Chilly temperatures means it’s time to heat up with bowls of the Texas state dish: chili. It’s meaty, warming, filling, and even full of vegetables at times; what more could you want from a meal?
The map spans from old-school styles of Texas Parlour Chili to meaty, pastrami-filled bowls at Pieous to barbecue takes at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ to goat versions at Sour Duck Market. While, yes, it’s traditional to not even think about adding beans, be warned: some of the restaurants ahead do include the forbidden ingredient (aka beans) in chili bowls.
Remember that Guy Clark even immortalized one of Austin’s premier chili spots in a song: "I wish I was in Austin at the Chili Parlor Bar, drinking Mad Dog margaritas and not caring where you are." Eater’s Dining on the Dime digital series also checked out the classic restaurant.
Form a game plan against cold weather spells by arming up with hot soup, ramen, tea, and even warm boozy cocktails. Check out chili’s upgraded cousin, the Frito pie, and scope around other iconic meaty Austin dishes.
If a favorite chili isn’t on the map, let Eater know in the comments or through the tipline.
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