Tai Lopez Gets Ben's Chili Bowl Delivered to the Watergate - Still Iconic, Even Without the Counter
TL Team Aug 02, 2025
When Tai Lopez rolled into Washington, D.C. to kick off his culinary tour of the nation’s capital, there was one place circled, underlined, and highlighted on the itinerary: Ben’s Chili Bowl. A legendary fixture on U Street and a must-hit for any food lover visiting D.C., Ben’s was supposed to be the very first stop. But fate—and a much-needed renovation—had other plans. Still, if there’s one thing Tai Lopez doesn’t do, it’s give up that easily. Nixon couldn’t get into the Watergate without consequences, but Tai? He found a way in—with chili. When the doors to Ben’s were closed, he brought the flavor straight to him via Uber Eats, setting up shop in his Watergate Hotel suite.

WARNING: this is not your standard restaurant review. This one's a little unorthodox, a little unexpected, and totally the first of its kind. Dining-room journalism? More like room-service reporting.

DC: From Monuments to Michelin Worthy

Everyone knows Washington, D.C. is where you go for monuments, museums, and middle school field trips. But these days, the city’s food scene is making such big waves, they might need to build a new monument just for the chefs. Seriously, someone get the National Park Service on that.

What makes D.C. such a sleeper hit in the culinary world? It’s like the United Nations of food. Thanks to its wildly diverse immigrant population, you can walk just a few blocks and eat your way through Ethiopia, El Salvador, Korea, Vietnam, the Caribbean, and beyond. From bubbling hot pots in Wheaton to pupusas in Mount Pleasant, D.C. isn’t just a government town—it’s a global buffet.

And don’t sleep on the homegrown talent. The Black culinary scene in D.C. is rich, deep, and rooted in both tradition and activism. Soul food staples, go-go music playing in the background, and recipes passed down for generations all blend together in ways that feel historic and fresh at the same time.

Ben’s Chili Bowl sits squarely at the intersection of all this: a Black-owned institution born in the heart of U Street, once called “Black Broadway,” and still a cultural touchstone.

History & Legacy of Ben’s Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a time capsule, a cultural landmark, and a living, breathing slice of American history served with a side of chili. It all started back in 1958 when Ben Ali, a Trinidadian-born, Howard University grad, teamed up with the love of his life, Virginia Rollins. Together, they opened up shop in a building that used to be a silent movie theater. It’s right in the heart of U Street, a neighborhood that was once buzzing with jazz clubs and known as "Black Broadway."

During the 1968 riots following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, while the rest of the city shut down, Ben's stayed open. Activist Stokely Carmichael personally asked Ben to keep the lights on to help feed first responders and community members alike. They even wrote "Soul Brother" on the window to keep rioters from destroying the place. Talk about sacred ground.

Virginia Ali, now in her 90s, is still involved in the business, and her presence is as iconic as the food. Ben’s has been visited by everyone from Obama to Bourdain, and it’s racked up honors like the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award. But what really makes Ben’s special isn’t just the accolades—it’s that it has remained proudly rooted in its community, weathering everything from riots to gentrification (to renovations) without losing an ounce of soul.

Tai’s Ben’s Chili Bowl Experience — Room Service, But Make It Legendary

So what’s it like eating one of the most iconic meals in D.C. history… from a hotel room?

In a word: surreal. Tai may not have gotten to sit at the historic counter at Ben’s, but there was something undeniably cool about unboxing that signature half-smoke in a suite at the Watergate Hotel. A little absurd? Definitely. A little luxurious? Also yes.

When the Uber Eats order arrived (shoutout to modern technology, the real MVP of this saga), Tai peeled open the bag like he was unsealing a presidential document. Inside? The goods. A perfectly steamed half-smoke loaded with chili, mustard, and onions. Fries that held up surprisingly well in transit. A burger that knew what it was doing. And the sweet crown jewel: Virginia Ali’s banana pudding.

“I didn’t even mind eating it over the hotel trash can,” Tai joked. “I just didn’t want to get chili on the carpet. That pudding though? Worth risking the security deposit.”

It wasn’t just good for delivery—it was great. The chili didn’t get soggy. The bun held up. And even without the sizzle of the grill and the hum of U Street outside, the flavors still had that unmistakable Ben’s magic.

In a way, the experience proved something bigger: Ben’s doesn’t need the four walls to be Ben’s. It travels. It holds up. And when you’re biting into that half-smoke—even if it’s from a tray table in a hotel suite—you’re still tasting history.



What Tai Ordered

Here’s what was in Tai’s legendary delivery bag:
  • Half-smoke with chili, mustard, onions — the classic, done right.
  • Fries — solid, crispy, and probably would've been even better covered in chili and cheese if he wasn’t worried about hotel cleanup fees.
  • Burger — Ben’s famous chili-cheese burger didn’t disappoint.
  • Virginia’s banana pudding — creamy, dreamy, and totally lived up to the hype.
What Makes Ben’s...Ben’s

Sure, part of what makes Ben’s legendary is the history—the stories, the neighborhood, the booth where Obama sat, and of course, Virginia Ali herself. The building is dripping with soul, and the atmosphere is part of the whole magic. But let’s be real: it’s not just nostalgia that keeps people lining up. The food holds its own. It’s hearty, flavorful, craveable comfort food—and there are a few absolute icons on the menu that have reached near-mythic status.

Also, let’s talk chili. At Ben’s, it’s not just a topping—it’s a lifestyle. You can get that famous chili on pretty much anything: hot dogs, fries, burgers, nachos, even veggie dogs. If it holds shape, it can probably handle chili. It’s thick, spicy, meaty, and totally addictive—the kind of thing you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite.

The Half-Smoke: The Star of the Show

Let’s not kid ourselves—the half-smoke is the undisputed star of the Ben’s Chili Bowl lineup. If Ben’s had a red carpet, this thing would be strutting down it in slow motion, dripping chili like confetti. A half-smoke is a spicier, coarsely-ground sausage of about half-pork, half-beef, often smoked or steamed, served in a steamed bun with herbs, onions, mustard, and Ben’s own chili sauce. Ben’s chili is thick, peppery, full-flavored—and addictive.

Tai’s delivery landed expertly—bun still steamed, chili rich and intact, onions crisp, mustard sharp. Even through Uber Eats to his Watergate room, the food showed no sogginess or limpness, which Tai called impressive given the circumstances.



The Essential Ben's Lineup for First-Timers

Not sure what to order on your first trip to Ben’s? Here’s the greatest hits plate—designed to give you the full experience from spice to sweetness:
  • Chili Half-Smoke – No surprise here. It’s the crown jewel. Get it loaded with chili, onions, and mustard for the true Ben’s experience.
     
  • Chili Cheese Fries – Go big or go home. These are messy in the best way and an essential sidekick to your half-smoke.
     
  • Classic Milkshake – Old-school vibes with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to cool off that chili heat.
     
  • Virginia’s Banana Pudding – A legendary dessert to round things out. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and a perfect finish.
You can throw in a burger if you’re extra hungry, but this lineup hits all the notes: spicy, savory, sweet, and soulful. And hey—when in doubt, throw chili on it.

Tai’s Ratings (Delivery Edition)

Note: Tai didn’t get to visit the physical restaurant—so while the food scored high, the ambiance and location ratings are based on a very fancy room service setup at the Watergate, not the real-deal U Street vibe.
  • Food: 9/10 – the half-smoke lived up to the hype; burger solid; banana pudding the perfect creamy ending
  • Service: 8/10 – fast Uber Eats delivery, though hotel bellman delay—not a knock on Ben’s
  • Ambiance: 6/10 – room at Watergate was historic, but lacked the iconic buzz and sense of community
  • Location: 7/10 – delivered to Watergate offered prestige, but missing U-Street energy
  • Value: 8/10 – affordable for D.C.; reminiscent of 1960s pricing ethos though slightly higher
  • Overall Experience: 8/10 – excellent food rescued the misfortune of the physical closure
Perfect For
  • History buffs & foodies – For anyone who wants their chili with a side of civil rights legacy and cultural richness.
  • Night owls – Ben’s stays open late (when it’s open), making it a go-to after concerts, clubs, or late-night monument hopping.
  • Travelers seeking authentic D.C. – Skip the tourist traps and go straight for the local flavor. Ben’s is as D.C. as it gets.
  • Families – Affordable, fast, and full of character. Plus, kids love chili fries almost as much as grown-ups do.
Tips for Visiting Ben’s U-Street When Reopened
  • Aim to go after November 2025 reopening.
  • Sit at the counter—you’ll feel the pulse of past jazz greats and activists who’ve sat there.
  • Order the half-smoke chili-style (onions, mustard) and don’t skip the banana pudding.
  • Wear a napkin or order with extra napkins.
  • Engage with staff for stories about U Street and the civil-rights legacy.
How to Eat Chili Without Wearing It

Ben’s chili is bold, saucy, and generously applied—and that’s exactly how it should be. Whether you're dining in at the U Street counter or taking it to go, one thing's for sure: you're going to need a game plan. Chili ends up on everything here—in the best way possible—and if you're not careful, that half-smoke might become a full outfit change.
  • Place plate on a paper towel-lined tray.
  • Eat with one hand, chili-side up, holding the wrap tightly.
  • Pause between bites to wipe sauce from fingers.
  • Keep extra napkins nearby.
Monuments & Meals: The Tastiest Tour in D.C.

Forget wine pairings—this is the only pairing guide you need for D.C.: famous landmarks served with a side of iconic eats. Here's how to sightsee like a true food lover:
  • Lincoln Memorial → Ben’s Chili Bowl: Honest Abe deserves honest food. This one’s iconic meets iconic. A half-smoke after some reflection at the Reflecting Pool? Feels right.
     
  • Washington Monument → Old Ebbitt Grill: Just a short walk away, this historic saloon has been feeding presidents since the 1800s. Oyster shooters after monument selfies? A patriotic move.
     
  • Smithsonian Museums → Mitsitam Café (at the National Museum of the American Indian): You’ll get an education and a perfectly curated meal inspired by Indigenous cuisines. Learn AND lunch.
     
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial → Florida Avenue Grill: One of the oldest soul food joints in the country. It’s history you can taste.
     
  • U.S. Capitol → Union Market: After all the political sightseeing, head to this buzzing spot for everything from Korean tacos to gourmet doughnuts. Democracy—and dinner—for all.
This city’s got marble columns and meaty classics. Don’t skip either.

While Ben’s is Closed: Where to Eat Around U Street

Just because Ben’s is getting a facelift doesn’t mean your taste buds have to suffer. The U Street Corridor—and neighboring Shaw—has long been one of the cultural heartbeats of D.C. Historically known as “Black Broadway,” this neighborhood played a central role in the civil rights movement and has been home to some of the city's most influential Black-owned businesses and institutions. Today, it remains one of the most vibrant, diverse areas in the city—a place where activism, art, music, and food all come together.

Here are a few places that keep the soul (and the spice) alive while Ben’s is temporarily off the menu:
  • Florida Avenue Grill – One of the oldest Black-owned soul food restaurants in the country. Their grits, fried catfish, and smothered pork chops are legendary. It’s a short walk from Ben’s and dripping in history.
     
  • Oohh’s & Aahh’s – A casual soul food staple that’s been featured on Food Network. Think shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, and fried chicken that’ll make you rethink your life.
     
  • Dukem Ethiopian – Right on U Street, and one of the best places in the city for injera, kitfo, and other Ethiopian classics. Come hungry and ready to eat with your hands.
     
  • Busboys and Poets – A hybrid café, bookstore, bar, and community hub. Great for brunch or a late-night bite with a side of social justice vibes.
     
  • El Rinconcito Deportivo – A go-to for Salvadoran fare. If you haven’t had pupusas fresh off the griddle, now’s the time.
These spots keep the U Street energy alive, and each one offers something uniquely D.C. Whether you're in town for the politics, the culture, or just the chili, the neighborhood is still very much open for delicious business.

Tips for Visiting D.C. as a Food Traveler
  • Sample Ethiopian row near 9th & U NW
  • Explore African diaspora soul-food and Caribbean-American corners in Shaw and Columbia Heights
  • Visit Eastern Market or Union Market
  • Stay in a historic hotel like the Watergate or Hay-Adams
  • Book food/history walking tours
Tai’s Final Thoughts

Tai may not have snagged a seat at the iconic counter, but sitting in his Watergate suite, digging into a chili-slathered half-smoke while trying not to wreck the carpet, was still a next-level experience.

The flavors held up, the banana pudding was everything it promised to be, and honestly? The absurdity of it all made it even better. It’s not every day you eat D.C.’s most famous hot dog in one of its most infamous hotels.

Washington, D.C. might be known for politics and monuments, but let’s not sleep on its growing food scene. Ben’s Chili Bowl is more than just a great meal—it’s a story, a vibe, and a piece of living history. And whether you eat it curbside or bedside, it still hits.

That said, Tai’s already got his plan for the return trip: next time, he’s pulling up a seat at the counter, swapping stories with Virginia, and leaving the hotel trash can out of it.

And don’t worry—he’s just getting started. Next stop? Tai’s checking out of the Watergate and checking into more iconic D.C. food spots. Stay tuned.

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