While many debate the merits of a good chili, we believe there’s no true answer to the best style. One thing is for sure, nothing beats a solid, steaming bowl of chili in the winter, even if the weather still toggles in the 70s (we’re looking at you Denver).
As for types of chili, maybe you enjoy a meaty, red sauce-based Texas style spiced with cumin. Locals tend to flock to a steaming bowl of green chili, often made with pork and used to top all sorts of savory delights. There’s also Colorado chili, which has little to do with the state and is more about a classic Mexican stew full of pork or beef, and featuring a deep, dark pepper base. Of course the iconic “homestyle” chili made with beans and ground meat also rules, especially when slathered on a hot dog or cheese fries.
No matter how you like it, these 10 chilies are worth checking out. Do you have a favorite? Let us know where we need to go next.
Riot BBQ’s Smoked Brisket Chili
It’s no surprise the hearty chili at Riot BBQ features delicious smoked meats, and in this case chopped brisket, but that’s not all. Chef and co-owner Manny Barella stewed gaujillo and ancho chilis with fire-roasted jalapenos, red bell pepper, corn, and tomatoes to create the Smoked Brisket Chili. A dash of Crooked Stave Amber Ale and beef stock finished the bowl, which is only available through the winter. 2180 S. Delaware St., Denver, riotbbqcompany.com
Sam’s No. 3’s Menu of Chilies
That’s right, go to the Glendale or Downtown Denver locations of Sam’s No. 3 and you have not one, but three types of chili to choose from. The Original Beef Red Chili is a classic homestyle version, the kind you top hot dogs with, which, as it turns out, the restaurant does. Then there’s the Kickn’ Pork Green Chili, which put Sam’s on the map when celebrity chef Guy Fieri showcased it on Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2011.
The restaurant also makes a vegetarian version of the green chili, and offers a combo (also called “Christmas style”) as well. The diner itself is an icon, and opened in 1927. It’s still family owned today, and the recipe for the chili has been passed down through the generations. Bonus, the chili isn’t just for the bowl, you can get it on top just about anything off the menu. 435 S. Cherry St., Glendale; 1500 Curtis St., Denver, samsno3.com
Carnitas Hatch Chili Verde From Kachina Cantina
Like many good chilies in Denver, the famous roasted green chili version is the star. The gluten-friendly option at Kachina, located downtown in the Dairy Block, comprises said chilies with jalapeño, vegetable broth, crema, juicy carnitas, and a secret spice blend. Get it by the cup for $9, or a whole bowl for $15. 1890 Wazee St., Denver, kachinadenver.com
Adobo
Adobo owner Blaine Baggao grew up in New Mexico, so it’s no surprise his green chili tops the charts. Deviating from the usual bowl, the chef adds crispy potatoes to the mix, as well as lime crema. The base starts out as a vegetarian dish for $12, but you can add a fried egg on top for $1, or protein such as asada, pork belly, or carnitas for an extra $4. 3109 Federal Blvd., Denver, adobodenver.com
Three-Bean Chili from Next Level Veggie Grill
One of the best plant-based chilies is located at the revamped Next Level Veggie Grill on Evans Avenue, right next to the University of Denver. The vegan eatery’s three-bean chili features plant protein, tomatoes, quinoa, and a smoky mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. It’s easy on the wallet too at just $5.95 for a cup and $7.45 for a bowl. 1605 E. Evans Ave., Denver, nextlevelvg.com
Pork or Veggie Green Chili at The Brutal Poodle
While we wouldn’t recommend eating at most dive bars, The Brutal Poodle on South Broadway has a great line up of food. That includes the green chili, a spicy bowl that can be served either vegetarian or with pork for $11 and $13 respectively. Each order comes with flour or corn tortillas, and pairs perfectly with a pint of beer. 1967 S. Broadway, Denver, brutalpoodledenver.co
Pork Chili From Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse RiNo
A good bowl of pork green chili is hard to beat, and the version coming out of Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse RiNo hits all the right notes. It’s simple too, with just freshly roasted green chilies, savory pork, and a pile of shredded cheese. Prices range from $6 for a cup, and $9 for a bowl, each served with a soft flour tortilla. 3040 Blake St. #101, Denver, greatdividebreweryandroadhouse.com
Puerco con Chile Colorado at Adelita’s Cocina y Cantina
For almost 10 years Adelita’s has served up great Mexican fare, and, as of earlier this year, launched a second location in Edgewater. Both menus feature the Puerco con Chile Colorado, made with a red chile guajillo sauce and tender pieces of pork braised with onions. It’s a warm and comforting dish best eaten on the coldest days, but no one will blink an eye if you crave it in the summer. Each bowl runs $18.95, and includes refried beans, queso fresco, rice, lettuce, and corn or flour tortillas on the side. 1294 S. Broadway, Denver, adelitasco.com
Brisket Red chili at Post Oak Barbecue
Make sure to add on this six-year-old smokehouse’s signature Texas-style chili to any barbecue order, or simply grab a bowl solo. It’s smoky with a rich spice and slight tang, and chunks of tender beef brisket in every bite. Order a small ($6.50), medium ($9), or large ($17). 4000 Tennyson St., Denver, postoakdenver.com
La Loma
For 44 years La Loma has existed in one form or another, growing, shrinking, and going through a divorce. Now the family brand is under the care of Renee Brinkerhoff and her son William Jr. Brinkerhoff, who kept the name of the restaurant when the couple split. However, the Hatch green chili the Mexican restaurant is known for remains tried and true, and you can enjoy it today at all three locations. Dubbed Grandma’s Green Chili, each bowl runs $15 and comes with fresh flour tortillas. Multiple locations, lalomarestaurants.com
