10 Ohio Chili Combos Outsiders Find Strange But Locals Swear Are Perfect

Ohio takes chili seriously, but locals have some combos that might raise eyebrows for outsiders.

From unique toppings to unexpected pairings, these creations transform a simple bowl into a flavor-packed experience.

Residents swear by each combination, claiming the mix of textures and tastes is perfection in a dish.

Trying them is like stepping into Ohio’s culinary culture, where bold choices and quirky twists turn everyday chili into an unforgettable, proudly local tradition.

1. Skyline Chili’s Chocolate-Infused 5-Way

Chocolate in chili? Absolutely! Skyline’s secret recipe includes cocoa powder and cinnamon, creating that distinctive sweet-savory profile Cincinnati natives crave.

The legendary 5-Way piles thin spaghetti with chili, mounds of shredded cheddar, beans, and diced onions.

Locals know to cut through the massive cheese mountain with a fork, never twirling the pasta like traditional spaghetti.

2. Gold Star’s Chili Cheese Sandwich

Forget boring burgers! Gold Star’s Chili Cheese Sandwich stuffs a soft white bun with their signature meat sauce and a mountain of neon-orange cheddar cheese that melts into every crevice.

Longtime patrons swear by adding diced onions for crunch and a splash of hot sauce.

Paired with a side of crinkle-cut fries for dipping, this handheld delight proves that sometimes bread works better than noodles as a chili delivery system.

3. Camp Washington Chili’s Late-Night Goetta Chili Bowl

Night owls rejoice at Camp Washington’s 24-hour chili haven!

Their Goetta Chili Bowl combines two Cincinnati specialties – thin, meaty chili ladled over crispy-fried goetta (a German-inspired meat-and-oat loaf).

After midnight, locals pile in after concerts or bar-hopping for this hearty stomach-liner.

The contrasting textures – crunchy goetta edges with silky chili – create pure magic. Add a runny egg on top for the ultimate hangover prevention strategy.

4. Blue Ash Chili’s Triple-Decker Chili Sandwich

Featured on countless food shows, Blue Ash Chili’s monster creation stands tall enough to require a knife and fork!

Three slices of rye bread layered with chili, coleslaw, and french fries create a towering masterpiece. Guy Fieri himself declared it “dynamite” on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

The sandwich arrives secured with toothpicks, but even those structural supports can’t prevent the delicious mess that follows. Regulars know to request extra napkins before the first bite.

5. Pleasant Ridge Chili’s Gravy-Cheese Fries with Chili

Carb lovers unite! Pleasant Ridge elevates the humble french fry with their unholy trinity of toppings – rich brown gravy, melted cheddar cheese, AND their signature chili.

Locals call this indulgent side dish “wet fries” and consider it the ultimate comfort food.

The gravy seeps into the bottom layer while the cheese forms a gooey blanket on top. Somehow the fries maintain their structural integrity despite this delicious onslaught.

6. Price Hill Chili’s Breakfast Chili Omelet

Morning cravings get a Cincinnati twist at Price Hill Chili! Their fluffy three-egg omelet comes stuffed with their legendary spiced meat sauce and a generous handful of cheddar.

Family tradition dictates ordering a side of home fries drenched in more chili.

The restaurant has served this breakfast beauty since 1962, with many customers claiming it cures everything from hangovers to heartbreak.

The sweet-spicy chili perfectly balances the richness of the eggs.

7. Tony Packo’s Hungarian-Inspired Chili Mac

Toledo’s famous Tony Packo’s (of M*A*S*H fame) brings Hungarian flair to Ohio chili! Their unique chili mac combines spicy-sweet chili with Hungarian paprika, elbow macaroni, and hot dog chunks.

Celebrity visitors sign the hot dog buns displayed proudly on the walls.

The restaurant’s founder started selling sandwiches during the Great Depression for just five cents each. Now tourists and locals alike make pilgrimages for this comfort food mashup that bridges cultural divides.

8. Rudy’s Hot Dog Chili Cheese Pickle Fries

Pickle lovers, rejoice! Rudy’s Hot Dog in Toledo creates the ultimate sweet-sour-spicy combo by topping crispy french fries with chili, melted cheese, and tangy dill pickle spears.

The vinegary pickle cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. Toledo natives introduce out-of-town friends to this unusual combo as a rite of passage.

Some even request extra pickle juice drizzled over the top for maximum pucker power.

9. Dirty Frank’s Chili Dog Sundae

Columbus gets weird with Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace’s outrageous Chili Dog Sundae!

This savory twist on dessert layers a split hot dog with chili, mashed potatoes (instead of ice cream), and shredded cheese “sprinkles.”

A cherry tomato tops this masterpiece. The downtown Columbus hotspot attracts adventurous eaters and late-night revelers with its punk rock vibe and creative menu.

Vegetarians can substitute their excellent vegan chili in this architectural wonder of comfort foods.

10. Village Coney’s Chili-Topped Waffle Fries

Crispy meets saucy at Village Coney! Their waffle fries provide the perfect honeycomb structure for capturing every drop of their cinnamon-kissed chili and melted cheese.

Located in the historic Village of Batavia, this family-owned spot has perfected the ratio of chili to potato.

The lattice pattern of the fries creates tiny pockets that hold puddles of savory goodness. Locals customize with hot sauce, jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream for cooling contrast.