Cincinnati chili is a unique regional dish: a spiced, saucy meat topping served over spaghetti or hot dogs, crowned with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and beans. Unlike traditional chili, it has a thin, gravy-like consistency and a warm, aromatic flavor from cinnamon, allspice, and chocolate. This guide helps you find the best places to eat it, from the iconic chains to local favorites, and explains what to order at each.
Ingredients
- A craving for Cincinnati chili
- Knowledge of the “ways” to order (see below)
- Appetite for cheese, onions, and oyster crackers
Instructions
- Choose your chili parlor. The two big names are Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, both with dozens of locations across Ohio and neighboring states. If you’re in Cincinnati, you’ll also find local favorites like Camp Washington Chili, Price Hill Chili, and Blue Ash Chili.
- Learn the ordering system. Cincinnati chili is served in “ways”:
- Two-way: spaghetti topped with chili
- Three-way: spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese
- Four-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, and either onions or beans
- Five-way: spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and beans
- Order a cheese coney. A hot dog in a steamed bun, topped with chili, mustard, and onions, then buried under a mound of cheese. It’s a must-try.
- Add a side of oyster crackers. They’re served with every bowl of chili and are perfect for crunching on top or dipping.
- Don’t forget a cold glass of their signature “Coney Island” style root beer (Skyline) or a local craft beer to wash it down.
Tips
- Go local for authenticity: While the chains are consistent, locals often swear by the independent parlors. Camp Washington Chili is a classic, open 24 hours, and has won a James Beard America’s Classic Award.
- Order “3-way, no beans” if you want the classic: The three-way is the most popular order. If you don’t like beans, just say so.
- Ask for extra cheese: Cincinnati chili is known for its mountain of finely shredded cheddar. Don’t be shy; it’s part of the experience.
- Skip the spoon if you want: Many locals eat chili spaghetti with a fork, using oyster crackers as a scoop. It’s messy but delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cincinnati chili with a side of oyster crackers, a dill pickle spear, and a cold drink. For a full spread, add a cheese coney and maybe a side of their signature hot sauce (often called “Chili Sauce” or “Hot Sauce”) to spice things up. Don’t forget a stack of napkins.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Most parlors offer a vegetarian chili made with soy protein or lentils. It’s served the same ways, so you can still get a 3-way or coney.
- Cheese Coney vs. Chili Cheese Fries: Some places serve chili over french fries, topped with cheese and onions. It’s a hearty variation worth trying.
- Spicy: If you like heat, ask for their “hot sauce” or “chili sauce” on the side. It’s usually a vinegar-based pepper sauce, not a tomato-based one.
Storage and Reheating
If you’re taking leftovers home (or making your own), store the chili, spaghetti, and cheese separately in airtight containers. The chili will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s bubbling. The spaghetti can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of water. The cheese should be added fresh. You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Skyline and Gold Star? Both are the major chains, but locals have strong opinions. Skyline is often described as having a slightly sweeter, more cinnamon-forward flavor, while Gold Star is a bit more savory and spicier. Try both and decide for yourself.
Why is Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti? The tradition began in the 1920s when Macedonian immigrant Tom Kiradjieff opened a chili parlor and served his chili over spaghetti, a common dish in his homeland. The combination caught on and became the local standard.
Is Cincinnati chili actually chili? It’s a meat sauce, not a traditional Texas-style chili. It’s made with ground beef, water, tomato paste, and a unique blend of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. It’s served in a way that’s unique to Cincinnati.
Can I get Cincinnati chili outside of Ohio? Yes, Skyline and Gold Star have locations in several states, mainly in the Midwest and South. You can also buy canned Skyline chili in many grocery stores, but the fresh experience is better.
What are oyster crackers for? They’re a traditional accompaniment, meant to be sprinkled on top of the chili or eaten on the side. They add a crunchy texture and a neutral flavor that balances the spicy-sweet chili.
Is Cincinnati chili gluten-free? The chili itself is usually gluten-free (made with beef and spices), but the spaghetti is not. If you’re gluten-free, ask for a “3-way” without the spaghetti, or check if they offer gluten-free noodles. The cheese and onions are fine, but the coney bun is not.
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