Sunday is National Chili Day. In celebration, these seven restaurants range from traditional offerings to nontraditional like vegetarian and verde.
By Jacob Threadgill with provided and Gazette / file photos
Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili
4723 N. May Ave.
ronsburgersandchili.com | 405-943-7667
The chili that launched a franchise from Tulsa that has expanded to 18 locations across three states keeps customers coming back in Oklahoma City. Get it topped on one of Ron’s famous sausage burgers that mixes breakfast sausage into the patty, as a Frito pie, on top of spaghetti or on a side of fresh-cut fries or tots.
The Earth Cafe & Deli
309 S. Flood Ave., Norman
theearthnorman.com | 405-364-3551
While the soup of the day rotates at this veggie-friendly eatery, it keeps its veggie chili that features plenty of beans on its menu every day. Get the chili, which is topped with avocado, as a bowl or cup. Also look for it on the Southwestern Salad on a bed of organic greens or on top of nachos.
Flint
15 N. Robinson Ave.
flintokc.com | 405-605-0657
Did you know that bison is leaner (both calorically and in terms of fat) than chicken and turkey? Chili doesn’t have to be super indulgent at this eatery in Colcord Hotel. A regular serving of bison chili is topped with jalapeño hush puppies, diced onions, cheddar and sour cream on the side. During the weekend, you can get an omelet topped with chili for $10.
Power House
1228 SW Second St.
powerhouseokc.com | 405-702-0699
How do you know a menu item is good? It’s the only full-time food option on the menu. Such is the case for Power House’s green chile pork verde, where a huge pot simmers away all day, every day. Get it by the cup with tortillas, lime, cheese and cilantro or on top of crispy tostadas. This Farmer’s Market District option is a great choice for cocktails, live music, other daily food specials and a weekend brunch during warmer months.
Tim’s Drive Inn
5037 N. MacArthur Blvd., Warr Acres
405-789-5410
This Warr Acres institution dishes out many of the favorites that have kept it in business since 1956. From the drive-thru window, you can pick up a footlong for only $3.34, or stop by on Friday for a footlong and malt for just $4.88. It also offers chili on its burgers and as a chili Frito pie.
Chili Dog Express
329 NW Fourth St.
chilidogexpress.com | 405-601-7516
This gourmet hot dog option has become a downtown staple since moving from Edmond more than five years ago. No matter how you want to eat its meat-filled chili, it has you covered. Get one of its famous chili cheese dogs, chili cheese nachos or a Frito pie with either chili and nacho cheese or get the Supreme with lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers and sour cream.
James E. McNellie’s Public House
1100 Classen Drive
www.mcnellies.com | 405-601-7468
McNellie’s has an excellent selection of beer, and that comes in handy with its signature beer house chili. A blend of ground beef, chorizo and spices are simmered for hours in beer, and it’s easy to see why it has been a menu staple since the concept arrived in Midtown.
