This is a disaster for anybody travelling and walking just to get here. ? No one is allowed to get in unless you are in one of the conferences. Save your steps and get a better meal somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Barbara F
We got horrendous food poisoning here from the chili dogs. For $16.50, we got broken old buns, soggy cold fries, and okay chili dogs. We waited in one of three lines with no idea which one went to the "right" line (for the second year in a row of Awesomecon). They only had a couple types of soda and were out of condiments and cup lids. I'm talking zero ketchup to be found at 1pm. Our guts were so twisted and sick that we couldn't eat for three days. Not only would we never ever eat here again, but we have advised everyone not to eat here, either. This convention center seriously needs more food outlets because Ben's cannot be expected to serve hundreds of people without being a major food safety issue. The staff were clearly burned entirely out... after only three hours. Also, there was trash everywhere. Standing in line? Standing by a full trash can. Sitting near the booths? Two full trash cans. Elongated seating? Sticky chairs and, you guessed it, four full trash cans. The whole area reeked. Did I mention the food poisoning from the old food that we paid $16.50 a dog for?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Michael Milano
Obama may have been a good president, but he has no taste. Burgers and hot dogs are absolutely uninteresting; the price is not justified.
Yoshikazu Tsuji
I was told this location would only be open during events.
Luke Wimer
Extremely slow service. Food prepared ahead sits out on counter and dries up. Watch in disbelief as the staff of seven serves one family every five minutes. Hot dog with ‘the works’ didn’t actually have the works. Sad result for what is great in other locations.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Chris CJE
The best $16 rubber chili dog I’ve ever attempted to eat. No, to be honest it was truly horrible:(. Note ,I hope mgt sees this. This was at the Convention Center location.
Jennifer Wondracek
Loved the atmosphere, and the chili dog was worth a visit. The best thing of all was that the original Ben's wife, Virginia, stopped by to say hello and make sure we were enjoying our meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lillian Quinones
Burger was uncooked and room temperature. Fries had been there for a long time. For almost $17 a plate would expect a little more at least it to be fresh. Never again would I eat here.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
O Mendoza
WARNING: This location is inside the convention center. If you don’t have credentials to attend whatever event is going on at the convention center, you will not be allowed to go to this Ben’s Chili Bowl. I wish I had read more reviews about this specific location before I wasted my time.
Amanda Rogers
Very rude employees. Interrupted my order to yell to the kitchen that they had another burger order, then got mad when they had to yell back to the kitchen because I wanted the burger plain. I ordered a plain burger with cheese and bacon, and I received a regular burger with bacon. When I told them that I wanted it plain, they told me that it was a plain burger but there were lettuce and onions on it! Then the second time they made it, the burger was plain but they forgot the bacon. At this point I didn’t care about the bacon, but it was an extra $1.50. When I pointed out there’s no bacon and if I could get a refund for that 1.50, I was told I didn’t order bacon… even though I had my receipt with the additional charge.Do not go here it’s just overly priced food that is average at best. It is also only accessible if you are in the convention center.
It’s been years since we last visited this iconic place. First opened in 1958, it has been a staple since then. We ordered two large bowls of the con carne chili. Same surprise and oh so delicious. The only problem is parking nearby.
Tardykat
Got 2 half smokes with one turkey and the other beef chili, a side of turkey chili cheese fries and a sweet tea to round out the meal. A bit salty for my taste but the (very) sweet tea balanced it out.
Departure04523943286
This place is on every list if you’re traveling to Washington, and it is worth it. Order the 1/2 smoke all the way and you’ll experience a culinary masterpiece.
travelingdixie8176
Other reviews mention the nice atmosphere- my idea of a nice atmosphere does not include music blaring with multiple expletives. I’m shocked this flies for a restaurant with such a “legacy of love”.
phillipdownham
Great Chilli Bowl, dropping in here on a rainy evening. Loved it. Great servers and atmosphere. Tasty food. What's not to like.
This is a disaster for anybody travelling and walking just to get here. ? No one is allowed to get in unless you are in one of the conferences. Save your steps and get a better meal somewhere else.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We got horrendous food poisoning here from the chili dogs. For $16.50, we got broken old buns, soggy cold fries, and okay chili dogs. We waited in one of three lines with no idea which one went to the "right" line (for the second year in a row of Awesomecon). They only had a couple types of soda and were out of condiments and cup lids. I'm talking zero ketchup to be found at 1pm. Our guts were so twisted and sick that we couldn't eat for three days. Not only would we never ever eat here again, but we have advised everyone not to eat here, either. This convention center seriously needs more food outlets because Ben's cannot be expected to serve hundreds of people without being a major food safety issue. The staff were clearly burned entirely out... after only three hours. Also, there was trash everywhere. Standing in line? Standing by a full trash can. Sitting near the booths? Two full trash cans. Elongated seating? Sticky chairs and, you guessed it, four full trash cans. The whole area reeked. Did I mention the food poisoning from the old food that we paid $16.50 a dog for?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Obama may have been a good president, but he has no taste. Burgers and hot dogs are absolutely uninteresting; the price is not justified.
I was told this location would only be open during events.
Extremely slow service. Food prepared ahead sits out on counter and dries up. Watch in disbelief as the staff of seven serves one family every five minutes. Hot dog with ‘the works’ didn’t actually have the works. Sad result for what is great in other locations.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
The best $16 rubber chili dog I’ve ever attempted to eat. No, to be honest it was truly horrible:(. Note ,I hope mgt sees this. This was at the Convention Center location.
Loved the atmosphere, and the chili dog was worth a visit. The best thing of all was that the original Ben's wife, Virginia, stopped by to say hello and make sure we were enjoying our meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Burger was uncooked and room temperature. Fries had been there for a long time. For almost $17 a plate would expect a little more at least it to be fresh. Never again would I eat here.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
WARNING: This location is inside the convention center. If you don’t have credentials to attend whatever event is going on at the convention center, you will not be allowed to go to this Ben’s Chili Bowl. I wish I had read more reviews about this specific location before I wasted my time.
Very rude employees. Interrupted my order to yell to the kitchen that they had another burger order, then got mad when they had to yell back to the kitchen because I wanted the burger plain. I ordered a plain burger with cheese and bacon, and I received a regular burger with bacon. When I told them that I wanted it plain, they told me that it was a plain burger but there were lettuce and onions on it! Then the second time they made it, the burger was plain but they forgot the bacon. At this point I didn’t care about the bacon, but it was an extra $1.50. When I pointed out there’s no bacon and if I could get a refund for that 1.50, I was told I didn’t order bacon… even though I had my receipt with the additional charge.Do not go here it’s just overly priced food that is average at best. It is also only accessible if you are in the convention center.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
It’s been years since we last visited this iconic place. First opened in 1958, it has been a staple since then. We ordered two large bowls of the con carne chili. Same surprise and oh so delicious. The only problem is parking nearby.
Got 2 half smokes with one turkey and the other beef chili, a side of turkey chili cheese fries and a sweet tea to round out the meal. A bit salty for my taste but the (very) sweet tea balanced it out.
This place is on every list if you’re traveling to Washington, and it is worth it. Order the 1/2 smoke all the way and you’ll experience a culinary masterpiece.
Other reviews mention the nice atmosphere- my idea of a nice atmosphere does not include music blaring with multiple expletives. I’m shocked this flies for a restaurant with such a “legacy of love”.
Great Chilli Bowl, dropping in here on a rainy evening. Loved it. Great servers and atmosphere. Tasty food. What's not to like.