Ben's Next Door
Ben's Next Door is an American and Southern restaurant and bar at 1211 U St NW, beside Ben's Chili Bowl. Google describes it as a stylish, family-owned bar and eatery with Southern comfort food classics and weekend brunch.
It holds a 4.1-star Google rating across about 1,400 reviews, and recent reviews are mixed. Happy hour and chicken and waffles are the most-mentioned topics, followed by catfish, shrimp and grits, outdoor seating, crab deviled eggs and salmon cakes. Reviewers like the drinks and the lively atmosphere, but several describe very loud music, long waits, inattentive servers, single checks for groups, no free refills on sweet tea, and an automatic 20% service charge.
It opens at noon on weekdays and 11 AM on weekends, closing at 10 PM Sunday and Monday, 11 PM Tuesday through Thursday and 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Google lists a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restroom and seating.
1211 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
- Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Monday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 12 PM–11 PM
- Wednesday: 12 PM–11 PM
- Thursday: 12 PM–11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM–1 AM
- Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
Good to know
What are Ben's Next Door's hours?
Monday 12 PM–10 PM, Tuesday–Thursday 12 PM–11 PM, Friday 12 PM–1 AM, Saturday 11 AM–1 AM, Sunday 11 AM–10 PM (per Google, October 2026).
Does Ben's Next Door add a service charge?
Recent reviewers report a 20% service charge added to the bill, and one notes groups receive a single check.
What is popular at Ben's Next Door?
Reviewers most often mention happy hour, chicken and waffles, catfish and shrimp and grits.
Is Ben's Next Door the same as Ben's Chili Bowl?
It is a separate restaurant and bar next door at 1211 U St NW, with a sit-down Southern menu; Ben's Chili Bowl is at 1213 U St NW.
Nearby in Kalorama
- Ben's Chili Bowl · Fast Casual · 0.0 mi
- Saloon · Bar · 0.01 mi
- Flower Reserve DC · Specialty · 0.02 mi
- Tipsy · Bar · 0.03 mi
- Chi Cha Lounge · Bar · 0.03 mi
- Amsterdam Lounge · Bar · 0.03 mi
Elsewhere in the neighborhood network
- Sakura Seafood Buffet · College Park
- Silver · Tenleytown
- Honeymoon Chicken · Brightwood
- Planet Fitness · Anacostia
Description written from public review evidence; verify details directly with the business.