Gluten-free Mac 'n Cheese 'n Chili from Addiction Bistro.
Chili is the perfect winter-time remedy even for the moderately cold months in Los Angeles. Our local favorites include chili heavy powerhouses and a couple surprises. A thorough gut check is recommended before consuming large quantities.
Chili John’s
Long atop many “best of” lists, Chili John’s, located in Burbank, has reigned supreme in the chili category since 1946. Chili John’s specializes in Texas-style chili—meaty, oily, and spicy. Beef, chicken and veggie chili is served on a either healthy helping of beans, spaghetti, tamales or hot dogs. Oyster crackers and onions come on the side. Part of the charm is sitting in horseshoe shaped counter alongside other chili mongers. An added bonus are the homemade pies. Why stop with chili when you can enjoy a slice of lemon pie? Anything goes at Chili John’s.
Addiction Bistro
What started as a farmers market favorite has blossomed into an inventive, chili-centric hot spot in the heart of West Hollywood. Founded by chef Johnny, all chili, hot dogs, burgers, sausages, condiments and desserts are made in house. Addiction Bistro cycles in five new chili recipes a week out of the 100 on file. Chili comes in four sizes from 6 ounces to an extra large 16 ounce serving.. Exploring the menu is an exercise in discovering all that is possible with the hot dog, sausage and hamburger. Comedian and chili aficionado Ray Romano has a dog that bears his name that features prime rib chili and aged Wisconsin cheddar cheese. On the opposite end of the chili spectrum is the “Gluten-Free Chili Mac.” The best bet is to go splitsville with a very hungry and adventurous friend to cover as much of the menu as possible.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
The legendary family-owned hot dog stand is a Hollywood landmark. Since 1939 Pinks satisfied customers who will wait for up to 30 minutes in line for a hot dog and sneak a peek at the star studded head shots.The chili dog is is the real star. The chili is thick, and meaty and tastes unmistakably sweet. Much has been written about the snap that sounds when biting into the dog. Adding cheese and onions improves the sensation. One chili cheese dog isn’t quite enough, especially after the mounting excitement from standing in line. For tourists and locals, Pinks Chili Dog is a must.
Lemonade
Think of a more diverse and higher quality Whole Foods cold/hot food bar. That’s the gist of Lemonade that has rather quickly expanded to 10 locations that range from Marina Del Rey to Pasadena. Most locations offer a vegetarian and chicken chili. The chicken chili is chunky, chewy and surprisingly rich. A half portion is plenty as a side with Israeli couscous or a mix watermelon radish and ahi tuna. Though cheese is not loaded on top of the chili, it’s a comforting standalone bowl. Close to chili is the braised short rib that almost resembles a stew. A half order is also a generous helping.
Roosevelt Café
Isolated in Vermont Canyon in Griffith park at the Roosevelt 9-hole Golf Course, The Roosevelt Café is quietly one of the best stops for a bowl of chili. The beef chili is loose rather than chunky. The soupy texture and subtle spice is enough that no beans or other fixings are needed. After a round of golf or a nearby hike, Roosevelt chili the perfect comfort food on its own or a side with a blackened chicken sandwich that features eggplant, grilled pepper on toasted wheat bread. The chili goes well atop the blackened chicken sandwich or any other for that matter. Eating outside on one of the picnic benches is a nice little oasis on sunny afternoon. A great staff also makes the Roosevelt Café a hidden gem atop Los Feliz.
What tops your list for Best Chili in LA?
