Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
As soon as that first cold snap hits in the fall, it’s officially chili season in my house. A simmering pot of chili served with cornbread and Fritos is on repeat every other week from October through March. There’s something about a good bowl of chili that is cozy and filling, whether it’s 25 degrees or a rainy spring afternoon. Chili and football season seem to go hand in hand, but while football season is over, I’m going to keep enjoying chili for a little bit longer.
Chili is one of those foods that is made a million different ways, and it’s always up for debate who has the best chili. With National Chili Day coming up, it feels like the perfect time to get out and explore some of the best chili in Arkansas. From meat-heavy, slow-simmered classics to veggie-packed vegan versions, Arkansas does chili in a lot of different ways and does it well.
What Makes a Great Bowl of Chili?
At its core, chili is simple. But the difference between an okay bowl and a great one usually comes down to balance and patience. Onions, garlic and chili peppers or chili powder are the standard ingredients in most chilis. From there, it’s all about choices. Beef, pork, venison or no meat at all. Tomatoes or no tomatoes. Thick and spoon-standing or thinner and more soup-like. Some cooks lean heavily on cumin and smoked paprika, while others let dried chiles do the heavy lifting.
And then there are the beans. Or not. Are you Team Beans or Team No Beans?
Beans in chili are one of those food arguments that refuses to die. Traditional Texas-style chili says absolutely not. No beans, no tomatoes, just meat and chili peppers. But it often relies on chuck roast rather than ground beef, so it’s substantial on its own. On the other hand, much of the rest of the country, including plenty of Arkansans, grew up with beans as a standard ingredient. Pinto, kidney, or even black beans add body, protein and stretch the pot a little further.
Around here, you’ll find both camps represented, sometimes even on the same menu.
The Best Chili in Arkansas
I fully expect to get a few messages telling me that I’ve overlooked some great chili in this list. I am certain I have! Chili is abundant in Arkansas, available at so many restaurants and diners and perfected by home cooks in every neighborhood. So, while this list is a representation of some of the best chili in Arkansas, there is room for everyone at the table.
The Tamale Factory – Gregory
This one is nonnegotiable and the one restaurant where I will order the chili every single time. Tamale Factory’s chili has earned a loyal following for good reason. It’s rich, deeply seasoned and unmistakably Delta-inspired, with a slow-cooked flavor that feels like it’s been perfected over generations. You absolutely must pair it with their tamales for the full experience. It’s messy, comforting and absolutely worth the drive.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery – Hot Springs
Superior Bathhouse’s chili is rich without being heavy. It’s cooked with beer and, of course, pairs naturally with one of their house-brewed beers, especially on a cool day after walking Bathhouse Row. It’s not always available, so grab it when you can because it disappears quickly.
Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili – Bentonville
Ron’s is an Oklahoma-based favorite with a loyal following, and its Bentonville location brings that tradition into Arkansas. Their chili is old-school, beefy and straightforward. It’s delicious topped with onions and cheese, and best known as the backbone of their chili cheeseburgers and chili dogs. It’s not fancy, and that’s exactly the point.
Wright’s Barbecue – Little Rock, Rogers, Bentonville Square, Johnson, Bentonville and Walmart Campus
Chili isn’t a menu staple at Wright’s BBQ, but they offer a couple of chili dishes that rotate through their specials menu. Depending on the day and the location, you may find traditional Texas-style chili served with crackers, Chili Frito pie or even their smoky brisket chili.
McClard’s Bar-B-Q – Hot Springs
McClard’s has a long-standing reputation and a loyal fan base, and the chili bowl delivers right alongside their famous BBQ. It’s robust and meaty, often served with grilled cheese. The rib tip chili is Arkansas history in a bowl.
Gadwall’s Grill – North Little Rock
Gadwall’s Grill is practically synonymous with chili dogs and chili cheeseburgers in Central Arkansas. Their chili isn’t fancy, and it’s not trying to be. It’s savory, slightly loose and perfect as a topping. They also have a White Chili made with chicken, white beans and green chili.
Big Orange – Little Rock (multiple locations)
Big Orange’s chili is bold and hearty. Their housemade can be served on its own, but it’s not uncommon to see it piled onto a burger or fries for a rich and soul-warming meal.
Don’t Skip the Vegan Chili
Chili might seem meat-centric, but some of the most flavorful bowls out there skip the meat entirely.
The Root Cafe – Little Rock
When it’s on the menu, The Root’s vegan chili is packed with vegetables, beans, and warm spices, making it just as satisfying as any meat-based version. Pair it with a slice of cornbread or one of their seasonal sides for a well-rounded meal.
Fye Vegan Chic – Little Rock
Fye Vegan Chic’s food truck is entirely vegan. Their incredible vegan chili is amazing on its own, but is often seen topping vegan dogs, baked potatoes or their crispy, handmade french fries. And don’t miss the chili mac when it’s on the menu!
The HOME – Little Rock
The HOME offers an extensive selection of vegan dishes that are robust and full of flavor. You definitely won’t miss the meat. They regularly serve chili in several ways, including a traditionally spiced chili with beans and a white-bean chili with kale.
Chili Cookoffs
When it comes to who has THE best chili in Arkansas, that’s a debate that will likely never be definitively settled. But there are a few chili cookoffs around Arkansas each year that will crown a local favorite.
- April 11 – 10th Annual Arkansas Chili State Championship – Holiday Island
- November 23 – Holiday Lights and Chili Cookoff – Hot Springs
- Each November – Chili Fights in the Heights – Little Rock
- Each January – Big Buzz Chili Cookoff at Big Buck Classic – Little Rock
Homemade Chili
I’ll be honest. As much as I love trying chili when I am out, I always come back to my homemade chili. It’s the recipe my mom made, and it’s the recipe my son will probably make when he’s out on his own. It’s comforting, filling and just tastes like home.
If you don’t have your own chili recipe yet, give these ones a try!
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Julie Kohl
Between school drop-offs, packed schedules, and trying to remember...
I read a lot of historical fiction, and one thing that always catches my...
Our fridge has an ice maker, but it often “goes on vacation,” as we...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment