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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Cincinnati

Chili spots

A bowl of chili that respects the local tradition without feeling like a tourist-trap gimmick.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
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Updated April 2026
01
The Frank: Neighborhood Deli and Grill image 1
The Frank: Neighborhood Deli and Grill image 2
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Restored century-old building creates a cozy atmosphere with an artistic touch. Jerk chicken chili offers bold flavors and a hearty texture. Space fills fast, drawing a crowd seeking a neighborhood spot beyond fast food.

Jerk chicken chili stands out with its bold flavors and hearty texture. It offers a unique twist compared to typical chili options.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has tasty food, especially the crispy fries."

"I found the burgers juicy, flavorful, and satisfying."

"You have to try the jerk chicken chili; it's a tasty treat."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy on South Street.

2

The restaurant is only open for lunch at the moment.

3

Expect the chicken chili to sell out fast, so arrive early.

02
Corner Dumpling House image 1
Wok restaurant

Open kitchen showcases handmade dumplings while a stunning water feature adds calm. Pork wontons shine with homemade chili oil that packs a perfect kick. Cozy booths and authentic flavors create a polished yet inviting spot for Chinese food lovers.

Pork wontons come with homemade chili oil that has just the right kick. The chili oil lifts the wontons to another level and pairs well with fried gyoza.

People are saying

"You have to try the soup dumplings; they're unreal."

"I found the Asian cuisine here to be the most authentic I've ever experienced."

"The chili oil here is amazing, I'd go back just for it."

Good to know

1

The wait to be seated is usually under 10 minutes, even when busy.

2

Expect longer wait times during weekends, especially at peak hours.

3

Arrive right when they open to avoid long waits.

03
Gold Star image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with a remodeled interior offers a quiet, clean space. Chili cheese fries shine with rich, hearty flavor. Vegetarian chili is a solid choice, paired well with fries and burgers.

Vegetarian chili comes with fries and stands out as a solid choice. The chili cheese fries and classic chili served with Coneyโ€™s and hamburgers offer a rich, hearty flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and hot."

"I thought the chili here was to die for."

"I thought the chili and hamburgers were to die for."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay for water at this location.

2

Prices are fair for the food offered.

3

They have a special on conveys and 3-ways during Chilli Week.

04
Catch Me If U Can image 1

Urban chic vibe blends with soulful 80s R&B and vibrant colors. Chili cheese fries taste homemade and pair well with spicy honey garlic wings. Cozy spots include an upstairs area and an outdoor patio with a large art mural.

Chili cheese fries come across as homemade with a decent flavor. They often pair with wings like buffalo or spicy honey garlic for a hearty snack.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The fish here is perfectly crispy, flaky, and seasoned."

"The chili cheese fries tasted homemade."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of at least 90 minutes for carryout orders.

2

Parking is free and conveniently located next to the restaurant.

3

Karaoke events are held on Thursdays, starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

05
Pleasant Ridge Chili Restaurant image 1

Narrow diner offers a vintage jukebox and family-friendly vibe with classic decor. Cincinnati style chili is a highlight, especially the 3-way spaghetti and chili dogs with gravy. Cash-only and limited seating keep the experience simple and authentic.

Cincinnati style chili shines here with a great 3-way spaghetti and chili dish. The four-way and chili dogs stand out, and a side of gravy adds extra flavor to the chili.

People are saying

"I thought their chili was the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the cheeseburger with gravy or chili cheese fries."

"It's a must-try local Cincinnati chili diner."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is cash only; bring cash to avoid ATM fees.

2

There is an ATM inside the restaurant that charges a $3.00 service fee.

3

The food is reasonably priced, with family meals under $50.

06
Skyline Chili image 1
Restaurant

Spacious dining room offers a family-friendly vibe with calm energy. Known for Cincinnati style chili, especially on hot dogs, the chili is flavorful and served fast. Drive-thru service adds convenience, and portions are notably large.

Coney chili stands out with its impeccable taste and pairs well with hot dogs. The chili works best on coneys rather than as a bowl, and the service is fast and friendly.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and fresh."

"I fell in love with this place's chili; it's a must-try."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

Expect no long wait times during lunch hours.

3

Portion sizes are large, providing good value.

07
Lucky Dog OTR image 1
Fast food restaurant

Offers Cincinnati style chili with a meaty, spicy kick. Known for cheese coneys and chili dogs. Open late, perfect for a quick, inexpensive meal downtown.

Meaty chili stands out with a taste and texture close to Cincinnati style classics like Skyline. It appears in various dishes, including chili dogs and walking tacos.

People are saying

"The chili here is meaty and really good."

"I thought the coneys were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Lucky Dog is open late, making it a good option after 2am.

2

It offers Cincinnati style chili, a local specialty.

3

Lucky Dog is one of the most affordable dining options in OTR.

08
Mr. Gene's Dog House image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Old-fashioned hot dog stand offers authentic chili cheese coneys and hearty dogs with real shredded cheddar. Covered outdoor seating with picnic tables creates a family-oriented atmosphere. Known for mouth-watering chili cheese fries and great value.

Chili cheese coneys come huge and super tasty with big, meaty dogs. The chili dogs and chili cheese fries are mouth-watering and considered a great deal.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tastes homemade."

"I tried the chili cheese coneys and they were better than Skyline."

"These Chicago-style hot dogs are loaded with toppings."

Good to know

1

Mr. Gene's Dog House has been operating for over 50 years.

2

Parking at Mr. Gene's Dog House is easy to find.

3

Prices at Mr. Gene's Dog House are very affordable.

09
Milkman image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Old 50s style diner offers a warm vibe with retro decor and granite tabletops. Chili cheese fries feature rich, flavorful chili that pairs well with burgers and hot dogs. Classic and boozy shakes add an upscale twist to the fun, clean atmosphere.

Chili cheese fries stand out with rich, flavorful chili and melted cheese. The chili complements burgers and hot dogs well, creating a satisfying, hearty meal.

People are saying

"These juicy burgers are the best I've ever had."

"I thought the boozy milkshakes were delicious."

"I'd get the chili cheese fries from here anytime."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but meters are in effect.

2

Downloading the parking app is necessary for street parking.

3

Expect a wait time of 5-7 minutes for food after ordering.

10
Price Hill Chili Family Restaurant image 1

Old school charm and a cozy, friendly vibe make this spot great for families and casual hangouts. Cincinnati chili steals the show with its unique, meaty flavor. Multiple TVs and a bar add to the casual atmosphere where locals gather for meals and games.

Meaty Cincinnati chili stands out with a unique flavor and hearty texture. The menu offers a wide variety beyond chili, but the chili remains the main attraction.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and cooked to order."

"I found the chili here to be very meaty and good."

"It's a classic west side diner, a real staple."

Good to know

1

They charge a 3% fee for credit card payments.

2

Expect longer wait times during busy holidays like Father's Day.

3

There is plenty of free parking available in the attached lot.

11
Sonic Drive-In image 1
Fast food restaurant

Drive-in style offers dining in cars or at outdoor tables with a nostalgic vibe and loud music. Chili dogs come loaded with cheese, mustard, and onions, making them a delicious classic. Menu features smash burgers and pretzel sticks, with drinks often half off via app.

Chili comes with cheese, mustard, and onions on hot dogs. The chili dogs taste delicious and often appear in combo meals like the number 6.

People are saying

"This fast food is always as I expected, hot and delicious."

"The ice cream staff here are always so nice and patient."

"I got the number six with chili, cheese, and onion."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks during specific hours.

2

Drive-thru service is available, but no second lane exists.

3

The app provides quick ordering and discounts.

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