Ewww. Bring your Tums.

Felt compelled to try this out since it is a "DC Landmark" and all. Food is not good...not even for diner standards. Tried a half-smoke and brought home a bowl of chili. Half-smoke is ok, but it's just a hot dog (basically). The chili tasted like it had 5x the amount of salt required. It almost actually made me physically sick. We'll leave it at that. Would not go back. Go to Open City or The Diner on 18th Street.

Worth the Wait

At 2 a.m., after a half-hour wait in line, the half smoke with a side of chili fries is one heck of a payoff. In fact, the line itself is lots of fun if you go late enough -- if it's up to Bill Cosby's standards, you know it must be great.

a must-do for the dc visitor to feel like a local!

Ben's Chili Bowl is the rare place that lives up to its reputation. Speaking as someone who doesn't particularly enjoy chili this place made me a believer. Also, I love the fact that they have turkey burgers on the menu.

Don't mind the line.

It's loud and crowded most of the times I've been there, but everyone I know that's been there can tell you that Ben's is definitely worth the wait.