilience. During the 1968 riots following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, many businesses in the area were destroyed or abandoned, but Ben’s remained open, serving food to first responders and community members in need. The restaurant also survived economic downturns, Metro construction that disrupted U Street in the ‘90s, and the passing of its founder, Ben Ali, in 2009. In 2009, then-President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Ben’s, ordering a classic half-smoke with chili. His visit brought even more national recognition to an already beloved establishment. Over the years, Ben’s has served countless celebrities, politicians, and everyday Washingtonians. From Anthony Bourdain to Oprah Winfrey, everyone wants a taste of this D.C. institution. Today, Virginia Ali and the Ali family continue Ben’s legacy, expanding to new locations while keeping the original U Street location as the heart of the brand. More than just a restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl represents community, history, and Black excellence. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime patron, Ben’s remains a place where everyone is welcome.

[@ardelworsley2666]

Thank you for sharing

[@geminiqueen4775]

I love the way you summarized that, great job 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@faithmassey9489]

👏🏼

[@kharyvines6971]

FOOD VERY OVERRATED

[@jum123ar]

I wish I could have liked this 1,000 times. Great video!

[@Wilrock1989]

Me too💯

[@peacekelly1128]

That little sweet lady has been through it all God love her! I could sit and listen to her talk for hours. The things she has seen and done amazing.

[@pearlotis4293]

I was born 1958 which was a good year to be alive 66 years old! Love your channel ❤and your videos with lil cuz ❤❤❤❤

[@sheliasmith9820]

But didn't the lady say that they've been around 75 years lol??

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

Damn

[@HappyQueen1231]

I love the owner she looks and reminds me of my nana who by the grace of God is 85. I liked this episode so much

[@botay2775]

She's such a beautiful spirit

[@deangelopope8621]

I'm 59 and I've been going to Ben's since I was 10 years old, going to the Lincoln Theater watching Bruce Lee movies, and hitting Ben's afterwards, I get my famous chili cheeseburger with onions, lettuce and mayo. And it still taste the same today...

[@clarktownsend8991]

As a DC native, this place used to be great but no disrespect to Ms. Virginia since they got other locations and her son runs it, the food dont hit no more especially the breakfast. People respect this place because of the history to the civil rights movement. If you are black you need to show respect to this place. It feed the ancestors that fought for your freedom.

[@SocialJusticeActivistPP]

Amen❤❤

[@arlettejones2351]

That was truly a amazing history lesson. She is a walking history, legend, and a person who survived a lot. Thank you for taking the time to care and talk with her. I Love that. ❤🥰👏🏽🙏🏽

[@timcole-]

The stuff that Mama has seen and lived is unreal. That woman is a treasure fr

[@mcajpeace78]

God bless the beautiful lady owner !! Can't believe she is 91 years old❤love her history lesson❤

[@jay_dub]

Man! I'm so glad that you're in my neck in the woods! We appreciate you giving us some luv! There is a lot of good food in the DMV (DC, MD & VA).

[@aliceclemmons7883]

Alex this interview is a great start to our Black History Month 🎉I know that this video was supposed to be a few review, but it became a History lesson. Awesome job guys ❤

[@shawanda.denise727]

Indeed!!! ❤

[@spenn2007]

This is why i love this side of YT, I get to see my people have interactions like this. I feel like I was there, thank you.

[@Raiduh100]

91? Black don’t crack. What a beautiful woman, with an amazing memory!

[@wordofthedayJMCPHERSONjr.]

You Are a GOOD Brother LaTryGuy!!! Your Mother raised you So Well!! She should be Bubbling with Pride about her Baby Boy!!! God Bless you!! Your Energy is Amazing Brother!!

[@MermaidRi3019]

20:19 I got a bit emotional happingly. Great video!!

[@aaroncoles2433]

DC is the original chocolate city. Black Excellence was born here. RIP Marion Berry 🕊️(The Real Know) 🫡

[@johnwright689]

Indeed The Dmv Smellgood Crew 🌟 🫡

[@erk8520]

I own the book: Chocolate City!

[@clarktownsend8991]

What's funny is people clowned him for smoking crack but with the gentrification of the city that's going on now he stopped for years. People say to the downturn of DC but he truly was looking out for his people.

[@johnwright689]

@clarktownsend8991 Yeah he looked out for the city. Regardless of his struggles. Facts indeed 💯

[@WillPooleNYC]

Mayor Marion Barry Is A Legend Who Laid The Groundwork For Access To Success For Countless Washingtonians!! PERIOD!!

[@pmorales3523]

Amazing Alex, you got served real history, 15:46 young man. Also, you had good food.❤

[@dr.z.8964]

Visited Ben’s Chili in 2016 & Mother was just as welcoming/inviting to our family as you see here. We loved her stories. May she continue to be blessed. 🙏🏾

[@ElizabethHolland-bc3eh]

My father lived a few blocks from U Street, and he use to take us to Ben's regularly, but the "smokes" were the best.

[@TwoDopeSons]

I love DC. Words can’t express my love for DC.

[@officialhealingthewounds]

I am glad you captured the moment with Mrs. Virginia. It was special. Ben's is great. My husband and I went there in 2018. When you asked where you should go in DC a few days ago, we both said Ben's Chili Bowl. So glad you went.

[@greylashproductions3076]

That feeling you got when you heard the elder talk is the feeling of knowing you are great! You just need the inspiration.. keep pushing

[@knowledgeofself_ikyg]

I'm so jealous that you got to interview. The owner she is amazing a doll when we got to meet her She was so warm and welcoming to us. She is a national treasure. She is black history, her and her husband and I have a picture with her me and my business partner. And the food is incredible, that place is black history and it's just incredible, and it's an honor and a privilege to be a part of black history. That's dope ❤❤

[@kharyvines6971]

UMMM BLACK ,??????

[@LatashaGatlin]

She’s beautiful to be 91 years old. I’m glad you enjoyed the food. That’s beautiful in love.

[@allyknows6328]

So glad you were able to speak to Ms.Virginia. ❤ she is an American treasure. This is one of your best Videos. I hope you do more like it. And the food looks delicious. Wow, just Wow. ❤

[@Kyn_sfxarts]

Talking to the elderly is an experience you will never forget, they have lived and experienced so many things in their time that we can only see on TV.. when you speak to them and feel the energy of being in their presence, you are literally going back in time. Leo ,Brother August 12th here my mom's was August 14th....I knew you were awesome for a reason.

[@jay_dub]

It is crazy! I didn't know that Ben's Chili Bowl has Trini roots! We everywhere! 🇹🇹 Wow! You also gotta hit up Crown Bakery! They are off of Georgia Avenue in NW DC where you are! Best Caribbean food in the region. The Sellmans are the best! DC got deep history in food and civil rights! ♥️

[@TrillheartTv]

This is the most IMPORTANT video you have ever posted

[@2b_hopeful]

Thank you for leaving the camera rolling. My grandmother lived until 98 and I miss listening to stories of her past. Thank you for allowing a space for her to speak wisdom. We are missing wisdom in many folks nowadays. Thank you for letting her to speak and share real historical information with us.

[@khaliawilliams8409]

Wow, this is your best interview this was absolutely amazing she reminds me of my great grandma. The amount of history that she has evolved through is astounding ❤

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

That's you in your profile picture

[@khaliawilliams8409]

@quanbrooklynkid7776 lmao 🤣 of course, it's me

[@pisces363]

I was born and raised in DC. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on U Street and passed by Ben’s Chili Bowl. I finally had the pleasure of sitting at the counter. The food is good, but; it’s not about that. Being in such an iconic place is what brings people there. The half smokes are for sale in Costco’s, now. You can’t go wrong by having them in your refrigerator or freezer. The U Street location is truly a historical DC landmark. There should be a place for it in the African American Museum.

[@LynnAnderson-pq2yp]

God's continued blessings upon Mama Virgina. Such a sweet lady. ❤❤😊

[@jaytillman4978]

The tears won’t stop. LATRYGUY, thank you for the respect you gave that National treasure. You were raised the right way.

[@tonym109]

Chat with founder 🙏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@AngelaR_369]

Alex, I really enjoyed listening to Ms. Virginia! She is speaking wise words of wisdom here and I love it ❤ Her spirit is bright and genuine. She is a beautiful soul ❤❤❤

[@guymccloud6731]

ClasSICK! That Chili Half Smoke can't be beat. That is still my go to spot even years after I left DC.

[@journeytobabyjordan9577]

I'm honored to hear her talk we are loosing our generation that teaches us our history it's a Blessing to listen to any Grandma ❤️

[@LilRon757]

This was a great video. I live here in Virginia...born and raised. I never thought I'd see you over here on the east coast ...but I'm glad to see you did. I've heard of Ben's chili bowl...but I'm sad to say I've never been there. But it is definitely a spot you had to try coming to the DMV. So I'm glad you did and liked it. Makes me wanna go there even more now. Keep doing what you do my dude and I appreciate all that you and cuzzo do. Much respect.

[@billionaire33]

That manager was special too. to offer you free food. But she knew it was a beautiful food:).

[@amgrand6610]

This was nice and wholesome God bless that 91 year old woman 🙏🏽🤎

[@justlynn3734]

That was an amazing interview! ❤❤❤

[@teetee2640]

Not impressed with the food, but they get ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for representing and advocating on behalf of the culture!

[@mizzezdavis]

I wish he could've given a review without the owners & a crowd watching. Sometimes that dilutes the true review.

[@fredmoethewinner6890]

I been like water chilli ​@mizzezdavis

[@Izm_Skizm]

God bless Ms. Virginia. Salute to her for all she’s done and all she’s seen in her 91 years. Give flowers 💐

[@terrymusic91]

Glad you came to my city 💪🏿 I love her and her Ben’s Chili Bowl she tells the truth about it all.

[@sogstreetz7513]

I love my people , shoutout to Mama Virginia !! A beautiful soul, class personifed ! Her words of empathy and understanding of compassion for everyone is what more of the world needs!!!Her embrace im sure makes us all want to hug her !!

[@spankbuda3769]

Who is "your people" that you love?

[@sogstreetz7513]

@ what understood doesn’t have to be explained!!! Beat it troll !!

[@imari2305]

I've been to D.C. and never heard of Ben's chili bowl. What a wonderful history this place has. Mrs. Virginia is a treasure. These are the stories and places we as a people should honor and support always. Next time I'm in D.C. I'll definitely be visiting Ben's Chili bowl. Thanks Alex this was by far your best review yet.

[@theearthangel9591]

I love this video. Hearing older people stories is so fascinating to me... she is stunning in her 90's! I Love loving kind people...

[@mekia99]

The interview was so amazing. Mama Virginia looks amazing at 91. I enjoyed hearing her speak about the history of the area and the amazing people she had the pleasure of meeting over the years.

[@MindBend-gi8cp]

I was born and raised there in 1963 . I used to eat there all the time! ❤ Great job in what you're doing. You are growing in leaps and endless bounds! ❤

[@TheBigPicture1]

This was a really cool episode, Virginias tales something straight out of a history book

[@mylesyoungbloodtv]

DC Resident here. You have to try mumbo wings before you leave. I personally like the ones at Howard China (aka HoChi) it's on Georgia Ave by Howard University. I also heard Wingos has good mumbo wings but I personally havent tried them myself.

[@DMoore-lx5eq]

Wow! This is Awesome! I love this interview. Just lovely people and so much history! ❤️😊

[@moisesmarrerogonzalez7670]

Love the historical insight, glad you didn't cut it out thinking it was too long. awesome

[@Deattapi]

I loved everything about this video - such a wealth of Black history and delicious food. ❤ Thanks for sharing her interesting lived experience. Bless up

[@spankbuda3769]

But this restaurant owner wasn't and isn't black. The area originally wasn't black.

[@gwen8marie]

This video made my day ❤ she loved all people 😊crackheads included 😂❤❤

[@kingtvt973]

Happy you got to get the owner in the video and tell you some history and her story 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Tiacocoa]

I can’t even hold you, but I enjoyed that interview with that lady so much and crazy how it’s right on time

[@vonna7920]

Welcome to the city😊

[@D4NNYF00]

Aye! Nah fr 😊

[@edmiller6669]

SHE IS VERY WELL SPOKEN!!!!!

[@dsj6677]

A SPECIAL BUSINESS OWNER, SHE SEEN IT ALL AND IS STILL STANDING, THE MAYOR NEEDS TO GIVE HER A NEW KEY TO THE CITY. BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE WHEN SHE WAS TALKING TO MLK IN THAT BOOTH, NOT MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT, BUT SHE TREATED HIM NORMAL.

[@mjjones6122]

She dropped history and some jewels about life!! I saw Miss Virginia before and she is a walking history lesson!! ❤ Loved this interview!!

[@michellesimpson6734]

Hi Alex I loved hearing the history of Ben's Chilli and Ms Virginia storytime. Thank you for sharing.

[@D4NNYF00]

Wish I had the chance to meet you here in my city. Hope u had a blast!

[@Kam602]

Bro you amazing! Love letting her shine and telling her story

[@DMan-w2l]

We need more human being like this one he bless to let others share there story around the world great energy lil bra keep up good work in devil world is what u call legendary Marathon I'm with u on that brother hahahaha Lol😂😂😂😂😂 let's get get get it fashow

[@drichardson1251]

Thiss wass amazing... Big thanks to you both!!!

[@deborahcook1111]

❤🎉😊to Ben ‘s Chili’s 🌶️ Bowl 🥣 miss going and respecting the owner is awesome 👏 as always!

[@loisbell6513]

Welcome to the DMV young man. This was a great interview. You gave Miss Virginia the respect she deserves. She is part of D.C. royalty. Check out Della J's in Alexandria, Virginia. It is a black owned restaurant with great food. Enjoy your time in the area.

[@johnthompson4151]

Wow I wasn't expecting this at all! Mama is beautiful inside and out. She has applied basic human principles in her life and God has continued to bless her and allow her to be a blessing to others! Well done!

[@brianmoody2549]

The cheese works really well with chili,and the fries,eating great food and learning history by a beautiful black woman.

[@mitchellspencer9213]

That young lady TEACHING my boy is priceless. 👍🏾❤️👍🏾

[@kenyaponder9986]

Those half smokes go crazy

[@bibai1577]

I love Ben’s Chili Bowl! My mom would send me there to pick up a few half smokes with chili, mustard and onion. You can never go wrong with that combo! So so delicious 😋

[@kalimabeasley7069]

Wow!! This was the best video. I loved it. Thanks for shining a light on my city. I'll have to be honest I was born and raised in DC, but have only been to Ben's Chili Bowl only once. It was awesome to hear her speak about history. I didn’t get to meet her when I went.

[@laciebrisbon7604]

What a gem! You were blessed to be able to speak with her and a blessing to share with us