Ben’s Chili Bowl is a proud landmark of DC’s history since the 1950s, surviving through the DC riots of the late 60s and the devastating economic crisis during the 70s and 80s.

Despite all this, they have been serving what is considered as the best chili in not only DC, but in the country, bringing even the Sarkozys of France for a visit.

The thick, spicy chili that tastes even better over half smokes or a pile of cheese fries even brought DC rapper Wale and Lady Gaga to shoot their music video for “Chillin” at Ben’s.