Cincinnati is obviously known for our chili so the question is, where do I get some? Well, the answer is basically anywhere, but to narrow it down we asked Cincinnatians which spot they think creates the best chili. Here are the 10 best non-chain and top three chain spots to grab chili, as voted by CityBeat readers in the 2022 Best Of Cincinnati issue.

*Note: the number 5 best non-chain chili restaurant OTR Chili has closed since the publication of 2022’s Best of Cincinnati. 

Camp Washington Chili 3005 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati Named one of the “10 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati” by USA Today, there’s no question as to why Camp Washington Chili has been operating since 1940. It is good eats! Despite having ‘chili’ in the name, this establishment offers many chili-free options, including burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fries, coleslaw and salad. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Pleasant Ridge Chili & Restaurant 6032 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge This local multi-generational diner has been serving Cincinnati-style chili and American classics for over 50 years. They also offer chili to-go and late-night eats, like french fries topped with everything from chili to cheese to gravy. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 3 Best Chili (Non-Chain): Price Hill Chili 4920 Glenway Ave., Price Hill Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 4 Best Chili (Non-Chain): Zip’s Cafe 1036 Delta Ave., Cincinnati Hailey Bollinger
Empress Chili 7934 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria The first splattering of Cincinnati chili can be traced back to two brothers: Tom and John Kiradjieff, immigrants from Argos, Orestiko, a town in the now-Northwestern region of Macedonia-Greece. James Papakirk, a first-generation immigrant from Greece, now owns the brand. In addition to the usual crop of double decker sandwiches and ways, Empress offers some zany takes on old favorites: individual chili pizzas with cheesy, saucy fare on dough and the tough-to-pronounce “spagoney,” which swaps out hot dogs for noodles. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 7 Best Chili (Non-Chain): Pig Candy BBQ 5901 Kellogg Ave., California Photo: Provided by Pig Candy BBQ
No. 8 Best Chili (Non-Chain): Bard’s Burgers & Chili 3620 Decoursey Ave., Latonia Photo: Facebook.com/Bardsburgers1
No. 9 Best Chili (Non-Chain): Melt Revival 4100 Hamilton Ave., Northside Photo: facebook.com/MeltRevival
No. 10 Best Chili (Non-Chain): The Chili Hut 390 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 1 Best Chili (Chain): Skyline Chili Multiple Locations Photo: Provided by Skyline
No. 2 Best Chili (Chain): Gold Star Multiple locations Photo: Provided by Gold Star
Dixie Chili 733 Monmouth St., Newport; 3716 Dixie Highway, Erlanger; 2421 Madison Ave., Covington With a location in Newport, another in Covington and one in Erlanger, Dixie has become an integral part of Northern Kentucky culture; each location a local landmark in its own right. Traditionally, Dixie’s offerings are dominated by their Wisconsin cheddar, and the garlic is a great counterbalance to the dairy, making it one of the area’s favorite chili joints. Founded in 1929 by “Papa Nick,” Dixie Chili has classic, secret-ingredient Cincinnati-style chili with cheese and onions on spaghetti. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger