Description:

Washington, DC is a city of monuments, institutions, the powerful and movers and shakers.  In that same vein, there is a diner that is ranked among the monuments and federal parks on top of the list for visitors must see list.  Ben’s Chili Bowl takes that title.  Long before President Obama took a detour on his way back to the White House with a 30 vehicle motorcade to pick up lunch for his team back at the office.

Established in the Summer of 1958, this DC landmark is known for it’s chili dogs, half-smokies, and milkshakes, and has been an integral of the the neighborhood’s history.  In the late 1950’s jazz greats like Miles Davis, Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington would stop by the restaurant when they played at the U street clubs.

Comedian Bill Cosby took his future wife, Camille to Ben’s while stationed in Bethesda, Maryland while serving in the Navy.  Today, many dignitaries and other top entertainment elites frequent the popular destination.  Chris Tucker, Bono and Russell Crowe have been seen at the busy establishment.  Several movies and television shows have had scenes filmed at the trendy diner.   At any day of the week you will see throngs of people outside of the establishment in line for a hotdog.  The visitors will frequently take pictures while waiting on line.

It is well worth the stroll to U Street to see one of our Capital’s pop culture landmarks that have stood the test of time like the great democracy in which this great nation was founded.