Dixon’s Chili Parlor
9105 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO, 64055
Dixon’s Chili Parlor Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Independence for healthy meals suggestion.
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Visit below restaurant in Independence for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
9105 E US Hwy 40
Independence, MO, 64055 - Phone (816) 861-7308
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Tony C.
Your search is over, just get here! All of it is fantastic! The chili dog is great its a entire bowl of thier famous chili on two dogs wow.
(5)Kevin T.
The best way to describe the Chili here is deconstructed. The meat comes on a plate separated from the onions, cheese and ketchup (which are in ramekins). Then you mix the ingredients together and season it to your liking with the chili powder on the table. Now they make this no secret that this is how their chili is served. The menu as well as our waitress explained this process. After reading and hearing this I decided on the foot long chili dog, no assembly required! The two other guys I was with gave the build-your-own chili a shot and they both said it was good and I really enjoyed my chili dog. Great service as well, but I will not be rushing back here because it does not seem like my kind of chili. Just personal opinion I guess because this place has been around since 1919 so someone must love it!
(3)Michael C.
This place was a little strange and definitely not for everyone. I was driving through Kansas City and decided I would go to Dixon's Famous Chili because it was the favorite of Harry S. Truman. I ordered the chili dog from the counter. I watched how this chili was made and it was quite unlike anything I have ever seen. It was tasty and filling. The place is pretty old skool which is neat if you are into that sort of thing.
(3)Dana R.
I don't even know what to say about this place it was so bad. If someone were to ask me what was the worst place I had ever eaten at this would be my answer.
(1)Adam B.
I was just discussing the dynamics of good chili with a buddy of mine here in SF and Dixon's immediately came to mind. This was a favorite for me growing up in Kansas City. My dad and I made every excuse we could to go to Dixon's. We would even use the excuse of going to a Royals game just so we were close enough to find an excuse to go grab some all-you-can eat tacos or soupy chili. I am going to make it a priority to get there next time I come home to visit the folks. Never change, Dixon's.
(5)Jory S.
Got the special of the day, chili spaghetti or spaghetti chili...whatever. spaghetti with browned ground beef and red beans. What a total disappointment. Tasteless Not a good first impression.
(1)William M.
A true Kansas City treasure. First place I stop at as soon as I get off the plane from Texas. Great hamburgers and love the KC style chile. My dad would frequently encounter President Truman there as it is directly around the corner from the Masonic Lodge that the President would attend. I met Walt Bodine there about 20 years ago and still have an framed autographed menu hanging next to my desk here in Texas.
(4)Travis C.
Well what can I say about the kansas city establishment so deeply rooted that a former president Harry s Truman sat and ate chili of the same table I did maybe not the same table but roughly the same... My personal favorite is the taco special My personal record is 15 tacos
(5)Katie W.
Ok, I get this place has history and is suppose to be an experience of a simpler time. But really am I expected to believe my grandmother didn't have any spices back in the day? And what's with penalizes people and charging extra for simple condiments like cheese, onions and catsup? OK, maybe cheese because of the cost, but onions and catsup? And then there is serving chili on a plates, instead of a bowls. Really? Their chili is bland and expensive for what it is, and as far as the experience, not one I ever want to repeat.
(2)Anna K.
We absolutely LOVE Dixon's. We live out of state but whenever we're in town visiting family, Dixon's is our first stop...usually before actually seeing any family. Never had anything other than their all AYCE tacos and they are soooo good. Simply meat lettuce and cheese. Can't beat that. Sprinkle a little seasoning, a dash of their pepper infused vinegar and top it off with their homemade taco sauce and it's like heaven in a perfectly crispy shell. They also have the best fountain drinks. Perfect combination of syrup and fizz. We've been in town for 3 days and we're heading there for lunch for the 3rd time as I type this review. The idea is to burn ourselves out with Dixon's so that we don't crave it as much when we go home. However, that never works...
(5)Jon B.
20 years in KC and I have known about Dixon's for most of them, but I finally stopped in for the first time last week. We came not for the chili but for the rumor of all-you-can-eat tacos. They still offer them for $8 and they were glorious! OK first let me say they are Midwestern gringo tacos, not even remotely fancy or authentic at all. But if, like me, you grew up on seasoned ground beef dressed with shredded lettuce and shredded cheese you may find theses tasty and a great nostalgia fix. I added a side of chopped onions to mine and supplemented the mild salsa (a whole bottle for each of us) with the vinegar/pepper sauce that was on the table. The two of us polished off 18 tacos between us before noting what looked like home made pies in a case up front. Too late tho, we were totally stuffed. The dining area includes an old-fashioned counter as well as tables and was neat and tidy. Service was quick & friendly. All in all very happy with my visit and will be back to try the chili!
(4)Mike M.
Is it possible to get the chili powder?
(4)James B.
Great place great service and very clean place has a great history I like the no ketup rule kind of funny I eat the all you can eat tacos I've eaten 13 I hear the record is 38 WOW everybody should try this place
(5)Mc J.
Let's face it Dixon's aint gonna wow you but it'll do the trick if your hungry.. if that makes sence. I always have the all you can eat taco's and a nice cold beer its simple, it's a simple little eatery dont expect to much.
(4)Keith K.
I've become a fan again. Had to be in the neighborhood this week, so I stopped in after a several-year absence. Opted for the cheeseburger with chili and it was fantastic! Putting the shredded cheese in the chili, then on top of the patty, made all the difference and held everything together. Just gooey enough, but not sloppy. I will definitely be back to try the rest of their menu.
(4)Tom K.
Dixon's is what it is. If you don't like it...leave. Dixon's doesn't change and surely doesn't need celebration. It is a relic in a bygone world. It is a place where you can tear open the Star or the Examiner over a cup of coffee, cigarette, and chilli five ways. The beauty of Dixon's is the experience and the idea rather than the food. There is no where like it.
(4)Scott M.
Classic joint. The menu is simple and ambiance blue collar, but how can you go wrong at a place that Harry Truman once munched at? It's been around a LONG time because it's good. I ordered the large chile plate - which is just meat and beans. I spruced it up with sides of soar cream, jalapenos, cheese and onions, which come in generous portions in side cups for you to add at your discretion. Yummy. Hey, if you're looking for some fancy chile dish, you're in the wrong place. Their recipe probably hasn't changed since 1920 - but how fancy do you have to get with chile on a cold winter day? I left with a full belly and a warm smile on my face.
(4)Jeffrey P.
I guess I just like my chili with a tomato base. I got the chili with beans and "juice". The service was good, friendly. The chili leaves a bit to be desired, like the taste of tomato, cumin, chili pepper. Adding ketchup doesn't quite get it. As I said, the wait staff were excellent, I definitely think I would like it if there was some fixin that you could add that had cumin, chili spice, tomato, etc. I know Dixon's has been around a long time. I actually left Dixon's and went home and made chili with cumin, chili powder, tomatoes - so I got my Chili fix. Next time I will bring a pack of Williams Chili Seasoning.
(3)Donald B.
Read a lot of good things about Dixon's, so I was a little eager to try them out. Took my son-in-law and granddaughter for dinner and was highly disappointed. We took our seat towards the back which just so happened to have been close to where they take the dirty dishes. Was shocked to open the menu and there was a live roach inside. When the waitress came over (after I killed it) I showed her what I found. As I was doing this, my son-in-law pointed out a rather large roach crawling across the table. The waitress calmly squashed it and the asked what we would like to order. I grabbed another menu, which ALSO had a dead roach inside, and we ordered a tamale with chili and a hamburger with chili. We would have left if we hadn't have been so hungry. In a nutshell, the food was only barely passable and not at all what I expected. They can keep the bugs. I WILL NOT RETURN.
(1)Ryan A.
Dixon's tastes like history. Perhaps not so much like chili, at least not until you dress it liberally with the various condiments on your table, but that's part of the charm. "This is chili? LOL!" is commonly heard when someone unfamiliar with the product makes their first visit. And they actually speak each letter: "L-O-L!" rather than saying, "lawl." I'm not sure what this says about people who don't like Dixon's, but it can't be good. As I've said elsewhere, Kansas City style chili is weird. You must know it and accept it, and only then may you be enlightened as to its deliciousness. Also, their burgers and tacos are pretty damn good, too, and there is something endearingly gross about their weird extruded tamales. They are more like semi-liquid cornbread sticks shot out of a sausage maker, but they're really tasty when served beneath (and mixed together with) a plate of chili. Dixon's is a local institution, and unlike so many other historic KC icons, I get a pretty strong sense that a plate of chili at Dixon's in 2011 is almost indistinguishable from what you'd have gotten in 1919. This pleases me.
(4)Beverly B.
I love Dixon's Chili ... the loose, dry, nicely seasoned (mild chili flavor) meat (no onion in it ... yay!!), that can be served numerous ways: just as it is (dry), beany, soupy, and with numerous add-ons ... onions, pickles, ketchup, cheese, etc. You can get it in a bowl, in tacos, on spaghetti, on a bun, with a hot dog, etc. Hubby orders it soupy, with beans, onions, and ketchup. I prefer it served as a Dixon Burger, plain, with cheese: A big heap of meat on the bottom of a bun, which is lost under a mountain of shredded cheese, the top bun perched precariously atop it. (I think maybe it normally comes with lettuce, but I never get that.) The only way to eat it is with a fork! The burger and the dog come with a little bag of potato chips. I love the diner ambience. They keep it clean and spiffy looking. Photos of Truman hang on the wall. You can belly up to the counter, sitting on one of the red stools, or take a seat at a table. The menu is a big sign posted on the wall opposite the counter. The servers are friendly, and helpful in answering questions about how things are served, etc. I didn't give Dixon's Chili a fifth star because you have to pay extra for the ketchup, etc. Some condiments just seem to me like they ought to come as part of the deal. Vegetarians, this is NOT a place for you! If you are forced to accompany your carnivorous friends to Dixon's, maybe, in a pinch, you could improvise some beans, cheese, and condiments on spaghetti or a bun, but I think it would be a disappointment. The meat is DEFINITELY the THING here!
(4)Gregor G.
I remember coming here a lot as a kid, so on a whim over the holiday, me, my sister, and parents stopped in for lunch. It has been around since 1919 (originally downtown @ 15th & Olive) and was a favorite eatery of President Harry S. Truman. I've read Dixon's always sent him a huge container of chili and tamales every year on his birthday. Anyway, I don't think a thing has changed in here since my childhood -- and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The chili is still dry and perfectly seasoned, available with or without beans, and the tables covered in checkered cloths. Yeah, I definitely dug this trespass into the past!
(4)Susan S.
I feel weird reviewing Dixon's. There's a restaurant in town that I refuse to review because it's part of the family, so to speak, and I kind of feel that way about Dixon's, even though I'm not connected to them in any way. I've just been eating here that damn long. First, put aside whatever chili is to you. I happen to love a dry, not-soupy chili, so I'm in heaven here. The chili is basically seasoned beef: you can get beans, you can ask for it to be a little wetter, you can get other additions like onions, cheese, or jalapenos. I still find it hilarious that they charge for ketchup (hint, they don't approve). I am a huge fan of the tamale spread. The tacos are also great - again, these are not street tacos or anything authentic, but it's like when your mom had taco night and it was really really amazing. Finally, weirdly, last time I was there I ordered the nachos. It's a basket of chips and a bowl of all of the nacho stuff mixed together: meat, beans, cheese sauce, sour cream. You just dip and eat. So tasty. It's not fancy, but it's clean and there is a ton of history. If you at all want to get a taste of Kansas City, you have to give it a try.
(5)Danielle T.
The location is very close to Kauffman stadium and Arrowhead which makes it a great stop before or after Royals and Chiefs games. I don't care for the chili personally but their tacos are good. You can get the all you can eat special. It has good history and the servers are nice.
(4)Abby D.
Living in another state now but this is still the best chili around (that I often miss). And their all you can eat tacos is an incredible deal...and oh so tasty.
(5)Judith S.
Ive just never been a fan of this long-time establishment's food, it gives me heartburn. However, Its been open longer than Ive been alive, so they are doing something right.
(1)Brian O.
If I'm not mistaken, Dixon's is one of the oldest family owned restaurants in the KC area- Mr. Dixon was pushing a chili cart around downtown in 1919. It became Dixon's "Famous" Chili in the 40's when Truman would come in to his favorite restaurant whenever he was in his hometown (one trip was featured in Life Magazine- copies of which adorn the walls). It's status as one of KC's quintessential restaurants would already be in place, but Dixon's does us one better. Not only is their namesake food delicious, it's unique. Dixon's chili is made with ground beef, beans, seasoning, and NO tomatoes. In fact, Mr. Dixon wouldn't even let any tomatoes in the restaurant until the 50's (though some tried to sneak them in). Now you can get a side of ketchup if you feel like ruining your chili. You can order your chili dry, soupy (with bean juice), juicy (with meat juice), or with both. They also have sides like shredded cheese, or onions which are served in overflowing ramekins. Also on the table is extra chili seasoning, chili pepper vinegar, and regular vinegar. Here's my go to meal when I crave a Dixon's fix: The Spread (two delicious, moist tamales heaped with chili) soupy and juicy with cheese and sour cream. Once I get it (which usually takes about 30 seconds), I put on some extra seasoning, then douse it in chili vinegar and the sides. It... is... amazing. The drinks are large and the staff is always quick with the refills. I have never had anything but friendly, fast, and courteous service at Dixon's. All in all, I hope that this place never changes- it's in my top 5 in KC for sure- maybe in the top 10 for anywhere. I feel good to give it my 1st 5 star rating. Man, writing this is making me hungry- I'm gonna go get a Spread.
(5)Stephanie S.
We love Dixon's! Best chili around! And their deluxe burrito is to die for! And very affordable!
(5)James O.
*looks around conspiratorially* All you can eat tacos, man. I don't think they're on the menu, but you can sure order them. The chili here isn't what normal people might think of chili. It's a meat chili, which you can order plain, soupy or greasy or both. There's no real red sauce to it. Keep that in mind, and you'll do fine.
(5)David K.
WOW! This place is just so unique. I would admit that it's probably not for everyone. Don't even think it is anything like traditional chili, but don't be surprised that you will love the food. Service was great. I ordered the Taco Special; all you can eat i must say. Now you might think that they will wait until you finish the first four tacos before asking if you would like more, not a chance. Not even through my first taco and was being asked how many more I would like. Took three of those baskets of tacos before I was done and that was probably four more than what I needed. Yes they charge extra for a lot of things you would normally pay for, but the prices are so low and the food was so good, who cares. Obviously everyone else must feel the same way since they seem to fill every table for lunch. Which by the way I spent right at about $10 for my meal. They have of course chili, hot dogs, burgers, burritos, tacos, taco salad, pies and much more. You can even order chili to go.
(5)Nick B.
I've already posted this review on the Lee's Summit location, but felt inclined to post it here as well... Dixon's is...Dixon's. That's all you can say. It is great food, but don't expect an over the top elegant restaurant. It's simple and has been that way forever. It is more like a diner than a sit down restaurant. Expect to see many different types of people there. Their all you can eat taco special is their best seller, although tons of people enjoy their alternative style of chili. It's a dry, meat chili that can be ordered a variety of ways (including "juicy" and "soupy" which have some liquid; don't worry, there are ordering instructions on the table :-) ). They also offer chili dogs, burritos, hamburgers, etc. The all you can eat taco special is $6.49 (as of August 2009) and is available every day they are open (closed Sunday). The pricing is set up so that if you're going to have more than three tacos, all you can eat is the way to go (it's $1 more for all you can eat rather than three tacos). As previous reviewer stated (for Lee's Summit location), ordering 5 tacos to go is not using the pricing to the consumer's advantage. As far as the no extras thing...that's all part of the history. Every condiment in Dixon's costs extra...it's just the way it is. I believe it originates from being "fined" for needing to add items to their meals to get it taste "better" for you. I seem to remember something in the history on the menu about the founder not liking the people adding things to his chili. Bottom line, Dixon's is what it is. It's simple, they don't have a lot of variety, but their items are unique. Their tacos are very simple, but taste completely different than anything I've ever had. And their taco sauce is delicious. My opinion is, go give it a try and see what you think! Either you'll love it for what it is or you won't!
(4)Layla M.
The chili is always good.
(3)Tyler R.
I eat here weekly with my buds. Right by Kauffman Stadium, great option before Royals games. The daily unlimited taco special is the best deal in Kansas City and Independence. Dixon's has been around for years and it never fails to please. Their chili and their tacos are the best items on the menu.
(5)Corey C.
I ordered the "juicy" chili and it was very dry. Just meat and beans. I wasn't a fan. Next time I will try the tacos. They seemed to have good reviews on the tacos.
(3)Jeff S.
This place is a classic. All you can eat tacos....chili....and a ton of history. This is a place for real men, and guys who are looking to fill up.
(5)Bob W.
First of all this is Dixon's Chili a 90+ year Kansas city institution. You don't stay in business 90 years by having bad food or hosing your customers. Second, the most overused word in restaurant description is "authentic ". What is authentic chili, barbecue, pizza, whatever you get my point? To a friend of mine authentic means hamburger, beans,a can of tomato soup and a pkg of Williams seasoning. Ok sorry I'm ranting. This place is good and consistent. You can order it several ways and they explain all that to you. There foot-long chili dog is awesome and waffle fries are a good accompaniment. They have what's called a spread which is chili over tamales its good and once again you can make it how you want. Then there's all you can eat tacos for seven bucks and dollar draws so there's something for everyone. Whatever you get order some jalapeno relish on the side its sweet hot goodness. So that's all I got for now get out of your chili box and give either location a try. I really hope u think this review is authentic enough.
(4)Heather M.
I'm in the area for work and wanted to avoid chain restaurants and find something local for dinner. Happy I stopped in for dinner at Dixon's. The place was busy but I was able to find a seat without a wait. My server was attentive and helpful. I had the Dixon style chili (meat over beans) and with the added jalapeños, cheese and onions it made a great meal. A large order with a drink was the special for Tuesday and my server made sure I also left with a drink to go which I thought was a nice touch. Inexpensive ($9) dinner in a clean and friendly environment was what I was looking for and I found it at Dixon's. I'll be back to try something else on the menu when work brings me this way again.
(4)Cierra W.
I went here on 8/29/15. I have been reluctant for years on trying this place. I was finally talked in to it and was highly disappointed. Their specialty is chili obviously, but it is not good. I ordered a chili dog with onions. When I tried my food, it tasted like ketchup mixed with hamburger and beans. It didn't taste like any chili I've had before. The service was good though. I probably won't be returning any time soon.
(2)Eric S.
Came first time today very good chili love that I can Dr it myself as I can't eat anything too spicy. They have ayce tacos everyday will try them next time. Definitely glad I stopped by
(5)Kay L.
Dixon's is not so much a diner as an institution. They sell one thing, and have been doing so for nearly a century. You can get your chili plate, your chili dog, your chili spaghetti, your chili spread... or you can get the notorious AYCE tacos, which are just dry chili meat in a taco shell with some nacho cheese. This ain't Texas chili, either, it's more like loose meat with some beans mixed in. Pretty mild seasoning, but you can always add hot sauce. It's good, cheap food with a generous side of nostalgia in the form of Truman memorabilia on the walls... Dixon's was a favorite of Missouri's most famous son. Dig in.
(4)Garrett C.
Super friendly staff. Great diner-like atmosphere. Had the double cheese burger with chili. Chili was phenomenal. Highly recommend this place. A hidden gem.
(5)Matthew M.
Location on lees summit (that I assume closed) was basically strained beef, and a can of attained kidney beans and served on my plate. Bland and meh. Hopefully I only got a bad batch. Still, a president was said to have like eating there.
(1)Thomas M.
COMPLETELY UNDERWHELMED... Bland boring tasteless. LOOK! I know what you are thinking. This guy needs to experiment wiff da choices of condiments. Wrong, flat wrong. I tried them and Dixons don't work for me. This kinda chili is commonly called (in North Central WV) "hot dog chili". You add H2O to the meat, seasoning and whatever else. Cook it down for about 3-4hrs. adding water as you go. Voila! Dixons Chili minus the seasoning part. I know what this kind of chili CAN be like. Check out my other reviews. Goes to show that Truman was an outstanding president, but not without flaw.
(1)Loretta R.
Always good! Been eating chili at Dixion's for over 50 years. I remember my Dad and I would visit Dixion's when it was located off of Truman Road. Same great taste then as Now! Very few restaurants are in business over 50 years plus keep the same great food consistently! Your will not be disappointed!
(5)Gordo D.
Years ago I would've given Dixons a 5-star rating. However, in the past two years we've gone at least 4 times and this last time will be our last. Not sure if its under new ownership or not but its not the same quality of food as it used to be. I had never had the tacos so I thought I would try them my wife always does it was basically just hamburger on a shell with melted generic nacho cheese on it needless to say it was nasty. So the second time we went in I went back to my normal chili I like mine soupy the quality of beef they are using has to be different as the chili was dry and the hamburger was fatty.
(1)Daegil L.
I ate here once years ago and never went back. I ordered the chili. I got a plate of plain spaghetti with bland unspiced cooked dry hamburger meat. This is NOT chili!!
(1)Michelle B.
Growing up, my dad always told me to go to Dixon's, because they had some damn good chili and of course, because Harry Truman frequented there. Since I grew up in Independence, I figured I had enough of Harry Truman, and being a rebellious adolescent, I figured I wouldn't ever listen to my dad... until recently. My friend and I were in the Independence area looking for a restaurant that wasn't Crapplebee's or Chili's or something of the chain restaurant like. She thought of Dixon's, and I figured we could give it a shot. If you're looking for some fancy, modern dining experience, go elsewhere. Dixon's, which is more like a diner, probably hasn't changed since Truman dined there. The food is simple too, and there's nothing wrong with that. Like James said, the chili isn't quite what you might expect. It's basically a pile of meat and beans, and you can add your own fixins (ketchup, chili powder, sauce, jalapeno relish, onions, cheese, etc) for a small price. I ordered the chili spaghetti and was not disappointed. Hearty, filling, and tasty. The tacos were also acceptable. Just imagine putting that chili meat and sauce into a taco shell and that's pretty much what you have. My friend and I were also eyeing the pies, which seemed to look amazingly piled high with meringue and deliciousness, but we decided we'd already eaten our weight in ground beef and passed. Next time, I'm on it. All in all, if you're looking for a quick but tasty dining experience, with a side of Trumanesque nostalgia, Dixon's is a sure bet. Sorry I didn't listen to you sooner, Dad.
(3)Patrick M.
I get the tamale spread dry with a side of cheese and onions every time. The food is served quickly and the restaurant is very clean. One of my all time favorite places to eat in Kansas City!
(5)Alan B.
When is chili not really chili, or just not recognizable to be chili as you know it? When it's Dixon's chili, which doesn't resemble the thick paste that most people picture when they think of chili. Which is strange, because Dixon's is an original, using the same recipe since they opened in 1919. Dixon's chili looks and tastes similar to mild taco seasoned ground beef. By itself (with or without beans - I strongly prefer without) it doesn't look like much, and it really doesn't have a very strong flavor. But select your favorite version ("Soupy"with bean broth, "Juicy" with natural meat juices, or "Dry") pour this chili over spaghetti, tamales, or a hot dog; or inside a burrito or hardshell crispy taco; drop a fistful of their light, soft, and fluffy shredded cheese on top - and it becomes something magical. There are many entertaining legends about Dixon's. The original owner was so proud of his chili that he wouldn't permit ketchup in the restaurant for fear a customer would "ruin" it, although many customers tried to sneak it in. When the "Grand Nephew" of the original owner took over he abolished the no ketchup policy in 1963, but continued the tradition by "fining" customers 10 cents if they requested a small container of ketchup with their chili. I believe this "fine" has been increased to a whopping 15 cents today. Harry Truman, a KC area native, frequented Dixon's Chili and Life magazine noted this fact during a story in 1952 that referenced the President's visit accompanied by a number of Secret Service agents. The restaurant is located a mile from the Truman Sports Complex and remains a popular spot for pregame meals before Royals and Chiefs games when the dining room will be covered up in either Blue or Red jerseys. If you're visiting Kansas City or attending a ball game, Dixon's is a great place to sample a true Kansas City tradition, and maybe start a tradition of your own.
(5)Mike M.
Simple chili done right. My standard is the all-meat with cheese, onions, and sour cream served juicy. Add some mustard and we are good to go. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place. Old style diner, bathroom in the way back through some storage area. Good value, great people.
(5)Alicia R.
Friends have told me that I need to try this old-school road-side cafe that specializes in chili. On a cool and rainy evening, on the way home from a trip, my dining companion and I stopped in. He had eaten at Dixons before and could advise that "juice" included the meat cookin' juices and that all was served separate and was to be mixed to personal liking. I ordered the large chili with beans, juicy, with onion, cheese and sour cream. This huge plate was set in front of me...not what i expected, but it was very enjoyable. I prefer a sauce-based chili, with a little heat and a little sweet, so this is not my traditional chili preference, but it was good and the experience was worth it. Mixing your own onion and cheese in to a large plate of meat and beans, served with saltines made me think of 1950s car travel...pretty fun!
(3)