Ben's Chili Bowl

50 Years of a Washington, D.C. Landmark

Thanks to the generosity of former Teaching for Change Board member Nizam Ali, a portion of the proceeds from the book will be donated to further the work of Teaching for Change.


From the days when U Street was hailed as “Black Broadway” to today, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a key gathering place for the local community. On August 22, 1958, Mahaboob Ben Ali and Virginia Rollins, opened a hot dog and chili shop on U Street. They never imagined that Ben’s would become world-renowned or such a beloved restaurant in the nation’s capital.

The images in this book provide a look back over the 50-year history of Ben’s Chili Bowl, U Street, the Ali family, and the patrons who have helped define Ben’s as a key D.C. landmark.

Paperback.