From hash houses and coffee shops to greasy spoons and taco wagons, cheap eats are a product of their times. During the Great Depression, chili parlors offered hearty food at low prices, and Real Chili, a modest place in downtown Milwaukee, open since 1931, is a survivor from these times, when there were chili parlors across the Midwest. Take a seat at the counter, and order water or a Coke. You'll need to decide whether you want your chili with beans, spaghetti, both or neither. And whether you want it mild, medium or spicy. Out comes a massive bowl, perhaps with layers of spaghetti, beans, spiced meat and finely shredded cheese. On the side will be oyster crackers and chopped raw onion, plus sour cream if you order it, and on the tables are cruets of both hot and sweet vinegars, so you can tinker with the flavor. Your second bowl is half price - good news for the person with a big appetite. The chili dogs here are fantastic, too. And Real Chili is open real late, to serve night owls, partygoers and shift workers.
Cash only. Beer available. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night Mon-Sat. Closed Sun.
"Nothing soaks up the booze at 2:30 am like a heaping bowl of chili."- OnMilwaukee.com
ADDRESS
419 E Wells St,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
LOCALEATS AWARDS
Top 100 Restaurant
Best Chili in Milwaukee
DESCRIPTION
From hash houses and coffee shops to greasy spoons and taco wagons, cheap eats are a product of their times. During the Great Depression, chili parlors offered hearty food at low prices, and Real Chili, a modest place in downtown Milwaukee, open since 1931, is a survivor from these times, when there were chili parlors across the Midwest. Take a seat at the counter, and order water or a Coke. You'll need to decide whether you want your chili with beans, spaghetti, both or neither. And whether you want it mild, medium or spicy. Out comes a massive bowl, perhaps with layers of spaghetti, beans, spiced meat and finely shredded cheese. On the side will be oyster crackers and chopped raw onion, plus sour cream if you order it, and on the tables are cruets of both hot and sweet vinegars, so you can tinker with the flavor. Your second bowl is half price - good news for the person with a big appetite. The chili dogs here are fantastic, too. And Real Chili is open real late, to serve night owls, partygoers and shift workers.
Cash only. Beer available. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night Mon-Sat. Closed Sun.
"Nothing soaks up the booze at 2:30 am like a heaping bowl of chili."
- OnMilwaukee.com