For the past 50 years, Ben's Chili Bowl in Northwest has truly become D.C.'s melting pot. 

The quaint diner has withstood the test of time even surviving tumultuous events such as the city's riots of 1968. The pictures on the wall say it all. Politicians, musicians, and movie stars have enjoyed the famous chili dogs and fries among everyday people. Each day and night for the past five decades, the common scene has been crowded counters, sizzling grills, a booming juke box, and a of course redskins country.

Growing up in his native Trinidad and Tobago, Mahaboob Ben Ali dreamed of becoming a dentist but while on the plane to the states, he was asked by customs for his name and middle initial, and that's when he felt a premonition.

Only a few know the special secret recipe for the chili, but Chef Peaches is not spilling the goods, only to say "love, a lot of it...that's the only ingredient I can give you."

There will be a street festival in front of the U Street restaurant Friday night and a musical tribute on Sunday at the 9:30 club.

The eatery - known for hot dogs, hamburgers and half-smokes, all covered in spicy chili - was started on Aug. 22, 1958, today, the place is run by two of their sons.

Email To A Friend