GreaterGreaterWashington: Then and Now: Ben’s Chili Bowl
For many of us in DC, Ben’s Chili Bowl goes far beyond the half-smokes, shakes and chili served in the historical U Street corridor. Having survived gentrification and culture clashes, the Ali family’s business became a cultural institution since the 1950s.
The Alis opened their business in DC’s "Black Broadway" in 1958 and attracted many prominent figures in history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Duke Ellington, Bill Cosby and Nat King Cole. They operated a business during the days of segregated Washington when most establishments were white-only. Decades later, the business would go on to operate as a late night hot spot by becoming a cross-way of blacks, whites, punk rockers in the ’80s, gay couples, government workers, DC visitors, residents from Virginia and Maryland suburbs.