Washington, DC Landmark: Ben's Chili Bowl.

[@randy007]

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.

[@ZackMorris1]

She's a matriarch, and while their community impact is very very noteworthy, the food is not that good, calling it a Holy Grail is a massive stretch. It is simply not that good. No locals hold it with any sort of reverence. It's that underwhelming.

[@bobbyash33p66]

Come to the south my guy don't forget about us

[@L.Boogie]

True

[@ralphymay5292]

How is hot dogs black culture?

[@ZackMorris1]

@@ralphymay5292 Facts. It isn't. It's awful food, and not even good by hot dog standards. I can easily name 5 Chicago hot dog places that are a million times better than Ben's. Also one thing I find funny is that Ben's is founded by a Muslim, but they serve swine with no shame. It's an awful place to pin the "culture" of a city on.

[@Jurnee2Peace]

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.

[@LettaLuvinAll10]

INDEED. He should’ve did a lil research before his visit there…😩🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@ringoflynt]

May be special but the food is BASIC at best 🤷🏽‍♂️ borderline trash

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

It’s a living history food stop! I haven’t been there, but next time I am DC I am so there! Know your history!!!

[@TBtheking405216]

He's not black. you cant expect him to understand.

[@Antygrvity69]

@@ringoflynt : VERY BASIC

[@kalenamichele3114]

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.

[@ewatson2979]

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

[@PeaceOnPurpose7]

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

[@emmanyc]

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

[@mauriceporter9212]

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 ✊🏾

[@lagunn327]

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

[@lagunn327]

@@keith3946 I’ve been in and around the city on/off for 60 years and have managed very well! I have lived in several other states/cities and rural areas. I have visited places all over the world; and there are dangers everywhere and from anyone.

[@GroovydawgJ]

@@keith3946 🤡🤡🤡 DC is an extremely diverse city with lots to see

[@keith3946]

@@GroovydawgJ settle down, its a joke. It also used to be the murder and robbery capital of the nation. So you're gonna have to take those jabs.

[@rossctm2231]

Man this place is beyond trash

[@eswillie]

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.

[@WavyJayZ]

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

[@pisces363]

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.

[@BSinclairTV]

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

[@deshaunscott2540]

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.

[@ZackMorris1]

It absolutely is a trap. Nobody native to DC cares for this place. It's fallen off. Right up the street Henry's Cafe is the spot that still gets neighborhood love for a reason. The fish and mumbo there hits.

[@6klyns74nomad5]

It's TRASH & definitely a tourist trap. It's over priced af with below mediocre food.

[@kharyvines6971]

NOT GOOD OVERRATED

[@crystaldozier3123]

@@ZackMorris1 you right I'm born and raise in DC and never been there and most of DC don't go there either , like you said 😆😆

[@hrwgriffin]

It may have changed but mom grew up getting food there. It’s a memory for many.

[@fatdarryl3586]

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

[@charlesjeffery458]

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!

[@SRambo-hx8sl]

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.😊

[@j.a.g.448]

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

[@ChrisOhMy]

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

[@amincooper1]

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 👏🏾

[@kharyvines6971]

B.S. IT'S NOT GOOD

[@PJL7095]

You were going to that Not Biden for Prez protest I bet

[@amincooper1]

@@PJL7095 George Floyd and police brutality protest

[@kharyvines6971]

@@PJL7095 HE'S TERRIBLE

[@ZackMorris1]

Ahhhh the protests during the pandemic that were deemed ok by the ones in charge, while anything else was considered a health threat. "Protests" indeed.

[@elizabethwilliams1113]

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

[@stanjackson007]

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

[@deattapi5141]

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

[@bluehorse8091]

Dammmnnn...looks good . 💙

[@brianmoody2549]

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.

[@michellejohnson2946]

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.

[@TheDanieel]

Ben's is a DC staple and always hits. Glad you guys enjoyed it.

[@mogunloye]

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

[@constantinejah6925]

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...

[@cyndinahicks8798]

I love Ben's Chili Bowl ❤

[@geraldslaughter7110]

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

[@vernolabullock5918]

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

[@naturalimmunity3776]

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

[@DougieFunZ]

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

[@josephsmith0276]

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.

[@Schola718]

I mentioned this somewhere on this post or another one of his DC post

[@tianarodriguez4046]

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

[@billpenna]

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

[@joenavejas3304]

We were there June 7th this year because I had read in KZbin 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.

[@meemeethecat7391]

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

[@sbrother176]

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

[@ericanewalt4009]

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

[@Que2941]

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

[@bigvito69]

If you're weak you should start working out

[@TamaraInTanzania]

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

[@Db20735]

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

[@sonej.4486]

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

[@robinrogers3982]

Always a pleasure to see you and watch you eat😊

[@chanofernandez413]

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

[@jstubbs476]

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

[@Desperado23]

Good to see yall boys together...peace ✌️

[@CorettaJG]

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

[@terriefields7177]

Much love

[@treybeentrilla9536]

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

[@kadeemallen8189]

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

[@gregchappell6462]

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

[@ajonesa1231]

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

[@JoseQuintero-wx7wk]

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

[@CollegevilleJohnnie]

Yes because Cuban Americans are, well, American. WTF

[@frederickharris3654]

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 ! 💯 😋

[@tiffanystephens4785]

Looks so good.. Chili dogs are awesome

[@CA_88]

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

[@tamaragatling2809]

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

[@cornellspears7207]

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

[@danno5662]

DAMN, that looks good!!

[@rheeryder2524]

D.C. in the HOUSE. 😁😁😁

[@frankcarone3769]

this is a great review ,the food looks terrific

[@slickrick8869]

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.

[@mansionman6162]

JL Jupiter go in when eating! Not playing with it! Mouth watering heavy, watching him!🤣🤣🤣

[@sheblazin6217]

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

[@jamesanderson6373]

*you're

[@ivanweapon1196]

@@jamesanderson6373 where your mom at? *

[@jugatsu23nichi]

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

[@briand.5321]

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

[@marlenesheffield8777]

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. ✊🏽💣💥🧡❤️💋💯

[@Eugene-iv7se]

I'm from DC, NW Ben's is a tourist trap. Anybody from chocolate city for real know that Ben's is for tourist people

[@davidstevens6527]

Pippen and Jordan back at again love you guys

[@thatgirlshanti]

Nice the chili dogs even look like they have a good snap 🔥

[@joesbarbershop9244]

They look so good brother. 👍

[@wvuwhat]

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

[@ZackMorris1]

That's why Nats Park is a joke of a ballpark. You get great views of parking garages and the best food is the dogmeat junk called Ben's. Nats park will never ever hold a dime compared to how great Camden Yards is.

[@wvuwhat]

@@ZackMorris1 Might not be in the near future if they don't get the contract sorted out with the O's.

[@ZackMorris1]

@@wvuwhat They gonna win that MASN lawsuit, and the Lerners gonna sell the Nats. The O's will never leave Camden Yards. Facts.

[@Sereous313]

What are the prices like?

[@yvettemarbley9157]

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

[@Rahchasportstalk]

You guys always have fun together👍🏾

[@MEvans-tt1ri]

glad u enjoyed! welcome to the DMV!!

[@sugarmama4841]

yesssss food is of the chain

[@kevinfrias7491]

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

[@mr.mysteriousasmr]

I have to try that place. 👍👍👍

[@juanitaldiggs]

Great to see DC mentioned on these food channela!

[@taraholland4690]

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

[@vonna7920]

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

[@ZOELIFE23]

That's the spot!

[@pizzaishappiness7994]

I'd love me some of that. Looks delicious.

[@donovanharris557]

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

[@lewismorales4027]

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

[@Queenofsole100]

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

[@3goodtimes3]

Love ur videos. Love chili and chili also. So good to see another collab. Get it JL

[@arnoldmurphy8912]

They both look delicious 😋

[@prd0923]

Wow I was just at next door this past weekend!!!! Wish I had run into you bro! One of my favorite YTers

[@alexandercolic405]

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!

[@prettyhair7684]

I absolutely love a good hot dog 🌭

[@melvinburwell8202]

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

[@valerienaylor1069]

Hey JL 👊👊 That food look delicious yummy 😋😋🤤🤤 everywhere you go all your food look delicious

[@chili1593]

Wow that’s great looking food.

[@getright101st]

You right it stay packed!!Glad to see the homies down here Go Eagle's!!

[@glennevitt5250]

Looks Great 😎

[@sweetliz]

🤣 look over there 🤣 now I want some chilli ☺️

[@tommybundy9120]

Yes! More dmv plz!!!!

[@BiBlackCar1]

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.

[@goodputin4324]

Sadly it ain't halal

[@bigvito69]

Go there for the diarrhea