Historic Ben’s Chili Bowl has acquired the adjacent property at 1211 U Street, NW and, after a million-dollar rehab, will open Ben’s II with salads and beer. Original Ben’s menu items will be augmented by more “healthy choices,” according to an article by Joseph Young in the Washington Informer.
Never fear: the original Ben’s remains the same, and so does its classic menu. The U Street landmark will celebrate its 50th anniversary with publication of a book on August 18th, a gala at the Lincoln Theatre on August 21st (with master of ceremonies Bill Cosby), a street festival on U Street in front of Ben’s (10am to 3pm) and the grand opening of Ben’s II on August 22nd, and a concert at the 9:30 Club on August 24th. Hot dog!
Bon appétit, y’all!
Images: Top — Mike Licht. Bottom –Ben’s Chili Bowl logo.
June 1, 2008 at 12:51 pm
[...] The infamous Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street in DC has purchased the building next door and will be opening a bar. Here’s Mike Licht’s coverage. [...]
July 22, 2008 at 1:49 pm
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August 19, 2008 at 1:51 pm
[...] grand celebration is slated for this week, and a new Ben’s that serves a more varied menu (including salads, wine and beer) is scheduled to open adjacent to [...]
August 25, 2008 at 2:46 pm
[...] it’s 50th anniversary this week. The Ali family, owners of Ben’s, will be opening a second establishment next door, at 1211 U Street, NW, called (as of this writing) Ben’s Next Door, where [...]