Over half a century since opening on August 22, 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl celebrates this milestone by giving out free meals. The D.C. staple on U Street became synonymous with D.C. comfort food since it opened 65 years ago. Ben’s Chili Bowl spent the decades growing in popularity so much to warrant a supermarket collaboration with Giant.
Now Washingtonians can get their Ben’s Chili Bowl anywhere, anytime. And the company, which now has 9 locations including kiosks at Costco, hopes that soon their product will be available in grocery stores nationwide.
Starting on August 22 from 1:30 PM, the original location in Northwest D.C. will give out free half smokes with a bag of chips and beverage of choice. Guests can choose between soda or water.
As an alternative to half smokes, you can instead receive a free beef, turkey, or veggie dog also served with chips and a beverage of choice. And it wouldn’t be a proper Ben’s Chili Bowl party without Go-Go music and special appearances from a few celebs!
History of Ben’s Chili Bowl
Back when Ben and Virginia Ali opened the U Street store, it became a meeting ground for activist, celebrities, and changemakers. One could easily spot Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Jesse Jackson hanging around on any given night.
In the 1960s Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. paid many visits to the Chili Bowl, quickly becoming a regular. And in 2009, former President Barack Obama made a point to visit Ben’s immediately after his election into office. It was his first meal in D.C. as president, but certainly not his last visit to Ben’s.
When to get your free half smoke?
Free meals, chips and beverages are first-come and first-serve and while supplies last or until close, which is at 9 PM. Whichever comes first.
Find free half smokes and hot dogs at the original Ben’s Chili Bowl. Located at:
1213 U St. N.W. Washington, DC 20009