U.S. Chili

Let’s just say when I think of a 3-​way chili is not the first thing that comes to mind. With that said U. S Chili ends the debate I have observed as an outsider between who is the best between Skyline and Gold Star. This place beats them both in price AND taste. As an outsider, I still disagree that you can call it chili without beans and with spaghetti? Spaghetti noodles kinda automatically make it a pasta dish but that’s neither here nor there. This is one of those neighborhood spots where they know everyone that comes in. except me. Everyone was greeted by name or nick name and you can tell this place has been around for a while. From it (original) checkerboard tile floor to its antique cast iron bank vault door this place has lots of history. They have more space than they need but wouldn’t we all want to have that problem?

I used to live nearby and get coffee or eat here daily. The double deckers, chili, and breakfast are all awesome. And I’m surprised none of the other reviewers mentioned the cheesecake– try it. The staff are all very friendly as is the owner, Jimmy. And FYI, the men’s restroom is inside the vault. Making deposits at the porcelain bank, oh yeah.

Not very good. The chili had a weird taste and the burger was paper thin. The staff was behind the counter talking loudly about some Facebook drama. Very dirty and ran down

Not much for astomphere. But food was reasonable priced and fast.

If you’re a snob, then don’t go here. If you’re a regular person, this is a place you might have passed up that’s worth giving a try. It’s in an older building, in a run-​down area of town, and fits the demographic, and when I went in there at first, I wondered if it would be any good. I’m glad I stayed! The chili was DEE-​LICIOUS!
If you worry about a scratch on your BMW, then don’t go here, but if you are the kind of person that loves the hidden little mom and pop shops with friendly folks and something different (i.e. outside the corporate norm) then give these folks a try!

U.S. Chili is a hidden gem in Cincinnati. Like all chili parlors in the 513, it is more of a diner than anything else. The chili is fantastic (Cincinnati style, naturally), but equally delicious are the burgers and double-​decker sandwiches.
The real appeal of U.S. Chili, however, is their breakfast. Simply put, it’s the best in town. Nothing else comes close to the homemade goetta here — which can be added to a giant omelette as part of the perfect Cincinnati breakfast. The pancakes are also light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Add in friendly service and you’ve got a place that shouldn’t be missed.

dirty & nasty!!!

Definitely my favorite chili place in town next to Empress. I wish their fries were better here, though. I’ve had them a couple of times and they’re always salty and limp. Skyline always has crisp fries but mediocre chili; Dixie has decent chili and awesome waffle fries. This place has great chili but horrible fries. What a conundrum! The gentleman behind the counter is always very kind!

Pretty basic Cincinnati chili parlor. The lady behind the counter was super nice and was quick to serve and refill. Prices are good– $ 4.25 for a three way.
The chili is significantly more viscous than I am accustomed. The flavor could afford a bit more spice, but like almost all chili joints, the oyster crackers and hot sauce are readily available.
The building is sparse in décor, but the old bank vault door is pretty awesome. I like to think the spices and recipe are kept back there, but she didn’t seem to know about that. Oh well. Worth a walk across the street from Camp Washington Chili (seriously right across the street). However, they close at 4:45pm so get there early.