As the temperatures begin to fall (okay, let’s be honest – anything below 70 is cold to us Texans), nothing sounds better than warming your belly and your heart with a big bowl of chili. Fortunately, since the dish originated here, there are plenty of restaurants that serve up some delicious classic Texas red chili (no beans, of course). These 10 eateries serve some of the best chili in Texas. Believe us, your taste buds will thank you.
- Goode’s Armadillo Palace (Houston)
Facebook/GoodesArmadilloPalace
Instagram/armadillopalace Goode’s might be more of a bar than a restaurant, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make a mean bowl of chili. It’s made with thick chunks of venison (I promise those aren’t beans you see) that are simmered in a spicy, cumin-infused chili sauce until they’re so tender they practically melt in your mouth. Then, it’s topped off with shredded cheese, onions, and jalapenos. Plus, you can listen to live entertainment out on the patio while you eat and two-step some of the calories off afterwards! To learn more, visit the website for Goode’s Armadillo Palace.
- Texas Chili Parlor (Austin)
Yelp/Jennifer Y.
Yelp/Dan B. This is probably the most famed chili restaurant in Texas - and rightfully so, considering it’s all they serve. Whether you want it on a burger, hot dog, Frito pie, or just by itself, chili in all its wonderful forms is the name of the game at Texas Chili Parlor. They have several different varieties including white pork, sausage, beef, and even vegetarian, but locals swear by the original. It has huge hunks of beef, just the right amount of spice, and is so thick you can stand a spoon straight up in it. And if you eat here, you’ll be experiencing cinematic history because the Tarantino movie Death Proof was shot here. Visit the Texas Chili Parlor Facebook page to learn more.
- Tolbert’s (Grapevine)
Yelp/Dan H.
Yelp/Theodore L. Tolbert’s was founded by the co-founder of the Terlingua Chili Cookoff so this man knows how it’s done and won’t settle for anything less. This is the Original Texas Red topped with cheese, onions, and…a whole pepper? That’s right - as if it weren’t spicy enough already, they take it up a notch for all the real Texans out there. You can also get the chili in a Frito pie or on a hot dog if you’re especially hungry. Check out the website for Tolbert’s Restaurant and Chili Parlor to learn more.
- Molina’s Cantina (Houston)
Yelp/Kimberly P.
Facebook/molinascantina It just wouldn’t have felt right to not include a Tex-Mex restaurant on this list, and what’s better than the oldest operating one in Houston? Molina’s Cantina is family-owned and has been in business since 1941, so it’s had plenty of time to perfect the art of chili. But according to owner Ricardo Molina, the secret is in the simplicity. All he does is combine 80/20 beef, ancho chili paste, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic. Top it with a little cheddar cheese and chopped onion, and you’re good to go. Nothing more to it. For more information, visit the website for Molina’s Cantina in Houston.
- Fred’s Texas Cafe (Fort Worth)
Yelp/Lauren P.
Facebook/Fred’s Texas Cafe Fred’s only serves chili in the fall and winter, so you’d better head over in the next few months! It’s a secret recipe made with tender sirloin and topped with grilled onions, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. You can get it by itself, as chili-cheese fries, or even on top of one of the restaurant’s nationally acclaimed burgers. Check out the website for Fred’s Texas Cafe to learn more.
- Terlingua International Chili Cook-Off (Terlingua)
Flickr/fuzzy
Flickr/thegirlsny It may not be a restaurant, but I’d be darned if I didn’t mention arguably the largest chili event in the country. Sample from dozens of contestants, find out which ones you like the best, and root for them when it comes time for judging. I guarantee you’ll find some spectacular chili here - after all, people come from all over the world just to duke it out for the top spot.
- JCI Grill (Houston)
Yelp/Marv W.
Yelp/JCI Grill James Coney Island, now known as JCI Grill, probably isn’t a place you’d expect to be on this list. Fast food joints generally don’t prioritize quality, but JCI is an exception. Their chili is hearty, perfectly spiced, bean-free, and extremely cheap. What more could you ask for? To learn more, visit the website for JCI Grill.
- Killen’s BBQ (Pearland)
Yelp/Adelaida D.
Facebook/KillensBBQ The famous Killen’s does chili a little differently than the other guys. Given that it’s a barbecue restaurant, the meat of choice in the dish is brisket. And not just any brisket - tender, fall-off-the-bone brisket that can only be found at Killen’s. It’s still authentic Texas red chili, too, so the base is just as flavorful as you’re used to - maybe even more so with the addition of the juicy cuts of meat. Check out the website for Killen’s BBQ to learn more.
- 24 Diner (Austin)
Yelp/Katie O.
Yelp/Kevin F. This chili has a secret ingredient: beer. That’s right, 24 diner uses a heaping serving of Fireman’s #4 in their recipe to add a bold, robust flavor to it. And it’s served with a side of cornbread to sop up all the meaty, spicy, saucy, (but not beany, of course) goodness. To learn more, visit the website for 24 Diner in Austin.
- Holy Grail Pub (Plano)
yelp/Bryan D. I couldn’t find a picture of the restaurant, but I think the chili speaks for itself. It’s made with the hottest pepper in the world, the ghost chili, but still manages to balance heat and flavor delicately and deliciously. Visit Holy Grail Pub’s website to learn more.
Who do you think makes the best chili in Texas? Did we leave your favorite restaurant off the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Facebook/GoodesArmadilloPalace
Instagram/armadillopalace
Goode’s might be more of a bar than a restaurant, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make a mean bowl of chili. It’s made with thick chunks of venison (I promise those aren’t beans you see) that are simmered in a spicy, cumin-infused chili sauce until they’re so tender they practically melt in your mouth. Then, it’s topped off with shredded cheese, onions, and jalapenos. Plus, you can listen to live entertainment out on the patio while you eat and two-step some of the calories off afterwards! To learn more, visit the website for Goode’s Armadillo Palace.
Yelp/Jennifer Y.
Yelp/Dan B.
This is probably the most famed chili restaurant in Texas - and rightfully so, considering it’s all they serve. Whether you want it on a burger, hot dog, Frito pie, or just by itself, chili in all its wonderful forms is the name of the game at Texas Chili Parlor. They have several different varieties including white pork, sausage, beef, and even vegetarian, but locals swear by the original. It has huge hunks of beef, just the right amount of spice, and is so thick you can stand a spoon straight up in it. And if you eat here, you’ll be experiencing cinematic history because the Tarantino movie Death Proof was shot here. Visit the Texas Chili Parlor Facebook page to learn more.
Yelp/Dan H.
Yelp/Theodore L.
Tolbert’s was founded by the co-founder of the Terlingua Chili Cookoff so this man knows how it’s done and won’t settle for anything less. This is the Original Texas Red topped with cheese, onions, and…a whole pepper? That’s right - as if it weren’t spicy enough already, they take it up a notch for all the real Texans out there. You can also get the chili in a Frito pie or on a hot dog if you’re especially hungry. Check out the website for Tolbert’s Restaurant and Chili Parlor to learn more.
Yelp/Kimberly P.
Facebook/molinascantina
It just wouldn’t have felt right to not include a Tex-Mex restaurant on this list, and what’s better than the oldest operating one in Houston? Molina’s Cantina is family-owned and has been in business since 1941, so it’s had plenty of time to perfect the art of chili. But according to owner Ricardo Molina, the secret is in the simplicity. All he does is combine 80/20 beef, ancho chili paste, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic. Top it with a little cheddar cheese and chopped onion, and you’re good to go. Nothing more to it. For more information, visit the website for Molina’s Cantina in Houston.
Yelp/Lauren P.
Facebook/Fred’s Texas Cafe
Fred’s only serves chili in the fall and winter, so you’d better head over in the next few months! It’s a secret recipe made with tender sirloin and topped with grilled onions, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese. You can get it by itself, as chili-cheese fries, or even on top of one of the restaurant’s nationally acclaimed burgers. Check out the website for Fred’s Texas Cafe to learn more.
Flickr/fuzzy
Flickr/thegirlsny
It may not be a restaurant, but I’d be darned if I didn’t mention arguably the largest chili event in the country. Sample from dozens of contestants, find out which ones you like the best, and root for them when it comes time for judging. I guarantee you’ll find some spectacular chili here - after all, people come from all over the world just to duke it out for the top spot.
Yelp/Marv W.
Yelp/JCI Grill
James Coney Island, now known as JCI Grill, probably isn’t a place you’d expect to be on this list. Fast food joints generally don’t prioritize quality, but JCI is an exception. Their chili is hearty, perfectly spiced, bean-free, and extremely cheap. What more could you ask for? To learn more, visit the website for JCI Grill.
Yelp/Adelaida D.
Facebook/KillensBBQ
The famous Killen’s does chili a little differently than the other guys. Given that it’s a barbecue restaurant, the meat of choice in the dish is brisket. And not just any brisket - tender, fall-off-the-bone brisket that can only be found at Killen’s. It’s still authentic Texas red chili, too, so the base is just as flavorful as you’re used to - maybe even more so with the addition of the juicy cuts of meat. Check out the website for Killen’s BBQ to learn more.
Yelp/Katie O.
Yelp/Kevin F.
This chili has a secret ingredient: beer. That’s right, 24 diner uses a heaping serving of Fireman’s #4 in their recipe to add a bold, robust flavor to it. And it’s served with a side of cornbread to sop up all the meaty, spicy, saucy, (but not beany, of course) goodness. To learn more, visit the website for 24 Diner in Austin.
yelp/Bryan D.
I couldn’t find a picture of the restaurant, but I think the chili speaks for itself. It’s made with the hottest pepper in the world, the ghost chili, but still manages to balance heat and flavor delicately and deliciously. Visit Holy Grail Pub’s website to learn more.
And if you want to start your day off right, check out these incredible breakfast restaurants in Texas.
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Address: 5015 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, USAAddress: 1409 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701, USAAddress: Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor, 423 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, USAAddress: 3801 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77025, USAAddress: Fort Worth, TX 76102, USAAddress: Terlingua, TX 79852, USAAddress: 740 Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450, USAAddress: 3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581, USAAddress: 600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, USAAddress: 8240 Preston Rd #150, Plano, TX 75024, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best chili in Texas November 19, 2020 Elisa Regulski What is Texas style chili? Unlike other types of chili, Texas style does not include beans. Traditionally, it also includes roast rather than ground beef. What are the best Tex Mex restaurants in Texas? There are so many incredible Tex Mex Restaurants in Texas! If you’re looking for a classic, cheese-covered meal, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This eatery serves some of the most delectable enchiladas around. All tortillas are made fresh in-house, and you’ll never want to stop eating them. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Mi Tierra in San Antonio. In addition to their classic tacos and fajitas, this restaurant is known for their amazing baked goods. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Texas? It should come as no surprise that there are loads of amazing BBQ restaurants in Texas. The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, is always at the top of people’s list. This iconic restaurant is known for their juicy brisket and tender ribs. Enjoy your wonderful meal under their shady oak trees! It’s the recipe for a perfect day in the Lone Star State. La BBQ, located in Austin, is another scrumptious eatery. Everything on their menu is perfectly smoked and fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s easy to see why people wait in line for so long just to taste it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best chili in Texas
November 19, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What is Texas style chili? Unlike other types of chili, Texas style does not include beans. Traditionally, it also includes roast rather than ground beef. What are the best Tex Mex restaurants in Texas? There are so many incredible Tex Mex Restaurants in Texas! If you’re looking for a classic, cheese-covered meal, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This eatery serves some of the most delectable enchiladas around. All tortillas are made fresh in-house, and you’ll never want to stop eating them. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Mi Tierra in San Antonio. In addition to their classic tacos and fajitas, this restaurant is known for their amazing baked goods. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Texas? It should come as no surprise that there are loads of amazing BBQ restaurants in Texas. The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, is always at the top of people’s list. This iconic restaurant is known for their juicy brisket and tender ribs. Enjoy your wonderful meal under their shady oak trees! It’s the recipe for a perfect day in the Lone Star State. La BBQ, located in Austin, is another scrumptious eatery. Everything on their menu is perfectly smoked and fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s easy to see why people wait in line for so long just to taste it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Unlike other types of chili, Texas style does not include beans. Traditionally, it also includes roast rather than ground beef.
What are the best Tex Mex restaurants in Texas?
There are so many incredible Tex Mex Restaurants in Texas! If you’re looking for a classic, cheese-covered meal, visit Matt’s El Rancho in Austin. This eatery serves some of the most delectable enchiladas around. All tortillas are made fresh in-house, and you’ll never want to stop eating them. For more mouthwatering meals, visit Mi Tierra in San Antonio. In addition to their classic tacos and fajitas, this restaurant is known for their amazing baked goods.
What are the best BBQ restaurants in Texas?
It should come as no surprise that there are loads of amazing BBQ restaurants in Texas. The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, is always at the top of people’s list. This iconic restaurant is known for their juicy brisket and tender ribs. Enjoy your wonderful meal under their shady oak trees! It’s the recipe for a perfect day in the Lone Star State. La BBQ, located in Austin, is another scrumptious eatery. Everything on their menu is perfectly smoked and fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s easy to see why people wait in line for so long just to taste it.
