Home Cooking
When you think Cincinnati, you think chili. But we want you to think beyond the big two chili chains.
So Cincinnati People is doing the legwork for you – visiting some off-the-beaten-path Cincinnati chili parlors to sample menu items that lie beyond the typical three-way.
Our first stop is, admittedly, a chain, but a smaller one. Newport is home to the original Dixie Chili, started by Nicholas Sarakatsannis in 1928. He perfected his own version of Greek chili after a brief stint working at Empress Chili in Cincinnati and turned it into the family business.
But Dixie didn’t stop at chili; the menu also features some unusual offerings. We had to sample the alligator – a cheese coney with a pickle spear and mayo. Dixie also offers deli sandwiches and the Chili Man dip, just like your favorite cream cheese, chili and cheddar-topped party dip, served with tortilla chips. And don’t forget the classic gyros, leaning on the Sarkatsannis family’s Greek roots. I know I won’t.
To quote Dixie Chili’s website, “Although Papa Nick didn’t invent what is now called Cincinnati-style chili, people who know chili believe he perfected it.” If you know, you know, apparently. During our visit, the line was out the door with regulars, patiently waiting for their made-to-order waffle fries and six-ways (with fresh garlic!), and enjoying their lunches in the ‘70s-style dining room.
You can enjoy Dixie Chili at any of its four NKY locations: Newport, Covington, Erlanger and Independence.