Real Chili - Milwaukee, WI

Posted By Michael Stern on August 2, 2005 6:46 PM

Real Chili serves bowls of chili mild, medium, or hot, with spaghetti or beans, or spaghetti AND beans. The full and complete arrangement is known as the Marquette Special. (The original Real Chili parlor has long been a favorite of Marquette University students.) The degree of heat is determined by the amount of meat; i.e. more meat = more heat. The meat is ground fine, brilliantly spiced, and deliciously oily. It goes atop layers of noodles and beans; and on top of the meat is piled a large fistful of shredded cheese (melting from the heat). You can also get sour cream and raw onions as a garnish. Every bowl comes with a side dish of oyster crackers to crumble on top or to eat as a sort of palate-cleanser between bites of chili.

This true downtown chili parlor (of which the original branch is at 1625 W. Wells St., phone: 414-342-6955) is the sort of beanery once fairly common in big cities throughout the region. With the exception of Cincinnati, where chili has remained a bona fide mania, most of the Midwest has forgotten its chili passions; and old-time chili parlors are a rarity. That is one reason we are so enamored of Real Chili.

Granted, heartland chili gets little respect from gastronomes who prefer the southwestern kinds, but even for the Texas-style chili purist, Real Chili is an inspiring and enjoyable adventure in declasse dining. Sit at a counter or at one of two communal tables with backless stools and accompany your chili with beer or cherry Coke. A super-fast, friendly staff dole out second helpings at half price of the first, and if you need a bumper sticker for your car, there is always a stack of them at the cash register. A while ago, we got one that said, "REAL CHILI: IT'S NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST ANYMORE." Recently, the bumper stickers have proclaimed Real Chili "A MILWAUKEE LEGEND."

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Posted By valerie dusing on October 17, 2005 10:41 PM

Real Chili: probably the best late night place to get real chili, Cincinnati style. After Bastille days in Milwaukee, it's the only place to go and satisfy that craving-hot-spicy-chili-with-noodles-cheese-sour-cream-and-no-beans moment.

My question? When can we get it in the suburbs of Milwaukee? Madison and Milwaukee are the only two locations I know of, but there are so many people in Mukwonago, WI who drive to get this incredible delight. When can we find it in Waukesha, or even in Mukwonago? With all the growth in these areas will we live long enough to see this happen? I certainly hope so.

It is worth the drive. Whether you like it mild, medium, or hot, they have it for you!

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Posted By kev burns on April 9, 2005 4:27 PM

Excellant Chili, Served on Spagetti or without. I suggest adding cheese that melts right in. They do not serve alcohol as stated in the front webpage. Most regulars drink water but they do serve coke products. The location is storefront with stool (15) service. There are no tables. I went there about 4 times a week for 4 years until I moved away. If you go at dinner hour or late night on Friday or Saturday, expect to wait about 20 minutes. The food is presented by the same workers that worked there 20 years ago. Food is served in a soup bowl and a 2nd bowl is half price. Again the food is great and you should you will be getting a second bowl. Price Level is cheap - About $5.00 for the meal. Locals add oyster crackers to the chili and are often tossed about amoung the customers making it a fun, friendly place. People travel from around the USA for this great food.

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