Ben's Chili Bowl and its viral presidential visit photos

Ben's Chili Bowl, a U Street landmark founded in 1958, has long been popular on social media and received renewed viral attention when President Barack Obama visited during his 2009 inauguration events, with photographs of the visit circulating widely online. The restaurant's historic status, celebrity patronage, and frequent social-media posts by visitors have made it an internet-famous Washington institution. Ben's continues to be widely photographed and shared by tourists and local patrons.