"Ben’s Chili Bowl opened on U Street in 1958, when the surrounding neighborhood was the epicenter of black culture in D.C. Before or after a show at one of the nearby theaters or jazz clubs, locals would come here for hot dogs, burgers, and homemade chili, based on a recipe that remains secret to this day. Ben’s grew to be such an integral part of the community that, following the 1968 riots and resulting curfew, it was the only restaurant in the city allowed to stay open into the evening hours. Since then, everyone from Cornel West and Denzel Washington to Tavis Smiley and President Obama has stopped in, eager to try the famous half-smoke—a griddled pork-and-beef sausage, served on a warm steamed bun with mustard, onions, and that signature chili. Despite its celebrity, Ben’s has stayed gloriously the same over the years—the original counter, booths, and stools remain, as does the menu. For a special experience, go on a Saturday morning, when the restaurant’s resident historian, Dr. Bernard Demczuk, hosts “office hours” to teach guests about the history of Ben’s and its neighborhood." - Natalie Beauregard