Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street has been the iconic D.C. restaurant for more than 60 years. Opening in 1958, it has served everyone, from local residents and visiting celebrities, to MLK (a frequent visitor while planning the 1963 March on Washington), and President Obama shortly before his inauguration. It was one of the few places remaining open during the 1968 riots, serving food to both the activists and the police.
So it is big news when Ben’s closed this week – fortunately for just a few months, as the historic building is renovated.
It means I’m going to get a hot dog
President Obama, when asked about the significance of his visit to Ben’s in 2009.
We don’t know what the new Ben’s will look like, but we hope it retains the glass front that has let generations of people stare at the food being cooked:
The pop-up
For the next few months until the restaurant is renovated, you can get your Ben’s fix at a pop-up across the street. It opened yesterday, and has much of the Ben’s charm and all of the great food.
The mural
The side of Ben’s, along an alley, is prime mural space. Ben’s originally had a mural featuring Bill Cosby there, but in 2017 they decided to create a new mural. While they were working on who would be included in the mural, a temporary mural was created by local artist Cory Stowers.
The new mural has many beloved D.C. figures:
Artist Aniekan Udofia at the press interview for the new mural (he also painted the original mural):
The 60th
Seven years ago, when Ben’s celebrated its 60th anniversary, U Street shut down for music and dancing in the street.
The food
Chili and half-smokes, of course!
