Loved it !!!! Amazing tasting chili and make sure to get a hot dog smothered in chili. I ate this on my way back to St.Louis and It did not disappoint. Will be back for sure. read more

I am going to have to say Guy Fieri had it all wrong when he hosted this spot on Diners, Dine-ins, and Dives. The only thing good about this place was the price. The chili is somewhat made to order. By that I mean your beans, meat, hot sauce and grease are all mixed together after you order. Yes, thats right I said grease. I had no idea, but I guess you can ask for lite grease. Seems odd to me that would even be an option, but I wish I would have know before I ordered. The chili had so much grease I couldn't even mix it together and it just sat on top of the chili. The only thing that helped was when I mixed in the oyster crackers, which absorbed the grease. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone with a light stomach. read more

Great food good price and friendly atmosphere. Anybody traveling through Springfield Illinois sould stop in and get a bite to eat read more

The worst chili I ever had. I ordered Medium with a touch not knowing how hot the spices were going to be. This chili has no taste. It was swimming in a pool of grease/fat and i couldn't even tell if it was ground beef or some other type of meat. I will never eat here again and do not understand all the rave reviews about this chili. Maybe they make their chili so hot so nobody can tell it has no taste. Find someplace else to eat. read more

This is the best chili in central illinois. You can order chili to fit your taste. I highly suggest you ask about the option. You can get it with or without beans, As well as, from mild to very hot and everything in between. This is currently owned by the daughter (Marianne Rogers) of the founder of Joe Rogers (The Den). read more

we walked up to the counter ordered 2 chili cheeseburgers, 1 med med chili, and two drinks. i like food that is spicy but not necessarily hot. so i got the med sized med flavored chili. i was expecting the med chili to be spicy but not hot. the med chili is not spicy at all. the med touch of heat is hot for me. so, if i go back i will ask for the med Chili with just a bit of the touch of heat med. it can be greasy but come on it is a chili parlor not sweet tomatoes. the chili cheeseburger is ground beef, not a patty but crumbled ground beef, with cheese sauce on it. you can get mustard, onion, and pickles. no real chili just plain chili meat. it was still very good. it was OK and i may go back if i think about it. read more

One of my favorite stops in Springfield, IL for lunch! If you are a novice, make sure to ask about the variations of chili they offer before ordering. I am extremely happy that Marianne, the daughter of Joe Rogers, came back to revive "The Chili Parlor". read more

Best chili in Central Il and amazing loose meat sandwiches. The ladies behind the counter can seem rude but they are busy and don't take crap. I love them and their food! read more

The chili is okay. I'm from Texas and I've tasted a ton of chili in my day...and I'm just not a fan of this taste of chili....or chilli...with two L's as the locals spell it. I went there because of the recent Man v. Food challenge to eat the Firebrand Chili that supposedly is extremely hot because it's spiced with habanero and other spices. It was hot but certainly wasn't the hottest chili I've ever had. I honestly didn't even break a sweat....and this is evidenced by so many of us who have our names on the board there. It's worth a try though. read more

The BEST chili I've ever had. Just a great old school joint. The negative reviews surprise me, if you don't like this place, then you don't like chili. read more

This place has the most disgusting chilli I have ever eaten. I ate their super hot chilli or whatever it's called. It's not even that spicy. The chilli has so much grease that it's disgusting. They clearly don't actually use any peppers to increase the heat. Just pure capsaicin extract to make it hot. I tried a bite of my moms regular chilli and it tasted just as disgusting as mine, but with no spice. I never get sick from spicy food, but the amount of grease in this chilli made me feel like I was going to die. I don't understand how anyone can say they love the putrid filth that this place calls chilli. Not only is their food awful, but the inside is old, and looks incredibly dirty. If I could give negative stars, believe me. I would. read more

We drove two hours from St. Louis to check out this place. A friend had seen it on the Man Vs. Food show and had wanted to try the spiciest chili they had. We were a party of six and ALL OF US finished at least one bowl of firebrand chili to get our names on the wall. Granted all of us enjoy spicy food every once in a while, but if the claim to fame was spicy chili, they could have made it more spicy to be impressive. The real problem was the chili itself. It was just....not good! I like my chili chunky, flavorful, and with tomatoe pieces. But their chili basically consisted of loose ground beef swimming, and I mean swimming because there were so much of it, in hot oil. It just wasn't tasty. To make it worse they only accept cash, which is ridiculous. Obviously the restaurant has been around forever and has made a name for itself, especially after being favored by a variety of food network shows, it could afford a credit card machine (and the 3% charge!)! During the time we were there, they had nonstop traffic, mostly locals who ordered regular food items. I don't quite understand it. The food wasn't that good and it was greasy and not cheap. If you ask me, the place is spoiled by food shows. If I was a local, I would not have gone back after getting my name on the wall. read more

After watching Adam Richmond gorge himself on subject's chili, I thought it would be an interesting side trip while attending some meetings in the lovely almost metropolis, Springfield. I'm very pleased that I did, as I enjoyed every aspect of Joe Roger's. From the friendly but irreverent help, to the kitschy, bordering on cheesy, décor, to the great food, I loved it all. My friend Mike and I are both fans of the piquant victual-the spicier the better. So we both went with the Firebrand. And yes, it's spicy, but it isn't so spicy that your mouth goes numb and you fail to taste anything. This is damned fine chili. The flavor and texture was excellent. We also tried the Denburger, which some of you might know as a "loose burger" (as opposed to loose stool, which might result if you partake excessively of the Firebrand-can you imagine Adam Richmond's lavatory? Talk about Dante's three levels of Hell...I digress) and it is also very tasty. Get it with pickles and mustard. You won't be disappointed. Along with The Lincoln Museum, Joe Roger's is a must while in Springfield. read more

This chili is awesome. They have 6 levels of heat from mild to firebrand. I ordered number 4 and it made me sit u and take notice. oyster crackers with the chili reminds me of my childhood...Dad was a Midwesterner and maybe that's the way it's served here. Anyhow, mmm good! read more

Firebrand chili is HOT! Although as others have said it's heat doesn't kill the flavor. Really good chili!

In from Texas, we ordered two to-go quarts today of chili today. One contained nothing but red broth and oil... no meat. Thanks guys! If you want tomato soup, this is your place. Methinks not. BTW- the other day quart was a marked improvement. I'd say this was a once great now okay parlor. Pass it by or - better yet - don't tell them you're from out of town. ; ) read more

Gotta give them an A+. Consistently good product and service. IMHO, a successful transistion from original to new ownership. First choice for chili parlor chili in Springfield. read more

-After moving to Springfield, I decided I had to try this place. The diner is nice and clean. You order at the counter and throw away your own refuse, so there really isn't much service. The menu has just a few things on it. Obviously people come just for the chili. I read the reviews and ordered the Firebrand with no oil. I would recommend no oil because it is still very greasy and they have the oil at the table if you want to add some (which I did). But i guess some people like the heavy oil. The price is reasonable. -I'm not a chili aficionado or anything, and I must say that this type of chili is not my favorite. It's quite literally just finely ground meat and beans. That's it. If you are expecting something fancy, you will be disappointed. The taste is just ok. It is pretty bland because there isn't much to it. It's good, but in my opinion not great. Personally I wouldn't go out of my way for this chili. I'm not saying it's bad or anything, but I probably wouldn't go back. -In terms of spiciness, I decided to try the hottest, the Firebrand, because I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I like spicy food but I'm not an extreme hot type of person. I was able to finish it all. I definitely took my time. It's really hot, but nothing extreme. The spiciness doesn't last long, so if you take your time, most people that like spicy food can finish it. read more

It reminded me of the lunchbox from off the tv show Roseanne. Meat beans and lots of grease. Practically a heart attack waiting to happen.

This place is really kind of gross, the meat is swimming in grease and the beans in a slimy liquid. The tamales are not bad. It is what it is and the locals love this place. I didn't like it. read more

The champion of the chili wars of our grandparents time, this place serves an amazing bowl. What? No one told you about the Chili Wars? It was a dark time. A dark and delicious time. It deserves its victory - this is the best chili I've ever had. The best thing about it for a guy who usually has to pick out the beans - the beans here are cooked separately and added when you order, which makes it perfect for the bean averse. Our friends fond of flatulence can still get as many beans as they like. The cheeseburger is another favorite - a big scoop of chili meat on a bun with their cheese whiz like cheesey goodness holding it together on a steamed bun. Heaven. Start on the mild end and work your way up. I take a touch. And fear the firebrand. read more

My fiancé and I drove to Springfield thanksgiving weekend to check out the Abraham Lincoln Musuem and Historic Site. Being big fan of man v food I figured we check Joe rogers chili parlor since I love chili. I would go into detail about the 5 levels of chili and doing the challenge of eating a bowl of their spicest chili. I ate the medium level spiced chili and i was disappointed with the taste. It was spicey but it was smothered in oil. The top of my chili was a pool of oil and so the taste of the chili itself was not great at all. My fiance makes better tasting chili and she cant cook. Only reason i gave it two stars and not one is that it was spicey and the place has kept its original decor and style of service. read more

Chili is great and the options to customize are an awesome addition. However, not accepting credit cards is so out-dated. For example, I wanted to buy my office lunch from this place but unfortunately I can only expense these items on a company card and that is not an option here. In my opinion, in 2016 there's no excuse to not have credit card capabilities unless you don't like money. Cost the Chili Parlor over $100 in business today. Good chili though. read more

Definitely a must when visiting or passing through Springfield. I had the medium with a touch and it was just right for me. If you are hungry, get a large, and if you are from outta town, get some to go because you'll be craving more. According to the others in my party the chili burgers and chili dogs were delicious - I couldn't get them to give me a taste. Some good fries would have made it perfect (with chili on them of course!) Looking forward to my next trip south, I will definitely make lunch plans for Joe Rogers'. read more

This place is pretty awesome--great chili...it's really good on a hot dog. Spicy as hell too. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area.

Formerly Joe Rogers Chili... Been eating at this fine establishment my entire life. So happy they have great new owners keeping the Springfield tradition alive!!! Chili cheeseburgers to die for. chili cheese Dogs. REAL Tamales and the Best Chili everrr!!! Nachos now too! A Must Try! read more

This establishment is but a shell of it's former self. I recently visited the restaurant for a bowl of chili. It had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. I have ordered the same thing many times over the years, and have always been satisfied. This time, however, there was no evidence that chili powder had been added at all. I am done with this place. Springfield has always had good chili parlors, but this one can be stricken from the list. Ugh! read more

My stomach wasn't up for the chili this particular day but I got the burger which was a crumbly loose meat burger with melted cheese. YUM ! My sister in law raved about her tamale being the best she had ever eaten. My nephews had the hot dogs which just looked like hot dogs. Fun, quick order at the counter place. Clean and efficient. I would go back. Next time I will get some chili! read more

Nice place to eat, very inexpensive. Chili was ok I guess but served cold no guess I came when it was about to close.

Firebrand chili is over hyped. Not that hot for spice heads. Also, the oil is gross and the meat seems really poor since it's so fine. Not impressed. read more

The gold standard for chili! Renamed The Chili Bowl. Tomales are excellent too. Five levels of heat with Firebrand as the hottest.

Been eating this chilli for decades and I love it mostly get medium hot and have eaten a bowl of fire brand once! yeah just once that was enough for me. Chili comes in many verities and can be made many different ways hence the chili cook-offs around the country I can understand that this type of chili isn't to everyones taste but like others have pointed out you can get it many different ways without most of the oil or no beans extra meat or oil it depends on you. The staff is always friendly and the price is right. Enjoy. read more

The chili served here is the traditional Springfield style, i.e. no tomatoes. The restaurant changed "hands" several years ago and the quality has suffered. It seems the chili is a bit watered down and not as flavorful. However it still beats most others chili. The restaurant is very clean. Each time I visit from Utah (once or twice per year), the prices keep creeping higher. read more

The chili is not too bad if you add some extra flavors to it... The tamale is just terrible though... Not worth trying again!

I love this place, but man this chili is soooo greasy. Still its good stuff

The chili here separates the men from the boys. If you want good chili that will burn the hairs off the bottom of your feet, Joe Rogers is the place. Finish a bowl of their Firebrand chili and you get to have your name imortalized on their wall of fame. Mine was listed, twice. The place is simple but good chili is the reason to be there. The Firebrand chili is not the hottest chili that would dampen your ability to taste the spices with hints of roasted pepper and cocoa. What makes the chili hot is the oil that floats on the top. Be sure to mix it in thoroughly to enjoy the chili at its best. Before you think of going for the second bowl and earn a star next to your name on the wall, think of the bodily consequences awaiting you when the meal is over later. read more

This place has been on my "to try" list for a while because of the Man vs. Food Springfield episode - and the fact that I grew up in Springfield and never knew about this place. I visit Springfield several times a year because my dad and family live there. Stopped to get takeout quarts of chilli to have for dinner at my dad's house. Got two quarts of mild (only needed one) and one of Fire Brand for my oldest son and me to try. Not sure what my dad thought of the chilli and I forgot to ask. My guess is he'd say "ehhh..." (old school version of "meh"). My youngest son (only have two - that's enough!) hated the mild - boring, no flavor - and I completely agree with him. This is true of the Fire Brand as well - it tastes like it was made with absolutely no salt. When we added salt it improved the flavor....lack of salt or not using enough is a major fail when it comes to cooking. My older son and I had the Fire Brand and it definitely has a spicy kick, but again, spicy is the only "flavor". Salt helped it as well. I'm convinced my son could match Adam Richman in eating four bowls of Fire Brand. It's really not unbearably spicy - but it is relentlessly spicy as you eat it. I enjoy beans in chili, but there were too many beans for my taste in the mild - a good balance in the FB though. The oil / grease? That's a uniquely-Springfield thing and it's gross. I don't get it. My son and I may go to try to get our names on the Fire Brand wall just to say we tried / did it, but that's about it. I've never been a fan of Springfield chilli and I'm still not. Give me Texas chili anytime! read more

I can't say anything about other chili places around as I am not from the area, but after reading the current reviews here I expected better. What I expected was a big, meaty bowl of amazing chili. What I got was a bowl of mush and beans covered in a layer of pure grease. While I was able to eventually stir in most of it and soak it up with the cheese and crackers, my friend simply dumped his grease out and watched it solidify on the tray to a dinner plate sized grease puddle while finishing his bowl. I had the medium hot, and the flavor was good, but the grease just made it too unappetizing. read more

there's just something about the chili that keeps bringing me back. yummers

I drove down from chicago with my friend so she could try to see how hot the firebrand chili was being that she loves super spicey food. I decided to get a burger since I'm not into chili. I was extremely disappointed in the burger. I wasn't aware that it was a loose meat sandwich. All it is is ground beef with no added flavor or seasoning with pickles, onions and mustard on a jewel bun. Not impressed and I thought there was no way to ever screw up a burger but they did it. Now onto the chili my friend was so disappointed in how not spicey the firebrand was. She wasn't impressed at all with it not to mention she couldn't even finish the whole thing because of the amount of grease it was swimming in. All and all I'd give this place two thumbs down if I could. I will never go back there are so many better places read more