Good Chili?

Anyone know of some local places that have good chili? I had the elk chili at Village Anchor a couple weeks ago and it was freaking great. I was tempted to go back tonight just for some more but it got me thinking if there are any other places that have good chili as well.

I guess 'my house' probably isn't the type of local place you're looking for. But the chili IS superb.

I concur with 'my house'. I think most people are looking for familiar when it comes to chili, and I can't recall being served a bowl that I preferred over my own. That being said, if I had to replace my chili for a night I would go for Frank's Produce on Preston. It is a good Louisville-style(spaghetti included), they make it every day and it is a great value for the dollar. Carry-out only. Second choice for sit-down and a beer: Check's Cafe in Germantown. Spaghetti optional.

[Robin Garr]

I don't know if it's the best in town, but the black bean soup at Shady Lane Cafe the other day tasted n awful lot like a mighty fine, hearty and spicy chili!

I had the Lentil chili last week at Relish, it was extremely good and vegetarian (vegan?) for those of you that care about those things. It was definitely one of the better chilies of any type I've had recently except for homemade.

Newbie here, but couldn't pass this post up. The chili at The Silver Dollar is by far my favorite in town- totally different from what I would make at home- but oh so good! I usually go for "Texas style" and enjoy it at their fabulous bar, while listening to some great tunes on their record player, and drinking some good bourbon! Unfortunately it's not on their brunch menu, or I would have had it today for breakfast...

Silver Dollar
FABD
Cumberland
BBC

I'm not too proud to admit that I miss the JCPS chili from way back when I was a student. It was the only school lunch I would actually buy and eat.

Shady Lane does a pretty darn good chili...kinda a "bowl of red" (with beans) version....ALMOST as good as what I make at home

Thanks for the tips I'll try these. Still haven't been to silver dollar or shady lane need to get out to those asap.

Check's Cafe!

Zina at Gavi's Restaurant on 7th Street downtown makes a mean bowl of chili. She gave me her "secret recipe" and mine is nearly as good as hers now.

My husband, on the other hand, makes "orange chili" using Bloemer's chili base. Tastes okay but I have trouble getting past the color and all the soy filler.

Zina at Gavi's Restaurant on 7th Street downtown makes a mean bowl of chili. She gave me her "secret recipe" and mine is nearly as good as hers now.

My husband, on the other hand, makes "orange chili" using Bloemer's chili base. Tastes okay but I have trouble getting past the color and all the soy filler.

I've seen Bloemer's chili base in the store and have never been even remotely tempted to buy it. Since I add my own meat of varying types, I don't see any reason to add extra fat.

However, I actually like the Bloemer's chili powder. It's makes a good foundation IMHO. I like my chili rich, rich, rich, in the sense of red chili. Bloemer's is not expensive, so I can add as much as needed. Usually though, I like to add straight ground red chili after getting started with the Blormer's. Don't forget a little chipotle either.

Checks? Seriously? The one time I tried it it was obvious that a crucial ingredient was lacking -- chili powder, or any spice whatsoever. No chili pepper, not even cumin. Heck, it even lacked salt and pepper! That's not chili.

There are only a few places I've sampled other people's chili from, and those are the Old Walnut St. Chili Parlor, Skyline, and Wendy's. Old Walnut was kind of greasy, and Skyline didn't make me go back for more, either. Wendy's chili is not as good as it was in the 70's, but it's ok for what it is(what other fast food restaurant offers chili?).

My mother always used the Bloemer's base, and her chili was great, but I've deducted that and added some other stuff. My chili has a few special things like cloves and apple sauce. What are other people's secret ingredients?