Chili: Comfort Food 101
It’s 20 degrees outside, your eyes are watering, your fingers are tingling, and you are convinced that your toes are dead so what would make you feel better?
Easy! A hot steaming bowl of CHILI!
Chili is a labor of love. Love of the spices, meat, beans, no beans, it is accompanied by saltine crackers, Frito’s, or cornbread, sometimes topped with cheese, sour cream and of course even more chili peppers.
The humble bowl of chili got its start in either Texas or Mexico, its true origins are still being debated. But today it is enjoyed and celebrated around the country.
In Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Young Professionals (PYP) hosted the First Annual Chili Cook-Off in 2021! The event was held in November in the Allegheny Commons Park off North Avenue and served as a fundraiser for the PYP and some of the non-profit organizations they partner with.
If you don’t have your own recipe, or a mom/dad to make a bowl for you, then consider visiting the following Pittsburgh Restaurants for your perfect bowl of Chili.
2. Revival Chili
Food Truck, check schedule for locations
Revival Chili is dedicated to perfecting TRUE chili, one that is rich, complex, and WITHOUT BEANS (save for the vegan chili, of course). Pick from the Classic Beef, Spicy Beef and Pork, Spicy Chicken or Vegan chili and start building your personal bowl with a variety of bases and toppings.
3. Bingham Tavern
321 Bigham St., Pittsburgh, Pa 15211
Mount Washington’s local watering hole, known for their award winning wings and make your own mac & cheese bowls you don’t want to miss the traditional beefy bean chili and cornbread either.
4. Smallman Street Deli
2840 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, Pa 15222
Born from the desire to serve delicious fresh foods the way you remember it as a kid, Smallman Street Deli in the Strip District has been serving Jewish style deli foods to the people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities. From traditional homemade soups to the tried and true corned beef you can feed yourself and your family! Of course you don’t want to miss this homestyle chili that feels like it came directly from Mom’s kitchen.
5. Ritters Diner
5221 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pa 15224
A traditional diner with traditional diner food and a little greek influence. A family owned and operated business since 1966, Ritter’s is a Pittsburgh tradition, so you just have to try their chili out!
