I walk by this restaurant all the time. The smell of grilled bacon and the advertising finally pulled me in. I ordered their "world famous" Smokey Chili con carne and added cheese and onions... For the price and speed it's deserving of 4 stars. Yes it's expensive. Yes it's served in a paper cup and spilling over the edge. It's served with saltine crackers. But it's good chili. It has a smokey taste. It taste like real food. While eating I saw them grilling real eggs and bacon. So I trust the food is real. The service could be friendlier but it's the airport and it was 6am. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - It's good! - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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It's very rare that I'm traveling late on a Friday night, but today was one of those rare occasions. I hadn't had dinner yet and, unfortunately, the Delta lounge was closed, so we decided to hit up a classic D.C. staple before boarding our flight. Food Unfortunately, the grill was already off, so burgers weren't an option and only hot dogs and fries were available. I skipped the bread, but the hot dog topped with chili and cheese was still delicious on its own. Messy in the best way The fries were fresh out of the fryer and piping hot, which honestly made up for the limited menu. Service The staff working were really kind and apologetic about the grill being off. They even gave us extra fries to make up for it, which was a thoughtful gesture and definitely appreciated after a long day of travel. Ambiance & Value The restaurant itself was clean and pretty empty, which makes sense given the late hour and slower airport traffic. Prices were higher than the typical Ben's Chili Bowl locations, but that's expected when you're dining inside an airport. Overall Not the full Ben's Chili Bowl experience since the grill was off, but still a solid late-night airport option with hot food, friendly service, and a little taste of D.C. before takeoff. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Chili dog - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I wanted to love this DC institution's airport outpost, and while the chili is good, it's not so good as to justify the hype. Prices are pretty fair (especially for an airport) but the chili tastes good - not great. Service is quite quick, even for an airport, and the decor reflects the DC location. read more

This place is an acquired taste when it comes to the chili. I grew up in D.C. area and would go the I street restaurant when I was a kid. The U street one has better prices. This is not the best chili but it holds a special place in my heart. I usually get the half smoke. The chili is spicy and so is the sausage. Service was fast and efficient. If you never had it, I would definitely give it a try as Ben's is a legendary place in D.C. and many famous have come in over the years to enjoy the chili. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Half smoke - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We visited here while waiting for our flight in the afternoon. The service was quick and friendly. There are a lot of booths and table available. - Half smoke chili dog: the hot dog was smaller than the downtown location but it still tasted delicious. The bun was soft and fluffy. The chili was plenty and delicious. - onion ring: crispy and well seasoned read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Half smoke chili dog & onion rings - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I've had mixed experiences coming here over the years. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. It's generally half the quality of the original on U Street, but at airport prices. Given the general quality and selection available at most airports, it's actually pretty cool to have a Ben's in the main terminal. The dining area is quite pleasant to sit in for a while (vintage diner feel) and you can of course take-away as well... though I imagine you'd not be making many friends unwrapping a half-smoke on the aeroplane! read more

Meh. I got a chili bowl with veggie chili and had the toppings of diced tomato diced onion and shredded cheese. But not sour cream. It was mostly rice and tomatoes onions and some shredded cheese. Not really all that much chili at all, especially for 14.95. Service was very fast, only waited maybe 2 minutes for it to be made. It's got a weird graffiti panda sitting out front and lots of pictures and such on the walls. read more

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I ordered the classic half smoke dog with fries, and fountain soda. The guy at the cash was very aggressive, like the soup nazi. He yells out your order to his coworkers at the top of his lungs. It's a bit much. Once I got my order it was missing the chili on the dog. I told Mr Aggressive and he said that it was me that told him "no chili". Oh brother. Then he says "you think it's me?" Like, how could I ever suggest he made a mistake. Yeah, well it was his fault, but I wasn't about to argue with him. He then says he will put some chili on the dog. Hallelujah, but what a scene. As far as the food goes, it wasn't that good. The dog was spicy, even though I ordered the regular dog, and the chili was spicy hot too. Not something I cared for, as for each bite, all I tasted was hotness instead of the meat. My mouth was on fire. The fries were okay, just plain and dry. The soda from the fountain was the best (normal) part. read more

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When in DC Bens is a must. Delicious comfort food that is nostalgic about hometown favorites. Now there is one in the Washington National airport. Walk up order easily. With that old familiar look of the original. Every time I get to DC it's a must. The staff always friendly and on top of their game. This place is so chill. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Chili dog and bowl of chili with onion and cheese - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The half smoke chili dog is a DC creation that's fiery and flavorful. The smoked sausage is incredible on its own. With an interior resembling a diner, Ben's is the perfect place to grab savory food and relax. Speedy service and somewhat filling meal. The bear in front is an adorable touch, adorned with DC landmarks and justice-seeking statements. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Spicy chili half smoke - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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For being in an airport, this location is pretty solid. The experience I had here obviously isn't going to be the same as the OG in the district but for what it is, ain't bad!! There's plenty of seating inside, the staff kept the line moving and the food is delicious. Overall I enjoyed my lunch here and it's better than not trying it all if you didn't make it a spot outside of the terminals. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Quick service, breakfast and lunch served. I got a cup of chili and side of fries. Both were good. The food came out pretty quick. They have a dinning area so you can dip in away from the crowd and enjoy lunch without an audience. Casual, order at the counter kinda place. read more

Flying back to NC with some delays meant we needed to find some food. Having passed though Ronald Reagan airport several times recently, I've been seeing Ben's Chili Bowl, and the lines, so decided to give them a try. The cashier was behind plexiglass, I suppose left over from Covid, but that along with his broken English made communicating and understanding his questions very difficult Unsure what to get, my wife and I split a Ben's Famous Chili Burger and an order of chicken strips & fries. The food took a bit to come out, when I went to pick it up, the woman putting the orders on the counter offered us fries to go with the burger too, which we appreciated considering the pricey airport meals. The burger was ok, I wasn't. A big fan of the chili, I'd skip that next time despite it being the name sake of the restaurant. Also, though the picture of the burger shows cheese, it's not included, and you have to pay extra...laaaame! The chicken tenders were fine, you get a decent amount with the order, but otherwise they're pretty standard. Overall it was an ok visit. Food was ok, portions were decent and we appreciated the extra order of fries free, but the quality is nothing over the top read more

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Better experience this visit. Airport dining feel to the place and prices as expected. Still love the bear statue that greets you on the way in. I went with Original Chili Half-Smoke Hot Dog with mustard, onions, and spicy mustard. I also did the Burger Sub with two patties and recommend mayo, lettuce and onion (no chili). Food took a minute to prepare but it was fresh, inside was only slightly dirty for the lunch rush, and the food was good. read more

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This is my second visit in a few years. It's got great seating overlooking the airside of Terminal 2 C gates. I was happy to see a chicken sandwich on the menu. They are quite true to the fresh ingredients and the order doesn't just come out of the freezer to the microwave. Everyone seems chirpy and that maybe because I was there just at the border of breakfast and lunch. There are vegetarian options for both the chilli and the sandwiches. Have some time on your hand as this is not entirely quick serve. I had time to kill bring an early airport arriver. There's no meal/combo that also means the price reflects that. read more

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Great chili - and this spot tends to rise above other airports grub spots - the space is comfortable, they have a lot of tables... great stop on the way to your gate. The menu is pretty comprehensive in chili varieties, all laid up on a good amount of rice or served in other ways. They also have dogs and burgers, fries... it's just good comfort food and the chili is a nice spicy alternative - a nice treat that is pretty popular in these parts. The service was fast, efficient, friendly. read more

I got the classic chili dog and wow! I love chilli this hot dog was great. Quick and fast service... hotdog was only $9 read more

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Come to this airport often, nearly weekly and have walked by Ben's so many times, but on this visit I finally stopped in for a breakfast sandwich. Service was adequate, nothing special. Their breakfast menu is filled with the typical goodies; pancakes, eggs, meats, sandwiches, etc. I opted for their half smoke breakfast sandwich. It was made quickly and served piping hot. The half smoke was actually the best one I've ever had from a Ben's Chili Bowl, as it didn't appear to have any "funny" meat or gristle in it, like I normally experience. The sandwich was excellent and tasty! Definitely would return. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Half Smoke Breakfast Sandwich - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This is a great food option while you're at DCA! I came at the beginning of the lunch rush. I didn't wait long for my food and the restaurant was relatively clean. I ordered a spicy half smoke with onions & mustard and onion rings & a drink - the cashier told me in was cheaper to get the combo than just the hot dog and side. They originally got my side order incorrect but they were quick to fix their error - but it led to my onion rings being a little burned. I would definitely stop by next time I'm at DCA! read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Spicy Half Smoke Combo with onion rings and a drink - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Couldn't leave DC without having A half smoke from Ben's. The regular half smoke with chili and onion was delicious. The sausage had a crisp spin and a nice kick. The fries were fresh and hot. Service was quick and the seating was clean and comfy. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Half smoke - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Any time I have a layover at DCA, Ben's Chili Bowl is a must. This is a DC classic. Is it elegant fine-dining? No. Is it a good, old fashioned, roll-up-your-sleeves comfort food before or after your flight to fill you up to get you where you're going? Yes indeed. If you haven't yet experienced Ben's Chili Bowl, give it a try the next time your travels take your through DCA. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Chili cheese fries - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Just like the original. Great food and fast service. There are huge windows so you can see the airplanes take off and land or can people watch as people travel to their gates. It's a great location because you can access it between terminal 1 or 2. Great to have a piece of DC history at the airport. Also a really affordable option (relatively speaking) for airport cuisine. $8.50 for the classic chili dog. read more

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Husband and I stopped in for a quick bite before our flight. The panda at the front of the restaurant is super cute and has been a photo op at previous visits/delays at this airport with the kids, but we've never stopped to eat here. The vibe here felt like a diner - you could hear the food being cooked in the background and someone was yelling out order numbers randomly. When we got in line, husband already knew he wanted a chili dog. I settled on a burger and asked for no cheese. Mine came with cheese and I confirmed that the receipt did not reflect my request. Husband asked what kind of hotdog it was and was told it was pork when the menu shows that their hot dogs are beef. I saw a small roach run across the counter to the right of the cashier. Gross. No one else seemed to notice and husband assured me that sometimes that happens. I have definitely never had this experience and I'm okay to not ever have that experience again. Our order was called and we settled into a booth overlooking the planes. The food was quite underwhelming. The fries were okay and my burger didn't have much flavor to it. The cheese was not melted onto the patty so I could definitely taste that. Husband said his chili dog was burned and when he was asked if he wanted mustard on it, he said he didn't see any. I thought the mustard was mixed into the chili. He opted to grab some mustard packets and add them to the chili dog, but it did little to mask the burned chili dog flavor. Overall, I'd recommend the panda for a photo op, but not for the food. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Wanted to try Ben's Chili before leaving DC, and was lucky to see there's an outpost conveniently in the airport! It's a fast food joint with a chili-forward menu. I got the half smoke (chili hot dog with half pork and half beef), with all the fixings (mustard, onion, chili). I wouldn't normally consider myself a diehard hot dog person but man this was so so good! A tad spicy but very full of flavor. I was initially a little skeptical because I ordered it to go and they just wrapped it in aluminum foil but surprisingly it didn't drip too much. Knocking off a star because they didn't include any napkins in the to-go bag which would made the eating experience less messy. Fast service and good prices (sub $10 airport meal). read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Half smoke - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Stopped in during a layover got two original halfsmokes and drinks. It was the worst presentation I have seen in a long time. They were not busy, so I figured that they could take their time and make it look appropriate. It turned out a hot mess, hot being the key word. It was slathered with tasteless nuclear chili, it was close to inedible. I'm sure I'll regret it later. When I asked why they put the extra spicy chili on the dogs, it was like a deer in the headlights. Only two people understood and spoke english, and I still couldn't get an answer. I have eaten at the other locations before, and they are nowhere near this bad. The fountain machine has not been cleaned in sometime either. Save you money. read more

This place is amazing. Had to stop at the airport on my way home. The food taste amazing and the service was very quick. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Turkey Burger with chili and cheese fries. - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

In every major city across America there exists an iconic, step inside and partake in the flavors you'll only find in this neck of a cement jungle that truly isn't the same as in other far away arrangements of glass and steel buildings that serve as a legacy to people, long since gone, who pulled the e-brake on their wagon train or parked their wooden ship and declared 'here is where it's all going to happen'! And you'll know of this eatery before you arrive having scoured the internet for must-do's and can't-miss's. You'll arrive excited with the other fanny-pack and brand new ball-cap wearing temporary transplants jockeying to partake in what THIS town has to offer. We all wear our bluest of collar's during these moments, being fully aware that the fare was first diced and assembled generations ago for a hungry crowd that maybe just worked a shift at the docks or did something meaningful and destined to endure. And, by their virtue, the food also endured. Over the generations, possibly millions have partaken and, by doing so, voted for this establishment to feed the future. Now, flash forward to you, the tourist of taste and smell, having arrived in your time machine fueled by a handful of greenbacks, ready to be the next link in this local phenom of food. And, if you're in Washington, DC, you might have chosen Ben's Chili Bowl as your destination. The original Ben's Chili Bowl, an Iconic eatery in the District, opened in 1958 on U Street and was located exactly 1-mile from my first apartment in DC. Since then, having moved across town, I am now even closer to another franchise while remaining on the correct side of the Potomac. Yet, I had never walked those few steps to either. I was aware, but failed to show up. So... after years of being a Washingtonian, where did I choose to experience this exemplar eatery of the DMV? The airport. And it was a disappointment. In a past life, I spent hundreds of days in Texas and other nearby sunbelt states who boast a religious experience concerning an amalgamation of ground beef, vegetables, legumes, and spices that comprise chili. In Texas, you'll descend into the fires of hell as comas are added to their Scoville Scores or ascend to heaven, balanced on the scales of flavor. But you won't find either at the DCA Ben's. The chili is fair at best and the spiciest item on the menu is the bubbles in the soda. This experience is likely my own fault, as I should have went to H or U street and not the cavernous halls of the weary traveler who lowers their expectations with every step they trudge through the soulless experience that is modern air travel. You're supposed to eat Ben's on U Street after a drink at the Alchemist, not in the airport after getting the side-eye from a TSA agent watching you hobble off your shoes before acquiescing to an exposure of radiation. I've clearly made a mistake, and will keep my mind open enough to give the flagship Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street a try with the same enthusiasm I gave to Pink's Hot Dogs in LA or a Clam Chowder filled loaf of bread at Boudin's in SF. But, if you're at DCA, and need to grab a bite knowing your flight is long and 16 tiny pretzels won't do the job... you can do better than Ben's at the airport, I assure you. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

So disappointed & disgusting. No flavor what so ever. Money wasted. Definitely not like the original location. Save your money & time. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Turkey chili - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Easily the worst chili I've ever tried. No depth of flavor, no seasoning--just tomato paste with a heavy dose of salt.

Paid $22 for a single Big Ben Burger and a fruit cup. When served the bun still had the defrosting icing. Asked then to reheat the bun and they only reheated the top one. The patty was supposed to be Angus beef. Tasted like anything but. I'm headed to Hong Kong. For $22 I can get the meal of my life from any Chinese take away. Hell's gone wrong with our country ? read more

My order got mixed up but they fixed it right away. Great service, good people. I highly recommend!!!

Going through Regan and I thought this was going to be a great option for vegetarian food. The menu looks like it has a plethora of options but what I can say is the ordering is a bit confusing because they call the orders based on your pager number not your receipt order number, the area to pick up food is congested and I can personally say the vegetarian chili is super bland. Filling food, but very bland. read more

I had a chili half smoke and a Ben's famous chili burger - both were excellent place to grab a burger in the airport.

Airport version of DC institution. Come for the chili or the half-smoke. Chili will not blow your mind but it's not bad either. Fries are good too. They offer a range of burgers and chicken sandwiches as well. Food is ready to go quickly. The restaurant seems clean and well-run. read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I had a Blt sandwich no tomatoes best sandwich ever, service was nice, atmosphere was loud but expected.

Have been here several times. Sure the original U St location is the best. The half smokes here are stellar. Load these up with chili and cheese. Forget the cholesterol scores if you can. The fries are tasty as well. Yes you will pay airport pricing, but saving yourself a drive to nearby DC can save gas money. A friendly staff is here. You'll feel at home, as much as an airport location can make you feel. My son enjoys this, and each flight to and from Reagan we stop in for their food. It's a clean restaurant. Also the tables and views are pretty good. The original has the charm, but this works when the munchies kick in. read more

Stuck at the airport for a bit so gave this airport restaurant a try. Sure it's 830 am but a hot bowl of chili is always good when it's cold outside. Airport prices aside it was a nice little cup of chili. A little spice but not overpowering. I could take it much hotter would be nice if they had some hot sauce packets. Came with plenty of saltines to crumble over . I got mine with cheese and onions. Very tasty and seeing as I skipped breakfast to make an early flight it was just what I needed. If you like chili and you're stuck at Reagan airport it's a good bet for you ! read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Inside - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

They are a poor man's Tommy's with high prices but in an airport that's what to expect the cheese they use is the horrible liquid kind burger is ok nothing to write home about the chili is ok at best maybe if I was stoned and starving the food would have been good read more

Ben’s Chili Bowl - Restaurant - Burgers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The worst possible food or most over priced food in the Reagan Airport! I customized my order and god forbid they pay attention to my order and give me what I ask for when I'm paying $90 for 3 burgers, a hotdog, and chill fries. The food was gross and disgusting. It was obvious the employees didn't care when I asked them to fix my order! So disappointing when my family and I just wanted a good lunch. read more

I had breakfast here while waiting for a flight and I wish I had picked somewhere else. First, the staff, while polite, were playing loud music at 5 AM. It was also two sources of music at the same time (from the kitchen and also overhead and completely different music). I'm glad they're having a good time, but honestly I'm just not ready for that so early, maybe some people are. I ordered a bacon, egg, and cheddar sandwich on white and it was mediocre at best. I also had their fried potatoes, which were more boiled than fried. Note this place does not have table service. I have not tried it for lunch or dinner, but I don't recommend eating breakfast here. read more