Chili is a culinary battleground. Everyone thinks their grandma’s recipe is the holy grail, and regional loyalties run deeper than the Grand Canyon. But enough with the squabbling!
We’ve strapped on our bibs, sharpened our spoons, and embarked on a nationwide quest to settle the chili debate once and for all (or, at least until next year’s cook-off). Here are the absolute best bowls of chili in every single state!
1. Alabama – Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q
Imagine slurping a bowl of chili so hearty, it puts southern hospitality to shame. Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur serves up a spicy, smoky chili that warms you right down to your cowboy boots.
Pair it with cornbread for an experience as comforting as grandma’s hug.
2. Alaska – Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse
In Alaska, you need something to thaw the chill. Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse offers a bowl of chili that does just that.
Packed with wild game meat and a medley of spices, it’s a wild ride for your taste buds. Wash it down with a local brew.
3. Arizona – The Chuckbox
Where the desert heat meets chili fire! The Chuckbox in Tempe serves a chili that’s as bold as the Arizona sun. Simmered to perfection with a spicy kick, this chili demands attention.
It’s best enjoyed with a side of their famous burgers.
4. Arkansas – McClard’s Bar-B-Q
In Arkansas, McClard’s Bar-B-Q serves a chili that’s a legend in its own right. With a rich, meaty base and a hint of smokiness, it’s like a barbecue in a bowl.
This chili is a rite of passage for any true chili lover. Grab a spoon and dig in!
5. California – Tommy’s Original World Famous Hamburgers
California dreaming with a twist of heat! Tommy’s Original in Los Angeles serves chili so famous, it practically has its own star on Hollywood Boulevard.
It’s rich, beefy, and bursting with flavor.
6. Colorado – Sam’s No. 3
In Denver, Sam’s No. 3 offers a chili experience that’s out of this world. Their green chili, packed with pork and a blend of spices, is legendary.
It’s a taste of Colorado that leaves you craving more.
7. Connecticut – Dew Drop Inn
In the heart of Connecticut, Dew Drop Inn serves a chili that’s as comforting as a winter blanket. With a perfect blend of beef and beans, it’s a hearty delight.
The secret? It’s all in the spices.
8. Delaware – Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
At Kid Shelleen’s in Wilmington, chili comes with a side of history. Their recipe is a well-guarded secret, known for its rich, full-bodied flavor.
Every spoonful tells a story, leaving you curious for more.
9. Florida – The Floridian
Sunshine and chili, why not? The Floridian in St. Augustine serves a unique blend of flavors that scream Florida.
With a touch of citrus and a hint of spice, it’s a tropical twist on a classic. .
10. Georgia – The Varsity
In Georgia, The Varsity’s chili is as iconic as sweet tea. Served with a side of nostalgia, it’s the chili that generations have adored.
It’s all about the simplicity here: beefy, spicy, and undeniably delicious. Grab a spoon or a hot dog, and join the tradition.
11. Hawaii – Zippy’s
In paradise, even chili gets a makeover. Zippy’s in Honolulu offers a delightful take: chili with rice that’s both comforting and exotic.
Local favorite that surprises and satisfies. Add a side of macaroni salad for the full Hawaiian experience.
12. Idaho – Big Jud’s
In Idaho, Big Jud’s chili challenges your appetite. Known for their gigantic portions, they serve a chili that’s hearty and robust.
Perfect after a day in the mountains. Tackle it solo or share with friends; it’s big enough!
13. Illinois – Chili Mac’s Diner
In Illinois, Chili Mac’s Diner serves up nostalgia by the spoonful. Their chili mac combines the comforting taste of mac and cheese with a rich chili that’s unforgettable.
Culinary hug, great for chilly Chicago days.
14. Indiana – Workingman’s Friend
In Indiana, Workingman’s Friend serves chili that’s no-nonsense and utterly delicious. With a hearty mix of beef and beans, it’s as reliable as the morning sun.
This bowl is all about comfort and flavor, best enjoyed with a cold beer.
15. Iowa – Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
In Des Moines, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab embraces the unusual. Their chili is a concoction that’s ghoulishly good, with flavors that surprise and thrill.
A daring mix of spices for adventurous eaters. Pair it with a themed burger for a meal to die for.
16. Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
In Kansas, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que doesn’t just do ribs. Their chili is a smoky, meaty masterpiece that’s as satisfying as a Kansas sunset.
Rich in flavor with a hint of heat, it’s a bowl that commands respect.
17. Kentucky – Mark’s Feed Store
In Kentucky, Mark’s Feed Store offers a chili that’s a southern delight. It’s a rich blend of flavors that warms the soul, like a Kentucky hug.
With hints of barbecue and a touch of sweetness, it’s a bowl that comforts and satisfies.
18. Louisiana – Mother’s Restaurant
In Louisiana, Mother’s Restaurant offers chili with a Cajun twist. It’s packed with bold spices and a hearty mix of meats.
Pair it with their famous cornbread for a true taste of the South.
19. Maine – The Thirsty Pig
In Portland, The Thirsty Pig serves a chili that’s as hearty as the coastline. Made with local ingredients and a touch of spice, it’s a bowl that satisfies.
Ideal for those chilly northern nights.
20. Maryland – The Owl Bar
At The Owl Bar in Baltimore, chili comes with a side of history. With a rich, flavorful base and a hint of spice, it’s a bowl that tells a story.
Have it with a pint of locally brewed beer for the full experience.
21. Massachusetts – The Barking Crab
In Boston, The Barking Crab serves chili with a seaside twist. This one is packed with hearty ingredients.
You can pair it with one of their famous seafood dishes for a New England experience.
22. Michigan – Cliff Bell’s
In Detroit, Cliff Bell’s combines chili and jazz for a harmony of flavors. Their chili, rich and robust, complements the smooth sounds of live music.
Dining experience that delights the senses.
23. Minnesota – The Loon Cafe
In Minneapolis, The Loon Cafe offers a chili that’s as warm as a Minnesota snuggle. With a mix of meats and spices, it’s a hearty delight. Good for those cold winter days, it’s like a hug in a bowl.
24. Mississippi – The Pig & Pint
In Jackson, The Pig & Pint takes chili to new heights. Packed with smoked pork and a medley of spices, it’s a bowl that surprises.
If you are seeking something bold and different, this is it.
25. Missouri – Blueberry Hill
In St. Louis, Blueberry Hill serves up more than just music. Their chili, rich and flavorful, is a local favorite.
A taste of nostalgia. Pair it with a side of fries for the ultimate diner experience.
26. Montana – The Burger Dive
In Billings, The Burger Dive offers a chili that’s as rugged as the landscape. With a hearty blend of beef and spices, it’s a bowl that satisfies.
You need it after a day in the great outdoors. It leaves you wanting more.
27. Nebraska – Dinker’s Bar & Grill
In Omaha, Dinker’s Bar & Grill serves a chili that’s as comforting as home. With a hearty mix of ingredients and a touch of spice, it’s a bowl that warms the soul.
It pairs beautifully with their famous burgers. Dig in!
28. Nevada – Sierra Gold
In Las Vegas, Sierra Gold offers a chili that’s a jackpot of flavor. Rich, spicy, and satisfying.
Comfort amidst the glitz and glamour.
29. New Hampshire – The Puritan Backroom
In Manchester, The Puritan Backroom offers a chili that’s steeped in history. With a rich, flavorful base, it’s a bowl that comforts and satisfies. A classic that never disappoints.
30. New Jersey – Tony Boloney’s
In Atlantic City, Tony Boloney’s offers a chili that’s as bold as its name. Spicy kick with a rich blend of flavors.
Perfect for those seeking something different, it pairs beautifully with their unique pizza creations. An unforgettable taste adventure.
31. New Mexico – Frontier Restaurant
In Albuquerque, Frontier Restaurant serves a green chili stew that’s a local legend. A rich, spicy base and tender pieces of pork will warm the soul.
Just what you need for those chilly desert nights.
32. New York – Molly’s Cupcakes
In NYC, Molly’s Cupcakes offers a surprising twist with their chili. Rich, flavorful, and totally unexpected.
An unexpected but delightful combination.
33. North Carolina – Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
In Raleigh, Clyde Cooper’s BBQ serves a chili that’s as rich as Southern lore. It’s packed with smoky pork and a medley of spices.
It pairs beautifully with their famous pulled pork.
34. North Dakota – Rhombus Guys
In Fargo, Rhombus Guys offers a chili that’s as creative as their pizzas. With a rich, flavorful base and a hint of spice, it’s a bowl that delights. Perfect for those seeking something different. A taste of the unexpected.
35. Ohio – Skyline Chili
In Cincinnati, Skyline Chili is a legend in its own right. Their chili, rich and meaty, is served over spaghetti for a unique experience.
Pair it with their famous coneys for the full experience.
36. Oklahoma – Ike’s Chili House
In Tulsa, Ike’s Chili House serves a chili that’s been loved for generations. Rich, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s a bowl that comforts.
All you’re missing is their famous cornbread. A classic that stands the test of time.
37. Oregon – Fire On The Mountain
In Portland, Fire on the Mountain serves a chili that’s as fiery as its name. Packed with spicy peppers and hearty ingredients, it’s for those seeking something bold and adventurous.
A taste of the wild side.
38. Pennsylvania – Primanti Bros.
In Pittsburgh, Primanti Bros. offers a chili that’s as hearty as the city itself. Perfect for those seeking a taste of tradition.
A culinary experience that’s truly Pittsburgh.
39. Rhode Island – Olneyville New York System
In Providence, Olneyville New York System serves a chili that’s as iconic as their hot wieners. Rich, savory, and full of flavor.
A local favorite that never disappoints.
40. South Carolina – Hominy Grill
In Charleston, Hominy Grill serves a chili that’s a Southern delight. It pairs beautifully with their famous cornbread.
A taste of the South that’s truly unforgettable.
41. South Dakota – The Red Eye
In Sioux Falls, The Red Eye offers a chili that’s as hearty as the Midwest. Rich in flavor and packed with hearty ingredients.
Make sue to have it with a cold beer.
42. Tennessee – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
In Memphis, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken serves a chili that’s as bold as the city’s music scene. People love to have it with their famous fried chicken.
A taste of Memphis that’s unforgettable.
43. Texas – Texas Chili Parlor
In Austin, Texas Chili Parlor offers a chili that’s as big as the state itself. It’s for those seeking a taste of tradition.
Pair it with their famous cornbread.
A classic that’s as Texan as it gets.
44. Utah – Squatters Pub Brewery
Squatters Pub Brewery is known for more than just its craft brews. Their chili, often featuring local ingredients and a hearty blend of spices, is the perfect pairing for a cold Utah evening.
Local favorite for a good reason!
45. Vermont – Prohibition Pig
Don’t let the name fool you; Prohibition Pig is all about delicious, comforting food. Their chili is no exception.
Expect a rich, smoky flavor profile that perfectly complements the rustic Vermont landscape.
46. Virginia – The Chili Shop
Sometimes, simplicity is key. The Chili Shop in Virginia focuses on doing one thing, and doing it exceptionally well: chili.
A Virginia Beach institution is a testament to the power of well-executed simplicity.
47. Washington – Redhook Brewlab
In the Pacific Northwest, Redhook Brewlab proves that chili and craft beer are a match made in heaven. Their chili is often infused with the flavors of their signature beers.
It adds a depth and complexity that you won’t find anywhere else.
48. West Virginia – Tudor’s Biscuit World
You might think of biscuits first when you hear the name Tudor’s Biscuit World, but don’t overlook their chili! This West Virginia institution offers a hearty, homestyle chil.
It’s comfort food at its finest.
49. Wisconsin – Real Chili
Real Chili lives up to its name, serving up a classic, no-frills bowl that has been a Wisconsin staple for decades. This is the kind of chili you crave on a cold winter day – thick, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Expect a regional twist with a unique blend of spices that sets it apart.
50. Wyoming – Luxury Diner
Don’t let the name “Luxury” fool you; this is classic diner fare at its best. The Luxury Diner in Wyoming serves a hearty, comforting chili that warms you from the inside out.
The friendly atmosphere and generous portions make it a must-stop on any chili pilgrimage.