Chili's: Which US States Have A Skyline Chili Chain?

James R. Martin/Shutterstock If you haven't heard of Skyline Chili, then you probably just haven't been to the right state. The chain, which first opened its doors in Cincinnati in 1949, is an Ohio icon, serving a variety of dishes in a fast food setting with a heavy focus on chili - Cincinnati chili, to be more specific. Cincinnati chili was first created by Greek immigrants in the 1920s who mixed ground beef and tomato sauce with Mediterranean spices; this version of chili doesn't have any beans and is topped with heaps of shredded cheddar cheese. At Skyline Chili, they put it on just about everything, from their signature spaghetti dish and Coney dogs to baked potatoes and burritos. But do you have to go to Ohio to get a taste of Skyline's famous chili for yourself? While you'll find a heavy concentration of franchises throughout the Cincinnati area, there are a few other states where you can experience this Greek-style chili chain. In addition to Ohio, you'll also find Skyline Chili in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. While that may not seem like many opportunities to eat at the chain, that scarcity has created a proverbial supply and demand situation, which might be part of what has earned the chain a cult-like following, gaining the attention of notable foodies like Anthony Bourdain . Skyline's success lies in tradition, culture, and flavor Keith Mecklem/Shutterstock Greek cuisine may not be synonymous with chili, but Skyline Chili founder Nicholas Lambrinides and his family knew that this Greek chili-style meat sauce would be a star. Perhaps it was the heavy concentration of Greek immigrants in the city who enjoyed this unique version of chili, or perhaps it was the delicious flavor of the creation he served atop spaghetti and hot dogs, but he clearly recognized a hit and set out to make it the cornerstone of what would one day become a restaurant empire. With more than 130 locations (although the majority are in Cincinnati) and millions of fans, the combination of a sauce that leads with Mediterranean flavors and American fast food classics like French fries and hot dogs is clearly a success. But what makes Skyline's chili stand out from the crowd? Chili takes on many forms, from this chicken and navy bean version to unique recipes that use beef suet for extra-rich flavor , but the iconic chili at Skyline takes a very different approach. While the restaurant's actual recipe remains a staunch secret, traditional Cincinnati chili, which is meant to be used more as a sauce than a main dish, has a somewhat sweeter flavor and thinner consistency compared to regular chili. The spices typically used create a unique taste by blending things like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and, in some cases, even cocoa powder, depending on the chef. The end result is irresistible and addicting, but unless you live in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, or Florida, you might have to plan a vacation to enjoy this delicious concoction.