Ben’s Chili Bowl – [A Retro Roadhusband Report]

Mod B was supposed to head down to DC this weekend with Retro Roadhusband, but a danged migraine episode waylaid all of her fun weekend plans. That didn't stop me from delegating my Roadmapping duties to my fave sidekick in life, Retro Roadhusband! I didn't have to twist his arm much to go visit Ben's Chili Bowl on his way home, to grab a bite and snap a few photos. Here's his report.

The sign say it's a Washington Landmark since 1958, and you could see that it's a popular spot with all the folks in there. There was  wall to wall people lining the counter and it was still pretty early in the day!

Ben's is known for their chili dogs - and "half smokes" - their signature dish. What is it? According to their menu "1/4lb. half pork and beef smoked sausage on a warm steamed bun and top it with mustard, onions and our spicy homemade chili sauce." - and one of Bill Cosby's faves!

In reading up on the history of Ben's, it's fascinating to see how it has become a neighborhood gathering point, in good times and bad. Kept open during the riots after Martin Luther King's assasination in 1968 feeding both the activists and the peace keepers. Keeping open during the construction of the metro station (construction that devastated their business for that time) feeding the construction workers and locals who remained in the neighborhood, to more happy times when president Obama made his historic visit to Ben's. It's places like these that keep a community together.

They've expanded seating a bit in the back so you'll have a place to sit once you get your order:

Retro Roadhusband opted for a bowl of their chili (sticking close to the spirit of their name) and declared it quite tasty - even if it was considered his breakfast! Ah, the sacrifices he makes for me and Retro Roadmap :-)

So if you're in Washington DC and looking for a Retro Roadmap worthy place to have a bite to eat, your best bet is the original Ben's Chili Bowl - it's historic!