50 States, 50 Best Bowls Of Chili You Need To Try
America’s love affair with chili runs deep, with each state putting its own spin on this hearty comfort food.
Texas-style beef chili and Cincinnati’s unique spaghetti version show how every bowl tells a story of local tradition and flavor.
Explore the country’s most incredible chili destinations, one delicious state at a time.
1. Alabama: Chris’ Hot Dogs
Since 1917, Chris’ Hot Dogs in Montgomery has been dishing out a secret family recipe that’s attracted everyone from presidents to Hollywood stars.
This isn’t your average bowl—it’s a century-old tradition simmering with history and flavor.
Order it straight up in a bowl to experience the full glory of this legendary chili.
The recipe remains locked away, passed down through generations like a precious heirloom.
One spoonful explains why this spot has survived over a hundred years of competition.
2. Alaska: Bread and Brew
When the Alaskan chill sets in, locals head straight to Bread and Brew in Anchorage for their famous warming chili.
The cozy atmosphere matches the comfort of every spoonful.
This isn’t just food—it’s survival gear for those brutal northern winters.
The hearty recipe has become a staple for anyone braving Alaska’s extreme temperatures.
Pair it with their fresh-baked bread for the ultimate cold-weather meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.
3. Arizona: Chino Bandido
Phoenix’s Chino Bandido brings serious heat with their southwestern-inspired chili that packs a desert punch.
The fusion of Asian and Mexican influences creates something completely unexpected.
Every bite delivers layers of complexity that keep your taste buds guessing.
This isn’t traditional chili—it’s a culinary adventure that reflects Arizona’s bold personality.
The spice level climbs gradually, building to a crescendo that chili lovers absolutely crave.
4. Arkansas: Mean Pig BBQ
Mean Pig BBQ in Little Rock takes chili to smoky new heights with their barbecue-infused version.
Chunks of slow-smoked meat transform this classic dish into something extraordinary.
The pit master’s touch is evident in every spoonful, with that unmistakable wood-fired flavor.
Arkansas barbecue tradition meets chili perfection in this unforgettable bowl.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why the South takes its comfort food so seriously.
5. California: Original Tommy’s
Los Angeles institution Original Tommy’s has been slinging their signature chili since 1946, creating a West Coast legend.
The recipe balances meat, spices, and a hint of sweetness that sets it apart.
Californians swear by this version, making pilgrimages from all corners of the state.
It’s comfort food with Hollywood flair, served fast and hot around the clock.
One taste reveals why this spot has remained a cultural touchstone for nearly eight decades.
6. Colorado: Buckhorn Exchange
Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange, operating since 1893, serves chili featuring wild game meats like elk and buffalo.
This isn’t your typical beef chili—it’s a taste of Colorado’s frontier heritage.
The gamey richness adds depth that regular ground beef simply can’t match.
Surrounded by Old West memorabilia, you’re eating history with every spoonful.
It’s the kind of bold, adventurous meal that perfectly captures Colorado’s rugged spirit and culinary innovation.
7. Connecticut: Chili Shack
Connecticut’s Chili Shack brings New England sensibility to this typically southwestern dish with surprising results.
The recipe reflects Yankee practicality—hearty, filling, and unpretentious.
Local ingredients and regional preferences shape a version that Connecticut natives fiercely defend.
It might not win awards in Texas, but that’s entirely beside the point.
This is comfort food tailored to cold Atlantic winters, proving chili adapts beautifully to any region’s tastes.
8. Delaware: Iron Hill Brewery
Iron Hill Brewery in Wilmington elevates chili by incorporating their own craft beers into the recipe.
The malty, hoppy notes add complexity that beer lovers immediately recognize and appreciate.
Each batch varies slightly depending on which brew goes into the pot.
Pairing your bowl with the same beer used in cooking creates perfect flavor harmony.
It’s innovative comfort food that shows Delaware’s small but mighty culinary scene deserves serious attention.
9. Florida: Chili’s Grill & Bar Origins
Florida puts a sunshine state twist on chili with lighter, brighter flavors that match the tropical climate.
Fresh peppers and citrus notes cut through the richness, making it surprisingly refreshing.
You can actually enjoy a bowl here without sweating through your shirt—a Florida miracle.
The recipe acknowledges that not everyone wants heavy comfort food in 90-degree weather.
It’s proof that chili can adapt to any environment while maintaining its soul-warming essence.
10. Georgia: The Varsity
Atlanta’s legendary Varsity has been serving their distinctive chili since 1928, making it a true Southern institution.
The recipe carries hints of Georgia’s culinary heritage with a touch of sweetness.
Generations of Georgia Tech students have fueled late-night study sessions with this stuff.
It’s fast food elevated to cultural landmark status through sheer longevity and consistency.
One bowl connects you to nearly a century of Atlanta history and tradition.
11. Hawaii: Highway Inn
Highway Inn in Honolulu creates island magic by blending traditional chili with Hawaiian flavors and ingredients.
Expect unexpected additions that reflect the melting pot culture of the islands.
The result tastes nothing like mainland versions, and that’s exactly the point.
Local favorites like rice and macaroni salad often accompany this unique bowl.
It’s a delicious reminder that Hawaii’s cuisine operates by its own wonderful, fusion-friendly rules.
12. Idaho: Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro
Boise’s Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro tops their chili with Idaho’s most famous crop—perfectly cooked potatoes.
The combination makes perfect sense in the potato state, adding texture and substance.
It’s comfort food squared, with two beloved ingredients sharing one bowl.
Locals debate whether hash browns or baked potato chunks work better as topping.
Either way, this Idaho innovation proves that regional pride extends deliciously to every meal of the day.
13. Illinois: Poochie’s
Chicago’s Poochie’s serves chili with that unmistakable Windy City attitude—bold, unapologetic, and deeply satisfying.
The recipe reflects Chicago’s working-class roots with hearty portions and honest flavors.
No fancy garnishes or pretentious presentations—just pure, straightforward deliciousness.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs during brutal Chicago winters.
14. Indiana: Workingman’s Friend
Indianapolis institution Workingman’s Friend has been feeding hungry laborers since 1918 with their no-nonsense chili.
The name tells you everything—this is honest food for honest people.
Every bowl delivers maximum flavor at minimum price, a philosophy that’s kept them thriving.
The recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to.
Sometimes the best food comes from places that understand their mission and stick to it relentlessly.
15. Iowa: Zombie Burger
Des Moines’ Zombie Burger brings unexpected creativity to chili with their playfully twisted version.
The horror theme extends to the menu, but the quality is seriously impressive.
Don’t let the gimmick fool you—this chili stands up to any traditional version.
Iowa nice meets culinary adventure in every spoonful of this surprising bowl.
It’s proof that the Midwest is way more interesting than coastal food snobs give it credit for being.
16. Kansas: Joe’s Kansas City
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que takes their legendary smoking skills and applies them to chili with spectacular results.
The meat gets pit-smoked before joining the pot, adding layers of flavor.
It’s barbecue and chili having a delicious baby that Kansas City embraces wholeheartedly.
The line out the door suggests locals know something special happens here.
One taste confirms that combining two comfort food classics was absolute genius.
17. Kentucky: Dixie Chili
Newport’s Dixie Chili has been serving their secret recipe since 1929, creating generations of loyal fans.
The Kentucky version carries hints of sweetness balanced with traditional spices.
It’s Cincinnati-style’s cousin, proving the Ohio River region has its own chili culture.
Locals debate endlessly whether it’s better than their Ohio neighbors’ versions.
The truth is both sides of the river make incredible chili worth crossing state lines to experience.
18. Louisiana: The Gumbo Shop
New Orleans’ Gumbo Shop infuses their chili with Cajun spices and Louisiana attitude that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Expect serious heat tempered with complex layers of flavor unique to bayou country.
The recipe borrows techniques from gumbo-making, creating something wonderfully hybrid.
It’s comfort food with a distinctly Louisiana accent and plenty of personality.
19. Maine: Becky’s Diner
Portland’s Becky’s Diner does the unthinkable—they add seafood to chili, creating a Maine masterpiece.
Clams or lobster might show up in your bowl, depending on the day’s catch.
It sounds weird until you taste it, then everything makes perfect sense.
Maine’s fishing heritage demands representation in every local dish, chili included.
This coastal twist proves that chili rules are meant to be broken deliciously and creatively.
20. Maryland: Chap’s Pit Beef
Baltimore’s Chap’s Pit Beef brings their famous beef expertise to chili with mouthwatering results.
The meat gets the pit treatment before entering the chili pot, ensuring maximum flavor.
A shake of Old Bay seasoning adds that essential Maryland touch.
It’s roadside food elevated to destination-worthy status through quality and consistency.
Marylanders know that putting pit beef in chili isn’t weird—it’s brilliant regional innovation at work.
21. Massachusetts: Sam Adams Brewhouse
Boston’s Sam Adams Brewhouse creates chili using their famous lagers, adding malty depth to every spoonful.
The beer flavor isn’t overwhelming—it enhances the meat and spices beautifully.
New England winters demand this kind of substantial, warming comfort food.
Pair it with a cold Sam Adams for the full Boston culinary experience.
It’s Revolutionary-era meets modern craft brewing in one incredibly satisfying bowl of deliciousness.
22. Michigan: Lafayette Coney Island
Detroit’s Lafayette Coney Island has perfected their chili recipe through decades of Motor City service.
The sauce-like consistency makes it perfect for topping, but locals order bowls straight up.
It’s been fueling Detroit workers since 1914, earning legendary status in the process.
The flavor profile is distinctly Michigan—familiar yet uniquely regional.
One taste explains why Detroiters get genuinely emotional discussing their favorite coney island chili spots.
23. Minnesota: Matt’s Bar
Minneapolis’ Matt’s Bar serves chili that helps Minnesotans survive their brutal winters with warmth and comfort.
The recipe is straightforward and honest, reflecting Midwestern values perfectly.
It might not be fancy, but it’s exactly what you need when it’s negative twenty outside.
Locals swear by this version, defending it with typical Minnesota Nice turned fierce loyalty.
Sometimes the best food is simple, reliable, and served by people who genuinely care.
24. Mississippi: The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
Jackson’s Manship Wood Fired Kitchen brings upscale sensibility to traditional Southern chili with impressive results.
The wood-fired cooking adds subtle smoke that enhances without overwhelming.
Mississippi’s culinary traditions get respectful modern treatment in this sophisticated bowl.
It’s proof that chili can be both comforting and elevated simultaneously.
The Delta’s food heritage shines through every carefully crafted, flavor-packed spoonful of this contemporary classic.
25. Missouri: Town Topic
Kansas City’s Town Topic has been serving chili around the clock since 1937, feeding night owls and early risers alike.
The recipe hasn’t changed because regulars would riot if it did.
It’s diner food at its absolute finest—unpretentious, delicious, and always available.
The 24-hour service means chili cravings never go unsatisfied in Kansas City.
Sometimes the best meals happen at 3 AM in a vintage diner that refuses to change.
26. Montana: The Montana Club
The Montana Club serves chili featuring locally sourced game meats that reflect Big Sky Country’s hunting heritage.
Elk, venison, or bison might appear in your bowl, depending on what’s available.
The wild meat adds richness and flavor that farm-raised beef simply can’t replicate.
It’s frontier food for modern times, connecting diners to Montana’s rugged landscape.
27. Nebraska: Runza
Nebraska’s Runza chain serves chili that’s become a comfort food staple across the Cornhusker State.
The recipe balances meat, beans, and spices in perfect Midwestern harmony.
It’s the kind of straightforward, satisfying meal that Nebraska does exceptionally well.
Locals grow up eating this version, making it taste like home no matter where they roam.
Sometimes regional chains get it right, creating food that becomes woven into state identity.
28. Nevada: Chili’s on the Strip
Las Vegas brings showmanship to chili with bold flavors and portions that match the city’s larger-than-life personality.
The Southwest influence is strong, with peppers and spices creating serious heat.
It’s comfort food designed for people who just lost money at the tables.
The 24-hour availability matches Vegas’s never-sleep mentality perfectly.
29. New Hampshire: Chez Vachon
Manchester’s Chez Vachon adds French-Canadian flair to chili, reflecting New Hampshire’s unique cultural heritage.
The recipe might include unexpected ingredients that make culinary sense in this border region.
It’s comfort food with an accent, proving New England isn’t culinarily monolithic.
The blend of traditions creates something you won’t find anywhere else in America.
This fusion shows how immigrant influences continue shaping American regional food in delicious ways.
30. New Jersey: Dickie Dee’s
Newark’s Dickie Dee’s serves chili with that distinctive New Jersey attitude—bold, flavorful, and unapologetic.
The recipe reflects the state’s melting pot culture with influences from multiple traditions.
It’s the kind of meal that fuels Jersey’s hardworking residents through long days.
Don’t come here expecting Texas-style chili—this is Garden State through and through.
31. New Mexico: The Shed
Santa Fe’s The Shed creates chili using New Mexico’s famous Hatch chiles, making it distinctly regional.
The question here isn’t if you want chile—it’s red or green, a New Mexico ritual.
The heat level and flavor complexity will ruin you for lesser versions forever.
This is chili in its ancestral homeland, where the dish’s roots run deepest.
32. New York: The Meatball Shop
New York City’s Meatball Shop elevates chili with high-quality ingredients and urban sophistication.
The recipe respects tradition while adding just enough creativity to feel distinctly New York.
It’s comfort food filtered through the city’s demanding culinary standards and diverse influences.
Portions are generous, prices are surprisingly reasonable for Manhattan.
This bowl proves that even in a city of endless options, great chili still draws crowds.
33. North Carolina: Allen & Son BBQ
Chapel Hill’s Allen & Son BBQ incorporates their legendary pulled pork into chili, creating Carolina magic.
The vinegar-based BBQ tradition influences the flavor profile in subtle, delicious ways.
It’s two North Carolina specialties merged into one incredibly satisfying bowl.
The wood smoke from their pits infuses every ingredient with authentic barbecue essence.
This is regional cooking at its finest—unapologetically local and impossibly good.
34. North Dakota: Pirogue Grille
Bismarck’s Pirogue Grille serves chili built to withstand North Dakota’s punishing winters with serious substance.
The recipe is hearty and warming, exactly what residents need when temperatures plummet.
Local ingredients and prairie sensibility shape a version that’s uniquely North Dakotan.
It might not be fancy, but it’s perfectly suited to its environment and purpose.
Sometimes the best regional food simply reflects what people actually need to survive and thrive.
35. Ohio: Camp Washington Chili
Cincinnati’s Camp Washington Chili has been serving their secret recipe since 1940, creating a regional obsession.
The famous five-way includes spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese, and that mysterious, spice-forward chili sauce.
It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and Cincinnatians will fight you if you disrespect it.
The recipe remains closely guarded, passed down through generations like precious treasure.
36. Oklahoma: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Oklahoma City’s Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, located in the historic Stockyards, serves chili with genuine cowboy credentials.
The beef is top-quality, reflecting their steakhouse expertise and ranching heritage.
It’s been fueling ranchers, cowboys, and hungry travelers since 1910.
The Old West atmosphere adds authenticity you can’t fake or replicate elsewhere.
This is chili as it was meant to be—simple, beefy, and satisfying after a hard day’s work.
37. Oregon: Killer Burger
Portland’s Killer Burger brings Pacific Northwest creativity to chili with locally sourced ingredients and craft beer influences.
The recipe respects tradition while incorporating Oregon’s food-forward sensibility.
Expect quality ingredients treated with the care Portland’s food scene demands.
It’s comfort food elevated without becoming pretentious or losing its soul.
38. Pennsylvania: Pat’s King of Steaks
Philadelphia’s Pat’s King of Steaks applies their meat expertise to chili with predictably delicious results.
The same quality beef that goes into their famous cheesesteaks elevates this bowl.
It’s working-class Philadelphia food through and through—no frills, all flavor.
The recipe has been perfected through decades of feeding South Philly’s hungry residents.
Sometimes places known for one thing do everything else exceptionally well too.
39. Rhode Island: Haven Brothers
Providence’s Haven Brothers operates from a vintage diner truck, serving chili to night owls since 1888.
The mobile setup hasn’t stopped them from building a fierce local following.
It’s the perfect end to a night out in Rhode Island’s capital city.
The recipe is simple but satisfying, exactly what you need at 2 AM.
This proves that great chili doesn’t require fancy restaurants—just quality ingredients and consistent execution.
40. South Carolina: Melvin’s BBQ
Charleston’s Melvin’s BBQ incorporates South Carolina’s famous mustard-based BBQ sauce into their unique chili.
The tangy, mustardy notes create a flavor profile found nowhere else in America.
It’s Lowcountry tradition meeting Southwest comfort food in delicious harmony.
The pulled pork addition makes it distinctly South Carolinian and absolutely memorable.
41. South Dakota: Murphy’s Pub & Grill
Sioux Falls’ Murphy’s Pub & Grill serves chili that’s built for South Dakota’s harsh winters and big appetites.
The portions are generous, the flavors are straightforward and honest.
It’s the kind of unpretentious meal that Great Plains residents truly appreciate.
Local beef and regional preferences shape a version that feels authentically South Dakotan.
Sometimes the best food simply reflects the hardworking, no-nonsense character of its home state.
42. Tennessee: Jack’s Bar-B-Que
Nashville’s Jack’s Bar-B-Que brings Music City’s smoking expertise to chili with finger-licking results.
The pit-smoked meat adds layers of flavor that make this version unforgettable.
It’s Tennessee barbecue tradition poured into a bowl and served with Southern hospitality.
The downtown location means you can fuel up before hitting the honky-tonks.
43. Texas: Texas Chili Parlor
Austin’s Texas Chili Parlor serves the real deal—chunky beef, no beans, and heat levels from X to XXX.
This is Texas chili in its purest form, unapologetic and intensely flavorful.
The white chili made with pork offers an alternative for those seeking something different.
Texans take their chili deadly seriously, and this place understands the assignment completely.
One bowl reminds you why Texas claims ownership of this dish—because they absolutely perfected it.
44. Utah: Red Iguana
Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana brings Mexican authenticity to chili with complex spices and traditional techniques.
The recipe honors chili’s Mexican roots while satisfying Utah’s appetite for hearty comfort food.
Multiple chile varieties create depth that keeps your taste buds engaged throughout.
It’s a reminder that chili’s origins lie south of the border, not in Texas.
45. Vermont: Prohibition Pig
Waterbury’s Prohibition Pig adds Vermont maple syrup to their chili, creating unexpected sweet-savory magic.
The maple flavor is subtle but transforms the entire bowl into something uniquely Vermonter.
Local ingredients and craft beer pairings reflect the state’s farm-to-table commitment.
It’s comfort food with Green Mountain personality and serious attention to quality.
This bowl proves that Vermont’s culinary creativity extends far beyond just cheese and ice cream.
46. Virginia: Texas Tavern
Roanoke’s Texas Tavern has been serving their secret chili recipe since 1930, despite being nowhere near Texas.
The tiny counter-service spot packs massive flavor into every bowl they serve.
It’s become a Virginia institution, proving that great chili transcends state borders and regional rivalries.
The recipe remains unchanged because loyal customers would never forgive any modifications.
Sometimes the best food comes from the smallest, most unassuming places that simply nail the basics.
47. Washington: Mike’s Chili Parlor
Seattle’s Mike’s Chili Parlor has been serving their family recipe since 1922, making it a true Emerald City treasure.
The coarse-ground beef gets simmered in spices until rich, savory, and impossibly satisfying.
It’s customizable—served straight, over spaghetti, or topping fries for maximum indulgence.
That classic tavern-style sheen tells you it’s the real deal, not some health-food version.
48. West Virginia: Hillbilly Hot Dogs
Lesage’s Hillbilly Hot Dogs serves chili in a converted school bus, embracing West Virginia’s quirky spirit.
The recipe is hearty and unpretentious, perfectly suited to Appalachian tastes and traditions.
It’s comfort food with mountain soul, served with a side of West Virginia pride.
The unconventional setting adds to the experience—this is roadside Americana at its finest.
49. Wisconsin: Real Chili
Milwaukee’s Real Chili has been a local institution since 1931, serving Wisconsin’s definitive version.
The recipe reflects German-influenced Milwaukee tastes with hearty, satisfying flavors.
Cheese makes an appearance because this is Wisconsin—cheese belongs on everything here.
It’s the perfect meal before or after a Brewers game or Packers watch party.
50. Wyoming: The Luxury Diner
Cheyenne’s Luxury Diner serves chili that’s built for Wyoming’s cowboys, ranchers, and hungry travelers.
The recipe is straightforward and beefy, reflecting the state’s ranching heritage perfectly.
It’s comfort food for people who work hard in harsh conditions and need serious sustenance.
The portions are generous because Wyoming doesn’t believe in skimping on anything.
