Looking for a spot where you can enjoy a bowl of iconic chili any time of day or night?
Camp Washington Chili in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been serving its legendary chili 24/7 since 1940, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, chili enthusiasts of all ages, gather ’round as we embark on a flavorful journey to the heart of Cincinnati’s culinary scene.
Camp Washington Chili isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a time machine disguised as a diner.
Step through those doors, and you’re instantly transported back to 1940, when the world was a different place, but the need for a good bowl of chili remained constant.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Another chili joint? What’s so special about this one?”
Well, my friend, prepare to have your taste buds tickled and your mind blown.
This isn’t just any chili we’re talking about here.
This is Cincinnati-style chili, a unique breed that’s more of a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce than your typical Tex-Mex fare.
And Camp Washington Chili? They’ve perfected it to an art form.
Picture this: a modest building with a towering sign that screams “CHILI” in big, bold letters.
It’s like the Bat-Signal for hungry Ohioans.
The exterior is a charming mix of retro and modern, with its curved facade and red awnings that practically wink at you as you approach.
Inside, it’s a nostalgic wonderland of chrome, red vinyl seats, and black-and-white checkered floors.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see the Fonz walk in and give a thumbs-up.
But let’s talk about the star of the show: the chili.
Oh boy, where do I even begin?
This isn’t your grandma’s chili (unless your grandma happens to be from Cincinnati, in which case, can I come over for dinner?).
Cincinnati chili is a whole different ballgame.
It’s thinner than traditional chili, with a complex blend of spices that might make you raise an eyebrow at first.
Cinnamon?
In chili?
Trust me, it works.
And at Camp Washington, they’ve been perfecting this recipe for over 80 years.
That’s longer than some countries have existed!
Now, if you’re a chili newbie, let me introduce you to the “ways” system.
It’s like a secret code for ordering, except everyone knows it, so it’s not really secret.
But it is fun to say.
You can get your chili “two-way” (spaghetti and chili), “three-way” (add cheese), “four-way” (onions or beans), or go all out with a “five-way” (the works).
It’s like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with more cheese and less risk of being eaten by a grue.
But wait, there’s more!
Camp Washington Chili isn’t just about the chili.
Oh no, my friends.
They’ve got a full menu that’ll make your cardiologist weep and your taste buds sing.
Double-decker sandwiches that defy the laws of physics and gravity?
Greek salads that’ll transport you to the Mediterranean faster than you can say “opa”?
And let’s not forget the breakfast menu.
Because nothing says “good morning” like a plate of goetta (a local specialty that’s part sausage, part oatmeal, all delicious) and eggs.
It’s the breakfast of champions… and people who stayed up way too late the night before.
Now, you might be wondering, “Who in their right mind would want chili at 3 AM?”
Well, let me tell you, after a night out in Cincinnati, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to set you right.
And thanks to Camp Washington’s 24/6 schedule (they’re closed on Sunday because even chili needs a day of rest), you can satisfy that craving any time the mood strikes.
It’s like having a fairy godmother who specializes in comfort food.
But Camp Washington Chili isn’t just about the food.
It’s about the experience.
It’s about the friendly faces behind the counter who’ve been there for decades, serving up chili with a side of local gossip.
It’s about the regulars who’ve been coming here since before the internet was a thing, sitting at their usual spots and debating the merits of onions versus beans.
It’s about the late-night crowd, a motley crew of night owls, shift workers, and party-goers, all united in their quest for the perfect chili cheese fries.
And let’s talk about those fries for a second, shall we?
Crispy, golden perfection, smothered in that signature chili and a blanket of melted cheese.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
If comfort food had a poster child, this would be it.
But Camp Washington Chili isn’t content to rest on its laurels.
Oh no, they’re constantly innovating.
Take their vegetarian chili, for instance.
In a place that’s built its reputation on meaty goodness, they’ve managed to create a plant-based option that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
It’s a culinary magic trick that would make David Copperfield jealous.
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And let’s not forget about the coneys.
For the uninitiated, a coney is a hot dog smothered in chili, cheese, mustard, and onions.
It’s like someone looked at a hot dog and thought, “You know what this needs? More toppings.”
At Camp Washington, they’ve elevated the coney to an art form.
It’s a handheld flavor explosion that’ll have you questioning why you ever ate a plain hot dog in the first place.
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks out there are thinking.
“But what about nutrition? What about calories?”
To which I say: sometimes, you need to feed your soul as well as your body.
And let me tell you, a bowl of Camp Washington chili is like chicken soup for the Midwestern soul.
Besides, they say laughter is the best medicine, and you’ll certainly be chuckling at the witty banter flying across the counter.
It’s dinner and a show, folks!
But don’t just take my word for it.
Camp Washington Chili has racked up more awards than a Hollywood celebrity.
They’ve been featured on countless TV shows, written about in national publications, and even earned a James Beard America’s Classics Award.
That’s like the Oscar of the food world, people!
And yet, despite all the accolades, they’ve managed to stay true to their roots.
This isn’t some fancy-schmancy restaurant where you need a dictionary to decipher the menu.
It’s a place where everyone is welcome, whether you’re wearing a suit or pajamas (though maybe save the pajamas for the late-night visits, yeah?).
Now, let’s talk about the atmosphere for a moment.
The walls are adorned with photos and memorabilia that tell the story of Camp Washington Chili’s long history.
It’s like a museum, but with better food and no “Do Not Touch” signs.
You can practically feel the decades of laughter, conversations, and satisfied sighs that have echoed through this place.
And the smell?
Oh boy, the smell.
It hits you the moment you walk in, a tantalizing blend of spices that makes your mouth water and your stomach growl.
It’s like a siren song for your nose, luring you in with promises of deliciousness.
But Camp Washington Chili isn’t just a restaurant.
It’s a community hub.
It’s where locals come to catch up on the latest news, where tourists come to get a taste of authentic Cincinnati culture, and where night owls come to fuel up for their nocturnal adventures.
It’s a melting pot of humanity, much like the chili itself is a melting pot of flavors.
And speaking of flavors, let’s not forget about the secret recipe.
Now, I could tell you what’s in it, but then I’d have to… well, you know how the saying goes.
Let’s just say it involves a blend of spices that would make a spice merchant weep with joy.
The exact proportions are a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations like a family heirloom.
Some say it’s written in code on the back of the Declaration of Independence.
Others claim it’s hidden in a secret vault beneath the restaurant.
All I know is, whatever they’re doing, it works.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but I’m not from Cincinnati. How am I supposed to experience this chili nirvana?”
Well, my friend, that’s the beauty of it.
Camp Washington Chili is more than just a local spot.
It’s a destination.
People have been known to plan entire trips around a visit to this hallowed chili hall.
It’s like Mecca for meat sauce enthusiasts.
And trust me, it’s worth the pilgrimage.
So, there you have it, folks.
Camp Washington Chili: a Cincinnati institution, a culinary landmark, and quite possibly the best reason to visit Ohio since… well, ever.
It’s more than just a restaurant.
It’s a time capsule, a flavor adventure, and a testament to the enduring power of really good chili.
So the next time you find yourself in Cincinnati, or even if you’re just passing through Ohio on your way to somewhere else, do yourself a favor.
Stop by Camp Washington Chili.
Order a five-way, maybe throw in a coney for good measure.
Sit at the counter, chat with the locals, and soak in the atmosphere.
Because in a world that’s constantly changing, it’s nice to know that some things remain deliciously the same.
For more information about this chili paradise, check out Camp Washington Chili’s website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own chili pilgrimage, use this map to guide your way to flavor town.
Where: 3005 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Who knows?
You might just find yourself planning your next vacation around a bowl of chili.
And honestly, there are worse reasons to travel.