Did you know Cincinnati boasts more chili parlors per capita than any other U.S. city? This dish defines the Tri-State area.
I grew up here. I ate cheese coneys after Roger Bacon High School games. Now, I tour spots with Traci and my brother-in-law Rob Starkey. We call it the Great Cincinnati Chili Tour, or ChiliNati for short. We rank based on taste, atmosphere, and overall experience. Cincinnati-style chili mixes spices with ground beef. It tops spaghetti in a 3-way. Add cheese for a 4-way. Or try it on a hot dog as a cheese coney. Independent parlors often beat franchises in flavor.
We visited dozens. We judged on beefy texture, spicy kick, and portion size. Some spots won the Golden Oyster Award for excellence.
What Sets Cincinnati Chili Apart
Cincinnati chili stands out. It uses cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. The result? A thick, meaty sauce with a slight kick. People debate sweetness. Skyline tastes sweeter. Gold Star brings more saltiness. Independents vary. Some add heat. Classic spots serve gravy fries or chili pizza. Others offer chili lasagna or a chili Philly. Double-decker sandwiches pair well with milk shakes.
Man vs. Food Nation featured several. They highlighted the lore and tradition.
Top 10 Best Chili Spots in Cincinnati
We ranked these based on visits. We focused on flavor, vibe, and execution.
1. Price Hill Chili
In Price Hill on Rapid Run, this spot tops our list. The chili packs beefy flavor. It’s thick and spicy.
Try the 3-way. The portion fills you up. Atmosphere feels nostalgic with wood paneling and old photos.
We revisited often. Rob loves the cheese coney here.
2. Chili Time
St. Bernard hosts this gem on Route 4. The sauce hits spot-on. It’s flavorful with a hot edge.
Atmosphere screams classic diner. Cozy booths and a long counter. Bustling griddles add charm.
Order the chili bowl. Pair it with gravy fries.
3. Blue Jay Restaurant
Northside’s Blue Jay offers unique character. The chili tastes meaty and well-spiced.
Vibe is retro. Patterned formica and vintage plates. Clean and humble. Go for the chili pizza. It’s a must-visit.
4. Demetrios IV
In Mariemont, Demetrios serves excellent chili. It’s spicier than most.
Atmosphere updates the classic feel. Not too generic.
Try the chili lasagna. Large portions satisfy.
5. Park Chili
Pleasant Ridge on Montgomery Road. Owner Phil greets you.
Chili brings great balance. Not too sweet or salty.
Charming spot with historical photos. We felt the nostalgia.
Rob picked the double-decker. Traci chose milk shakes.
6. Pleasant Ridge Chili
Also in Pleasant Ridge. This parlor shines in execution.
Flavorful chili with a kick. Atmosphere has character.
Order the chili Philly.
7. Camp Washington Chili
Camp Washington landmark. Featured on TV.
Chili tastes top-notch. Beefy and thick.
Retro vibe with memorabilia. Old cash register adds charm.
Try the 3-way here.
8. Empress Chili
In Newport, across the river. Original spot in the Tri-State.
Sauce feels authentic. Slight sweetness.
Humble diner atmosphere.
Go for the cheese coney.
A bowl of Empress Chili
9. Skyline Chili
The big brand. Many locations, like Clifton.
Chili is sweeter. Popular but sometimes over-hyped.
Fast-foody feel. Still, consistent quality.
Start with a cheese coney.
10. Gold Star Chili
The other in the “Big 2.” Spots in Delhi and Mt. Washington.
Saltier chili. Good portion size.
Generic atmosphere. But reliable.
Try the 3-way.
Skyline Chili restaurant
Honorable Mentions
Some spots deserve notice. Blue Ash Chili in Blue Ash offers under-rated flavor.
Stephan’s Old Village in Springdale has charm. J&J Restaurant brings unique twists.
Tom & Jerry’s Sports Bar & Grill mixes bar vibe with chili. Covington Chili in Covington tastes spicy.
Fort Wright Family Restaurant in Fort Wright serves large portions. US Chili and Moon-Lite Chili add variety.
Don’t miss Pearl’s Diner for a quick bite. Guido’s rounds out the list.
Tips for Your Own Chili Tour
Start in Price Hill. Move to St. Bernard.
Visit during lunch. Avoid rush hours.
Taste the chili plain first. Then add oyster crackers.
Bring friends. Share dishes.
Revisit favorites. Rank them yourself.
Look for Golden Oyster winners.
These best chili spots in Cincinnati offer tradition and taste. Plan your trip. You might find a new go-to parlor.
