The Tastiest Chili In Every State Worth Grabbing A Spoon For
Chili is more than just a bowl of beans and meat – it’s comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Every state has its own unique take on this beloved dish, from smoky Texas-style to Cincinnati’s quirky five-way.
1. Archibald & Woodrow’s BBQ (Alabama)
Alabama knows barbecue, and Archibald & Woodrow’s proves they know chili too. Their version comes loaded with smoky pulled pork and a tangy sauce that makes your taste buds sing.
Each spoonful delivers Southern comfort with a kick of spice. Pair it with their famous cornbread, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth driving across state lines for, no question about it.
2. Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse (Alaska)
When the Alaskan cold bites hard, Humpy’s chili bites back with warmth and flavor. This isn’t your average bowl – it’s packed with local ingredients and hearty chunks of meat.
The atmosphere is as inviting as the food, with a laid-back vibe perfect for après-ski relaxation. Grab a local brew and settle in for a chili experience that’s authentically Alaskan through and through.
3. Joe’s Farm Grill (Arizona)
Arizona heat calls for bold flavors, and Joe’s Farm Grill delivers with a Southwestern twist. Their chili features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the family farm right next door.
Green chiles add a zesty punch that’ll wake up your palate instantly. Sit outside under the desert sun and enjoy farm-to-table chili that tastes like pure Arizona sunshine in every single bite.
4. Sims Bar-B-Que (Arkansas)
Sims has been smoking meat since 1937, so they know a thing or two about flavor. Their chili combines slow-cooked brisket with a secret spice blend passed down through generations.
It’s thick, meaty, and unapologetically rich – exactly what you’d expect from an Arkansas barbecue legend. One taste and you’ll understand why locals have been coming back for nearly a century straight.
5. Chili John’s (California)
Since 1946, Chili John’s has been serving up bowls of nostalgia in Burbank. Their recipe hasn’t changed much, and honestly, why mess with perfection?
The chili is simple yet deeply satisfying, with just the right balance of spice and savoriness. It’s the kind of place where Hollywood legends once ate, and the chili still tastes like a star today.
6. Santiago’s (Colorado)
Colorado’s green chili obsession reaches peak deliciousness at Santiago’s. Their famous green chili smothers breakfast burritos, enchiladas, and pretty much anything you can imagine.
Made with roasted Hatch chiles, it’s got heat and depth that’ll make you sweat and smile simultaneously. Locals line up daily for this stuff, and after one taste, you’ll be planning your return visit immediately.
7. Glenwood Drive-In (Connecticut)
This retro drive-in has been slinging chili dogs since 1940, and they’ve perfected the art. Their chili is finely ground, slightly sweet, and clings to hot dogs like it was born for the job.
It’s classic Americana served through a car window, complete with vintage charm and unbeatable flavor. Pull up, order a chili dog, and experience Connecticut comfort food at its absolute finest.
8. Deer Park Tavern (Delaware)
This historic tavern has hosted everyone from Edgar Allan Poe to modern-day chili lovers. Their recipe is hearty and warming, perfect for Delaware’s chilly evenings.
The atmosphere adds to the experience – old wooden beams, dim lighting, and the feeling you’re eating history. Order a pint and a bowl, and settle in for a meal that’s been satisfying customers since colonial times.
9. The Chili Shack (Florida)
Who says chili can’t be enjoyed in paradise? The Chili Shack proves Florida can do comfort food with a tropical twist that’s surprisingly refreshing.
Their version incorporates local flavors and fresh ingredients that make it stand out from traditional recipes. Enjoy it beachside with a cold drink, and you’ll discover chili tastes pretty amazing even when it’s eighty degrees outside.
10. Manuel’s Tavern (Georgia)
Atlanta’s most beloved dive bar serves chili that’s become legendary among locals. Manuel’s keeps it simple – no fancy toppings, just honest-to-goodness chili that warms your soul.
The tavern’s been a community gathering spot since 1956, and the chili’s been fueling political debates and friendly conversations ever since. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and quintessentially Atlanta in every way possible.
11. Like Like Drive Inn (Hawaii)
Hawaiian chili hits different – literally. Like Like serves theirs over rice with a side of macaroni salad, creating a plate lunch that’s pure island comfort.
The chili itself is hearty and flavorful, with just enough spice to complement the starchy sides. It’s casual local food at its finest, the kind of meal that makes you understand why Hawaiians love their plate lunches so much.
12. Big Jud’s (Idaho)
Everything’s bigger at Big Jud’s, including the chili portions. Their Idaho-style chili comes loaded with local potatoes because, well, this is Idaho after all.
It’s thick, filling, and satisfying in that stick-to-your-ribs kind of way. Whether you order it solo or piled on their famous burgers, you’re getting a meal that’ll fuel you for hours of outdoor Idaho adventures ahead.
13. Wieners Circle (Chicago, Illinois)
Famous for sassy service and late-night eats, Wieners Circle serves chili that’s as bold as their attitude. Their chili cheese dogs are legendary among Chicago night owls and tourists alike.
The chili is meaty and generously portioned, perfect for soaking up a night out in the city. Go for the experience, stay for the surprisingly delicious chili that keeps people coming back despite the verbal abuse.
14. Mug-n-Bun (Indiana)
This Indianapolis institution has been serving carhop-style since 1960, and their chili dogs are pure nostalgia. The chili is perfectly seasoned, not too thick, not too thin – just right for topping their famous root beer floats’ companion dogs.
Pull up, roll down your window, and order like it’s the 1960s all over again. It’s wholesome Indiana fun with seriously tasty chili to boot.
15. B-Bop’s (Iowa)
Iowa’s fast-casual favorite knows how to pile on the chili. B-Bop’s uses a secret recipe that’s become a Midwest obsession, topping burgers and fries with equal enthusiasm.
Their chili strikes that perfect balance between meaty and saucy, clinging to every bite without overwhelming it. It’s comfort food done right, Iowa-style, proving the heartland knows what’s up when it comes to satisfying hunger.
16. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas)
When barbecue royalty makes chili, you pay attention. Joe’s incorporates their legendary burnt ends into a chili that’s smoky, rich, and absolutely unforgettable.
Each spoonful delivers Kansas City barbecue heritage in liquid form, with tender meat and deep flavors. It’s the kind of chili that makes you understand why people travel from all over just to eat at this converted gas station turned barbecue mecca.
17. Dixie Chili & Deli (Kentucky)
Kentucky’s take on Cincinnati-style chili brings Mediterranean spices to the Bluegrass State. Dixie serves theirs over spaghetti with a mountain of cheese, creating the famous three-way that locals crave.
The cinnamon and chocolate notes might surprise first-timers, but one taste converts skeptics instantly. It’s quirky, delicious, and proof that Kentucky does more than just bourbon and fried chicken remarkably well.
18. The Rum House (Louisiana)
Louisiana chili means Cajun spices and serious heat. The Rum House doesn’t hold back, loading their version with andouille sausage and enough seasoning to make your forehead sweat pleasantly.
It’s got that distinctive Louisiana flair – bold, unapologetic, and full of personality. Pair it with a hurricane cocktail if you dare, and experience New Orleans comfort food that packs a flavorful punch you won’t forget soon.
19. Dysart’s Restaurant (Maine)
This iconic truck stop has been fueling Maine travelers since 1967, and their chili is trucker-approved comfort. It’s hearty, no-nonsense, and exactly what you need after driving through a New England winter.
Dysart’s doesn’t try to be fancy – they just make honest chili that sticks to your ribs and warms you thoroughly. Stop in, grab a bowl, and understand why truckers consider this a must-visit Maine destination.
20. Mother’s Federal Hill Grille (Maryland)
Only in Maryland would they top chili with crab meat, and somehow it works beautifully. Mother’s brings Baltimore seafood sensibility to comfort food, creating something uniquely delicious.
The chili itself is rich and flavorful, then the crab adds a sweet, briny contrast that’s absolutely brilliant. It’s unexpected, creative, and totally worth trying if you’re anywhere near Baltimore’s Federal Hill neighborhood soon.
21. The Eagle’s Deli (Massachusetts)
Boston College students fuel their studies with Eagle’s Deli chili, piled high on their famous challenge burgers. The chili is meaty, slightly sweet, and perfectly suited for topping their ridiculous portion sizes.
It’s college town food at its finest – affordable, filling, and tasty enough to keep you coming back. Even if you don’t tackle their challenges, the regular chili portions satisfy completely without requiring a nap afterward.
22. National Coney Island (Michigan)
Michigan’s coney dog obsession centers on that perfect chili topping, and National does it right. Their chili is finely ground, savory, and specifically designed to complement hot dogs without overpowering them.
It’s Detroit comfort food through and through, served fast and hot in a no-frills setting. Order it all the way – chili, mustard, onions—and experience why Michiganders are so passionate about their coney dogs year-round.
23. The Loon Café (Minnesota)
Minneapolis winters demand serious chili, and The Loon delivers with a recipe that’s warmed locals for years. Their version is thick, hearty, and loaded with beans and beef in perfect harmony.
The café atmosphere is welcoming and quintessentially Minnesotan – friendly without being overbearing. Grab a booth, order a bowl, and enjoy chili that makes surviving those brutal Minnesota winters feel entirely worthwhile and even cozy.
24. The Pig & Pint (Mississippi)
Mississippi barbecue meets chili in the most delicious way possible. The Pig & Pint combines their smoked pork with traditional chili ingredients, creating something special that honors both Southern traditions.
It’s smoky, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying in that way only Mississippi comfort food can be. Wash it down with sweet tea, and you’ve got yourself an authentic Southern meal worth writing home about immediately.
25. Woody’s Smokehouse (Missouri)
Woody’s has been smoking meat since 1954, and their chili benefits from decades of barbecue expertise. Brisket chunks swim in a rich, smoky broth that tastes like Missouri barbecue tradition in every spoonful.
It’s the kind of chili that makes you slow down and savor each bite thoughtfully. Pair it with their famous smoked sausage, and you’ll understand why Missourians are so proud of their barbecue heritage always.
26. The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ (Montana)
Montana’s wide-open spaces inspire hearty appetites, and The Notorious P.I.G. delivers with chili that’s as bold as the state itself. Their recipe sometimes features local game, adding a unique Montana twist to tradition.
It’s rustic, flavorful, and perfect after a day of outdoor adventures in Big Sky Country. One bowl proves Montana does comfort food with the same rugged excellence they apply to everything else out there.
27. Stauffer’s Café & Pie Shoppe (Nebraska)
Nebraska comfort food shines at Stauffer’s, where the chili is homemade and the pies are legendary. Their chili recipe is straightforward and satisfying, the kind grandma might make on a cold prairie afternoon.
It’s served with genuine Midwest hospitality that makes you feel like family instantly. Save room for pie afterward, because Stauffer’s desserts are equally famous and absolutely worth the extra calories without question.
28. The Dillinger (Nevada)
Las Vegas dining goes beyond buffets, and The Dillinger proves it with seriously good chili. Their gastropub take elevates the classic with quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations that surprise pleasantly.
It’s modern comfort food done right, perfect for recovering from a night on the Strip. Pair it with one of their craft beers, and you’ve got a Vegas meal that doesn’t involve slots or showgirls whatsoever.
29. The Friendly Toast (New Hampshire)
This quirky breakfast spot serves chili that’s as fun as their vintage décor. The Friendly Toast offers both traditional and vegetarian versions, all served with their signature creative flair and generous portions.
It’s comfort food with personality, perfect for fueling New Hampshire adventures year-round. The atmosphere is lively, the service friendly, and the chili genuinely delicious regardless of which version you choose ultimately.
30. WindMill Hot Dogs (New Jersey)
New Jersey takes its hot dogs seriously, and WindMill’s chili topping has achieved legendary status. The chili is savory and slightly sweet, clinging perfectly to their deep-fried dogs without getting messy.
It’s fast food elevated to an art form, Jersey-style. Grab napkins, order at the counter, and prepare for a chili dog experience that’ll make you understand Garden State pride a little better than before.
31. The Shed (New Mexico)
New Mexico chili is different – it’s all about the chile peppers, not the meat and beans. The Shed serves both red and green versions that showcase Hatch chiles in all their glory.
It’s smoky, complex, and authentically New Mexican in ways that’ll ruin you for other chilis forever. When they ask red or green, the correct answer is Christmas – both, mixed together for maximum deliciousness and heat.
32. Empire Diner (New York)
This iconic Art Deco diner serves chili that’s pure New York – straightforward, no-nonsense, and available any time day or night. Empire’s version is classic diner fare done well, perfect for late-night cravings after Broadway shows.
It’s comfort food in the city that never sleeps, served with attitude and efficiency. Grab a counter seat, order a bowl, and soak in the quintessential NYC diner experience completely.
33. Heirloom (North Carolina)
North Carolina’s farm-to-table movement meets comfort food at Heirloom. Their chili features locally-sourced ingredients prepared with upscale technique, creating something familiar yet elevated and refined beyond expectations.
It’s Southern comfort with a modern twist that respects tradition while embracing innovation. The result is chili that tastes both nostalgic and fresh, proving North Carolina’s food scene deserves serious national attention always.
34. Kroll’s Diner (North Dakota)
Kroll’s has been feeding North Dakotans since 1972, and their chili remains a cold-weather favorite. It’s thick, meaty, and exactly what you need after braving Fargo winters or long prairie drives.
The diner atmosphere is classic Midwest – friendly, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming to everyone. Order a bowl with their famous knoephla soup on the side, and experience North Dakota comfort food at its absolute finest.
35. Skyline Chili (Ohio)
Ohio’s most famous chili is also its most controversial. Skyline’s Cincinnati-style recipe includes chocolate and cinnamon, served over spaghetti in ways that baffle and delight simultaneously.
Order it five-way – spaghetti, chili, cheese, beans, onions – for the full experience that locals absolutely swear by. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s quintessentially Ohio in ways that make perfect sense once you taste it yourself.
36. The Garage (Oklahoma)
This Stillwater favorite serves chili that fuels Oklahoma State students and locals alike. The Garage keeps it hearty and flavorful, perfect for topping their burgers or enjoying solo with cornbread on the side.
It’s college town food with heart and substance that satisfies completely. The automotive-themed décor adds character, but the chili’s what keeps people coming back semester after semester without fail or hesitation whatsoever.
37. White Owl Social Club (Oregon)
Portland’s food scene brings creativity to everything, including chili. White Owl serves a version that’s both traditional and innovative, featuring local ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations that work brilliantly.
It’s comfort food with a Pacific Northwest twist, served in a laid-back atmosphere perfect for Portland’s vibe. Pair it with a local IPA, and you’ve got a meal that captures Oregon’s food culture perfectly and deliciously.
38. D’s Six Pax & Dogz (Pennsylvania)
Pennsylvania loves its hot dogs, and D’s tops them with chili that’s become locally famous. Their recipe is savory and meat-forward, perfect for piling on dogs alongside cheese and onions galore.
It’s Pittsburgh comfort food through and through, served fast and hot to hungry locals. The portions are generous, the flavors bold, and the experience authentically Pennsylvanian in all the best ways possible today.
39. Olneyville New York System (Rhode Island)
Rhode Island’s hot wieners feature a unique meat sauce that’s technically chili but distinctly different. Olneyville’s version is spiced with cumin and paprika, creating flavors that are unmistakably Rhode Island in every way.
Order yours all the way – meat sauce, mustard, onions, celery salt – for the authentic Ocean State experience. It’s tiny, delicious, and you’ll definitely need more than one to feel satisfied afterward.
40. The Comfy Cow (South Carolina)
Wait, chili at an ice cream shop? The Comfy Cow gets creative with their menu, occasionally featuring chili-inspired flavors or toppings that sound crazy but taste surprisingly amazing together.
South Carolina heat makes ice cream essential, and their innovative approach keeps things interesting year-round. It’s quirky, delicious, and proof that Southern creativity knows no bounds when it comes to food combinations whatsoever.
41. Murphy’s Pub & Grill (South Dakota)
South Dakota winters are brutal, and Murphy’s chili provides essential warmth and comfort. Their pub-style version is hearty and satisfying, perfect alongside one of their local craft beers on tap.
It’s straightforward Midwest comfort food without pretension or fuss whatsoever. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making Murphy’s the kind of place where everyone feels like a regular customer from their first visit onward.
42. Edley’s Bar-B-Que (Tennessee)
Nashville hot chicken gets the glory, but Edley’s chili deserves attention too. Their barbecue-focused version includes smoked meat and Tennessee spices, creating something uniquely delicious and deeply satisfying throughout.
It’s Music City comfort food that hits all the right notes perfectly. Pair it with their famous sides, and you’ve got a meal that showcases why Tennessee’s food scene extends far beyond hot chicken alone.
43. Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor (Texas)
Texas chili means no beans, and Tolbert’s honors that tradition religiously. Their all-meat version is rich, spicy, and exactly what Texans mean when they say real chili with absolute conviction.
Named after the godfather of chili cook-offs, this place takes chili seriously as a matter of state pride. One bowl proves why Texas claims ownership of chili culture, and honestly, they might be right about it.
44. The Soup Kitchen (Utah)
Utah’s quirky food culture shines at The Soup Kitchen, where chili meets local favorites like fry sauce in unexpected ways. Their version is hearty and warming, perfect for après-ski recovery after Utah’s legendary powder days.
It’s comfort food with a Utah twist that locals understand and visitors quickly learn to appreciate. The casual atmosphere and generous portions make it a Salt Lake City favorite year-round without question.
45. Penny Cluse Café (Vermont)
Vermont’s farm-fresh ethos shines in Penny Cluse’s chili, made with local vegetables and topped with the state’s famous cheddar cheese. Their vegetarian version proves chili doesn’t need meat to satisfy completely and deliciously.
It’s wholesome, flavorful, and quintessentially Vermont in its commitment to quality local ingredients. The café atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for Burlington’s artsy, progressive vibe that defines the city entirely.
46. Hard Times Café (Virginia)
Virginia’s Hard Times serves chili from three different regions – Texas, Cincinnati, and their own Terlingua-style. This lets you compare and contrast styles, discovering which regional approach suits your taste buds best overall.
It’s a chili education served in bowls, with each version authentic and delicious. The café atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it perfect for chili debates with friends over which style reigns supreme ultimately.
47. 13 Coins (Washington)
Seattle’s legendary 24-hour restaurant serves chili that’s surprisingly refined for a place open all night. 13 Coins elevates comfort food with quality ingredients and careful preparation that shows in every spoonful.
It’s perfect for late-night cravings after concerts or early-morning hunger before flights from SeaTac. The upscale diner atmosphere and counter seating create a unique Seattle experience that’s been satisfying locals since 1967 continuously.
48. Hillbilly Hot Dogs (West Virginia)
This roadside legend serves hot dogs from a converted school bus, and their chili is as memorable as the setting. Hillbilly’s chili is homemade and generously applied to dogs with creative names and massive proportions.
It’s West Virginia character served on a bun, complete with Appalachian hospitality and flavor. The experience is as much about the atmosphere as the food, but that chili keeps people coming back for seconds always.
49. The Old Fashioned (Wisconsin)
Only in Wisconsin would they top chili with cheese curds, and The Old Fashioned makes it work beautifully. Their chili celebrates state ingredients and traditions, from the beer in the recipe to the dairy on top.
It’s Wisconsin pride in a bowl, served in a tavern that honors everything great about the state. Pair it with a brandy old fashioned, and you’ve experienced Wisconsin food culture at its most authentic and delicious.
50. Liberty Burger (Wyoming)
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces inspire hearty appetites, and Liberty Burger delivers with chili featuring local bison meat occasionally. Their version is lean yet flavorful, reflecting the state’s ranching heritage and natural resources beautifully.
It’s cowboy comfort food updated for modern tastes without losing authentic Western character. One bowl proves Wyoming does more than stunning scenery – they do seriously satisfying comfort food that sticks with you long afterward.
