When the weather cools down, Houstonians begin craving foods that they dare not eat during the humid heat of summer. Thoughts wander to tortilla soup, hot and sour soup, the famed turtle soup at Brennan’s. And then, there’s chili.
Nothing can get a true Texan more riled up than an argument over what goes into a proper chili—or more importantly, what does not. The beans versus no beans controversy has raged on since chili was first invented. That topic inevitably leads to the debate on the true origins of chili itself.
Take sides as you may, but Houston’s diverse culinary landscape means that there are too many fun flavors floating around to be a stickler about authenticity. This list includes some tried and true Texas chili, but also some that take a few delicious liberties.
Molina’s Cantina
While some food historians go back and forth on whether chili has Mexican roots or not, there is no doubt that one of the most popular bowls of chili in Houston can be found at the city’s oldest Tex-Mex restaurant, Molina’s Cantina. The old-fashioned chili con carne is made with ground chuck and homemade ancho chili paste with just a touch of heat from a little cayenne powder. Guests can have it by the cup or bowl, served with cheddar cheese and onions, and the option to add jalapenos. The famous chili also shows up on menu items like enchiladas, tamales, and burritos. Multiple locations, molinascantina.com
The Pit Room
Chili aficionados are almost as passionate as barbecue enthusiasts in Texas. The Pit Room, from Sambrooks Hospitality, puts the two elements together for a spectacular bowl of Texas red. Guests can add tender, smoky brisket to the mix, or opt for the Frito pie. The loaded Frito pie gets a generous topping of chopped beef or pulled pork for a truly memorable meal. Multiple locations, thepitroombbq.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Long before there were independent breweries springing up all over town, the Flying Saucer was introducing Houstonians to the world of microbrews. Today, it has 13 locations around the country, with two in the Greater Houston area. Beer is its reason for being, and it shows up in the Saucer Pale Ale chili. It’s made with Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and served in a sourdough bread bowl. The beer chili is only available at Houston’s Downtown location, which offers a large-scale pub atmosphere that’s cozy and welcoming, especially on a chilly evening. 705 Main St., Houston, beerknurd.com/houston-flying-saucer/
King Ranch Texas Kitchen
This Southern-style steakhouse is a partnership between King Ranch Inc. and billionaire Tilman Fertitta. The prime rib chili reflects its Texas origins, with a bonus of smoky chopped brisket. The chili is topped with cheddar cheese and green scallions, which give it a slight allium flavor that doesn’t have the bite of the commonly seen raw white onion. The atmosphere is rustic and charming, providing a Lone Star State ambiance that marries perfectly with a bowl of Texas chili. If the weather’s nice, dine on the outdoor patio. 1605 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, kingranchtexaskitchen.com
Miller’s Cafe
There are now three locations of this country cafe that has been family-owned for more than four decades. Like its interior, the chili is rustic and traditional, with a slight kick of pepper. It’s available on its own or as a topping for the classic burgers, hot dogs, or fries. Pair a Frito pie with a cold Mug root beer, or order onion rings to dip in your chili. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Multiple locations, millerscafeinhouston.com
Candente
Michelin Recommended Tex-Mex restaurant Candente, which is the sister concept to the Pit Room, cooks up smoked meats with Mexican flavors. It also serves a bowl of Texas red with cheddar and onions, plus corn chips and sour cream on the side. Try the Frito burrito, stuffed with refried beans, then topped with a magical mix of red chili and queso. Candente is opening a second location in Bellaire very soon. 4306 Yoakum, Houston, candentehtx.com
Henderson & Kane
While many Houston pockets have seen some questionable modernization, the Heights neighborhood still retains much of its quaint and historic charm, and this general store and barbecue restaurant looks like a shop straight out of Mayberry. Owners John and Veronica Avila have stocked the store with all kinds of gourmet goodies, so customers can drop in for a bowl of Texas red chili and grab groceries at the same time. The chili is made with 44 Farms black Angus ground steak and delivers a slight smokiness befitting its barbecue setting. Happy hour runs all day Wednesday and includes $5 bowls of chili or Frito pie. 715 Henderson St., Houston, hkgeneralstore.com
Bubba’s Texas Burger Shack
The bowl of red here is called Momma’s Famous Chili. It’s made in-house from an “award-winning recipe”, but which award, exactly, remains to be seen. No matter, the chili is the tried and true diner-style chili that satisfies. The chili is often ordered on top of Bubba’s famous burgers or as chili fries. Bubba’s is basic, so expect your soup in a styrofoam bowl. 5230 Westpark Dr., Houston, bubbastexasburgershack.com
The Burger Joint
Burgers and milkshakes may be the main draw at the Burger Joint, but guests shouldn’t pass up the chance to try the homemade chili. Yes, it has beans, but it’s beefy, thick, and delicious. It appears on the menu on items like the chili cheese burger and chili queso hot dog, but it’s available by the cup or bowl too. The Burger Joint will soon be opening two new locations in Memorial and Rice Village. Multiple locations, burgerjointhtx.com
Goode Co. Armadillo Palace
With its live music and barbecue, this Rice Village-area restaurant offers a taste of Texas that appeals to locals and visitors alike. Its chili con carne uses high quality beef and a blend of chiles, homemade beef broth, and toasted cumin. Armadillo Palace has rather passionate fans for its venison chili, which is currently not on the menu, but there are plans to bring it back soon. 5015 Kirby Dr., Houston, thearmadillopalace.com
Avalon Diner
Having a hot bowl of chili can feel like a warm embrace, and Avalon Diner provides a homestyle ambiance to go with it. The menu claims that the recipe is based on a Terlingua International Chili Cookoff championship recipe. Truth or fiction, we know that it’s delicious on its own, as a Frito pie, or over one of its drugstore burgers. The chili cheeseburger is served open-faced and smothered in chili and shredded cheese, plus onions if you dare. At breakfast, there is even a chili cheese omelet. Multiple locations, avalondiner.com
Tookie’s Hamburgers and More
The homemade chili at this longtime Kemah restaurant is served in a bowl, topped with cheese and onions, plus a bag of Fritos on the side. If you’re ordering just the chili, pair it with a side of tater tots or hula hoops—thin-sliced onion rings. For an over-the-top experience, try the massive chili cheeseburger. You can enjoy it on the deck with a view of the water, drinking a cold beer or an autumn cocktail. 406 Texas Ave., Kemah, tookiesburgers.com
