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Skyline Chili has a special place in Ohio's culinary tradition.
- Skyline Chili is an Ohio-based restaurant chain that serves hot dogs and spaghetti topped with chili and cheddar cheese.
- Although some outsiders may object to its signature dish, Skyline Chili remains a cult favorite in parts of the Midwest.
- I ate at a Skyline Chili and learned exactly why it's become a regional favorite.
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Since 1949, Skyline Chili has been slopping chili onto hot dogs and spaghetti.
Founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, Skyline Chili has become a must-try for locals and visitors to the city alike. The beloved restaurant chain has expanded to over 130 locations in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Florida.
While the combination of chili and spaghetti might sound unusual, the unique dish has its place in the Ohio culinary tradition. Cincinnati chili, as it's known, has been served up for nearly 100 years, and the dish is one of the most iconic - and polarizing - examples of American regional food.
Since I started attending the University of Cincinnati, I've discovered that Skyline Chili is a cult favorite throughout the city. You can see the restaurant's logo on T-shirts, socks, stickers, and more - people here definitely identify with the brand.
I recently went down to a local Skyline Chili to see how exactly the chain has won over so much of the Midwest.
Here's what it's like inside the iconic restaurant.