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Nick's Chili Parlor

2621 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN - (317) 924-5005
Although Nick's is in a modern building, it is an old-fashioned Midwestern urban chili parlor serving hearty meals at low prices.
87% Approval Rating (8 votes)

Scorecard

4 - Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Overall: One of the Best - Worth a Trip
Basic Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
Chili 5 Way
Homemade Pie
Chili Dog
Tenderloin

Highlighted Reviews

rating
Michael Stern - Photos (4)
Roadfood.com Editor
"Thanks to Ben Morton and Rick Garrett for alerting me to this happy chili parlor on a rather unhappy stretch of recession-blighted shopping centers. If cash is short, Nick's is an especially good place to know about: a big bowl of 5-way is less than $5; a chili dog ..."   [Read More]
rating
Rick Garrett - Photos (5)
July 03, 2008
"Nick's Chili is an Indianapolis landmark. I eat at Nick's at least once a week for lunch and thought it was time to add it to Roadfood! Housed in a building that was formerly a Rax Roast Beef restaurant, Nick's is packed for lunch and dinner, and is usually fairly ..."   [Read More]

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Map & Web Site

2621 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis, IN
(317) 924-5005

http://www.nickschili.com

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:Yes
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:Yes
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:No
Nick's 5-way does not come prettified with saltines as shown in this picture. You get packets of saltines with each bowl; and while they can be crumbled on top, I found them especially good for shoveling maximum amounts of chili onto a spoon.
"Nick's 5-way does not come prettified with saltines as shown in this picture. You get packets of saltines with each bowl; and while they can be crumbled on top, I found them especially good for shoveling maximum amounts of chili onto a spoon."
Michael Stern





Using shredded cheese, onion, and their own chili, Nick's makes a fine chili dog!
"Using shredded cheese, onion, and their own chili, Nick's makes a fine chili dog!"
Cliff Strutz


The staff was somewhat taken aback that I ordered a naked chili dog -- without cheese and onions. I did like it this way, but the grated cheese and raw onions would indeed complete the package.
"The staff was somewhat taken aback that I ordered a naked chili dog -- without cheese and onions. I did like it this way, but the grated cheese and raw onions would indeed complete the package."
Michael Stern


Nicks tamales.
"Nicks tamales."
Rick Garrett


Tube steaks aplenty. Those are foot-longs at the left; and Nick's offers nice spongy buns long enough to hold them and plenty of chili.
"Tube steaks aplenty. Those are foot-longs at the left; and Nick's offers nice spongy buns long enough to hold them and plenty of chili."
Michael Stern


A nice, steaming bowl of chili on a cool fall evening.
"A nice, steaming bowl of chili on a cool fall evening."
Rick Garrett


Chili 5 Way!
"Chili 5 Way! "
Rick Garrett


At Nick's you take a tray and silverware at the beginning of the line and order much like you would at a cafeteria.  Very nice employees spoon the soupy chili as many ways as you can handle.  Try it with some hot peppers from the cold case.  After you're done, the staff busses your table.  Really nice people.
"At Nick's you take a tray and silverware at the beginning of the line and order much like you would at a cafeteria. Very nice employees spoon the soupy chili as many ways as you can handle. Try it with some hot peppers from the cold case. After you're done, the staff busses your table. Really nice people. "
Ben Morton


The menu has a range of chili items in addition to the popular bowl, including chili dogs and chili cheeseburgers.  You can even buy the chili by the half-gallon.  Check the specials board before you order.  Current offerings included a foot-long chili dog and a giant tenderloin sandwich, for those wanting to go the distance in Indianapolis.  Click on the photo to read the sign.
"The menu has a range of chili items in addition to the popular bowl, including chili dogs and chili cheeseburgers. You can even buy the chili by the half-gallon. Check the specials board before you order. Current offerings included a foot-long chili dog and a giant tenderloin sandwich, for those wanting to go the distance in Indianapolis. Click on the photo to read the sign."
Ben Morton


Inside, the serving line and menu.
"Inside, the serving line and menu."
Rick Garrett


The Nick's sign, beckoning all to the best chili around!
"The Nick's sign, beckoning all to the best chili around!"
Rick Garrett


I never did sample the tenderloin advertised on Nick's sign. The chili was just too fascinating.
"I never did sample the tenderloin advertised on Nick's sign. The chili was just too fascinating."
Michael Stern



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