This unique chili is not chili con carne, a hot and spicey, meat based recipe, associated with the great state of Texas. Nor is it a stew type chili, with beans and tomatoes, like California chili.

Instead, Skyline Chili, or Cincinnati style chili, is a sauce, usually served over spaghetti or hot dogs, containing a unique blend of spices that gives it a very distinctive taste. If you've ever had Skyline Chili, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

The Skyline Chili restaurant chain, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, was originally founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant, Nicholas Lambrinides. The first restaurant was named for it's panoramic view of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline and by 1953, Lambrinides was ready to open his second restaurant.

The business quickly expanded in the 1960's and by the end of the century there were well over 100 Skyline restaurants, most located in Ohio, but also in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida.

Officially, the recipe for Skyline Chili is a well kept family secret. However, many Skyline patrons and Cincinnatians believe that the unique taste of Skyline Chili comes from chocolate and cinnamon, 2 key ingredients in Greek style cooking.

A first time visitor to a Skyline Chili restaurant may be a little surprised when they overhear the regulars ordering “Three Ways” and “Four Ways”, and wonder just what they've gotten themselves into. Not to worry, though, these are just the traditional names of Skyline's signature dishes.

Skyline Chili - Menu Translation