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Throughout the decades, Ben's has become a historical icon on U Street in Washington, DC, and 50 years later, remains more than a destination for chili half smokes and cheese fries.
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Ben's opened on Aug. 22, 1958 at the height of "Black Broadway" on U Street. The restaurant remains in the same building today.
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Nizam Ali, in window, and his brother Kamal are committed to keeping Ben's true to its roots.
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D.C. residents clamored to celebrate Ben's 45th anniversary, and it was standing room only for those who wanted to order food at the grill.
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Comedian Bill Cosby, left, joins Ben Ali, right, and Ali's wife, Virginia, during Ben's 45th anniversary. Cosby has been a long-time supporter of the restaurant.
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Film crews make a set outside of Ben's to film for "State of Play," a movie staring Russell Crowe, which hasn't been released.
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Crowe, left, and consultant R.B. Brenner, a Washington Post editor, on the movie set at Ben's.
Photos and text from The Washington Post.
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