Ben's Chili Bowl

1213 U St NW, Washington DC

http://www.benschilibowl.com/

Diner Project Score- 8

Ben's Chili Bowl has turkey dogs. While most might feel this inauthentic, as someone who does not eat mammals, I appreciate this option even though I had a chocolate shake and the cheese fries were tasty too. Chili dogs were enjoyed by others. You order your food, pay for it and then if you sit at a table somehow they find you. There's an amazing choice of slices of colorful cakes to choose from and four flavors of slushes. Totally fabulous in so many ways.

I love diners that share their history with you. Usually this is on the menu. In the case of Ben's Chili Bowl there are sheets out on the table. Here are some highlights from it: Ben's Chili Bowl opened in 1958 and it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year on August 22, 2008 (I think this is why the sheets exist). The building used to be the Minnehaha silent movie house. This area at the time was known as "Black Broadway". Today its a short walk from the 9:30 Club. Ben's Chili Bowl survived the riots in the 60s and drug trade in the area in the 70s. Bill Cosby courted his wife there. The Metro's Green Line almost destroyed Ben's but luckily regulars kept it alive. (Photo here is from the reverse of the sheet.) Visited with Ben and his friends.