Ben's Chili Bowl and the U Street half-smoke tradition

Ben's Chili Bowl was founded in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali on U Street. The restaurant kept its doors open during the 1968 Washington, D.C. riots and served residents, protesters, and first responders during that period. It helped popularize the city's half-smoke sausage served with chili and has hosted numerous celebrities and political figures, including a visit by President Barack Obama in 2009.