Welcome to On Location, a weekly feature spotlighting landmarks and establishments seen on screen that viewers can visit IRL. Whether you’re seeking a fun selfie, breathtaking vistas or maybe a show-accurate treat, follow along for some bucket list destinations.
In our inaugural feature, we take a look at the most frequented eating establishment in Prime Video’s Cross Season 1, Ben’s Chili Bowl. A Washington, D.C. icon since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl offers legendary chili, half-smokes and burgers. In six of the season’s eight episodes, at least one scene took place in Ben’s. After Cross’s (Aldis Hodge) house and the police precinct, Ben’s Chili Bowl was the most used set in the season.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Whether by design or coincidence, on Cross, Ben’s is never frequented by the baddies. Dogged reporters seeking a good story, yes, but no stalkers or serial killers (yet). Cross and Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa) meet there very regularly and even bring in allies and accomplices when meeting elsewhere might not be as secure. They may not always be in a good mood, but they’re always there to eat. Furthermore, they are held to a standard by Ben’s (television) staff, who call them in spicy language, reminding them Ben’s is a family establishment.
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Located at 1213 U St NW, Washington, D.C., the original Ben’s Chili Bowl location opened in 1958 after newlyweds Ben and Virginia Ali renovated the 1910 building, which had originally been a movie theater and, later, a pool hall. Tradition is strong with Ben’s. The restaurant’s counter, booths and stools are original to that first opening day, and they’ve used the same recipes for their signature dishes for nearly 70 years. As stated on their website, it’s “A must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the taste of history!”
Cross isn’t the first time Ben’s Chili Bowl has been frequented by television celebrities. In 2019, the Sesame Street Road Trip rolled through Washington, D.C. While there, Oscar the Grouch treated himself to a Ben’s jumbo beef dog and chili cheese fries. Grover worked the counter because, of course, he did.
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If you’re looking to order like Dr. Alex Cross, you’ll be asking for a spicy chili half-smoke, fries and a drink. (Half-smokes are hot dogs made with a mix of pork and beef.) Sampson fuels up with the jumbo beef dog with all the toppings, with fries and a drink. Personally, I’d like to try Virginia’s banana pudding. What are you craving?
Cross streams on Prime Video.
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