10 things we like about Washington, D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben's Chili Bowl isn't just a friendly place with lots of mouth-watering foodstuffs to shove in your gullet, it's a D.C. institution. Just ask Bill Cosby, who is said to be a huge fan. (In fact, if you are Bill Cosby, then you're in luck. You can eat for free!) The Bowl has been serving its signature spicy hot chili, burgers, scrapple and more for 50 years in the ever-changing U Street corridor neighborhood. If you want a little more than straight-up chili, check out the chili half-smoke, a grilled half-smoke sausage served on a bun and smothered in yellow mustard and onions and covered in chili. It's knife-and-fork worthy, and with a side of cheese fries and a chocolate shake, it's entirely possible you will die of food happiness.