Prince Of Petworth » Blog Archive » Sneak Peek: Next Door (The New Spot From The Folks at Ben’s Chili Bowl)

Sneak Peek: Next Door (The New Spot From The Folks at Ben’s Chili Bowl)

19 December 2008 2:00 PM | By Prince Of Petworth in Neighborhoods - U Street, Restaurants, Restaurants - U Street

Last weekend I stopped into the new spot from the owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl located right next door (and aptly named ‘Next Door’) at 1213 U St NW. I spoke briefly with one of the owners, Nizam. He described the new spot as a place that everyone’s been asking for, primarily, the ability to get a half smoke and a beer. But it is much more than that. The space is very warm and comfortable and a bit more upscale than the original shop next door. Nizam was sure to explain that “we love Ben’s exactly like it is”. He explained that the new spot is “a chance for the second generation to do something ourselves while paying tribute to Ben’s and keeping Ben’s exactly the way it is.” He also emphasized that Next Door will be a comfortable spot with the same atmosphere as the original Ben’s. “It’s not going to be a trendy place it is going to be about service, friendliness and fun”, said Nizam. It is possible that the spot may host some live music or become a destination spot to watch “the game”. While the menu is not finalized, in addition to the traditional Ben’s fare, you’ll likely be able to find wings, nachos, bigger burgers, salads and the possibility of “getting some veggies”. Nizam explains, “we don’t want to be ‘bougie’ high end, everything at Ben’s is tasty we it to be the same thing here”.

I have to say I’m super excited about this development that is supposed to open before the New Year. The prospect of some chili cheese fries with a beer is nearly bringing tears of joy to my eyes. A couple more photos after the jump.

19 December 2008 2:02 PM | Flipflopirate Said:

I am placing all my hopes for the new year in Ben’s Next Door. Anyone down for a 9-in-9 this season? (9 beer & 9 dogs in 9 innings)

19 December 2008 2:51 PM | vonstallin Said:

Oh cool….
I thought about hitting Ben’s when i left the Gym tuesday night, but didn’t want to put the cals i just burnt back on.

19 December 2008 3:16 PM | Dave Said:

How do the restrooms look? I hope they are sturdy!

19 December 2008 7:35 PM | Anonymous Said:

The same service as in the original? Fantastic!

20 December 2008 1:36 PM | Anonymous Said:

Ben’s is a staple in our town, anyone who lives inside the beltway… I find the staff friendly, the half smoke chili dogs… Bill Cosby’s favorite, whether in the classic diner or the new Ben’s with the long bar fabulous, and the jukebox playing the old favorites from Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Grandmaster Flash, Michael Jackson among other favorites certainly add spice to our community, regardless whether one is hip or not.

20 December 2008 8:23 PM | IMGoph Said:

bougie or not, this place just can’t possibly have the same atmosphere as ben’s.

and you know what? that’s good!

we have one ben’s, we don’t need another. i’m so happy for the alis, and i can’t wait to frequent their new place as well as the original. as long as the service is friendly, that’s all we need. (maybe they’ll take credit cards!) this will ensure that they’re able to have enough cash flow to keep the original place just the way it is…

22 December 2008 9:15 PM | Anonymous Said:

That place has thrived 50 years without requiring credit cards, who says they can’t thrive 50 more!

23 December 2008 9:06 AM | IMGoph Said:

good point anon, we thrived thousands of years without the internet. why don’t we just get rid of it, maybe we’ll thrive another few thousand more…