Looking for the ultimate foodie adventure through Ohio?
This road trip highlights seven local gems serving up the best Cincinnati-style chili that locals and visitors rave about!
1. Camp Washington Chili (Cincinnati)
Our first stop is a true Cincinnati landmark.
Camp Washington Chili has been serving up its signature chili since 1940, and let me tell you, this place is as no-frills as it gets.
The neon sign outside screams “CHILI” like it’s trying to hypnotize you, and honestly, it might be working.
Step inside, and you’re transported back in time.
The retro diner vibe is so strong you half expect to see the Fonz giving you a thumbs-up from the corner booth.
But we’re not here for the decor; we’re here for the chili.
Now, for the uninitiated, Cincinnati-style chili is a whole different ballgame.
It’s thinner than your average chili, with a unique blend of spices that includes cinnamon and chocolate.
Yes, you heard that right.
It’s like someone decided to combine a Mexican mole sauce with spaghetti, and somehow, it works.
At Camp Washington, they’ve perfected this art form.
You can get it served in the traditional “ways” – from two-way (spaghetti and chili) all the way up to five-way (add beans, onions, and a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese).
It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you questioning why you ever ate chili any other way.
2. Blue Ash Chili (Blue Ash)
Next up, we’re heading to Blue Ash Chili, where they’ve been slinging their version of Cincinnati’s favorite dish since 1969.
This place is like the cool cousin of Camp Washington – a bit more modern, but still keeping it real with that classic chili flavor.
The exterior might not scream “culinary hotspot,” but don’t let that fool you.
Inside, it’s a bustling hive of chili enthusiasm.
The air is thick with the aroma of spices, and the sound of forks scraping plates is like music to a chili lover’s ears.
Blue Ash Chili has a few tricks up its sleeve to set it apart.
Their double-decker sandwiches are the stuff of legend – imagine your favorite deli sandwich, but with a layer of chili snuck in there.
It’s like a secret handshake for your taste buds.
And if you’re feeling particularly brave (or just hate your arteries), try the No Freakin’ Way Challenge.
It’s a massive platter of chili-covered goodness that’ll have you questioning your life choices, but in the best possible way.
3. Price Hill Chili (Cincinnati)
As we roll into Price Hill Chili, you might think we’ve stumbled onto the set of a classic American diner movie.
This family-owned joint has been a neighborhood staple since 1962, and it shows in the best possible way.
The sign outside proudly proclaims “Family Restaurant,” and boy, do they mean it.
Walking in feels like crashing a family reunion – if your family was obsessed with chili and had an uncanny ability to balance multiple plates at once.
Price Hill Chili doesn’t just stick to the Cincinnati Chili playbook.
Oh no, they’ve got a full menu that’ll satisfy even your pickiest eater friend (you know, the one who thinks ketchup is spicy).
But let’s be real, you’re here for the chili.
Their version of the Cincinnati classic is a perfect balance of spices, with just enough heat to make you sit up and take notice.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their chili cheese fries.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of a five-way and made it socially acceptable to eat with your hands.
4. Pleasant Ridge Chili (Cincinnati)
Pleasant Ridge Chili is the kind of place that time forgot, in the most charming way possible.
It’s been serving up late-night chili fixes since 1964, and the decor looks like it hasn’t changed much since then.
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But trust me, that’s part of the appeal.
This spot is famous for its “Gravy Cheese Fries,” which is exactly what it sounds like and about a thousand times more delicious than you’re imagining.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you grateful for elastic waistbands and forgiving friends.
The chili here is a bit spicier than some of the others on our tour, giving it a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds (and possibly your neighbors).
And if you’re feeling particularly peckish, their double-decker sandwiches are the stuff of legend.
It’s like someone looked at a regular sandwich and said, “You know what this needs? More sandwich.”
5. J&J Restaurant (Cincinnati)
J&J Restaurant might not have the long history of some of our other stops, but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in flavor.
This family-owned spot has quickly become a local favorite, proving that you don’t need decades of history to make a mean bowl of chili.
The exterior is unassuming, nestled in a strip mall like it’s trying to keep a low profile.
But step inside, and you’re greeted by the warm aroma of spices and the friendly buzz of satisfied customers.
J&J’s chili has a slightly sweeter profile than some of the others we’ve tried, but don’t worry – it’s not going to make your teeth hurt.
It’s more like a gentle hug for your taste buds, followed by a firm handshake of savory goodness.
And here’s a pro tip: their breakfast menu is nothing to sneeze at.
Chili omelets might sound like a fever dream, but trust me, it works.
It’s like your taste buds are having an identity crisis, but in the best possible way.
6. Blue Jay Restaurant (Cincinnati)
Blue Jay Restaurant is like the cool indie band of the Cincinnati chili scene.
It might not have the name recognition of some of the bigger players, but those in the know swear by it.
The exterior looks like it was plucked straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, complete with a charming blue jay sign that seems to say, “Come on in, we’ve got chili!”
And really, what more invitation do you need?
Inside, it’s cozy and unpretentious, with a vibe that says, “We’re here to serve great food, not win design awards.”
And that’s exactly what they do.
Their chili has a depth of flavor that’ll have you scraping the bowl and contemplating licking it clean (pro tip: maybe don’t do that in public).
But here’s where Blue Jay really shines: their goetta.
For the uninitiated, goetta is a Cincinnati breakfast staple made of ground meat, oats, and spices.
It’s like sausage decided to get fancy, and it’s delicious.
Try the goetta and cheese omelet, topped with chili.
It’s a flavor combination so good, it should probably be illegal.
7. The Chili Hut (Loveland)
Our final stop takes us to The Chili Hut in Loveland, proving that great Cincinnati-style chili isn’t confined to the city limits.
This place is newer to the scene, but don’t let that fool you – they know their way around a pot of chili.
The Chili Hut has a modern, fast-casual vibe that might seem at odds with the traditional chili parlor aesthetic, but one taste will convince you they belong in the big leagues.
Their chili has a bright, fresh flavor that’ll make your taste buds sit up and take notice.
What sets The Chili Hut apart is their willingness to experiment.
Sure, you can get your traditional two-way through five-way, but why stop there?
They offer chili-topped tater tots that’ll make you wonder why this isn’t a standard option everywhere.
It’s like someone took all the best parts of childhood and adulthood and combined them into one glorious, cheese-covered dish.
And there you have it, folks!
The table is set for adventure!
Let this map guide you to your next incredible dining destination.
Seven spots that prove Cincinnati-style chili is more than just a regional curiosity – it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
So grab your keys, loosen your belt, and get ready for a taste explosion.
Your arteries might not thank you, but your taste buds certainly will!