Top Chili in Missouri Has a Unique Approach

It’s the perfect time of year for chili. Different areas and establishment prepare chili differently. In Springfield, Illinois, they throw in an extra “L” and make “chilli” and include bacon in their thinner broth. In Texas you don’t serve chili with beans. The highest regarded chili in Missouri has been plating up chili for over a century. Yes, that’s with a plate.

Dixon's Famous Chili in Independence, Missouri

In Independence, Missouri, Dixon’s has been making chili since 1919. They have a process that starts with cooking the meat and beans separately. Dixon’s chili is not tomato based either. They get their meat from a specific local butcher (L&C Meats).

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You need to know the lingo at Dixon’s too. You can have your chili “soupy” –that means with bean broth. “Juicy” means with meat juice. You can get it with both, or you can have neither. When your plate of chili arrives, you can dress it up how you want. Dixon’s table condiments include their proprietary chili powder, Dixon’s spicy mustard, and little bottles of vinegar. One of which has little in it for an extra kick. The spicy mustard has the pepper vinegar in it. Little cups of cheese, sour cream, and or jalapeno relish. You’ll also have a basket of crackers standing by for crumbling if you want.

Dixon’s chili is the base for all of their savory treats. Burgers, chili dogs, spaghetti, tacos, and tamales. The chili is the draw. It always has been. President Harry S. Truman swore by Dixon’s, and claimed that he was there the day they opened in August of 1919, and a picture of the only President from Missouri hangs in the dining room.