The Absolute Best Chili in Nashville [Updated 2024]

Having reviewed 12 different chili spots across the vibrant city of Nashville, I have taken it upon myself to curate a list of the absolute best chili joints that will leave you craving for more. Nashville, known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a multitude of options when it comes to this hearty and comforting dish.

Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, with beans or without, I have scoured the city to bring you the most delectable chili creations that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Get ready to embark on a chili journey through Nashville like no other!

Brown's Diner

Highlights
Epic good
Perfectly cooked and melty cheese
Must try chili cheese tots and hush puppies
Full bar available
Great little dive with excellent cheeseburger

Let me start by saying, the chili at Brown's Diner is nothing short of epic good. From the first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The flavors danced on my taste buds, delivering a mouthwatering sensation that left me craving for more.

But it wasn't just the chili itself that impressed me. It was the attention to detail in its preparation. The meat was tender and flavorful, cooked to perfection. And let's not forget about the melty cheese that topped it all off. It added a creamy richness that took the chili to a whole new level.

While the chili stole the show, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the other offerings as well. The chili cheese tots were a revelation, the crispy tots smothered in a generous helping of chili and cheese. And the hush puppies? Simply divine.

To wash it all down, Brown's Diner offers a full bar, allowing you to enjoy your chili with a cool beverage of your choice. The atmosphere is that of a great little dive, with a touch of charm that adds to the experience.

And if you're not in the mood for chili, fear not. Brown's Diner also serves an excellent cheeseburger that is worth a detour on its own.

In conclusion, Brown's Diner is a hidden gem when it comes to chili in Nashville. If you're on the hunt for the best chili in town, make sure to add this spot to your list. You won't be disappointed.

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The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Highlights
Great burgers and service
Quick food arrival
Amazing outdoor seating
Friendly and accommodating staff
Classic Nashville spot

Walking into The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. I had heard so much about their chili and I was eager to give it a try. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but appreciate the amazing outdoor seating. The charming fairy lights and rustic decor created a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The friendly and accommodating staff immediately greeted me and took my order. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the food arrived. It seemed like I had just settled down when the steaming bowl of chili was placed in front of me.

Taking my first spoonful, I was immediately blown away by the bold flavors. The chili had the perfect balance of heat and richness. The combination of spices, tender meat, and hearty beans created a harmonious symphony of flavors in my mouth.

Aside from the chili, I also couldn't resist trying one of their famous burgers. It was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired perfectly with the chili. The quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite.

It was clear why The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden is a classic Nashville spot. Not only was the chili outstanding, but the overall experience was top-notch. Great burgers and service, quick food arrival, and an amazing outdoor seating area all contributed to an exceptional visit.

In conclusion, if you're searching for the best chili in Nashville, look no further than The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden. It's the perfect spot to indulge in a bowl of chili, enjoy a delicious burger, and soak in the true essence of Nashville.

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Saint Añejo

Highlights
Fresh, flavorful food
Delicious margaritas
Great atmosphere and ambiance
Generously dressed salads
Best black beans in Nashville

From the moment I stepped into Saint Añejo, I could tell that this place meant business when it came to their food. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, and I couldn't wait to dive into their famous chili. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The chili at Saint Añejo was the epitome of what chili should be: fresh, flavorful, and packed with bold spices. Each bite was a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds. The combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and hearty beans was a winning formula that warmed me up from the inside out.

But it wasn't just the chili that stole the show. The margaritas at Saint Añejo were some of the best I've had in Nashville. They were perfectly mixed, striking a harmonious balance between sweet and tangy. Sipping on a margarita while enjoying a steaming bowl of chili was pure bliss.

The restaurant itself had a great ambiance, with vibrant colors and stylish décor. The staff members were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience all the more enjoyable. What surprised me even more was the attention to detail in their salads. Generously dressed with a variety of vibrant ingredients, the salads at Saint Añejo were not an afterthought but a truly satisfying meal on their own.

And let's not forget the black beans. They were unequivocally the best in Nashville. Cooked to perfection and seasoned just right, these beans were the ideal partner for the chili.

In conclusion, Saint Añejo truly deserves a spot on the list of Nashville's best chilis. Their dedication to crafting flavorful, delicious food is evident in every bite. Combine that with their lively atmosphere and exceptional margaritas, and you've got yourself a winning combination.

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Burger Republic

Burger Republic in Nashville is a chili lover's paradise! Their award-winning chili has a playful twist with the perfect balance of spicy heat and rich flavors. Each bite is a delightful explosion of savory goodness. Trust me, you'll be craving more!

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Gabby's Burgers & Fries

Gabby's Burgers & Fries in Nashville is a chili lover’s dream come true. Their chili is bursting with flavor, featuring a mouthwatering blend of spices and hearty chunks of beef. The perfect balance of heat and tang leaves you eagerly scooping up every last bite. A must-visit for chili enthusiasts!

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Chili's Grill & Bar

I must say, I had high hopes for Chili's Grill & Bar in Nashville. With its reputation for American comfort food, I was expecting a bowl of chili that would knock my socks off. Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed. The chili lacked depth and flavor, and I found myself longing for more heat and spice. While it was certainly edible, it didn't live up to the standards of the best chili in Nashville.

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Varallo's

Varallo's in Nashville is the chili heaven you've been looking for! Their spicy and flavorful chili is a magical blend of meat and spices that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of bliss. Trust me, this chili is a game-changer!

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Ted's Montana Grill

Ted's Montana Grill in Nashville brings the heat! Their chili is a knockout with smoky, robust flavors that'll make your taste buds dance. The tender, slow-cooked beef and rich blend of spices creates a chili that's both hearty and satisfying. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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The Stillery

The Stillery in Nashville serves up a chili that's a playful explosion of flavors. The bold combination of spices and tender chunks of meat had my taste buds doing a happy dance. With a lively atmosphere and friendly staff, this spot is a professional contender for the best chili in Nashville.

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Hugh-Baby's

Hugh-Baby's in Nashville is a chili lover's dream come true. Their chili is a flavor explosion in every bite. The perfect balance of heat and spices will make your taste buds dance. With a playful atmosphere and top-notch service, Hugh-Baby's is a must-visit for any chili enthusiast in Nashville.

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M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers - Melrose

On a chilly day, I decided to warm up with a bowl of chili at M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers - Melrose. The playful staff greeted me with a smile and served up a bowl of pure comfort. The flavors of their homemade chili were bold and satisfying, making it a strong contender for the title of the best chili in Nashville.

Smokin Thighs - Wedgewood

Smokin Thighs - Wedgewood in Nashville took me on a smokey-chili adventure that left my taste buds dancing! The flavorful blend of spices and tender bites of smokin' meat made it a chili worth savoring. The playful atmosphere, friendly staff, and generous portions made this a top contender for the best chili in Nashville.