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Ben's Chili Bowl Receives Occupancy Certificate for 1213 U St NW

DC issued a permanent certificate of occupancy on April 30 for the U Street NW address long associated with the landmark restaurant.

By Frame The Flavor Pipeline Washington DC 1 min read 1 source confidence 95%

Ben's Chili Bowl received a permanent certificate of occupancy from the District on April 30, 2026, for 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009, permit number CO2601962.

The certificate lists the approved building code use as Deli-B and the zoning code use as fast food establishment. The application was filed as new construction.

The space is permitted for a maximum occupant load of 133, including 103 seated guests and 23 standing guests on the first floor, with 7 staff positions. The first-floor footprint covers 650 square feet of seating area and 175 square feet of standing area.

1213 U St NW is the original address of Ben's Chili Bowl, which has operated on U Street NW in Ward 1 since 1958.

Sources

How we made this:  This article was drafted by our editorial system from public records and reviewed by an editor. Sources are linked above. Read about how we work.

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