Cincinnati chili is its own thing, and most people think of two big chains when they crave it. But long before those names went citywide, small parlors were cooking their own recipes and stacking cheese on spaghetti their own way.
This list rounds up six spots that still do it the old-fashioned way, from a 24-hour landmark to a late-night food truck window. Save it, share it, and pick your next Coney stop.
1. Camp Washington Chili, Cincinnati, OH
Open around the clock from Tuesday through Friday, this Colerain Avenue landmark has been serving Cincinnati-style chili since 1940. The 1940s-era space keeps the old-diner look, complete with counter seating and booths.
The signature move is chili over spaghetti with a mountain of cheese, but the menu stretches well past that. You can order a Chili Cheese Sandwich, a Grilled Ham and Cheese, or lean vegetarian with the Egg Salad and Tomato…