2.5, but I'll round up because I enjoyed this Cincinnati Chili the most of the places I've been to so far. From the comparisons I hear, I think Goldstar will end up being my favorite though. Meatier, thicker, and has a little bit of a cumin-y kick. Like Alex S said, its not really chili, but I've come to appreciate the local version of "chili" for what it is, and Dixie is a 2.5 in that light. read more

Dixie Chili is great - though I can't say it's the chili. Why? I've never had it. I typically order the Chicken Salad sandwich during lunch. It's good, fast, and a little cleaner than a 3-way. The atmosphere is also great - and it's just a stones throw from my office, so YAY Dixie Chili. read more

No complaints on the chili. Very standard. Compared to the other chili steeples in Greater Cincinnati I put DC up there. Extremely affordable and open late into the night which is when I had a hankering for a late night snack. The coneys did just that. I would say have friendlier staffers. Perhaps I caught them on not at the best since it was near closing time. Will plan to visit soon. read more

Hot damn, do I ever miss this place. First off, let me just say that Dixie Chili is a Comfort Food Godsend - not only is every menu item satisfying, the place is also open long into the night - an inexpensive, delicious fix if you're burning the midnight oil, out from the bars or just in need of some gastronomic love. In my case, it was a mix of late-night projects and grieving after the death of a family member - Dixie Chili was a big part of my healing process. Thank heavens I've since worked off the resultant belly... but we're here to talk about the food. First off, I grew up in Cincinnati, so the Greek-style chili/spaghetti combo was practically mother's milk in my house as a kid. My folks were more Skyline-oriented (like most), and it took years for me to finally give Dixie even a passing glance. I was 34 years old, and had recently returned to the NKY area after years living in NYC - my brother told me to give the six-way a try, complete with raw, chopped garlic. I Was Hooked... Instantly. Afterward, Skyline pretty much fell - not just off the back burner, but from the stove completely. Dixie has an indescribable, beautiful blend of flavors to their chili, set perfectly into place with the addition of that garlic. Throw on some hot sauce and you are Set - there is no better chili joint alternative. The other menu options are surprisingly varied, and every one a winner - I used to stop by often for deli sandwiches, Mediterranean soup and Greek salads, not to mention their unique twist on the Coney, called the "Alligator". A beef hot dog, dill spear, cheese and mayo on a bun - it sounds odd, and probably is... but tasty, indeed. Now that I'm in Texas, I find myself missing this place, and often. Just a handful of Cincinnati foods jump out... Aglamesis Brothers' pineapple pecan ice cream... UDF malts... Sweet Tooth ice balls... but this one's the real clincher. And while it is available canned, nothing compares to sitting in the garlic-scented, checker-tiled greasy-spoon wonderland that is the Monmouth location. Definitely a forkful of heaven in Northern Kentucky. read more

Good food. Cross country trip with my teenage son. Promised him that we'd have good food and find interesting places to eat. This was one of those places that I felt we had to try. We liked the food. But, I would like liked it better had we had waiter service and menus. We got up to the register having no idea what we wanted or how big the portions were. I had chili spaghetti and my son had 2 chili coneys and fries. Place reminded me of an old time diner. Nice decor and such, but I feel this restaurant could be a gem if it wasn't walk up service. read more

I have never been to Dixie Chili and I have never been much of a chili kind of guy. Very messy and unappealing to the eye. however that is not the feeling I got when I went in. I thought the establishment was clean and welcoming. I wanted to go through the exit door to enter and felt dumb when it wouldn't open like a tard. I had 2 delicious coneys. They were trying to get me to try the 3-way but I wasn't sure, maybe next time. The waitress there monika was kind and attentive as well. Overall a nice small lunch. read more

See all

Until recently, I was a die-hard Skyline fan. I had only tried Skyline and Goldstar, and didn't like Goldstar. I've been a Skyline fan for years. I knew there were other local chili joints, but hadn't gotten around to trying them - I liked Skyline, and didn't see a reason to try anything else. However, that all changed when I heard that Dixie was offering 80-cent coneys in celebration of their 80th birthday. The price was great, but it didn't hurt that Dixie Chili is only 5 minutes from where I work. I am now a die-hard Dixie Chili fan. The chili has a richer flavor than Skyline, and it's just a nicer atmosphere overall - you order up front and get your food before you sit down. There are no waitresses or waiters, no oyster crackers. Just good service and great chili in the heart of Newport's historic business district. read more

Love it discovered it this summer now at the original location. We will definitely bring family here when in town. Taking a six pack to go!

food = 7 stars. napkin dispenser = 0 stars since when i pulled out a napkin i was greeted by a cockroach who flew out of the dang thing as i pulled out the napkin. however, once we moved tables and began digging in, i was in heaven. the fries are perfectly cooked adn the perfect size. the coneys are unreal. i will be back, but i will be bringing my own napkins. read more

I have never had Cincinnati-style chili before. On the cashier's recommendation, I ordered the chili 3-way and a cheese coney. I was amazed at how great everything was. I could see how this could become an obsession. It is such a simple idea, but executed so well. If you haven't tried Dixie Chili, drop whatever you are doing and go. You will thank me. read more

I grew up in the Cincinnati area until I was 18 and moved to Texas. Chili in Cincinnati and chili in TX are two completely different things. I love Dixie Chili and everything about it. I have eaten breakfast at Dixie chili with my father and neighbor once. I had Dixie chili at least 1-2 times per week every week of my life until I left. Some times I wake up on a Sunday morning groggy and hung over craving some cheese coneys and a 3-way (no not that 3-way) from this place and then realize I am 900 miles away from the only thing that could satisfy my craving. In a weird way I felt trapped via claustrophobia because no matter how bad I wanted some chili from the Mecca I could not have it. For the past 12 years I have tried to recreate the magic that is a cheese coney from Dixie. Still to this day I have failed to replicate such greatness. This is the reason that every time I go home, I try to eat as many coneys as it takes to make this long distance craving evaporate temporarily. If you find yourself in the Greater Cincinnati area...please, please if not for you, for me, eat here and help read more

I tried this place out with some friends a few years back. It was the first time I had ever had it and I had my doubts but once I walked in I knew I was going to enjoy it. The atmosphere in the building was fantastic and in a sense brightens your day. On top of that the food was outstanding. Honesty, I believe one of the best things they have going for them are the late hours. With it being so close to the Levee it is a great last stop before heading home on a Saturday night. Also, they have Caprisun either for your child or your drunken friend at 2 a.m. Great place to eat day or night read more

This was my first time to dine at Dixie Chili. It was a Wednesday evening (obviously not a peak time). There were several other people eating but still plenty of seating available. The restaurant was spotlessly clean. Service is by way of a cafeteria-style line and I had food and drink in hand very quickly. The Chili was delicious and the serving was generous. I grew up in Texas and Texas Chili so Cincinnati-style Chili is, well, a little different to me. But I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. Dixie Chili has apparently been here for decades and it retains its old fashioned style without being seedy or worn out. I would recommend this restaurant to friends without hesitation. I will definitely go back again. read more

This place is awesome! It inspired me to check out a couple of similar places but I keep coming back to this one as my go to. Company from out of town? Dixie Chiki is my first stop. Make sure you get a cheese coney all the way with a 3+ way chili so you get the whole experience! read more

I grew up in Cincinnati eating at all the best chili parlors with my Dad, Camp Washington, Skyline, Price Hill, but Dixie Chili is hands down my favorite. I usually eat at the original, Newport location. The restaurant and kitchen are always very clean. (Clean is important to me when it comes to my food.) You order at the register and slide a tray down the counter collecting your freshly made items before heading to a table. My kids love getting their straw out of the old wood straw dispenser. (I always did too.) There are many booths and tables spread out nicely. I never feel crowded or too close to other patrons. The menu has many choices other than chili (sandwiches, soups, salads) I have been told by friends these items are also very good but I never manage to order anything other than coneys and a piece of cheese cake. I miss Dixie now that I am so far away, but I always stop and buy it by the case when I am in town. read more

Good food and a very nice staff. Clean restaurant with fast service. A must try if you're a fan of Cincinnati style chili, though the portions are smaller than the other restaurants. read more

It Dixie Chili I bet you just can't eat just one coney. Presentation, Dining room service all GREAT. When you gotta have a 3,4,or 5 way you gotta have Dixie! I'll be back many many many times read more

WOW! Greater Cincinnati now has vegetarian chili! I was pleasantly surprised to find a Northern Kentucky gem as I drove down Monmouth Street in Newport yesterday. I stopped in to grab an iced tea for the road and found a very attractive chili parlour in the heart of Newport. As I stood at the counter I spotted a jar of vegetarian chili! I was offered a sample and found it to be delicious. I left with a jar and can't wait to return for an "in restaurant" dining experience. read more

I absolutely love Dixie Chili! I always get a 5 way with the vegetarian chili. It is amazing! The flavor is awesome and it actually has chunks of veggies in it which I love. Compared to Gold Star's vegetarian chili, it has that signature sweetness you'd expect from Cincinnati style Chili though the texture is different from the veggies in it. Definitely perfect on a three way. I also love their greek salad with their lemon olive oil vinaigrette dressing. My boyfriend is a meat eater and loves their chili. He always gets a chili spaghetti and a coney. It's awesome that they are open late since I often get off work late and want some food on my way home. They're open until 1am weekdays and 3am Friday and Saturday. I've heard great things about their double decker sandwiches and their unseasoned waffle fries are great. A Newport classic. read more

Short and simple: Dixie is open late, has great vegetarian chili, and is a cheap option with plenty of variety.

Excellent chili chain, and the Monmouth St branch is spotless and the staff is sweet. I think Dixie chili is far better than Skyline or Gold Star - a bit more oomph in the chili, and the vegetarian version is not only healthy but tasty. Now it's non-smoking and that is a pleasure! My only gripe? The coneys get smaller with each passing year! read more

Food is great and I love the fact that it has been around for ages--says something about the establishment.

The best restaurant on the Kentucky side of the river. I grew up in Newport and love Dixie Chili. I've never gotten bad food from here. It's always delicious and they have their own signature chili. It's so good they even sell it in the grocery stores and it can be mailed all over the United States. I give this place a thumbs up and love the way it makes Monmouth street smell some mornings when your less than a block away. It's making me hungry just thinking about this place! Mmm read more

Out of the handful Cincinnati chili places I've tried, this place had the meatiest. Nice solid chewable chunks. They also seemed to have more of a tomato based chili than the other places. Their chili reminded me of a really nice spaghetti topping. They also sell vegetarian chili if you're looking for that. Since we got it to go, I didn't get a good look at the inside. But it reminded me of a 50s diner with jukebox and all. read more

The smell of the delicious chili starts wafting from the restaurant early in the day, I hear they purposely fan the scent out to entice patrons. This is by far the best place for Cincinnati style chili and I go at least once a month to get my four way and chili cheese sandwich fix. Gold Star and Skyline do not even come close. I know Camp Washington is a local favorite but I think Dixie is richer and more flavorful. Service is fast and friendly. You walk up and order cafeteria style then after dining you leave your tray for someone to clean up. The restaurant is always very clean and well taken care of. Great late night spot to grab some grub after drinking a few big brews at the Hofbrau Haus. I can't comment on the other menu options, deli type items and some desserts, because I simply can't go in and order anything other than the chili. read more

In terms of Cincinnati chili joints, Dixie is one of my favorites, if not my favorite. I love this little location, right near everything in Newport. I'm not a chili fan - this one is better than others to me but I still won't eat it (I have tried it I just really hate Cincinnati chili - I am a terrible Cincinnatian I know!) but their other menu items are great! The service is amazing and the place is just really quaint and nice. I love their sandwiches - something other chili places don't have and I really appreciate. Also - their crackers are really good. read more

I ordered two coneys, one order of chili cheese fries, and a four-way. I am very particular about having my chili and cheese in a separate bowl than my fries so the fries wouldn't get soggy. I think Dixie tastes very similar to Skyline (but I'm not a Cinicinnati native or chili expert. I only visit on occasions), but Dixie has waffle fries! So that's a bonus in my book! read more

Chili 6 ways. Chili, spaghetti, beans, an insane amount of cheese, garlic and onions. AND I added jalapeños. I went for it. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the evening in the bathroom. Lol. And um....I hardly tasted the chili, itself, so I can't tell you if it was good or not. The concept is certainly interesting, though, something I would have never dreamt of. It's something you have to try if you're in Cincy just for shits and giggles. But skip the jalapeños or it will be more the former. ;) read more

The chili at Dixie Chili is slightly more spicy than Skyline's which is good for my taste. The Chef Salad is fantastic, better than the chili in fact. The servers have always been extremely friendly every time I have been there. The restaurant is usually very clean and comfortable. It can slip a little during peak hours, but that happens everywhere. The only downside is that the men's restroom is very small. read more

Not bad Cincinnati chili, and i know it is in Ky but i still consider it Cincinnati style. They have lots more than just chili to. Its a little different then the other chili places in cincy also in how you get your food. IT is cafeteria style, you order, pay, get tray and drink , then at the end you get your food and seat your self. All the other chili places have wait staff. The food was good and fresh and i would have no objections about going here again. read more

I literally tried three different cincinnati chili places, I have to admit, Dixie was the best. Much more flavorful and they cute the spaghetti short so it's easily scoop-able. The design and service is not as good as skyline or sports page. read more

We enjoyed having our first sample of Cincinnati chili spaghetti in the old riverfront town of Newport. Clean, good service with a wide choice of sizes (I had the child's portion which was all I needed) and unsweet tea! read more

I stop in periodically on my way home from work to get their chili and waffle fries. The scent of the store is wonderful! Service is always good and the chili and fries are great! I've got no complaints--and I hear they stay open late. read more

Better than gold star and skyline!!! You won't be disappointed. Don't care for the owner never any coupons or discounts. But good service.

Its clean. Great cheese coneys. Never mess up your order, fast and friendly. Available parking, walking distance from the levee. Open late

Transplanted from central Ohio to NKY 25 years ago and was familiar with Cincinnati Chili long before that out of the big three chains left Skyline, Gold Star and Dixie Chili. Dixie is my favorite. There are several single location chili joints that I like even more, but of the chains I like Dixie the most. also I like the taste and the wide variety of other entrees and sides they offer. When taking the whole family out everyone can get something they like even vegetarian chili which sounds odd but is delicious. While Dixie is a small chain you still get a great diner vibe with a jukebox and their layout. Never had an unpleasant experience in a the years frequenting the several locations and the whole family prefers Dixie although we frequent the competition as well. read more

Just ok. Not as good as the Coney dogs in Detroit. Pluse the hot dogs are not full size. They are like baby hot dogs that are half the size of are regular dogs. Don't let the pictures fool you. read more

Not gourmet, but really damn good. Nothing like a bowl of chili after a night of drinks. Wish there was a Dixie back home.

I love Dixie Chili. I am from Kentucky and this is my favorite chili place in Kentucky. It is not a Cincinnati thing! The locations for Dixie chili are ky locations. I always get a three way with a side of extra chili. My husband is from Cincinnati and he loves this place as well. They have quality chili here for sure. Also very yummy waffle fries. read more

Orders are consistently correct, food is delicious. Hygiene is great. I literally never have any issues.