I have been coming here for many years. It is pretty unfortunate that this review is written for one star. We were there on 1/26/24 and while busy, we waited over 45 minutes before getting our food and this was after getting the waitress' (loosely defined) attention, then getting attitude when asked to have our food. We even had to ask for our drinks 15+ minutes into the debacle. Then the flippant attitude started, which then led to talking about us to the entire staff, cook, etc. This was after a man sat down five minutes after us, got his food, was done eating and getting up to pay the bill before something was said about our food. It would be a little better if everyone was waiting for food, but for whatever reason, there was an aversion to our group of five. Y'all have to better.... read more

Second trip in two days. This time I have rated Dixon's as a five... Between the 4 and t hi is 5 I agree with the average score, 4.5 Beverages of choice not available..... I will make this a tradition when visiting Independence. read more

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I have had better.I was excited about this place based on reviews but I came out very very disappointed on the quality of food. I taste sugar and ground beef, where is the taste of chili? Only thing famous about Dixon's Famous Chili is that they managed to stay in business since 1919. The 1st maybe even 2nd generation it might have been good/better. But this 5th generation I was not impressed. 2 chili dog, 3 taco's 1 drink. $28.55 I expected an amazing Chili. Nothing award winning here. Big ole waste of money. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - 3 Tacos (ground beef, lettuce & cheese) $6.50. If you can eat 20 of these or even 10 get the all you can eat for $9.99 - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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I grew up up on Dixon's and they can't get anything wrong. It's customizable food and they give you plenty of options to enjoy it any way you want. My dad used to take my brother and I to the original location downtown with the wooden floors and screen door back in the 60's. Now my sons are enjoying this wonderful restaurant in Independence. They love it as much as I do. read more

This is a strange place. They basically give you a plate of plain ground beef and leave it up to the diner to turn it into chili. It's not real obvious how to do it. Our server never asked if it was our first visit. Anyway, the food was horrendous, but I suppose someone who knows how to operate at this place might be more successful. Expected this to be similar to Skyline or Steak & Shake, but those places have nothing in common. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

The chili was very good but unique as it is not tomato based. You are given many options for the additions you could add, such as onions, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, to make the chili especially suited to your individual taste, including adding catsup. Our waitress was attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the history of Dixon's and especially liked their picture of HST! Our lunch there was great! We recommend a stop at Dixon's for lunch or dinner! read more

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2.5. Its not that bad, but it certainly isn't very good. Your correspondent had a chili cheeseburger and it was perfectly OK. The chili was a bit on the sweet side bit it wasn't bad. Cheeseburger and the bun were perfectly acceptable if not at all exceptional. Others at the table weren't so lucky. Whether they ordered juicy or dry they received what appeared to be an inedible pile of sawdust. I'm told it wasn't bad (albeit difficult to eat) but it certainly didn't look anywhere near tasty. The all you can eat tacos were a novelty (all you can eat!) without being terribly interesting. Besides, after your first post-lunch burp you'll instantly regret the decision to eat here. Also, the service was pleasant but of very poor quality. Drinks took forever to arrive. Everything was slow. I suspect people love this place for sentimental reasons. Other reasons to love it were not immediately apparent. read more

I'm a sucker when it comes to old fashioned, 100+ year old recipes that my great (or even great-great) grandparents would use. Dixon's Chili has been using their original recipe since 1919 so it's like taking a step back in time. The chili is made exactly how I like mine - a bit on the sweeter side. If I were to compare, the chili has a likeness of sloppy joe sauce with the added bonus of meat and beans. The beans are optional, so if you're a chili fan with meat only, now worries - they've got you covered. I opted for the chili dog (with cheese) and it was more than enough. I cannot imagine trying to finish a foot long! The hubs had unlimited tacos and really enjoyed them. The hubs is a sucker for pie, so he ordered a slice of coconut meringue and he said it was the best pie he's ever had. I took a bite and it was hands down the best pie crust ever. It was flaky, crumbly and absolutely amazing. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Chili Dog with cheese - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

100 year old chili recipe can't go wrong. It's also amazing as taco meat . Harry Truman ate here and so did I. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - If you like In a Tub KC tacos, you'll love Dixons chili tacos! - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Stopped in for some famous chili for lunch, I grew up on the Eastside and used to come here with my Mom in the 70's, I moved away and just recently moved back to KC after 30yrs away, GREAT chili It was just like I remember it way back in the 70's, server was also great, nice and friendly, I felt like I was back home as a child again, love it love it love it read more

A Kansas City classic. Different than you "standard" chilly but in a great way! Tacos are a must have. Love the classic vibe, and keeps it authentic read more

Great all you eat tacos and great service and great location near Kauffman stadium and arrowhead stadium

This is a Kansas City classic and a must try in my humble opinion. This place has been around since the early 1900s. I recommend you check out the Dixon's website to read up on some of the history of this iconic hometown restaurant. One cool fact is Harry S. Truman used to frequent the restaurant. My grandfather actually had the chance to eat with him long ago! This is the only remaining location and I sincerely hope it continues to provide great food to the KC community for years to come. Support your local small businesses! If you are going of the classic chili, I prefer the soupy chili because it has the most flavor. Another amazing deal is the all you can eat tacos they have. You keep eating, they keep bringing! It is only $8 and my record is 21 tacos, so it truly is all you can eat! One of my favorite items on the menu is the foot long chili dog. They put a large amount of the soupy chili on it and is very filling. The atmosphere is a classic diner style and the service is always prompt and friendly. Many of the waitresses have been there since I was a child, which speaks to the way they treat their staff. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Foot Long Chili Dog to go - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Simple yet delicious. My childhood Unchanged since I last visited 40 years ago. The tamales are excellent ~ I prefer without chili toppings as they seem to get lost with too many toppings. read more

Dixon's is exactly what it claims to be: a place to get a decent bowl of chili. They have all kinds, beans and no beans, different condiments to add on, etc. It was a bit loud and chaotic inside for me and felt more like a cafeteria than a restaurant. There also were not any clean tables when we arrived, although many were empty, so we had to have someone come out to wipe one down for us. It's not fancy, but it's good. Will I be back? Maybe. read more

This isn't your mom's chili or the typical chili with a tomato based sauce, but it's really good chili served on a plate. Brown beans covered with ground beef, then you add your own condiments. I usually order onions and jalapeños & sometimes cheese. A basket of crackers on the table Along with some very tasty mustard, spicy vinegar & chili power. It's not for everyone but they have been in business over 100 years so they do have a lot of fans. Restaurant looks like a diner from the 1950's. Fast service. My husband D and me go several times a year. read more

Had the all you can eat tacos and they were very good. Service was great & food was out very fast & waitress was very attentive filling up another basket of tacos. Will go for the chili next time tho. read more

Chili dog was very good. Chili spaghetti very bland, even with enhancements. I would say if you happen to be in the area it's worth trying, but would not go out my way to have it again. read more

Service was excellent. Fulfilled every request promptly. I was fortunate enough to order their "All You Can Eat Tacos" deal. I definitely got a great deal on this deal. Returning to try their menu options. read more

Everyone needs to give this place a try! The Chili is unique and delicious. Did I mention their tacos with their housemade taco sauce! Def will be returning. Everything was top notch from food to service! read more

The meat chili and the daily special of All You Can Eat tacos is the best in the city and since they've been around for so many decades attests to the quality of the food and service is fast and amazing. Harry S Truman used to eat there. I'm there usually weekly and I'll be going back for a long time to come. Very highly recommend read more

Tasty but not spectacular Tacos, super nice staff and food comes out quick. Its a good stand by for a quick meal. Chili is either meat and beans or all meat. For vegans you can do all beans with a side of lettuce. Pies are good try the chocolate creme or coconut. Harry S. Truman used to eat here, for the milenials he was the President during WWII that authorized the bombing of Japan. You are welcome for the history lesson. read more

What a wonderful find. I drove past it twice as I went to the ballpark, not without knowing what it was - a wonderful, authentic diner-style chili parlor. Comfy, relaxed decor, very helpful waitstaff ... and chili options galore! I was heading to another ballgame, so I went with .... drumroll, please ... a chili dog, and it beat anything I could've had at the game. A nice mountain of chili, with meat, beans, cheese, and onions, completely smothering a perfectly grilled hot dog and bun. Crushed the potato chips on top for a perfect treat!!! Loved that the chili was mildly seasoned - it tasted great without any doctoring ! But options were there for those who might want a different style of chili (Juicy, soupy, plain), or bean/no beans, etc. My only regret is that I didn't get the chance to stop by for a second meal before heading back home ... I love chili on spaghetti! But I'll be back in the area next month and Dixon's will be on my very short lists of "must do" restaurants. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Dang! Three bites in before I remembered o take a picture. This is the "small" chili dog! - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Places like this are always interesting to me because it's a type of food that doesn't exist anymore. If you truly want to set your expectations correctly, then read all of the negative reviews because those are the most spot-on. The chili is not chili like the Texas red that you're probably accustomed to as it's basically a pile of dry ground beef with no discernible chili flavor. The basic optional additions are with "soup" and beans where the soup is apparently the watery cooking liquid that the ground meat was cooked in and the beans are similarly bland, wet beans. On top of that, you can add a number of other toppings such as ketchup, which they recommend if you want the classic red chili. Yes, they really did tell me that. I ended up opting for onions, cheddar cheese, and jalapeno relish, the latter of which was by far the most helpful addition to the mound of dry meat shavings. So here's the thing -- this place just isn't good, but they have apparently made it a point to not change and keep things as they were 100 years ago. To me, there's a lot of value to that because I think it's great to see how people lived back then so even though I don't think it's good food, I highly recommend going here at least once. As you're eating this stuff, I think you should remember that this was President Harry Truman's favorite restaurant and take a moment to imagine what the rest of their food must have been like. I think it was Teddy Roosevelt who loved chicken salad on crackers. Taking Dixon's chili into consideration, I'm going to offer up a likely recipe for that chicken salad: - Two chicken thighs - 1/4 c raisins - 1/4 c bacon drippings Boil the chicken thighs in salted water until fully cooked, then chill in a refrigerator for at least one hour. Debone the chicken and chop into fine pieces. Mix in raisins and bacon fat until evenly distributed. Serve on crackers. read more

I've been going here since before I was born and will frequent here until I die! I've never had the chili, the tacos are always calling my name. I've never had bad service, even when it was packed. In my opinion, it's a Kansas City icon. read more

When is chili not really chili, or just not recognizable to be chili as you know it? When it's Dixon's chili, which doesn't resemble the thick paste that most people picture when they think of chili. Which is strange, because Dixon's is an original, using the same recipe since they opened in 1919. Dixon's chili looks and tastes similar to mild taco seasoned ground beef. By itself (with or without beans - I strongly prefer without) it doesn't look like much, and it really doesn't have a very strong flavor. But select your favorite version ("Soupy"with bean broth, "Juicy" with natural meat juices, or "Dry") pour this chili over spaghetti, tamales, or a hot dog; or inside a burrito or hardshell crispy taco; drop a fistful of their light, soft, and fluffy shredded cheese on top - and it becomes something magical. There are many entertaining legends about Dixon's. The original owner was so proud of his chili that he wouldn't permit ketchup in the restaurant for fear a customer would "ruin" it, although many customers tried to sneak it in. When the "Grand Nephew" of the original owner took over he abolished the no ketchup policy in 1963, but continued the tradition by "fining" customers 10 cents if they requested a small container of ketchup with their chili. I believe this "fine" has been increased to a whopping 15 cents today. Harry Truman, a KC area native, frequented Dixon's Chili and Life magazine noted this fact during a story in 1952 that referenced the President's visit accompanied by a number of Secret Service agents. The restaurant is located a mile from the Truman Sports Complex and remains a popular spot for pregame meals before Royals and Chiefs games when the dining room will be covered up in either Blue or Red jerseys. If you're visiting Kansas City or attending a ball game, Dixon's is a great place to sample a true Kansas City tradition, and maybe start a tradition of your own. read more

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Dixon's is a staple in Kansas City, it's been in the same location years. President Truman used to eat there. Their chili is not like the chili most people cook. It has many options, and many variations. You can get it with onions, with beans and onions, without beans (I think without beans and onions is a bowl of ground beef), soupy, dry,. With cheese, etc. I don't recall a tomato option. But cause I'd rather eat my own chili, I go for tacos. 3 tacos are $5.79. All you can eat tacos are around $7.50. The tacos are basic, not too small, with ground beef, lettuce and cheese. The sauce is pretty good, but sometimes flat tasting. They even have spaghetti chili. They have burritos the size of a dinner plate which I happened to see them microwave to warm up. And they have tamales. What nips it in the bud are home made pies. So if you go don't skip the pie. The pieces are huge,and the waitress, if you tell her you are splitting the pie, you receive it on 2 plates. I like Dixons, except for the bathroom. Just, take my advice and do bladder emptying before you go. The bathroom isn't the cleanest in the city. Infact, they could do way better. I got stories, in the past about that bathroom,and I know to avoid it, at all costs. I go there for tacos, I don't attempt the bathrooms. I order and eat tacos, order and eat pie. Pay and leave. On game nights or days, there can be either a crowd in red or a crowd in blue. And on game nights it can be hellacious to make a left turn on 40 highway. Dixsons is good, and ti's cool that it still stands. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Tacos - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Been wanting to try this place out, and finally came. First off the ladies in there are so nice and quick service. I liked the diner feel vibe. The chili wasn't what I expected. It didn't taste like chili to me. It was more so cooked ground beef without the smell. I ordered three tacos and a chili dog. Both pile high with cheese. Chilli and the dog itself was so so. All and all if you've never tried you should just because. read more

My husband gets the all you can eat tacos and loves them!!! I get a cheeseburger, cheese only & it comes with chips!! It's sooooo good!

Over 100 years old for a damn good reason. Best in the west and will never be beat. Don't come here for what you think "chili" should be. read more

Dixon's Famous Chili - Chili, ordered as "soupy" and "beans". - Diners Near Me - Independence, Missouri

Dixon's Chili has been around since 1919 and still going strong. The food is good and the service is fast. You can't beat the $8.99 price for All You Can Eat (AYCE) taco anywhere else in the city (at least I don't know where another spot is). I had the burrito and my siblings had the tacos. The burrito was good and loaded with toppings (melted cheese, salsa, black olives and sour cream). They do not charge extra for the toppings. read more

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Food is good and fun so I have it 4 stars. The ambience and staff are 5 stars in my view. Nothing fancy but comforting. Very casual and undemanding. If you've never been there, be prepared to ask a few questions. Chili is a specialty there and the differences in delicious blends are well worth a few questions. Had a great time. Ordered the footling chili dog and the tamales. My wife got the tacos and was very satisfied. Don't forget to get your dum dum suckers on the way out. The cashier has plenty of them and will even help you find the flavor you like. Now that I think of it, it's worth 5 stars easy. read more

We are from Tulsa where we are known for Ike's famous chili and Coney Islander Coney's. I have to say this ranks right up there with these two historical places to eat! Highly recommend!! read more

Everything was fucking gross to the chili to the servers and cooks,it tasted like fucking cat food and shit mixed together and the ambiance was fucking awful it was loud and stunk I hope yall motherfuckers get shut down read more

Great food and service...fun atmosphere! Been in the community for decades...if you haven't been here you are missing out.

I'm stuffed! I had the spaghetti chili plate with added onions, cheese, and pickles. The food was tasty and filling. This is not your hot blow your mouth up chili. It is filling and you can add fixings to make it yours. I needed to add some salt. The coconut cream pie I had for dessert was good, would have been better if the whipped cream on top was real. I'll go back when I want chili again. Reasonable price and it's fun watching people. read more

It's just iconic. Just make sure you know what you're getting and know it's not chili like how you think of it. You do order it your way though so you can make it what you want! I usually get there all you can eat tacos. Nothing special about them, I just like them and the burrito. read more

My family loves Dixon chili's tacos. So when we saw their family taco kit we jumped on it!! We loved it so much that we have ordered it twice since then. It is a great value and is absolutely delicious!! My only suggestion would be to get extra salsa. We are all obsessed with their salsa so it is always the first thing we run out of in our taco kit. The taco kit is a hit!! read more

I love this place. Place has been family owned here in KC for a 100 years. Very unique chili and very affordable. I like to take out of town people here for the experience. read more

It's hard for me to grade Dixon's. On the one hand, it's charming and they have a niche that they have been serving for generations. On the other hand, it's just not for me. The chili is intentionally bland so everyone can be accommodated and you can doctor it up your own way. Well, I ordered the spaghetti chili with cheese, sour cream, onions, and pickled jalapeños on the side. I got it to go due to Covid, and they also included some chili powder. I added all my fixings plus the chili powder and honestly, it just tasted like bland chili with a lot of fixings. Maybe it works better in the store, but really, I want my food cooked with flavor. There's no amount of chili powder I can add that will make something bland suddenly be good. I'm just not big on the idea of flavoring my own food. Condiments are one thing, but seasonings are another. Altogether the spaghetti chili was still interesting if nothing else. I don't think I need to eat it again but it was certainly an experience. If you're in the area I'd still say try Dixon's for the novelty. And maybe you'll enjoy the food more than I did. read more