I thought I would provide readers of The Gate a nice respite from the world of “Coronageddon” and review a restaurant that is currently only open for takeout since Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that all restaurants and bars in Ohio will suspend dine in options for customers to limit the spread of COVID-19.
I found myself in Cincinnati a few months ago, and since I had heard the city is known for its chili, I decided to try it for myself. Out of the several chains in the area that serve chili, I decided to eat at Skyline Chili after seeing slightly better reviews than my other consideration, Gold Star Chili.
Trying My First Cincinnati Chili — and the Verdict Is…
I opened the door to the restaurant and experienced extreme difficulty trying to find an empty table at which to sit.
After searching some more, I finally managed to find an empty table. I picked up the menu and noticed that the chili is served in “ways”. A way with a higher number will generally include more toppings than that of a lower number. A 3-Way consists of spaghetti covered in chili and topped with shredded cheese. A 4-Way also includes onions or beans, and a 5-Way includes both onions and beans. However, I decided to start small and order a 2-Way consisting of only spaghetti and chili.
Shortly after I ordered, the server brought my chili to the table. Watch my first taste of it in this video.
The chili did not have as much flavor as I expected, however I still thought it was still decently seasoned and that the respective amounts of spaghetti and chili were well balanced.
After I finished the spaghetti, I used the oyster crackers included in the meal to finish off the remaining chili on the plate.
Summary
Overall, I thought the chili was tasty. However it did not have the same “wanting more” effect on me as New York Kosher deli or po-boy restaurants in southern Mississippi or Louisiana. Skyline Chili has locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida; but I would not travel great distances to eat at one. If I happen to be in the general area, however, I would still consider eating there.
The total cost of the meal was $4.38 — which includes tax — and so I found the price reasonable for what I received.
Skyline Chili
643 Vine Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-241-2020
Open weekdays from 10:30 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening
All photographs ©2019 by Matthew Cohen.
