Deep-Fried Chili Cheese Coneys — and the 5 Coney Challenge — Are Back at Northside Yacht Club

Indulging in seasonally available produce is a cornerstone of healthy eating — vine-ripened tomatoes in summer, hand-picked apples in fall, lovingly deep-fried chili cheese coneys in February.

And the Northside Yacht Club (NSYC) is once again harvesting the freshest "Cincinnati Chimichangas" from its deep fryers this month.

Now through the end of February, customers can indulge in what the NSYC describes as "a full chili cheese coney with mustard, onions and an additional layer of chili, cheese, mustard and onions, all wrapped in a 12-inch flour burrito and deep fried to golden brown perfection."

Yes, that's a chili cheese coney stuffed with — and then smothered in — its own filling, wrapped in a burrito and dropped into a vat of hot oil. (Vegetarian and vegan versions are available.)

"Having been born and raised in Cincinnati, I have always had a love affair with Cincinnati chili and coneys, but when we started deep frying them, my coney lust turned into a long lasting and pure love," NSYC co-owner Stuart MacKenzie tells CityBeat.

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If you love deep-fried coneys as much as MacKenzie, you're in luck because the bar is bringing back its coney challenge, which it launched in 2021.

Starting Tuesday, Feb. 15, guests can attempt to eat five deep-fried coneys and a plate of french fries in 60 minutes or less. Pre-registration is required, and sign-ups can be done in person or by calling 513-541-0528. Challenges will be presented every hour, except between 6 and 8 p.m.

"This is the year, when anything is possible in Cincinnati, I think the spots will go quickly," MacKenzie says.
It costs $100 to enter the coney challenge. If you succeed (we tried last year and totally failed), you get your $100 back, an NSYC hat, five drinks and an "I ate 5 Deep Fried Chili Cheese Coneys" T-shirt. Winners also get their photo taken and placed on the wall of fame.

"Last year we only had one winner: Randy, aka 'Rando,' Sullivan from Hamilton, Ohio," says MacKenzie. "A mysterious man from the West Side with no social media. We have not seen or heard of him since his epic feat, but we hope to see him back this year."

Sullivan's advice to those who undertake the challenge is written on his photo on the wall of fame: "Eat the fries last."

NSYC is located at 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. More info: northsideyachtclub.com.

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