Ben's Chili Bowl - 1213 U Street NW
Featured in the popular television show
Man v. Food, this infamous cash-only dive restaurant on U Street is well-known (and appreciated) for their cheap eats and no-nonsense staff. Ben's Chili Bowl is as casual as they come, serving arguably the most delicious chili in the entire DMV.
Be warned: just because you're used to getting comped meals at other eateries in the District doesn't mean you'll get the same treatment here. At Ben's Chili Bowl, the free meals are exclusively reserved for the Obama family or Bill Cosby and they make sure everyone knows it (via a prominently placed sign near the cash register).
[Photos via, via]