
If you've never had a bowl of iconic Cincinnati-style chili, you don't know what you're missing. This city has been known as the chili capital of the world since the early 1900s when Macedonian immigrants Tom and John Kiradjieff founded the city's first of many chili restaurants. Today, there are dozens of great local dining establishments where you can order a bowl of Cincinnati chili any way you like it.
If you're new to Cincinnati chili, you'll find it's unlike any other chili you've had. It's often sweet and able to be customized just to your liking. When it comes to Cincinnati-style chili, you typically order it multiple ways: 1-way is chili only, 2-way adds spaghetti, 3-way adds cheese, 4-way adds onions or beans, or 5-way adds onions and beans.
If you're in the mood for a warm bowl of chili this fall, here are eight places where you can order it Cincinnati-style:
4920 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45238
One of the most popular restaurants in Cincinnati, Price Hill Chili is a family-owned and operated establishment on the west side. This comfortable, neighborhood-style restaurant serves some of the best 5-way chili in the city. Order it in a bowl (any number of ways), a Coney dog, or a chili cheese sandwich. Plus, add a side or a salad to go with it. The restaurant is also attached to Golden Fleece Lounge, a nice cocktail bar where you can have a drink and watch the game.
3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
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A '40s-style diner serving some of the best Cincinnati-style chili around, Camp Washington Chili is worth checking out for both the food and decor. The recipe behind this chili has been kept secret for over 60 years and is a large reason behind this restaurant's success and longevity. The restaurant has become a local landmark with both the interior and exterior resembling a 1940s-style diner. The 5-way chili has been featured on numerous food television series. Plus, the diner is open 24 hours a day except Sunday, so you can enjoy a bowl of chili almost any time you'd like.
580 Walnut St. S700, Cincinnati, OH 45202
If you're downtown and interested in grabbing a quick bowl of chili for lunch, swing by The Silver Ladle. This fast, casual restaurant allows you to create your own chili. Choose from a number of bases, including spaghetti, French fries, tortilla chips, or mixed greens. Then, pick your chili (beer, chicken, Cuban black bean). Finally, top it off with cheese, onions, jalapenos, sour cream, and more. They also serve other soups, sandwiches, and salads. Enjoy your lunch indoors or out on the patio when weather permits.
290 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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You can't list Cincinnati chili destinations without mentioning Skyline Chili. What began as a single chili restaurant on Price Hill overlooking downtown is now one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to order a bowl of authentic Cincinnati 5-way chili. The chili is very sweet, so you may want to spice it up with some jalapenos or hot sauce. The original restaurant is no longer open, but the city has many old-school locations, including this one on Ludlow Avenue.
2601 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45204
What better way to experience Cincinnati than by digging into a bowl of hearty chili while taking in panoramic views of the downtown skyline? You can enjoy this exact experience at Incline Public House, a great local restaurant located at the top of Price Hill, on the site of the former incline. This restaurant's chili is phenomenal, and they serve many classic American entrees and pizzas as well. There is also an extensive craft beer and bourbon menu. It's a great place for a date!
310 Mt Zion Rd. Ste. 4, Florence, KY 41042
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Another great chili chain that was started in Cincinnati, Gold Star Chili was founded in the Mt. Washington neighborhood in 1965. Today there are many locations around the area, including this one in Florence, KY. This chili comes with a mountain of cheddar cheese, plus onions, beans, and spaghetti if you choose. Or, add chili to one of their delicious burgers for an unbelievably tasty dinner. Dine in or grab your chili to go through the drive-thru.
6032 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45213
5-way chili, chili cheese fries, Coney dogs, and more, Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant has all your chili favorites. This old-timey diner has a variety of comfort food as well as some of the best chili in town. They also serve some delicious breakfasts! Dine in or order your chili to go and serve it during your upcoming holiday dinners. This restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, so it's a great place to stop for a late evening snack. Affordable prices, no-frills service, and great food, it's a true Cincinnati staple.
9525 Kenwood Rd. Suite 5, Blue Ash, OH 45242
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Among the many varieties of chili on the menu at Blue Ash Chili is a "6-way" Cincinnati-style chili with chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese, and fried jalapeno caps. This unique local restaurant also features the No Freakin' Way Challenge. If you can eat 2.5 lbs. of spaghetti topped with 2.5 lbs. of chili, 2 lbs. of shredded cheese, and 1 lb. of jalapeno caps in 60 minutes, then your meal is free. If not, you'll be featured on the Wall of Shame!
Where will you warm up with a delicious bowl of chili around Cincinnati?