Ben’s Next Door By Jessica Butler, Published: 8/26/2013 The infamous Ben’s Chili Bowl has been serving the community warm, welcoming bowls of authentic chili for 55 years. It’s the secret sauce brewed fresh daily that keeps visitors coming back; but have you ever wanted more? The family atmosphere of Ben’s Chili Bowl prevents it from being a weekend mingle spot for local Howard University students. For years the Ali family has been the go to place for the lunch break rush, the after school commuters and tourist that have high expectations. Brothers Nizam and Kamal Ali understand that businesses must always reform and develop to succeed throughout multiple generations. The hardest part is keeping old patrons happy while innovating a new look with fresh ideas. So these business men got the idea to expand the Ben’s brand, while staying true to their original outlook. Instead of giving BCB a new look, in October of 2008 the brothers decided to open Ben’s Next Door. This eatery caters to the night scene atmosphere with an upscale bar, live local and national independent artists, as well as fun karaoke! All events such as concerts and open mic are free of charge to the public. Attempting not the live in the shadows of BCB, Ben’s Next Door has a modernized their look but has maintained their mission: “to reconnect the artist to the people”. Performers at Ben’s Next Door are up and coming artists that have yet to be signed but are highly talented. Ben’s Next Door is located at 1211 U street NW DC in the heart of Shaw’s art district. The theme of the interior coexists with the unique persona of the historic area. Along the walls are political cartoons, infamous political events and scandals, as well as art to bring character to restaurant. There is always an exciting event taking place at Ben’s Next Door. The first three Mondays of every month, there are thousands of songs to choose from in the karaoke competition. This soul food haven offers southern comfort foods that may seem exotic to the DC metropolitan area. Dishes such as shrimp with grits and brined fried chicken are distinctive and can’t be compared to anywhere else in the DMV area. Classics such as chicken and waffles even have made the cut. At Ben’s Next Door everyday there is reason to celebrate! Seven days a week between 4pm and 7pm customers enjoy one of a kind happy hour specials. The prices for both beverages and meals are as low at $5! For Saturday Brunch visitors can get started early by enjoying endless mimosa’s for only $15. Though more upscale than BCB, Ben’s Next Door has reasonable prices and a fun atmosphere that permits visitors to relax and forget about tomorrow’s issues.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 11:16:46 +0000
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