Fifty years ago on August 22, 1958, the doors opened to the new Ben's Chili Bowl, a simple, unpretentious lunch counter on U Street. In the ensuing decades, Ben's has become an iconic institution in the District with an international reputation for chili, chili cheese fries, and D.C.'s traditional "half smoke" sausages.
Thursday night, they had a special star-studded gala concert hosted by none other than Bill Cosby, and earlier today at lunchtime they had a big street party with the mayor and live radio and television broadcasts. Knowing it would be crowded, we avoided the four-hour-long "party" and popped in to Ben's late this afternoon. Still, though, it was jam-packed crowded, with a line running out the door, around the block, and down the alley. Nevertheless, I managed to get inside the place for some photos and a little snack.
Happy birthday, Ben's!
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