Jane

I'm going to Cincinnati and would like a recommendation where to eat "Cincinnati Chili"... Any recommendations?

Owen O'Neill

I don't know about any upscale places that serve it (it's doubtful that any of them do) but there's a fast food chain callled Skyline Chili that has locations throughout the Cincinatti area.

Amy

Jane,
There are two chains in Cinci for the chili. One is Skyline, and the other is Gold Star. Both have numerous locations and devoted followers. I'm not sure which was the first "original" Cincinnati chili, though. My first Cincinnati Chili was Skyline, so I lean that way, but I think you'll have a great chili experience at either place. In case you didn't know, the Chili is served over spaghetti, with cheese, beans, and onions. (Called a
3-way (cheese), 4-way (plus beans, I think), or 5-way (the works), depending on how many ingredients you add.

Buckeye

Jane-If you feel like a more upscale place, don't miss out on the Maisonette. It gets a Mobil 5 star rating and the food is out of this world, expensvie but worth it.

John

Jane
I don't know what you've heard, but what passes for chili in Cincinnati is a "local" taste. Anyone trying to claim it was "chili" west of the Mississippi would be shot. It makes corned beef seem spicy.

Gretchen

Cincinnati chili is not a local taste--well recognized as a unique recipe. No need to put it down.

Mr. Chili

John is talking about REAL Chili, not some souped of version with the kitchen sink thrown in or over.

Also, please remember there is Chili, and then there is Chili Beans.......BIG DIFFERENCE.

Mr. Chili

FYI

Cincinnati chili was created by a Macedonian immigrant, Athanas Kiradjieff who settled in Cincinnati and opened a hot dog stand. He created a chili with Middle Eastern spices including cardamon, cinnamon and nutmeg. It's very aromatic. The recipe for Cincinnati Chili I know also has cocoa powder in it. It is delicious change of pace from the more standard "5 Alarm" type chili which I also like. It's not a substitution, just an interesting alternative. If you've never had it I recommend you look up a recipe and make it. It's delicious. My favorite way to serve it is with just cheese and kidney beans (on top of spaghetti of course!)

Pam

Being a native Cincinnatian, and having since lived in several other cities, I can attest to the fact that Cincy has some of the best 'junk food' anywhere. Skyline Chili is the best, but don't miss out on the delicious barbecued ribs at Ribs King or the best ice cream around, Graeters! Have fun.

Ang

I love Cincinnati chili. It is very unique and contains cinnamon and nutmeg with other spices as stated before. I also love Skyline Chili as well, but that is a national chain!!!! (not unique to Cincinati) I think the original poster is looking for a local place, I can't think of any, its has been several years since I visited but I am hoping someone can give some info!

X

Top!

Sinda

I have family in Cinncy so we travel back and forth quite a bit. Our trip is never completely unless we eat at Gold Star and bring home a case or two.

Huh

Skyline Chili was once a local place in Cincinnati. Their chili was so good and so popular that they franchised out their restaurants all over the country. So what's wrong with that? Why not eat at the original that was worth copying all over the country?