Camp Washington Chili Inc
HOPPLE & Colerain, Camp Washington, OH, 45225
Camp Washington Chili Inc Menu
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Address :
HOPPLE & Colerain
Camp Washington, OH, 45225 - Phone (513) 541-0061
- Website https://www.campwashingtonchili.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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 : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Adrianna B.
Okay, so I'm ashamed to admit this, but I grew up in Cincinnati and never set foot inside Camp Washington Chili until yesterday. I blame my parents for being from Louisville and not knowing any better. Rest assured, it certainly will not be the last time I visit! My first impression was of a 40s/50s sock hop diner. Then I remembered...this place has been around since 1940 - of course it looks like it's from the 40s! The "Please Seat Yourself" sign was immediately visible, so I had my choice of the immaculate dining room. Since I we flying solo, I landed at the counter. I must have looked like a first-timer, because a waitress immediately asked if I needed a menu. The offerings are straightforward and simple - different from Skyline and Gold Star in that it's more traditional diner food and less wacky "fast food" style choices. They even have goetta on the breakfast menu! The chili. Not to sound melodramatic or anything, but I realize now that I had never had real Cincinnati chili until now. Sorry, Skyline - you'll always have a special place in my heart, but Camp Washington Chili is my new true love.
(5)Ana M.
First off, can I just say in response to all the bad reviews: if you don't "get" Cincinnati chili, then you don't get to have an opinion on it!!!! Now, as a native Cincy gal I was raised on Skyline. CWC is like any other chili place in Cincy that's not skyline or gold star. I came here with my dad who swore it was great and as far as Cincy chili goes I think it was OK. I would have preferred skyline but it had its own thing going for it. As for the atmosphere, you have to take this place for what it is... a diner! You're not at Jeff Ruby's!!! The servers are mostly older chicks who have worked there forever and aren't peppy young ladies like you might get at skyline. They do their job though. It's one of those places where if you want something you just have to ask. But that's part of the vibe! They have good prices though and they're open 24 hours which is great. They also have a nice variety of options! You don't have to be a chili lover to like the food here!! I think the people who write the bad reviews are just too picky / not from Cincy so they're not cultured enough to "get it" as they say.
(4)Dina D.
Cincinnati chili. Yes, you have to try it. Will you like it if you've never had it before? Probably not, but you have to just buckle down and try it anyway. And if you've never had Cincinnati chili before, and you've accepted the fact that it's a regional acquired taste that's just going to confuse your tastebuds, why would you start with Skyline or any of the other chains around here? Instead, go to the place that is the only one of its kind...the one featured in the press as the quintessential Cincinnati chili parlor. It celebrates its 75 year anniversary this year. It's won a James Beard award for being an American regional classic. Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the 20 most iconic food destinations across America. So go there already. And do yourself a favor and order the CHILI CHEESE CONEY. This one you will probably like. Heck, order two, they're only $1.90 each. If you want to give your tastebuds a bit of a break you can also order the GRILLED CHEESE, add tomato and egg, which is solid diner food. But that doesn't get you out of ordering the main event here. You have to order the CHILI. Get one of the ones with the shredded cheddar on top (3 WAY, 4 WAY, 4 WAY BEAN or 5 WAY), and it will come out with this massive pile of cheese on top...not to worry, though, it's fluffy so there's more air in there than cheese. You won't be able to eat it like a civilized human...you'll have to cut through the noodles with a fork. No pasta twirling here...it won't work. I always end up with more on my chest than any other place I've dined, ever. My husband says that the trick is to cut the noodles in a strip, then section it so that each bite is roughly fork-sized, and topped with the melted cheddar to keep it all together in its trip up to your mouth. That way the noodles don't overhang the fork and tumble down. Whatever, I'll probably just continue eating it like a famished animal. And put some hot sauce on it if you like things spicier. So they're open 24 hours 6 days a week (closed Sunday), so at some point you will find it convenient to come here. Do it. This place is the most authentic diner experience I've ever had. We come here every time we're in town, and we're never disappointed. It's the real deal.
(4)Travis G.
This chili is a real deal. The food, people, and atmosphere live up to all of the hype. If you crave chili and can make it over to Camp Washington, skip Skyline and Gold Star. It's a great place to bring people from out of town for their first Cincinnati chili experience. Also, they are open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week which makes the place great for a late night meal.
(5)Paulina T.
Hot dang! I wish I had tried this place sooner! I have lived in Cincinnati for a good portion of my life and haven't been here. This seriously beats all the other 3-ways or chilis I have ever eaten. There chili has more meat and bite to it, non of the soupy brown sauce business at all! It's a perfect combo of meat and sauce! i also had the turkey club, which came pack-full huge amount of meat, and bacon. Yes, a lot of BACON. WOO! Won my heart. I'll definitely be coming back to get my chili fix to only here now!
(5)Nikki B.
I have never and will never understand why people rave about this place. Their chili is the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted, it has the consistency of a watery can of ground cat food and it's terribly bland. I shudder to imagine what's ground up in there. I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life and people here love this place for some reason, must be just a certain group of supporters because there is no way they've stayed in business this long based on their food. Well, the cheese fries were good, but that's not exactly a difficult thing to make.
(1)Karl H.
This was a mistake. I feel bad that this is the food that Cincy is famous for when there is so much other great food in the city. I wish I would have never let my brother talk me into going here. If anyone says "You've got to try the Chili if you're in Cincy" take that as a sign to find your recommendations elsewhere. I tried it all, the Coneys, Fries, Chili over spaghetti (why the F$@?) and it all reminded me of food that came from my elementary cafeteria (think Sysco, US Foods, Aramark, etc). If you like torturing yourself by eating cheap cafeteria food then maybe this is for you, if not, stay away.
(1)Eira T.
I went here ALL the time in college, and always thought that if Tarantino featured Cincinnati in a film, it'd have to include a major scene set in Camp Washington Chili. Their chili is solid, and possibly even better than Skyline. It's a good place to go if you're dining with someone who doesn't like Cincinnati chili, because it has a lot of regular diner items. I also like Camp Washington because it has such a diverse clientele -- whenever I go in there I see college kids, professionals, church folks, working-class guys, everyone. That's rare in Cincinnati, and I think it's part of what makes Camp Washington so special.
(5)Josh K.
Wow, SO disappointed. I want to try all of the "Cincinnati Style" chili parlors. I think Camp Washington is the oldest. This is the worst of the four I have tried. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the 4 Way. The noodles were obviously over cooked. The bottom had so much water on it, that it diluted the chili. I simply couldn't get a good taste of it. It was not edible. I dove into the Chili Cheese Sandwich, excited to actually taste the chili...wrong. Three bites in and nothing but mustard, onion, some cheese and a light chili flavor. I asked for another (I HAD to at least taste the chili once!?). It came out full of chili, yea! But alas, it was bad, bordering on terrible. VERY bland, meaty, watery chili. SO disappointing. Service was solid. Atmosphere was drab. The employees overall seemed miserable. Too bad.
(2)Khiemo S.
Camp Washington chili has great breakfast options and is definitely a good alternative to skyline chili. Their chili has good taste and is meatier than skyline which I love! It's open late so I love going there when for a late night meal. I always get hash brown with a side of chili, cheese, two eggs and a Order of meat (usually bacon). Then I put the the bacon, eggs, chili and cheese on top of my hash (in those order). Sprinkle a little oyster crackers and tobasco sauce on it and shazzammm! I call it....the Sabi hash! Try it. It's amazing!
(4)Jenni H.
I just can't make myself give this place any less than 5 stars. Camp Washington Chili has a totally different place in my heart than it does for other Cincinnatians. My family actually grew up in Camp Washington in the 60's and 70's. My family was sort of a Camp Washing staple back then.....as is this chili parlor. I love this place because I love bringing my mom here and hearing the stories she can tell. Camp Washington Chili is nastalegic. I can see where folks that don't have "ties" to this place might try the food and say....."really??" I've lived in Cincy my whole life so chili is a way of life for me. And even this place is "different" when it comes to taste. But still......Camp Washington Chili will always have a 5 star rating in my heart.
(5)John J.
Looking for a quick meal in Cincinnati and local we were brought to this place. Food was awesome service was good. The chili dogs were some of the best I've had and fries were awesome. If you like to people watch there are some interesting characters
(5)Cindy G.
Ahhh...Camp Washington Chili, the one that started it all. A Cincinnati institution and now Smithsonian inducted restaurant: smithsonianmag.com/trave… that tops the list of "The 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America." This old fashioned chili parlor wins on nostalgia alone. Since it is included in our Yelp Cincy Summer Bucket List ( bit.ly/RBOQRs ) some Yelpers and I got together for a marvelous trip to see where Cincinnati chili all began. When you walk in you are immediately greeted with neon lights, rows of diner style seating, and newspaper clippings from beginning to end. We chose a booth, and ordered up the classics: a cheese coney, and a three way each. Curious after perusing all the newspaper headlines from around the world, I asked our server, "So what really makes your chili stand out from the rest? Is the original owner still involved in the restaurant?" She responded: "You bet he is! He comes in every single morning at 5:30am to make the chili himself! He is the only one that knows the recipe and at 89 years old he still insists he make it himself." UTTERLY SHOCKED and with our mouths to the ground, we picked up our jaws and were ready to dive in! My favorite was the cheese coney. I loved the texture of the chili and the onions and mustard were the perfect accouterments. But I have to say I was a little disappointed with the three way. Maybe because we were in late at night I don't know, but the noodles were super slimey. The chili was great! But I just couldn't get over the greasy soggy noodles. Overall I am super glad we came and would be happy to return. Because honestly... who doesn't want to strap on bib and slurp chili at the same place President Franklin Roosevelt did? *Oh and for you late nighters, this joint is open 24/7!
(4)Mike P.
This is by far the best Cincinnati Style chili in the city. Highly recommend after a night of drinking. I'm a little obsessed with fish sandwiches and I must admit that theirs is really good. If you don't feel like eating chili and like fish order one!
(5)Eli D.
Compared to Skyline's chili cheese coneys, Camp Washington's win by a slight margin. I still do not understand the city's infatuation with their chili however. Though, there is a restaurant in my hometown that I'll always visit when I return to see family, and I always order one of their "Italian" sub sandwiches. I think it tastes pretty good, and so do many locals. We grew up with this restaurant and its food. However, most people not from my hometown usually say that this restaurant and its food are terrible. So, there's that. I don't think I would ever want to dine at Camp Washington Chili again because the place is kind of seedy, but if I'm in need of chili cheese coneys, they have a drive thru option.
(2)Eugene K.
The owner is friendly and I really like the vibe of the restaurant, however the flavor of the food just wasn't on par with Skyline. They might've been the first to market with the 3 way but Skyline expanded and they did not for a reason.
(3)Charles S.
Cincinnati Chili is an acquired taste, but fortunately I have acquired it over the years. This may well be the best example. A bit sterile inside, but clean and neat. Excellent service. I ate at counter and also carried out a quart for future enjoyment. A must if you are in Cincinnati and haven't tried it!
(4)Eric V.
If there was a 2.5 star option, I'd go with that. I don't get it. I really don't fucking get the chili obsession in the Nati. The coneys are awful. They are small, the hot dogs are barely noticable, the cheese is heaped on WAAAAAAAAAAAAY to densely . . . they just aren't very good. I'm not limiting this review to just Camp Washington Chili, but to ALL of the local Cincinnati chili spots. Why can't somebody put a big plump Nathan's hot dog on a normal-sized bun and throw some chili and cheese on there? What is so hard about that? The tiny little coneys hidden beneath a mound of cheddar cheese are a waste of time. I've yet to try the chili/spaghetti thing because I just don't understand how that works together. The only Nati chili spot that jumped out at me was Blue Ash Chili because they deliver a cheesesteak with chili on it and THAT combination rocks. Camp Washington Chili had a bit of a kick to it. Spicier than I prefer. Oh, and the neighborhood was sketchy too. And the place was filthy. I guess, to be fair, I went in during that 'tweener' time (4pm between lunch and dinner) but the place should have been cleaner than it was. Every table I tried to sit down at was a mess. I had this at 3 stars but after working on this review, I'm dropping it down to 2. Again, I think it should be 2.5, but I don't feel it's worthy of 3 after considering location and cleanliness.
(2)Chris G.
I've recently started a mission to discover the BEST Cincinnati chili. From Skyline to Mike's Chili & Gyro's in Hamilton, I'm going to try them all. Camp Washington Chili is a storied parlor. Ask any true Cincinnatian, and while they may not have been here, they hear it's great! In fact, this was MY first visit. Some might suggest that ALL Cincinnati style chili is the same. I suppose for them all wine, cheese, tea and burgers taste the same too. The differences may be subtle, but they're there. My server was pleasant and personable. We had a couple good laughs while I was just hanging out waiting to be stood up on a cold and dreary night. I ordered a three way and two coneys with everything. The three way came lightly piled with cheese. I appreciated that they didn't overdo it like a number of other places. No offense, I want to taste my chili too, not just shredded cheddar. The chili itself was good. Not as rich as Skyline, not as spicy as Mike's Chili & Gyros. It was a great middle ground which paired well with the al-dente noodles. The cheese didn't overshadow the meal, but accentuated the chili nicely. The coney's were also good. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm not sure I prefer their chili on the hotdogs. Theirs isn't the only place I feel this way about. Something about the recipe didn't seem to shine as bright on a coney. I'd eat them again though if it came to it. And I'm sure it will at some point. I recommend a Cincinnati chili tour to anyone living in Cincinnati for even a short while. If you have only a couple days in town, the decor and personality of Camp Washington Chili sets it apart from other chili parlors, and is worth your visit. It was worth mine.
(4)Rick V.
Not really a review. More like "A Couple Newbies Try Cincinnati Chili For The First Time." Proceed at your own risk. The big type on the menu says it all: "One of the Top Ten chili parlors in the United States." Not that we'd know the difference After years of hearing about it and some months living in the Cincinnati area, my wife Jean and I were ready--or almost ready, anyway--for our virgin encounter with the mystery that is Queen City Chili. Cinnamon? In chili? Chili? In Ohio? On spaghetti? We had all the normal trepidations faced by out-of-towners. In fact let's say we were downright trepiditous, and before you ask, yes, that's an actual word. I know because I just made it up. We began our chili-eating careers at Camp Washington Chili. Partly because it's one of the best Yelp-rated chili parlors in the city, and partly because it was on our way to the very excellent American Sign Museum on Monmouth St and we were hungry. In business since 1940, Camp Washington Chili is now located in a hipster-approved '50s-style building at the corner of Colerain and Hopple. As the name suggests, it's in the Camp Washington neighborhood, which is struggling to work its way up to "trendy" but tends to slip backwards past "interesting" on its way toward "sketchy" and occasionally all the way down to "ghetto" as soon as your back is turned. In its own blue-collar way, Camp Washington Chili is one of the businesses keeping the neighborhood on the "interesting" side of the civic teeter-totter. Inside is a lot like the outside, only cleaner. Checkerboard floor in some sort of faux lino, good light, serious chrome, big comfortable red-upholstered Naugahyde booths and chairs. A lot of Naugas went to their graves for that interior, and to my way of thinking their sacrifice was not in vain. Our server was pleasant and professional, but all business. This is not a place to discuss the Meaning of Life, she seemed to be saying, it's a place to eat some serious chili. So we did. Jean and I both ordered the five-way, which we learned is not some sort of forbidden sexual practice but merely Cincinnatian for "the works:" chili, spaghetti, chopped onions, beans, all with an aorta-clenching portion of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Our five-ways showed up promptly, hot, and huge--bigger than my two fists, and I have big fists. I closed my eyes, breathed a silent prayer of apology to every bowl of Mexican-style chili I'd ever eaten, and dug in. It was pretty good. The cinnamon taste is not obtrusive--certainly no more so than in Middle Eastern food, or Mexican moles--and the flavor profile complex enough that we had an interesting time discussing exactly what the spices were. Despite what various online recipes for "authentic" Cincinnati chili say, I couldn't detect any cumin or cayenne--at least until I dumped several tablespoons of the house's anonymous hot sauce on top. Only thing I didn't care for was the competing textures of the various components. That may take some getting used to. In addition to Chili and Coneys, menu says they serve double-decker sandwiches too. I guess that's for people who don't like chili. Bonus points for buttermilk on the beverages list. There's even a modest breakfast menu (makes sense when they're open 24/7) including goetta, my absolute favorite thing about Cin City food to date. So. Camp Washington Chili, as well and Cincinnati chili in general. I like it. Enough that now I'll have to tour the other chili parlors and see which one's best. Color me converted.
(4)Alan L.
I have made the switch to Camp Washington. I had been a "loyal" Skyline Chili diner for many years. Their chili and goetta are now my Cincinnati go to meals.
(4)Aspidistra D.
Forget Skyline. Forget the other local spots. This. This right here is Cincinnati-style chili done right. AND it's 24 hours everyday but Sunday, because Johnny's into church. They have one location with a long-serving staff, who have been doing the same thing for decades. They also have a decent menu of salads, sandwiches, and other stuff. A classic diner serving up a local tradition. (Even if people who aren't from Cincinnati think the local chili is baffling and gross.)
(5)Kathryn K.
Tried this place today heard so many good things about the place, why I don't know...Ordered a double decker ham and beef, beef was terrible, pulled it off and threw it away...I will stick with J&J's and Price Hill Chili if I want a double decker ever again..Sure was disappointed....
(2)Amanda C.
Can we all be excited that Camp Washington Chili finally accepts credit cards? Yes, we can. Camp Washington Chili is the crown jewel of Cincinnati chili parlors. It's open 24-hours a day except Sunday (it's nice to see a business closed on Sunday, actually), so get your chili fix almost anytime. For you chili haters, there are double deckers and things-- but I'm pretty sure the natives haven't tried them. Service is always pretty super, and the atmosphere is squarely in the "charming diner" category. Bring your kids. Bring your grandma. Bring your business partner. Everyone fits in here.
(5)Ashley H.
I was told I had to try Cincinnati chili, and this was the place recommended by locals. I had already been warned that I would not be getting the kind of chili I was used to getting in the south (hearty, thick, chunky, spicy), so I had already prepared myself for a different kind of experience. I ordered the chili 4 ways and a coney on the side. The chili had a lot of subtle flavors to it, way more than expected. We spent most of our time there dissecting the different spices (the chili was not at all bland, it is extremely flavorful, it simply depends on what you are looking for in chili). Lots of cheese. Yay. I like cheese. The chili was not watery? Just not as thick as I'm used to having. The server was friendly, and the food came out hot and extremely fast. They serve brewed sweet tea, which is nice. I think for a chili experience, this is a good place to stop.
(4)Rae R.
Best chili in Cincinnati. The new building isn't as fun as the old one but the food is still the same. Eating in is definitely the way to go. There's just something missing when you have to assemble your 3 way yourself. The breakfast isn't as good as it was previously but it isn't bad, a testament to how good this place is. They serve beer, too. What's not to love?
(4)Katie F.
Camp Wash is a Cincinnati staple. While I don't think their chili is better than Skyline or Gold Star, their other menu options are delicious. I'm quite fond of their breakfast and their club sandwich. Always quick, kind service. It's seat yourself and you can be in-and-out in about 30 minutes. It's also very cheap. Plus, if you go there late-night, you get a meal & a show!
(5)Veronica B.
The RUDEST staff ever. Attempted to place a call I order and was hung up on more than once. Will NEVER spend my money in here again. ughhhh
(1)Tia H.
My first visit to this Cincinnati landmark while passing through from Houston Texas. It's a clean, large diner with open kitchen and friendly staff but our meal was disappointing from the hype we had read from previous reviews. The miniature coneys were delivered smothered in shredded cheese. Once we scraped away the excess the chili had a very distinct cinnamon flavor which I found very unusual. Perhaps the difference in flavor is regional, I'm not sure but it was something I wouldn't eat again. 5-star French fries and Coke though!
(3)Alistair B.
My second favorite place to get chili in Cincinnati, this place has a great art deco look and very friendly staff. Chili is very good, I love their chili cheese fries. Definitely worth a visit
(4)Brian Z.
Had a 4-way. Horrible, watery, bland, over cooked spaghetti.... Had to put a ton of salt and hot sauce and still was flavorless. Walked out after 3 bites. Just couldn't eat it. It was that bad. SKYLINE is it for me. This confirmed it.
(1)Ryan L.
If you like your chili with a hint of cinnamon then this is the place for you. Good stuff.
(4)Chelsea C.
I'm an east-sider so I've only made my way to Skyline and Blue Ash Chili in my Cincinnati chili adventures. So I was kind of stoked to venture out here to the legendary CWC and give it a try. It's in a busy industrial area, and can be tough to navigate if you haven't been there before but there's a decent sized parking lot in the back (with a very cool wall mural that you'll see in the pictures!). It's a sizable restaurant and has a cool diner vibe. Service was good, and fast as is usually the case at chili joints. I had a 4-way with onions and it was good. Not great, just good. I was out with a group of 5 and we all agreed- not worth driving 25 miles for. But if you're around and feel like a coney, sure. I definitely prefer Blue Ash Chili, but can appreciate the historical value of the place.
(3)Ron A.
In honor of one of the best Cincinnati-style chili parlors in the land, I present to you (5-way)s this place is better than its competition! 1. The chili here is spot-on perfection. In the battle to make a consistent, thick, flavorful chili, Camp Washington Chili easily stands out as a front runner. Unlike Gold Star (which is the RC Cola of Cincinnati chili), the chili here is always money! 2. They are open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week (closed on Sundays). So whether you are drunk at 2 AM leaving a bar on the hunt for grub, drunk at 7 AM after working the third shift at the Boston Beer Company (we know you guys get hammered during your shifts!), or not drunk on Sunday but love a local company that respects the Sabbath, then this restaurant is for you! 3. Camp Washington Chili has been in this area for 70 years and was built around the once vibrant meat-packing industry of Cincinnati. Nowadays, people in the area are more likely packing heat than meat but honestly that is kind of refreshing. Call me old school but with all the recent renovations to the once menacing areas of town such as OTR, it's nice to still dine in the Queen City under a slight duress. 4. CBS News once named Camp Washington Chili the best chili in the nation! That's right, in the whole country! So Texas, you can go back to the drawing board because everything you're doing there from football to chili just isn't working. Yep, I said it. 5. In addition to bombass award-winning chili they serve breakfast and double decker sandwiches. Which means if I want french toast, a 4-way, and a tuna salad & tuna salad sandwich for dinner, then that's my American, God-given right! Thanks George W. Bush for spreading freedom and protecting my right to eat whatever I want! However, you may want to do something about your home state's chili situation, it's kind of lacking : /
(4)Wayne R.
I like Skyline and Chili Time but here's something new to try. It is as good as Skyline but a little more peppery and with standard diameter spaghetti, not Skyline's thinner type. I'd go again if I was in the neighborhood but would not make a special trip like I did this time to try it out. Bonus: serves beer!
(3)Matt M.
I've been away from the Queen City too long, and on a recent trip back I had to stop by and revist this Cincinnati classic. Keep in mind that I had already hit Skyline 2 days before, but that doesn't matter; I'm a big fan of Cincinnati Chili and could eat it nearly daily. In my past life in Cincy, Camp Washington was never a place I went to often. Too far from my stomping grounds, but I had been there a few times before. Sober? Can't promise that, it was a long time ago. I was hassled for spare change on the way in...welcome to the West side. I sat at the bar and ordered a 4 way. Service was good; (she called me 'Darlin') food came fast. What's the verdict? Meh. It's the same complaint I have with Gold Star - overcooked noodles. Just mush. No texture. These cheese was great, the chili was great, onions were great - just brought down by mushy noodles. Skyline keeps theirs frimer, and that's why they're better. Pains me to say it; I'd love to say the underdog has the edge, but as far as chili goes, I'm sticking with the big guys. Now, to their credit, Camp Washington Chili has a much bigger menu. You can get burgers, gyros and other stuff, but I was here for the chili.
(3)Brandy L.
We aren't from the area. Friends recommended Camp Washington Chilli. It was a great choice for lunch. We each ordered a chilli cheese coney. They were only $1.80 each. Then we had to try their 4 way spaghetti. We needed to see what all the hype was about. It was delicious. It's a great place, great service, great food and atmosphere. If you are in the area for lunch it's a must.
(5)Bob H.
I just don't get why CW is considered to have such great Cincinnati-style chili. Skyline, Gold Star, Price Hill, Gourmet, P-Ridge, Empress and probably a few others I've forgotten are all better. CW's is too runny and the flavor is nowhere near as good as the others. I do like many of the other items on the menu, though, so there's is something for everyone to eat if you're with a group. But, if you are after just the chili, take a pass.
(2)C Z.
The service was fast. Ordered a 5 way (typically what I order at skyline or hold star). The chili was good but did like the spaghetti (too over cooked and mushy). Next time I'll order an omelet with chili on top!
(3)Stuart T.
I finally made it to this Cincinnati landmark. After seeing it on Man V Food and being named a Smithsonian food landmark, I had to see what all the hubbub was about. It's a very charming diner. A fairly large diner too. It was surprisingly dead for a Friday night though. No worries finding a table! The first thing we noticed was the crackers were only in little packages at the table. No little bowls like at Skyline. Kind of disappointing. I got my usual meal at a Cincinnati chili parlor. A cheese coney and a 3-way. I found the chili very soupy with very little meat in it, even for Cincinnati chili. The chili seemed to have a little spice to it which was nice. The noodles were over cooked in the 3-way though. The coney was good. After all the hype I felt it was just ok. I would say it's the not best representation of Cincinnati chili. It's still exciting to have a restaurant on Smithsonian's list!
(3)Ray C.
This is by far my favorite chili in Cincinnati! I think it's a bit spicer. The staff reminds me of family, so it's like walking into home. The late hours are the best. If patrons get loud or rude they will remove them. I remember a patron being escorted out for calling someone a faggot (repeatedly and screaming). They seem to want you to feel safe, which they do. Weekend nights are typically monitored by a Cincy police officer. While he is more of a peace officer, remember he is still a official Cincinnati Police Officer.
(5)Cliff K.
During the wee hours of the night. DO: -Go late. It's open 24/6 (not a typo, closed Sunday night?). -Try the chili cheese fries. DON'T: -N/A PARKING: -Parking lot, yay. Great place for a late night grub session. The noodles were too soft/overcooked for my likings (compared to Skyline), but everything else is the same old Cinci chili. Check it out when you're bored and hungry during the wee hours of the night.
(3)Lewis W.
Great Cincinnati-style chili (I had the five-way) in a clean and comfortable diner just off I-75 (Hopple Street exit). Fun staff and beer is a bonus. Plenty of parking in the lot.
(4)Patrick L.
I hear this is a Cincy institution and among the best chili in the city, if not the world. I'll say the chili is good here but not great. Cincy chili is unique - watery, not spicy, but has a velvety smooth flavor (i think they must use cocoa or something!). I ordered a side order of chili so I can taste just the chili and ordered a five way - spaghetti, chili, onions, beans, and cheese. The chili on its own was my favorite part of the meal - I'd say four stars for that. I am not a fan of spahgettit chili, sorry cincy. But this is the cincy thing so when in Cincy ... The mound of shredded cheddar cheese is good but i'd prefer it was less cheese melted than more cheese "cold." I also tried a "Coney" which is like a mini hot dog covvered in cheese and chili. The bread got so soggy from the watery chili it couldn't be picked up. The meat is more like a vienna sausage and really not very good. Not sure why they call it a "Coney" ... it's nothing like a Coney Island hot dog and I'd know since I grew up around there! The location is a bit odd - just off the freeway and in what feels like a bit of sketch area. I'd say go if you're in the area but you won't lose much just googling the nearest chain chili place and save yourself the drive.
(3)Mike E.
Camp Washington Chili was featured in the book, 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die. My trip to Camp Washington provided me my first exposure to famous Cincinnati Chili. I ordered a "five way" chili which is a combination of spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese. The spaghetti based chili that makes Cincinnati chili famous and unique was very good. The mixture was meaty, had the perfect amount of cheese and was an all around good meal. My trip to Camp Washington makes me wish that Cincinnati style chili was more commonly available outside of Cincinnati. Four stars for an above average meal and cool dining experience.
(4)Sarah F.
Let me qualify this first by saying, I am a Cincinnati transplant. So yes, I sort of just don't get it. I just can't get over how bland Cincinnati chili is in general. It just doesn't taste like much of anything. Now on to Camp Washington, which was my first chili experience. I did try Skyline and it's not bad...just boring. Camp Washington Chili, on the other hand, was just gross. In a way that after eating, you think...dear god why did I just eat that??? It's definitely watery. Seems to resemble cat food. Just completely unappetizing. I also love a good greasy diner, but the atmosphere and some of the other greasy options just did not make me want to come back.
(1)Jesse F.
If I finally had to break down and name an acceptable Cincinnati-style chili place, Camp Washington Chili would be the only name on the list. Fast, decent and cheap. Those are exactly the qualifications for the best diners. Camp Washington does not disappoint. Whether you're stopping in for 3-way, a double decker or a cheese coney, these guys serve the best in town. I honestly wish Camp Washington had become the chain instead of Goldstar or Skyline. The food is just simply better in my book, not to mention they have a better variety. I haven't tried the dessert options yet but they look tasty too. In the end, if you're looking for a good, cheap, quick meal, park your keister at Camp Washington.
(3)Paige M.
Camp Washington is a legend of local diners. With its bright red booths, black and white retro decor, and well-lit interior, this place is a great stop for daytime, late night or anytime food. The menus offer a huge list of options: everything here is good. Naturally, Camp Washington is known for their chili. It's meaty, heart-warming, and covered with shredded cheddar. The flavor tastes different than Skyline or Gold Star; all for the better. I always have to order one cheese coney if I end up getting a sandwich for my main. Speaking of sandwiches, their turkey club is my favorite. Piled high with meat, cheese and all the 'fixins on toasted bread, this ginormous sandwich will satisfy any craving...that is, if you can get your mouth wrapped around this behemoth! Breakfast dishes are also good here, and they're available all day long. I've even seen people ordering salads at Camp Washington. I tend to stray from salads at diners since they're less than impressive, but these looked pretty tasty! Service tends to be slower than desired. The best part about Camp Washington is that it's open 24 / 7. I even came here on Thanksgiving Eve and they were open until 4:00am. Amazing! Good food, low cost. Make Camp Washington a stop on your chili wagon. Price per person: $6.00
(4)Kelly Y.
Besides the Skyline Chili on Ludlow (the BEST Skyline!), Camp Washington Chili is my other favorite Cincinnati chili parlor. It is not so much about the chili here for me. It is the nostalgia of those late late nights/early mornings, when my friends and I are barely hanging on to the last shred of consciousness, having the most fulfilling breakfast before finally going home to catch the zzzzzzzz's. I always get the goetta, 2 eggs over' medium and toast. The goetta is always crispy on the outside and creamy and meaty, oat-ty on the inside. The last time I was here, I got the most perfect version of over' medium eggs: the whites are cooked through but not rubbery; the yokes are still viscous, but not runny or raw tasting. The yolks just cling to the toast....mmmmmmmmmm....perfect!! And yes, the prices are still very affordable.
(4)Hans G.
If you're a Cincinnati Chili fan, this is definately one you must try. My best way to describe this place is that it's like Skyline, with a little bit better dining area. It's a nice place to eat and it's easy to access. While the menu items are very similar to Skyline's offerings, it's got a slightly unique taste. When I'm in the area, I like to stop by for a 5-way.
(4)Joe B.
Coneys ... chilli cheese fries....3 way all so good
(5)Jessica S.
As someone from NYC, I was somewhat concerned about the strange obsession with mini hot dogs and spaghetti concoctions with heaps of cheese on them. Out of every place I tried in the area, I didn't understand the hype until Camp Washington Chili. It's the best place to get coney's, the BEST place EVER to get chili cheese fries and the best 3 ways...period.
(5)Bill E.
Loved going here for lunch while at MCI, when I moved to Northside, my buddy and I went here every week. Always got a double decker and two cheese coneys.
(4)Zack H.
As most people know, Cincinnati is synonymous with chili as Philly is synonymous with cheesesteaks and Memphis is synonymous with high crime, high poverty and excessive use of grease. While Skyline Chili is perhaps the one that is the most famous - it has expanded to multiple states, including Florida - Camp Washington is without a doubt the best. Cincinnati chili originated in Greece (or Macedonia, if you want to believe Man v. Food Nation, but we won't get into semantics), and has been placed on top of spaghetti and hot dogs for decades now. I won't get into the 3-way/4-way/5-way spiel, since most people are aware that the the difference is whether it has beans and/or onions. What makes Camp Washington unique is that it is not as soggy as Skyline or Gold Star, and is also a little bit spicier as well as not as sweet. Having had all three chilis, I can say that Camp Washington is fresher and uses better ingredients, as well as cheaper. Although it had smaller servings, they were more filling. The new location at Hopple and Colerain has a retro look to it, and there's even on-site parking in front of the head-scratching George Washington mural - I get it, I'm in Camp Washington. There is plenty of seating in the new location, as well as ample staff to serve everybody. I got my meal in under a minute - yes, I counted. The neighborhood is iffy, but nothing like Hough or Kinsman in Cleveland, where I'm from. I saw a few beggars nearby, so make sure to use some caution. Other than that, I had no real complaints about Camp Washington. Now that Man v. Food Nation has aired, I have a feeling this place will be getting a lot busier.
(4)Matt L.
I was just in Cincinnati, and figured that you can't go to the Queen City and not try a Cinci Chili. So I did my homework, checked the recommendations, and decided against Skyline (which I've had in Lousiville), Gold Star (which seemed a little too dirty), and Empress (which just didn't have as good ratings). So in the end it was Camp Washington. And it's pretty good. The Five-Ways were large ans tasty, and the table service was pretty fast. The server was entirely gone a couple of times, though, which was annoying, though. And they only allowed for one refill of my soda. I didn't like the awkward parking, which was close, but the door of the place was clear on the other side of the building. If I'm going back to Cinci, I'll try Empress or Gourmet next time.
(3)Aaron W.
Being in Cincy, I had to try the "5-way" chili spaghetti. I opted for a small order (using 1/2 pint of chili; $3.30). My chili spaghetti also came with a package of oyster crackers. I liked the nice, pleasurable hit from the chili itself. Although Cincinnati-style chili is traditionally saucier in nature than most chilis, this one was just a tad too runny for me. The noodles were OK, but on the overcooked side (I prefer my noodles more al dente). The beans were cooked well, while the raw onions and cheese delivered on added flavor and texture. Incorporating the cheese into the chili produced a great visual here...nothing like melted cheese! The diner-like feel was neat, while the service was not much to write home about. Overall, I'd say it was around an average experience.
(3)Jeremy B.
Saw this on the Travel Channel's 101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown, so I figured I had to go there. I was not disappointed by one of the city's original offering's of our special brand of chili. I got a classic 4-way and loved how much fresher it tasted than Skyline. It was also really cheap and the restaurant had an awesome feel to it. I had a very pleasant experience at Camp Washington, and as of right now, it's my favorite chili in Cinci. Haven't had Price Hill yet though.
(4)Michael S.
This is classic Cincinnati Chili - for the uninitiated this is not "five alarm" stuff but is mild and more like spaghetti sauce. And indeed it is served on spaghetti with beans, onions and cheese. They also make great coneys. This is a traditional diner environment and the food was very good. If you are going to have your first Cincy chili experience, I would go here. If they offer a bib - take it.
(4)Ed J.
Got a takeout 3-way, cheese coneys, and chili cheese fries here. This place is a bit legendary around UC and the near west side of Cincinnati. I wanted to like this place much more than I did. The building is excellent, the space has a diner-like atmosphere, it's truly a great spot. However, a whole lot of little things combined to sour my experience. First off, the credit card machine was down, which meant that I had to use the ATM machine in the restaurant to get cash to pay for my order. That cost me $2.50 extra, and irked me immediately. But ok, things like this malfunction all the time, I let it go and went to put in my order. The counter waitress then yelled back to the short order cook to see if the fryer was working before she put in my fry order, which made me wonder how many other things were malfunctioning. None of this would have made any difference if what I took home had been what I was expecting. The chili didn't have much spaghetti in it, and it just didn't have a great deal of flavor - very disappointing. The cook forgot to put mustard on one of my coneys. The fries were ok, but the cheese on top was melted into a big cap on the fries - put the cheese in separate bag as you do with the cheese from the three-ways, CWC. The one coney that I got with mustard was the best part of the order. It just seemed that there wasn't much care or effort put into the food. I hate giving out a down review for any place, let alone this one. Maybe they just had an institutionally bad day - that happens. I'll stop in again and have a sit-down dining experience. I just hope it will be much better than this was.
(2)Todd M.
We love Cincinnati Chili and Skyline has always been the top of the list...until now. Camp Washington Chili had slightly superior flavor, less salty than Skyline, and seemed less greasy. On a family outing, we all agreed Camp Washington was delicious. The Greek Salad was surprisingly yummy as well, so plan for the sharing that between a few folks, along with a staple 4-way.
(4)Kristen B.
Since I am getting closer and closer to my 2-year mark as a resident of Cincinnati, I finally decided to stop being lame and check out Camp Washington Chili. First of all, it is by one of my favorite murals in Cincinnati - I mean who doesn't love George Washington in a dress? Once you walk in, the place is pretty nostalgic. We sat at a booth and our server appeared in no time. Drinks were promptly brought out and orders taken. So here is where things are going to get a bit controversial. After hearing about how this was the chili parlour to try, it wasn't really my favorite. I ordered cheese coneys and onion rings and liked them. However, I don't think I liked them more than Pleasant Ridge, Blue Ash or even Skyline. Please don't burn down my house! Will I go back,? Sure! Why not? Will I go running back soon...probably not - still have too many other chili parlours to try.
(3)Tim O.
I love this place! The food is great and reasonably priced. To be honest though it's the memories from a whole University of Cincinnati college career that make this place special to me. Sunday mornings with friends or committee meetings at the front big table. This is a UC student's must!
(4)J J.
3way-what else is there? Seriously - CWC is one of a kind. I prefer it as a late night place, but I think there is just something about the chili that makes it stand out. Not just that - the spaghetti is a little larger than other chili places and works better with their chili. Wait stafff is GREAT there. Only bummer was I wanted to buy a t-shirt and you can't do that unless the owner is there.
(3)David W.
Hmmm. Saw this on MvF Nation and decided to give it a try since I was visiting Cincinatti. I must say the service here is great. Very friendly staff. I hate to admit it but I've never tasted chilli quite like this. I've heard that it is an acquired taste. Has to be true but I'd never give it another chance. I was planning on trying Skyline chilli to see if it was better but it smelled the same so I passed. I'd recommend trying this if you are visiting Cincinatti. Just remember I only represent 1 opinion.
(2)Autumn E.
Camp Washington Chili is classic Cincinnati. The location is a bit iffy but the cool and new location, almost directly across the street from their old location is a clean crisp 50's style diner decor. Chrome, long counter with stools and several build in bench seat booths. The best thing about Camp Washington Chili is the portions. A great place to go if you are really hungry. They, of course serve Cincinnati style chili, a Greek chili, unique in taste, texture and flavor and really served elsewhere in the United States. They also serve a variety of fresh pieces of pie. The strawberry cream is amazing! The selection differs from day to day depending on what mood they are in I guess. The service is good, the staff is friendly and the owners are still on location pretty regularly. They are also a great place for late nights eats, being open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, taking Sunday off. Camp Washington Chili is a great local/ late night eatery.
(4)Matt W.
Great breakfast but the coffee was terrible. Both reg. And decaf. Something was majorly funky.
(3)Mary S.
I'm just telling ya'll that I am bougie about once a month. Be forewarned. It was bougie day when I ate at Camp Washington. I was served a turkey BLT with some kind of meat I'd never seen. It was piled high on my sandwich in all it's slimy grossness. I'm serious. I had never seen turkey like this. Then my boy explained it to me. It was chipped meat, turkey to be exact. WTF is that? Who eats it? Why was it on my damn sandwich? I had no chili, because CW was the fifth (yes, fifth!) chili restaurant we visited in 24 hours. The server was super nice. Bathroom was very clean. But the chipped meat made me puke a little in my beautiful mouth. p.s. I'm still wondering WHY? who eats that stuff?
(2)Benjamin W.
You can't visit Cincinnati and not try Camp Washington Chili. It's a classic, and it's one of a few locations in Cincinnati battling it out for the title of best Cincinnati chili. Now, if you're not from the area, don't come with the wrong idea. Cincinnati chili has nothing to do with its Texan relative. Cincinnati chili is a Greek chili that has a unique flavor not found anywhere else I've been in the States. The neighborhood is perhaps a bit iffy for some people. Nestled in the Hopple St. area, it's near some rougher neighborhoods, but I've never had a problem at Camp Washington - just lock your car doors. The neighborhood isn't as bad as it looks, and who cares if you're getting great food? One thing that's outstanding about Camp Washington Chili is the size of the portions. A regular portion is plenty for most people, but they also have a larger size for if you're really hungry. I won't speculate as to whether they are the best in town, but they're definitely one of the best, duking it out with Blue Ash Chili and Dixie Chili. Their coneys and 3-ways will get under your skin and you will develop a craving once you've been here. The service is good, and the owners still show up regularly. I've been here plenty and I've never had a complaint. My drink glass has never run empty, and I've never had to wait more than just a few minutes for my food to come out. Definitely a Cincinnati landmark you have to visit.
(5)Kevin H.
Best Chili you can buy and best 3 way as well! Delicious food, great service and very affordable. Will be back for sure. If you have to choose between Skyline, Gold Star and Camp Washington then Camp Washington must be your choice. 2 huge thumbs up! Coneys are wonderful as well. The neighbor is not the greatest so a daytime visit is best even though they are open 24 hours. Must eat here especially if you are new to Cincy or the area.
(5)Omar N.
Wanted to see what this classic Cincy establishment was all about. Came here on Monday evening. Plenty of seating. I was able to sit myself. Ordered the "5 way" chili. I suggest to try a small just to see what u r getting urself into. Like other yelpers say, this is not a Texas type chili. Dont compare. This was a UNIQUE taste but I Enjoyed it. I also tried a beef n ham double decker sandwich. Meat was piled in there. Probably would of been better if sandwich was warmed up. It was good but nothing to brag about. Cheap eats, nice vibe, cant complain. Im full and hopefully dont feel the pain tomorrow! Next time will have to order the Coneys n onion rings.
(4)Adam H.
Ah Cincinnati Chili, is there really a more polarizing debate? There are those who hate it and those who love it, and with those who love it the debate continues about which chili is the "Best." Well this review will hardly settle any chili debate, but from all the Cincy chilis I have tried, Camp Washington's is by far the best. Camp Washington Chili is located in the cool retro themed diner right off the Hopple Street exit. Despite the retro feel, this is actually the second building which they rebuilt when the road was widened sometime around the start of the Willenium. Architecture aside, this place is truly a Cincinnati institution dating back to the 1940's. The inside feels just like a kitchy, retro diner built within the last 20 years. But what is really cool is that the walls are covered with awards and news stories from all over the country, and they are even listed in the 1000 Places to See Before You Die book! So this is great and all, but what about the food? Well the chili is fantastic. It is meaty and not too watery with a certain pop- you just have to try it. But what if you don't like chili? A) Really? B) Don't worry the menu is large enough to have something for everyone. They have a whole host of double decker sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. Though this is my favorite Cincy Chili, my favorite item on the menu is by far the grilled turkey and cheese. I mean this sandwich is just incredible. Everything about it is just perfect. There is plenty of meat and the cheese is just the right gooienss that it just creates one beautiful, probably not that good for you sandwich fit for the Earl of Sandwich himself. What is also great about place is that it is open 24-7, and I believe closed on Sunday. Most of the time its pretty jumping, but usually there is never a wait, except for in the wee AM post bar hours, and there is always plenty of free parking. So head on down and try the best chili and grilled cheese in the Tri-State, granted too many might be bad for your health and there 999 other places to see, according to the book anyway.
(5)Christopher G.
This place has the best chili in Cincinnati. The best. Oh snap! He went there! True story. People get really up in arms about chili around these parts, but I see other reviewers making similar claims so I feel safe in my judgment. It is by far the best chili, and that's really saying something, because I love me some Skyline (Gold Star ranks a distant third--suck, it, haters!). But lest you think that's all Camp Washington has going for it, there's also the fab 50s retro decorating (and the mysteriously eccentric mural of George Washington in drag right outside), the handy-dandy location right off I-75, and a bunch of other classic diner food I've never eaten but which, I promise, looks quite good. Frankly, if I'm here it's for chili, and anything else is blasphemy. Except that one time when I ordered a 3-way with goetta on the side. Yes, you can do that; there is a breakfast menu. It seriously doesn't get more Cincinnati than this. It's great for any meal, because chili is great for any meal, but a word of warning to those few (I know you're out there) who are thinking this would be the best place to snag a greasy hangover cure--you're almost correct. Almost. There is one down side to Camp Washington: it's closed on Sundays.
(5)Andrew N.
This place will always have a special place in my heart. The atmosphere is amazing and the clientele are truly a cross section of Cincinnati. One of my favorite things about the place is the waitress with a memory so good she can get the orders right for a table or 10+ folks without writing a single thing down. Truly amazing. If you're a vegetarian or vegan there aren't many options. However, for me the atmosphere more than made up for the lack of meat-free options. The cheese fries are amazing, the egg sandwich is a good deal, and the hash browns are cooked to crispy and delicious perfection. Utilize the hot sauce. The only thing Skyline has on this place is the vegetarian bean & rice chili.
(4)Drew N.
Over the summer we had a chance to revisit this place another 4 times and all visits we came away full and had some great food. We tried a little bit of everything including their breakfast items and all were great. Service is always polite and prompt. If you are looking for a good well priced meal, you can't go wrong here and you have easy on and off with the interstate.
(4)Eric L.
Just another chili joint. I prefer this to Skyline, though I respect that this is a question of preference and I'm predisposed to not liking the sweet variety of "chili" at skyline. The chili itself is only marginally "better" to me, but what I did like about it is that its a little thicker/meatier, and not as sweet. So if sweet and thin is your cup of tea, go to Skyline. Otherwise, it might be worth giving this a shot. Additional disclosure: I actually enjoyed the goetta omelette with hash browns. They were good in a "dirty diner" sort of way. Not something I'd travel for, but it hits the spot if thats what you're looking for.
(2)Tom S.
Most places fade a little when they become institutions. Not Camp Washington. It just keeps going and is just as good as it's always been. The "new" building (it'll always be the new building, even in 50 years) doesn't have the funkiness of the old one, but it also doesn't have the *funkiness* of the old one. It's bright and spacious. It's an improvement. There are a lot of other reviews that speak well of the chili, the coneys and all the late night fare. I'm going to sing the praises of their breakfasts. Simple and direct. Nice portions, not overly large, but not small either. Good coffee. If you're in there between 8 and 10 in the morning, there's a big round table where a group of older (mostly) men gather to discuss politics, history and just generally hold forth on the state of the city and the world. (Most days they find it wanting. Big surprise). Some of these guys have to be in their 80's, and they're straight out of central casting. Every part of the day seems to have its regulars and there's just a rhythm to the place that has to be experienced. Here you meet a cross-section of the city. The city as it is. If it matters to the people in Camp Washington Chili, it probably really matters. You haven't been to Cincinnati until you've eaten at Camp Washington Chili. I may never give a five-star rating again, but I honestly can't think of anything I'd change or improve.
(5)Mike W.
Camp Washington is a Cincinnati institution. Like many in our fair city, I'm passionate about my chili. If we're talking major chains, I prefer Gold Star over Skyline and I will fight to the death believing that. But in the great chili war, Camp Washington launched a surprise attack on my taste buds. I recently made it a point to try every chili parlor in the city, and I'm torn between Camp Washington and Gourmet Chili in Newport being my favorite. Gourmet has an edge with their cheese, but Camp Washington's chili is top notch. If you could combine the two, there would be a taste explosion unlike what the world has ever seen. One great selling point about Camp Washington is that they're open 24/7. A coney and some fries is the ultimate drunk food, and they thankfully serve it up all hours of the night. They're also reasonably priced and conveniently located. You can't call yourself a chili fan without stopping by at least once. I wish they'd fix their drive-thru speaker though. I can't even recall when that last worked.
(5)Natalie Y.
My son treated me here shortly after Man vs food Adam was in town.I made it known that this was our first time and our server was very friendly and attentive.We felt very comfortable being there.
(5)Ross M.
Since there are so many reviews already, I don't have that much to add. However, I stopped here with fellow Yelpist Ethan H. from Indianapolis on an afternoon tour of Cincinnati Chili. It was our first stop and we probably over-ordered (due to our extreme fullness by our fourth parlor). I think a telling excerpt from our conversation was "Holy Cow, that is huge!" from Ethan upon seeing the generous mound of spaghetti, chili and cheese. Oh, and we also ordered a chili dog with onions and mustard. Not only were we gluttons for punishment that afternoon, but just regular gluttons, too. The staff was very keen on our planned tour. They offered advice on where else we ought to try, where we would be fools to try, and offered to split up our 3 way to keep us from overeating. In short, the waitstaff was great. And they helped take pictures of the chili coming off the line, since we scarfed our chow down before we remembered I had my camera in my pocket. Also, the chili was delicious. It really was. But it didn't have as much of the cinnamon and chocolate flavors that we are told to expect from Cincinnati chili. It did however, have a really nice residual spiciness from some sort of chili pepper (which were visible as little red square specks in the fluid). It was also the least viscous chili we had all day (see my list for comparisons), though this might have been due to the wet noodles in the 3-way. Its clean, bright, and definitely a locally owned gem in Camp Washington.
(4)Kendra B.
This was my first time trying camp washington chili and really enjoyed it. If you like cincinnati style chili than you will really like camp Washington. The service was very good and the prices are very affordable.
(4)Seed M.
Still the best. Thank you for a wonderful birthday. Skyline is poop.
(5)Slu S.
Driving through Cincinnati on the way Southward, we stopped at Camp Washington for our introduction to Cincinnati Chili. Given a penchant for excess, I chose a small 5-way with a Coney with everything. I can really understand the love for this, especially for the people who grew up eating it. After all, I like cheese curds. However, chili on pasta is iffy to me. I actually liked the chili. It was sweet and similar to a dish that my mother calls "Chili Soup". Add cheese, good. Add onions, better. Add beans, not my favorite. If we left it here, I would be in. Adding this to Pasta leaves me short. Since, this isn't a review of this style of Chili, I won't go further. The coney was tops. These need to expand to Chicago. It is a different beast than a Chili Dog, and in my opinion, a better one. I do like Camp Washington. Good folks. The pieces are there. If I were swinging through, I'd stick to the Coney.
(3)Reza L.
This place has the best chili cheese fries. Delicious!
(5)Paul F.
Not sure why there's so much fuss -- nothing distinctive about their Cinti chile except spaghetti is a bit thicker.
(3)andy r.
Dad likes a good 4-way. Mom prefers the 3-way with two cheese coneys on the side. Mine's a 5-way with extra oyster crackers and a good splash of Crystal. We're talking about the best chili in Cincinnati. What were you thinking? For the uninitiated, Cincinnati Chili is a Greek recipe that is slightly spicy, more sweet, and served over spaghetti. Here's the breakdown: 3 way=chili + spaghetti + finely shredded cheddar 4 way=3 way + onions 5 way=4 way + kidney beans That they're open 24 hrs. 6 days a week means you can always get you some when you're in the mood for chili love.
(5)Arnold P.
Adam from Man V Food makes everything look sooo good. The Chili was definitely superb but not with spaghetti noodles. The Chili cheese dog on the other hand was amazing
(3)Sam 'Wags' W.
In a town known for chili, Camp Washington is pretty chill.
(4)Dan J.
Camp Washington Chili is a place that benefits from being open 24 hours. Sure the chili is perfectly good there, but I would much prefer Skyline over it. All that isn't to say that Camp Washington isn't a good place to eat. It really is! The chili there is still great and they have some other items that would fit well on Steak N Shake's menu. Actually, it almost feels like walking into a Steak N Shake, but with a distinctive Cincinnati flair. If you are heading to Camp Washington right now while reading this on your iPhone and wondering what to get; you can never go wrong with chili cheese fries.
(4)Greer M.
Fabulous breakfast, great atmosphere and servers. I remember the old location, equal food and service but now more room. Gotta make a stop at CWC, it's a Cincinnati landmark. Good pie too!
(5)Dickie P.
By far ... by any infinite measure you can imagine, this is the best chili in Cincinnati. I'm not from Cincinnati, so I have no stake in the whole Gold Star - Skyline debate. As far as I'm concerned, chili shouldn't have cinnamon or cocoa powder in it. It's an abomination to do so. But, the people at Camp Washington do it right. And I can proudly say that I will eat this chili willingly and perfectly sober. It's as if Skyline is McDonalds, Gold Star is Burger King ... and Camp Washington is Five Guys. In other words, those in the know, really know what good Cincinnati-style chili is.
(5)Liz A.
you know what, maybe the stuff on the menu besides the chili is ok, i don't really know. but i know that the chili is pure hell. i heard from a bunch of people that this was the "best" chili in cincinnati, which could only have been true if it was opposite day. the chili tastes like nothing, the spaghetti is mushy and overcooked, and there is not enough cheese. gross.
(1)Ryan B.
Where to eat at 2 or 3am in Cincinnati with an empty stomach? This is the place. Big, cheap plates of Cincy favorites with great service and a stylish (when clean) atmosphere. I recommend the goetta, chili, fries, and desserts.
(4)Deann M.
I give Camp Washington 3.5 stars...but 3.5 stars on the late-night eating options scale not nice-dinner-out-for-special-scale. Why 3.5 stars? - It is open 24 hours! I can't even name 1 place in my hometown of SF that is open 24 hours and has decent food. - CHEAP! After you've spent way too much money on drinks in Mt. Adams, you dont want to spend your last dime on food you won't remember eating the next day. A 3-way (chili on spaghetti with cheese) + a sausage and eggs and toast meal = $7. Not bad, not bad! Think of it as 1 drink. Well worth the money to help you not feel the other 5 drinks the next morning. - It's CHILI! Chili on hot dogs, plain chili, chili on spaghetti. Be a Cincinnatian and eat it! While I prefer my chili on rice (yah, that's the asian coming out) the chili did have a unique flavor. I've heard that it is supposed to taste chocolately. In my boyfriend's words "let's just say that this is the first time I actually like chili." If you had rice, Camp Washington, you'd probably earn another .5 stars!
(3)Christoffer M.
You want chili. Not Skyline, chili. Real chili. But you're in Cincinnati. This is where you come. It has chili powder. It has large chunks of meat. It has cayenne. It has heat. It does not have the sweetness that is reserved for desserts in other cities. But you can still get it on noodles, smothered with cheese. And you can get goetta here, which justifies its label as a Cincinnati establishment. I actually recommend getting a bowl or cup of chili with a double decker sandwich, especially if you're looking to escape the Cincinnati 3-way (I really hope that isn't code for some deviant sexual act, though it sounds like it). Watch out for the lunch rush. It's open round the clock (except Sundays), so just avoid the noon hour and pick one of the other 23.
(4)Terry S.
This is my third review of a chili joint. Slightly ironic given that I'm vegetarian. I have to trust the meat eaters about the quality of Camp Washington Chili, because the first time I ate there was way after I went herbivore. What I can tell you is that it is fast, hearty and ridiculously cheap. There isn't that feeling that you're participating in local history, and with a name like Camp Washington I was slightly disappointed on that front. But it's the perfect lunch destination for a busy day.
(4)Bill P.
Visited from out of town and went there last fall and couldn't even get waited on.
(1)Rob T.
This place is awesome. Lots of old writeups on the wall, easy to get to, cool interior, fast service, oh yeah - their chili is way better than skyline.
(5)John R.
Great for breakfast, lunch dinner or whenever. Chili, burgers, and breakfast! Great diner atmosphere.
(4)Lewis R.
The Camp is a great chili parlor. If you're remembering the Camp Washington from many years ago then take another look. They completely tore down the old building and built a brand new wonderful location in its place. (Well actually slightly north to leave room for the expanded roads) Within the larger category of Cincinnati-style chili there are many variations. Camp Washington is spicier than Skyline and not as sweet. I like it just as much, and sometimes crave it even more. They also make great double-decker sandwiches and you can get breakfast any time of the day. Oh, and its cheap, too!
(5)Kevin B.
I always loved skyline chili, but after coming here I now were they they came from. Great dogs and chili
(5)TJ A.
I have always been a Skyline fanatic. Then my brother told me to give Camp Washington a try. We were greeted by the owner who has been working there every day for over 30 years. The chili was meaty and tasty and much "fresher" than what I've had at Skyline.
(5)David B.
Camp Washington Chili is my favorite chili parlor in Cincinnati. The Chili is much spicier and less sweet then Skyline or Goldstar. The hotdogs for the coney's here are grilled. The hot sauce here doesn't burn your mouth like Skyline's, they use Franks here. The chili here is also meatier then Skylines, though still runny compared to traditional chili. The surrounding neighborhood isn't too great but you're not going to run into any problems walking from your car in the parking lot into the restaurant. If you come here late at night you get an interesting mixed crowd, finding drunk college kids from Clifton, cops grabbing a quick meal, and even some prostitutes. It's opens midnight on Monday, and remains open until 4am Saturday. The prices are very cheap costing less then $5 for a meal on average not including a drink. And they have plenty of other options for you if you're not interested in chili. I just get the feeling at Camp Washington Chili the quality is much higher as well as the attention to detail compared to Goldstar or Skyline. If you're looking to try Cincinnnati Chili from a place other then Goldstar or Skyline check out Camp Washington Chili.
(5)Michael G.
Camp Washington shouldn't be your destination if you want to try Cincinnati Chili for the first time, there are plenty of better options out there. Camp Washington should be you destination, however, if it's late at night and your looking for some greasy food to eat. It's open 24 hours every day but Sunday. While you're there, try another one of Cincinnati's famed local foods, goetta.
(4)Grant A.
open 24 hours except on sunday. though the chili is pretty good, they have excellent deals on egg sandwiches and hash browns for all your late-night cravings.
(4)Dina D.
Cincinnati chili. Yes, you have to try it. Will you like it if you've never had it before? Probably not, but you have to just buckle down and try it anyway. And if you've never had Cincinnati chili before, and you've accepted the fact that it's a regional acquired taste that's just going to confuse your tastebuds, why would you start with Skyline or any of the other chains around here? Instead, go to the place that is the only one of its kind...the one featured in the press as the quintessential Cincinnati chili parlor. It celebrates its 75 year anniversary this year. It's won a James Beard award for being an American regional classic. Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the 20 most iconic food destinations across America. So go there already. And do yourself a favor and order the CHILI CHEESE CONEY. This one you will probably like. Heck, order two, they're only $1.90 each. If you want to give your tastebuds a bit of a break you can also order the GRILLED CHEESE, add tomato and egg, which is solid diner food. But that doesn't get you out of ordering the main event here. You have to order the CHILI. Get one of the ones with the shredded cheddar on top (3 WAY, 4 WAY, 4 WAY BEAN or 5 WAY), and it will come out with this massive pile of cheese on top...not to worry, though, it's fluffy so there's more air in there than cheese. You won't be able to eat it like a civilized human...you'll have to cut through the noodles with a fork. No pasta twirling here...it won't work. I always end up with more on my chest than any other place I've dined, ever. My husband says that the trick is to cut the noodles in a strip, then section it so that each bite is roughly fork-sized, and topped with the melted cheddar to keep it all together in its trip up to your mouth. That way the noodles don't overhang the fork and tumble down. Whatever, I'll probably just continue eating it like a famished animal. And put some hot sauce on it if you like things spicier. So they're open 24 hours 6 days a week (closed Sunday), so at some point you will find it convenient to come here. Do it. This place is the most authentic diner experience I've ever had. We come here every time we're in town, and we're never disappointed. It's the real deal.
(4)Travis G.
This chili is a real deal. The food, people, and atmosphere live up to all of the hype. If you crave chili and can make it over to Camp Washington, skip Skyline and Gold Star. It's a great place to bring people from out of town for their first Cincinnati chili experience. Also, they are open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week which makes the place great for a late night meal.
(5)Paulina T.
Hot dang! I wish I had tried this place sooner! I have lived in Cincinnati for a good portion of my life and haven't been here. This seriously beats all the other 3-ways or chilis I have ever eaten. There chili has more meat and bite to it, non of the soupy brown sauce business at all! It's a perfect combo of meat and sauce! i also had the turkey club, which came pack-full huge amount of meat, and bacon. Yes, a lot of BACON. WOO! Won my heart. I'll definitely be coming back to get my chili fix to only here now!
(5)Josh K.
Wow, SO disappointed. I want to try all of the "Cincinnati Style" chili parlors. I think Camp Washington is the oldest. This is the worst of the four I have tried. I knew I was in trouble when I saw the 4 Way. The noodles were obviously over cooked. The bottom had so much water on it, that it diluted the chili. I simply couldn't get a good taste of it. It was not edible. I dove into the Chili Cheese Sandwich, excited to actually taste the chili...wrong. Three bites in and nothing but mustard, onion, some cheese and a light chili flavor. I asked for another (I HAD to at least taste the chili once!?). It came out full of chili, yea! But alas, it was bad, bordering on terrible. VERY bland, meaty, watery chili. SO disappointing. Service was solid. Atmosphere was drab. The employees overall seemed miserable. Too bad.
(2)Khiemo S.
Camp Washington chili has great breakfast options and is definitely a good alternative to skyline chili. Their chili has good taste and is meatier than skyline which I love! It's open late so I love going there when for a late night meal. I always get hash brown with a side of chili, cheese, two eggs and a Order of meat (usually bacon). Then I put the the bacon, eggs, chili and cheese on top of my hash (in those order). Sprinkle a little oyster crackers and tobasco sauce on it and shazzammm! I call it....the Sabi hash! Try it. It's amazing!
(4)Jenni H.
I just can't make myself give this place any less than 5 stars. Camp Washington Chili has a totally different place in my heart than it does for other Cincinnatians. My family actually grew up in Camp Washington in the 60's and 70's. My family was sort of a Camp Washing staple back then.....as is this chili parlor. I love this place because I love bringing my mom here and hearing the stories she can tell. Camp Washington Chili is nastalegic. I can see where folks that don't have "ties" to this place might try the food and say....."really??" I've lived in Cincy my whole life so chili is a way of life for me. And even this place is "different" when it comes to taste. But still......Camp Washington Chili will always have a 5 star rating in my heart.
(5)John J.
Looking for a quick meal in Cincinnati and local we were brought to this place. Food was awesome service was good. The chili dogs were some of the best I've had and fries were awesome. If you like to people watch there are some interesting characters
(5)Cindy G.
Ahhh...Camp Washington Chili, the one that started it all. A Cincinnati institution and now Smithsonian inducted restaurant: smithsonianmag.com/trave… that tops the list of "The 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America." This old fashioned chili parlor wins on nostalgia alone. Since it is included in our Yelp Cincy Summer Bucket List ( bit.ly/RBOQRs ) some Yelpers and I got together for a marvelous trip to see where Cincinnati chili all began. When you walk in you are immediately greeted with neon lights, rows of diner style seating, and newspaper clippings from beginning to end. We chose a booth, and ordered up the classics: a cheese coney, and a three way each. Curious after perusing all the newspaper headlines from around the world, I asked our server, "So what really makes your chili stand out from the rest? Is the original owner still involved in the restaurant?" She responded: "You bet he is! He comes in every single morning at 5:30am to make the chili himself! He is the only one that knows the recipe and at 89 years old he still insists he make it himself." UTTERLY SHOCKED and with our mouths to the ground, we picked up our jaws and were ready to dive in! My favorite was the cheese coney. I loved the texture of the chili and the onions and mustard were the perfect accouterments. But I have to say I was a little disappointed with the three way. Maybe because we were in late at night I don't know, but the noodles were super slimey. The chili was great! But I just couldn't get over the greasy soggy noodles. Overall I am super glad we came and would be happy to return. Because honestly... who doesn't want to strap on bib and slurp chili at the same place President Franklin Roosevelt did? *Oh and for you late nighters, this joint is open 24/7!
(4)Mike P.
This is by far the best Cincinnati Style chili in the city. Highly recommend after a night of drinking. I'm a little obsessed with fish sandwiches and I must admit that theirs is really good. If you don't feel like eating chili and like fish order one!
(5)Eli D.
Compared to Skyline's chili cheese coneys, Camp Washington's win by a slight margin. I still do not understand the city's infatuation with their chili however. Though, there is a restaurant in my hometown that I'll always visit when I return to see family, and I always order one of their "Italian" sub sandwiches. I think it tastes pretty good, and so do many locals. We grew up with this restaurant and its food. However, most people not from my hometown usually say that this restaurant and its food are terrible. So, there's that. I don't think I would ever want to dine at Camp Washington Chili again because the place is kind of seedy, but if I'm in need of chili cheese coneys, they have a drive thru option.
(2)Eugene K.
The owner is friendly and I really like the vibe of the restaurant, however the flavor of the food just wasn't on par with Skyline. They might've been the first to market with the 3 way but Skyline expanded and they did not for a reason.
(3)Charles S.
Cincinnati Chili is an acquired taste, but fortunately I have acquired it over the years. This may well be the best example. A bit sterile inside, but clean and neat. Excellent service. I ate at counter and also carried out a quart for future enjoyment. A must if you are in Cincinnati and haven't tried it!
(4)Eric V.
If there was a 2.5 star option, I'd go with that. I don't get it. I really don't fucking get the chili obsession in the Nati. The coneys are awful. They are small, the hot dogs are barely noticable, the cheese is heaped on WAAAAAAAAAAAAY to densely . . . they just aren't very good. I'm not limiting this review to just Camp Washington Chili, but to ALL of the local Cincinnati chili spots. Why can't somebody put a big plump Nathan's hot dog on a normal-sized bun and throw some chili and cheese on there? What is so hard about that? The tiny little coneys hidden beneath a mound of cheddar cheese are a waste of time. I've yet to try the chili/spaghetti thing because I just don't understand how that works together. The only Nati chili spot that jumped out at me was Blue Ash Chili because they deliver a cheesesteak with chili on it and THAT combination rocks. Camp Washington Chili had a bit of a kick to it. Spicier than I prefer. Oh, and the neighborhood was sketchy too. And the place was filthy. I guess, to be fair, I went in during that 'tweener' time (4pm between lunch and dinner) but the place should have been cleaner than it was. Every table I tried to sit down at was a mess. I had this at 3 stars but after working on this review, I'm dropping it down to 2. Again, I think it should be 2.5, but I don't feel it's worthy of 3 after considering location and cleanliness.
(2)Chris G.
I've recently started a mission to discover the BEST Cincinnati chili. From Skyline to Mike's Chili & Gyro's in Hamilton, I'm going to try them all. Camp Washington Chili is a storied parlor. Ask any true Cincinnatian, and while they may not have been here, they hear it's great! In fact, this was MY first visit. Some might suggest that ALL Cincinnati style chili is the same. I suppose for them all wine, cheese, tea and burgers taste the same too. The differences may be subtle, but they're there. My server was pleasant and personable. We had a couple good laughs while I was just hanging out waiting to be stood up on a cold and dreary night. I ordered a three way and two coneys with everything. The three way came lightly piled with cheese. I appreciated that they didn't overdo it like a number of other places. No offense, I want to taste my chili too, not just shredded cheddar. The chili itself was good. Not as rich as Skyline, not as spicy as Mike's Chili & Gyros. It was a great middle ground which paired well with the al-dente noodles. The cheese didn't overshadow the meal, but accentuated the chili nicely. The coney's were also good. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm not sure I prefer their chili on the hotdogs. Theirs isn't the only place I feel this way about. Something about the recipe didn't seem to shine as bright on a coney. I'd eat them again though if it came to it. And I'm sure it will at some point. I recommend a Cincinnati chili tour to anyone living in Cincinnati for even a short while. If you have only a couple days in town, the decor and personality of Camp Washington Chili sets it apart from other chili parlors, and is worth your visit. It was worth mine.
(4)Alan L.
I have made the switch to Camp Washington. I had been a "loyal" Skyline Chili diner for many years. Their chili and goetta are now my Cincinnati go to meals.
(4)Rick V.
Not really a review. More like "A Couple Newbies Try Cincinnati Chili For The First Time." Proceed at your own risk. The big type on the menu says it all: "One of the Top Ten chili parlors in the United States." Not that we'd know the difference After years of hearing about it and some months living in the Cincinnati area, my wife Jean and I were ready--or almost ready, anyway--for our virgin encounter with the mystery that is Queen City Chili. Cinnamon? In chili? Chili? In Ohio? On spaghetti? We had all the normal trepidations faced by out-of-towners. In fact let's say we were downright trepiditous, and before you ask, yes, that's an actual word. I know because I just made it up. We began our chili-eating careers at Camp Washington Chili. Partly because it's one of the best Yelp-rated chili parlors in the city, and partly because it was on our way to the very excellent American Sign Museum on Monmouth St and we were hungry. In business since 1940, Camp Washington Chili is now located in a hipster-approved '50s-style building at the corner of Colerain and Hopple. As the name suggests, it's in the Camp Washington neighborhood, which is struggling to work its way up to "trendy" but tends to slip backwards past "interesting" on its way toward "sketchy" and occasionally all the way down to "ghetto" as soon as your back is turned. In its own blue-collar way, Camp Washington Chili is one of the businesses keeping the neighborhood on the "interesting" side of the civic teeter-totter. Inside is a lot like the outside, only cleaner. Checkerboard floor in some sort of faux lino, good light, serious chrome, big comfortable red-upholstered Naugahyde booths and chairs. A lot of Naugas went to their graves for that interior, and to my way of thinking their sacrifice was not in vain. Our server was pleasant and professional, but all business. This is not a place to discuss the Meaning of Life, she seemed to be saying, it's a place to eat some serious chili. So we did. Jean and I both ordered the five-way, which we learned is not some sort of forbidden sexual practice but merely Cincinnatian for "the works:" chili, spaghetti, chopped onions, beans, all with an aorta-clenching portion of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Our five-ways showed up promptly, hot, and huge--bigger than my two fists, and I have big fists. I closed my eyes, breathed a silent prayer of apology to every bowl of Mexican-style chili I'd ever eaten, and dug in. It was pretty good. The cinnamon taste is not obtrusive--certainly no more so than in Middle Eastern food, or Mexican moles--and the flavor profile complex enough that we had an interesting time discussing exactly what the spices were. Despite what various online recipes for "authentic" Cincinnati chili say, I couldn't detect any cumin or cayenne--at least until I dumped several tablespoons of the house's anonymous hot sauce on top. Only thing I didn't care for was the competing textures of the various components. That may take some getting used to. In addition to Chili and Coneys, menu says they serve double-decker sandwiches too. I guess that's for people who don't like chili. Bonus points for buttermilk on the beverages list. There's even a modest breakfast menu (makes sense when they're open 24/7) including goetta, my absolute favorite thing about Cin City food to date. So. Camp Washington Chili, as well and Cincinnati chili in general. I like it. Enough that now I'll have to tour the other chili parlors and see which one's best. Color me converted.
(4)Sarah F.
Let me qualify this first by saying, I am a Cincinnati transplant. So yes, I sort of just don't get it. I just can't get over how bland Cincinnati chili is in general. It just doesn't taste like much of anything. Now on to Camp Washington, which was my first chili experience. I did try Skyline and it's not bad...just boring. Camp Washington Chili, on the other hand, was just gross. In a way that after eating, you think...dear god why did I just eat that??? It's definitely watery. Seems to resemble cat food. Just completely unappetizing. I also love a good greasy diner, but the atmosphere and some of the other greasy options just did not make me want to come back.
(1)Jesse F.
If I finally had to break down and name an acceptable Cincinnati-style chili place, Camp Washington Chili would be the only name on the list. Fast, decent and cheap. Those are exactly the qualifications for the best diners. Camp Washington does not disappoint. Whether you're stopping in for 3-way, a double decker or a cheese coney, these guys serve the best in town. I honestly wish Camp Washington had become the chain instead of Goldstar or Skyline. The food is just simply better in my book, not to mention they have a better variety. I haven't tried the dessert options yet but they look tasty too. In the end, if you're looking for a good, cheap, quick meal, park your keister at Camp Washington.
(3)Paige M.
Camp Washington is a legend of local diners. With its bright red booths, black and white retro decor, and well-lit interior, this place is a great stop for daytime, late night or anytime food. The menus offer a huge list of options: everything here is good. Naturally, Camp Washington is known for their chili. It's meaty, heart-warming, and covered with shredded cheddar. The flavor tastes different than Skyline or Gold Star; all for the better. I always have to order one cheese coney if I end up getting a sandwich for my main. Speaking of sandwiches, their turkey club is my favorite. Piled high with meat, cheese and all the 'fixins on toasted bread, this ginormous sandwich will satisfy any craving...that is, if you can get your mouth wrapped around this behemoth! Breakfast dishes are also good here, and they're available all day long. I've even seen people ordering salads at Camp Washington. I tend to stray from salads at diners since they're less than impressive, but these looked pretty tasty! Service tends to be slower than desired. The best part about Camp Washington is that it's open 24 / 7. I even came here on Thanksgiving Eve and they were open until 4:00am. Amazing! Good food, low cost. Make Camp Washington a stop on your chili wagon. Price per person: $6.00
(4)Kelly Y.
Besides the Skyline Chili on Ludlow (the BEST Skyline!), Camp Washington Chili is my other favorite Cincinnati chili parlor. It is not so much about the chili here for me. It is the nostalgia of those late late nights/early mornings, when my friends and I are barely hanging on to the last shred of consciousness, having the most fulfilling breakfast before finally going home to catch the zzzzzzzz's. I always get the goetta, 2 eggs over' medium and toast. The goetta is always crispy on the outside and creamy and meaty, oat-ty on the inside. The last time I was here, I got the most perfect version of over' medium eggs: the whites are cooked through but not rubbery; the yokes are still viscous, but not runny or raw tasting. The yolks just cling to the toast....mmmmmmmmmm....perfect!! And yes, the prices are still very affordable.
(4)Zack H.
As most people know, Cincinnati is synonymous with chili as Philly is synonymous with cheesesteaks and Memphis is synonymous with high crime, high poverty and excessive use of grease. While Skyline Chili is perhaps the one that is the most famous - it has expanded to multiple states, including Florida - Camp Washington is without a doubt the best. Cincinnati chili originated in Greece (or Macedonia, if you want to believe Man v. Food Nation, but we won't get into semantics), and has been placed on top of spaghetti and hot dogs for decades now. I won't get into the 3-way/4-way/5-way spiel, since most people are aware that the the difference is whether it has beans and/or onions. What makes Camp Washington unique is that it is not as soggy as Skyline or Gold Star, and is also a little bit spicier as well as not as sweet. Having had all three chilis, I can say that Camp Washington is fresher and uses better ingredients, as well as cheaper. Although it had smaller servings, they were more filling. The new location at Hopple and Colerain has a retro look to it, and there's even on-site parking in front of the head-scratching George Washington mural - I get it, I'm in Camp Washington. There is plenty of seating in the new location, as well as ample staff to serve everybody. I got my meal in under a minute - yes, I counted. The neighborhood is iffy, but nothing like Hough or Kinsman in Cleveland, where I'm from. I saw a few beggars nearby, so make sure to use some caution. Other than that, I had no real complaints about Camp Washington. Now that Man v. Food Nation has aired, I have a feeling this place will be getting a lot busier.
(4)Matt L.
I was just in Cincinnati, and figured that you can't go to the Queen City and not try a Cinci Chili. So I did my homework, checked the recommendations, and decided against Skyline (which I've had in Lousiville), Gold Star (which seemed a little too dirty), and Empress (which just didn't have as good ratings). So in the end it was Camp Washington. And it's pretty good. The Five-Ways were large ans tasty, and the table service was pretty fast. The server was entirely gone a couple of times, though, which was annoying, though. And they only allowed for one refill of my soda. I didn't like the awkward parking, which was close, but the door of the place was clear on the other side of the building. If I'm going back to Cinci, I'll try Empress or Gourmet next time.
(3)Aaron W.
Being in Cincy, I had to try the "5-way" chili spaghetti. I opted for a small order (using 1/2 pint of chili; $3.30). My chili spaghetti also came with a package of oyster crackers. I liked the nice, pleasurable hit from the chili itself. Although Cincinnati-style chili is traditionally saucier in nature than most chilis, this one was just a tad too runny for me. The noodles were OK, but on the overcooked side (I prefer my noodles more al dente). The beans were cooked well, while the raw onions and cheese delivered on added flavor and texture. Incorporating the cheese into the chili produced a great visual here...nothing like melted cheese! The diner-like feel was neat, while the service was not much to write home about. Overall, I'd say it was around an average experience.
(3)J J.
3way-what else is there? Seriously - CWC is one of a kind. I prefer it as a late night place, but I think there is just something about the chili that makes it stand out. Not just that - the spaghetti is a little larger than other chili places and works better with their chili. Wait stafff is GREAT there. Only bummer was I wanted to buy a t-shirt and you can't do that unless the owner is there.
(3)David W.
Hmmm. Saw this on MvF Nation and decided to give it a try since I was visiting Cincinatti. I must say the service here is great. Very friendly staff. I hate to admit it but I've never tasted chilli quite like this. I've heard that it is an acquired taste. Has to be true but I'd never give it another chance. I was planning on trying Skyline chilli to see if it was better but it smelled the same so I passed. I'd recommend trying this if you are visiting Cincinatti. Just remember I only represent 1 opinion.
(2)Cliff K.
During the wee hours of the night. DO: -Go late. It's open 24/6 (not a typo, closed Sunday night?). -Try the chili cheese fries. DON'T: -N/A PARKING: -Parking lot, yay. Great place for a late night grub session. The noodles were too soft/overcooked for my likings (compared to Skyline), but everything else is the same old Cinci chili. Check it out when you're bored and hungry during the wee hours of the night.
(3)Lewis W.
Great Cincinnati-style chili (I had the five-way) in a clean and comfortable diner just off I-75 (Hopple Street exit). Fun staff and beer is a bonus. Plenty of parking in the lot.
(4)Hans G.
If you're a Cincinnati Chili fan, this is definately one you must try. My best way to describe this place is that it's like Skyline, with a little bit better dining area. It's a nice place to eat and it's easy to access. While the menu items are very similar to Skyline's offerings, it's got a slightly unique taste. When I'm in the area, I like to stop by for a 5-way.
(4)Joe B.
Coneys ... chilli cheese fries....3 way all so good
(5)Jessica S.
As someone from NYC, I was somewhat concerned about the strange obsession with mini hot dogs and spaghetti concoctions with heaps of cheese on them. Out of every place I tried in the area, I didn't understand the hype until Camp Washington Chili. It's the best place to get coney's, the BEST place EVER to get chili cheese fries and the best 3 ways...period.
(5)Bill E.
Loved going here for lunch while at MCI, when I moved to Northside, my buddy and I went here every week. Always got a double decker and two cheese coneys.
(4)Jeremy B.
Saw this on the Travel Channel's 101 Tastiest Places to Chowdown, so I figured I had to go there. I was not disappointed by one of the city's original offering's of our special brand of chili. I got a classic 4-way and loved how much fresher it tasted than Skyline. It was also really cheap and the restaurant had an awesome feel to it. I had a very pleasant experience at Camp Washington, and as of right now, it's my favorite chili in Cinci. Haven't had Price Hill yet though.
(4)Michael S.
This is classic Cincinnati Chili - for the uninitiated this is not "five alarm" stuff but is mild and more like spaghetti sauce. And indeed it is served on spaghetti with beans, onions and cheese. They also make great coneys. This is a traditional diner environment and the food was very good. If you are going to have your first Cincy chili experience, I would go here. If they offer a bib - take it.
(4)Ed J.
Got a takeout 3-way, cheese coneys, and chili cheese fries here. This place is a bit legendary around UC and the near west side of Cincinnati. I wanted to like this place much more than I did. The building is excellent, the space has a diner-like atmosphere, it's truly a great spot. However, a whole lot of little things combined to sour my experience. First off, the credit card machine was down, which meant that I had to use the ATM machine in the restaurant to get cash to pay for my order. That cost me $2.50 extra, and irked me immediately. But ok, things like this malfunction all the time, I let it go and went to put in my order. The counter waitress then yelled back to the short order cook to see if the fryer was working before she put in my fry order, which made me wonder how many other things were malfunctioning. None of this would have made any difference if what I took home had been what I was expecting. The chili didn't have much spaghetti in it, and it just didn't have a great deal of flavor - very disappointing. The cook forgot to put mustard on one of my coneys. The fries were ok, but the cheese on top was melted into a big cap on the fries - put the cheese in separate bag as you do with the cheese from the three-ways, CWC. The one coney that I got with mustard was the best part of the order. It just seemed that there wasn't much care or effort put into the food. I hate giving out a down review for any place, let alone this one. Maybe they just had an institutionally bad day - that happens. I'll stop in again and have a sit-down dining experience. I just hope it will be much better than this was.
(2)Todd M.
We love Cincinnati Chili and Skyline has always been the top of the list...until now. Camp Washington Chili had slightly superior flavor, less salty than Skyline, and seemed less greasy. On a family outing, we all agreed Camp Washington was delicious. The Greek Salad was surprisingly yummy as well, so plan for the sharing that between a few folks, along with a staple 4-way.
(4)Kristen B.
Since I am getting closer and closer to my 2-year mark as a resident of Cincinnati, I finally decided to stop being lame and check out Camp Washington Chili. First of all, it is by one of my favorite murals in Cincinnati - I mean who doesn't love George Washington in a dress? Once you walk in, the place is pretty nostalgic. We sat at a booth and our server appeared in no time. Drinks were promptly brought out and orders taken. So here is where things are going to get a bit controversial. After hearing about how this was the chili parlour to try, it wasn't really my favorite. I ordered cheese coneys and onion rings and liked them. However, I don't think I liked them more than Pleasant Ridge, Blue Ash or even Skyline. Please don't burn down my house! Will I go back,? Sure! Why not? Will I go running back soon...probably not - still have too many other chili parlours to try.
(3)Tim O.
I love this place! The food is great and reasonably priced. To be honest though it's the memories from a whole University of Cincinnati college career that make this place special to me. Sunday mornings with friends or committee meetings at the front big table. This is a UC student's must!
(4)Autumn E.
Camp Washington Chili is classic Cincinnati. The location is a bit iffy but the cool and new location, almost directly across the street from their old location is a clean crisp 50's style diner decor. Chrome, long counter with stools and several build in bench seat booths. The best thing about Camp Washington Chili is the portions. A great place to go if you are really hungry. They, of course serve Cincinnati style chili, a Greek chili, unique in taste, texture and flavor and really served elsewhere in the United States. They also serve a variety of fresh pieces of pie. The strawberry cream is amazing! The selection differs from day to day depending on what mood they are in I guess. The service is good, the staff is friendly and the owners are still on location pretty regularly. They are also a great place for late nights eats, being open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week, taking Sunday off. Camp Washington Chili is a great local/ late night eatery.
(4)Matt W.
Great breakfast but the coffee was terrible. Both reg. And decaf. Something was majorly funky.
(3)Mary S.
I'm just telling ya'll that I am bougie about once a month. Be forewarned. It was bougie day when I ate at Camp Washington. I was served a turkey BLT with some kind of meat I'd never seen. It was piled high on my sandwich in all it's slimy grossness. I'm serious. I had never seen turkey like this. Then my boy explained it to me. It was chipped meat, turkey to be exact. WTF is that? Who eats it? Why was it on my damn sandwich? I had no chili, because CW was the fifth (yes, fifth!) chili restaurant we visited in 24 hours. The server was super nice. Bathroom was very clean. But the chipped meat made me puke a little in my beautiful mouth. p.s. I'm still wondering WHY? who eats that stuff?
(2)Reza L.
This place has the best chili cheese fries. Delicious!
(5)Benjamin W.
You can't visit Cincinnati and not try Camp Washington Chili. It's a classic, and it's one of a few locations in Cincinnati battling it out for the title of best Cincinnati chili. Now, if you're not from the area, don't come with the wrong idea. Cincinnati chili has nothing to do with its Texan relative. Cincinnati chili is a Greek chili that has a unique flavor not found anywhere else I've been in the States. The neighborhood is perhaps a bit iffy for some people. Nestled in the Hopple St. area, it's near some rougher neighborhoods, but I've never had a problem at Camp Washington - just lock your car doors. The neighborhood isn't as bad as it looks, and who cares if you're getting great food? One thing that's outstanding about Camp Washington Chili is the size of the portions. A regular portion is plenty for most people, but they also have a larger size for if you're really hungry. I won't speculate as to whether they are the best in town, but they're definitely one of the best, duking it out with Blue Ash Chili and Dixie Chili. Their coneys and 3-ways will get under your skin and you will develop a craving once you've been here. The service is good, and the owners still show up regularly. I've been here plenty and I've never had a complaint. My drink glass has never run empty, and I've never had to wait more than just a few minutes for my food to come out. Definitely a Cincinnati landmark you have to visit.
(5)Kevin H.
Best Chili you can buy and best 3 way as well! Delicious food, great service and very affordable. Will be back for sure. If you have to choose between Skyline, Gold Star and Camp Washington then Camp Washington must be your choice. 2 huge thumbs up! Coneys are wonderful as well. The neighbor is not the greatest so a daytime visit is best even though they are open 24 hours. Must eat here especially if you are new to Cincy or the area.
(5)Omar N.
Wanted to see what this classic Cincy establishment was all about. Came here on Monday evening. Plenty of seating. I was able to sit myself. Ordered the "5 way" chili. I suggest to try a small just to see what u r getting urself into. Like other yelpers say, this is not a Texas type chili. Dont compare. This was a UNIQUE taste but I Enjoyed it. I also tried a beef n ham double decker sandwich. Meat was piled in there. Probably would of been better if sandwich was warmed up. It was good but nothing to brag about. Cheap eats, nice vibe, cant complain. Im full and hopefully dont feel the pain tomorrow! Next time will have to order the Coneys n onion rings.
(4)Slu S.
Driving through Cincinnati on the way Southward, we stopped at Camp Washington for our introduction to Cincinnati Chili. Given a penchant for excess, I chose a small 5-way with a Coney with everything. I can really understand the love for this, especially for the people who grew up eating it. After all, I like cheese curds. However, chili on pasta is iffy to me. I actually liked the chili. It was sweet and similar to a dish that my mother calls "Chili Soup". Add cheese, good. Add onions, better. Add beans, not my favorite. If we left it here, I would be in. Adding this to Pasta leaves me short. Since, this isn't a review of this style of Chili, I won't go further. The coney was tops. These need to expand to Chicago. It is a different beast than a Chili Dog, and in my opinion, a better one. I do like Camp Washington. Good folks. The pieces are there. If I were swinging through, I'd stick to the Coney.
(3)Arnold P.
Adam from Man V Food makes everything look sooo good. The Chili was definitely superb but not with spaghetti noodles. The Chili cheese dog on the other hand was amazing
(3)Sam 'Wags' W.
In a town known for chili, Camp Washington is pretty chill.
(4)Dan J.
Camp Washington Chili is a place that benefits from being open 24 hours. Sure the chili is perfectly good there, but I would much prefer Skyline over it. All that isn't to say that Camp Washington isn't a good place to eat. It really is! The chili there is still great and they have some other items that would fit well on Steak N Shake's menu. Actually, it almost feels like walking into a Steak N Shake, but with a distinctive Cincinnati flair. If you are heading to Camp Washington right now while reading this on your iPhone and wondering what to get; you can never go wrong with chili cheese fries.
(4)Adam H.
Ah Cincinnati Chili, is there really a more polarizing debate? There are those who hate it and those who love it, and with those who love it the debate continues about which chili is the "Best." Well this review will hardly settle any chili debate, but from all the Cincy chilis I have tried, Camp Washington's is by far the best. Camp Washington Chili is located in the cool retro themed diner right off the Hopple Street exit. Despite the retro feel, this is actually the second building which they rebuilt when the road was widened sometime around the start of the Willenium. Architecture aside, this place is truly a Cincinnati institution dating back to the 1940's. The inside feels just like a kitchy, retro diner built within the last 20 years. But what is really cool is that the walls are covered with awards and news stories from all over the country, and they are even listed in the 1000 Places to See Before You Die book! So this is great and all, but what about the food? Well the chili is fantastic. It is meaty and not too watery with a certain pop- you just have to try it. But what if you don't like chili? A) Really? B) Don't worry the menu is large enough to have something for everyone. They have a whole host of double decker sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. Though this is my favorite Cincy Chili, my favorite item on the menu is by far the grilled turkey and cheese. I mean this sandwich is just incredible. Everything about it is just perfect. There is plenty of meat and the cheese is just the right gooienss that it just creates one beautiful, probably not that good for you sandwich fit for the Earl of Sandwich himself. What is also great about place is that it is open 24-7, and I believe closed on Sunday. Most of the time its pretty jumping, but usually there is never a wait, except for in the wee AM post bar hours, and there is always plenty of free parking. So head on down and try the best chili and grilled cheese in the Tri-State, granted too many might be bad for your health and there 999 other places to see, according to the book anyway.
(5)Christopher G.
This place has the best chili in Cincinnati. The best. Oh snap! He went there! True story. People get really up in arms about chili around these parts, but I see other reviewers making similar claims so I feel safe in my judgment. It is by far the best chili, and that's really saying something, because I love me some Skyline (Gold Star ranks a distant third--suck, it, haters!). But lest you think that's all Camp Washington has going for it, there's also the fab 50s retro decorating (and the mysteriously eccentric mural of George Washington in drag right outside), the handy-dandy location right off I-75, and a bunch of other classic diner food I've never eaten but which, I promise, looks quite good. Frankly, if I'm here it's for chili, and anything else is blasphemy. Except that one time when I ordered a 3-way with goetta on the side. Yes, you can do that; there is a breakfast menu. It seriously doesn't get more Cincinnati than this. It's great for any meal, because chili is great for any meal, but a word of warning to those few (I know you're out there) who are thinking this would be the best place to snag a greasy hangover cure--you're almost correct. Almost. There is one down side to Camp Washington: it's closed on Sundays.
(5)Andrew N.
This place will always have a special place in my heart. The atmosphere is amazing and the clientele are truly a cross section of Cincinnati. One of my favorite things about the place is the waitress with a memory so good she can get the orders right for a table or 10+ folks without writing a single thing down. Truly amazing. If you're a vegetarian or vegan there aren't many options. However, for me the atmosphere more than made up for the lack of meat-free options. The cheese fries are amazing, the egg sandwich is a good deal, and the hash browns are cooked to crispy and delicious perfection. Utilize the hot sauce. The only thing Skyline has on this place is the vegetarian bean & rice chili.
(4)Drew N.
Over the summer we had a chance to revisit this place another 4 times and all visits we came away full and had some great food. We tried a little bit of everything including their breakfast items and all were great. Service is always polite and prompt. If you are looking for a good well priced meal, you can't go wrong here and you have easy on and off with the interstate.
(4)Eric L.
Just another chili joint. I prefer this to Skyline, though I respect that this is a question of preference and I'm predisposed to not liking the sweet variety of "chili" at skyline. The chili itself is only marginally "better" to me, but what I did like about it is that its a little thicker/meatier, and not as sweet. So if sweet and thin is your cup of tea, go to Skyline. Otherwise, it might be worth giving this a shot. Additional disclosure: I actually enjoyed the goetta omelette with hash browns. They were good in a "dirty diner" sort of way. Not something I'd travel for, but it hits the spot if thats what you're looking for.
(2)Tom S.
Most places fade a little when they become institutions. Not Camp Washington. It just keeps going and is just as good as it's always been. The "new" building (it'll always be the new building, even in 50 years) doesn't have the funkiness of the old one, but it also doesn't have the *funkiness* of the old one. It's bright and spacious. It's an improvement. There are a lot of other reviews that speak well of the chili, the coneys and all the late night fare. I'm going to sing the praises of their breakfasts. Simple and direct. Nice portions, not overly large, but not small either. Good coffee. If you're in there between 8 and 10 in the morning, there's a big round table where a group of older (mostly) men gather to discuss politics, history and just generally hold forth on the state of the city and the world. (Most days they find it wanting. Big surprise). Some of these guys have to be in their 80's, and they're straight out of central casting. Every part of the day seems to have its regulars and there's just a rhythm to the place that has to be experienced. Here you meet a cross-section of the city. The city as it is. If it matters to the people in Camp Washington Chili, it probably really matters. You haven't been to Cincinnati until you've eaten at Camp Washington Chili. I may never give a five-star rating again, but I honestly can't think of anything I'd change or improve.
(5)Mike W.
Camp Washington is a Cincinnati institution. Like many in our fair city, I'm passionate about my chili. If we're talking major chains, I prefer Gold Star over Skyline and I will fight to the death believing that. But in the great chili war, Camp Washington launched a surprise attack on my taste buds. I recently made it a point to try every chili parlor in the city, and I'm torn between Camp Washington and Gourmet Chili in Newport being my favorite. Gourmet has an edge with their cheese, but Camp Washington's chili is top notch. If you could combine the two, there would be a taste explosion unlike what the world has ever seen. One great selling point about Camp Washington is that they're open 24/7. A coney and some fries is the ultimate drunk food, and they thankfully serve it up all hours of the night. They're also reasonably priced and conveniently located. You can't call yourself a chili fan without stopping by at least once. I wish they'd fix their drive-thru speaker though. I can't even recall when that last worked.
(5)Natalie Y.
My son treated me here shortly after Man vs food Adam was in town.I made it known that this was our first time and our server was very friendly and attentive.We felt very comfortable being there.
(5)Ross M.
Since there are so many reviews already, I don't have that much to add. However, I stopped here with fellow Yelpist Ethan H. from Indianapolis on an afternoon tour of Cincinnati Chili. It was our first stop and we probably over-ordered (due to our extreme fullness by our fourth parlor). I think a telling excerpt from our conversation was "Holy Cow, that is huge!" from Ethan upon seeing the generous mound of spaghetti, chili and cheese. Oh, and we also ordered a chili dog with onions and mustard. Not only were we gluttons for punishment that afternoon, but just regular gluttons, too. The staff was very keen on our planned tour. They offered advice on where else we ought to try, where we would be fools to try, and offered to split up our 3 way to keep us from overeating. In short, the waitstaff was great. And they helped take pictures of the chili coming off the line, since we scarfed our chow down before we remembered I had my camera in my pocket. Also, the chili was delicious. It really was. But it didn't have as much of the cinnamon and chocolate flavors that we are told to expect from Cincinnati chili. It did however, have a really nice residual spiciness from some sort of chili pepper (which were visible as little red square specks in the fluid). It was also the least viscous chili we had all day (see my list for comparisons), though this might have been due to the wet noodles in the 3-way. Its clean, bright, and definitely a locally owned gem in Camp Washington.
(4)Kendra B.
This was my first time trying camp washington chili and really enjoyed it. If you like cincinnati style chili than you will really like camp Washington. The service was very good and the prices are very affordable.
(4)Seed M.
Still the best. Thank you for a wonderful birthday. Skyline is poop.
(5)Paul F.
Not sure why there's so much fuss -- nothing distinctive about their Cinti chile except spaghetti is a bit thicker.
(3)Eira T.
I went here ALL the time in college, and always thought that if Tarantino featured Cincinnati in a film, it'd have to include a major scene set in Camp Washington Chili. Their chili is solid, and possibly even better than Skyline. It's a good place to go if you're dining with someone who doesn't like Cincinnati chili, because it has a lot of regular diner items. I also like Camp Washington because it has such a diverse clientele -- whenever I go in there I see college kids, professionals, church folks, working-class guys, everyone. That's rare in Cincinnati, and I think it's part of what makes Camp Washington so special.
(5)Nikki B.
I have never and will never understand why people rave about this place. Their chili is the most disgusting thing I've ever tasted, it has the consistency of a watery can of ground cat food and it's terribly bland. I shudder to imagine what's ground up in there. I've lived in Cincinnati my whole life and people here love this place for some reason, must be just a certain group of supporters because there is no way they've stayed in business this long based on their food. Well, the cheese fries were good, but that's not exactly a difficult thing to make.
(1)Adrianna B.
Okay, so I'm ashamed to admit this, but I grew up in Cincinnati and never set foot inside Camp Washington Chili until yesterday. I blame my parents for being from Louisville and not knowing any better. Rest assured, it certainly will not be the last time I visit! My first impression was of a 40s/50s sock hop diner. Then I remembered...this place has been around since 1940 - of course it looks like it's from the 40s! The "Please Seat Yourself" sign was immediately visible, so I had my choice of the immaculate dining room. Since I we flying solo, I landed at the counter. I must have looked like a first-timer, because a waitress immediately asked if I needed a menu. The offerings are straightforward and simple - different from Skyline and Gold Star in that it's more traditional diner food and less wacky "fast food" style choices. They even have goetta on the breakfast menu! The chili. Not to sound melodramatic or anything, but I realize now that I had never had real Cincinnati chili until now. Sorry, Skyline - you'll always have a special place in my heart, but Camp Washington Chili is my new true love.
(5)Ana M.
First off, can I just say in response to all the bad reviews: if you don't "get" Cincinnati chili, then you don't get to have an opinion on it!!!! Now, as a native Cincy gal I was raised on Skyline. CWC is like any other chili place in Cincy that's not skyline or gold star. I came here with my dad who swore it was great and as far as Cincy chili goes I think it was OK. I would have preferred skyline but it had its own thing going for it. As for the atmosphere, you have to take this place for what it is... a diner! You're not at Jeff Ruby's!!! The servers are mostly older chicks who have worked there forever and aren't peppy young ladies like you might get at skyline. They do their job though. It's one of those places where if you want something you just have to ask. But that's part of the vibe! They have good prices though and they're open 24 hours which is great. They also have a nice variety of options! You don't have to be a chili lover to like the food here!! I think the people who write the bad reviews are just too picky / not from Cincy so they're not cultured enough to "get it" as they say.
(4)Karl H.
This was a mistake. I feel bad that this is the food that Cincy is famous for when there is so much other great food in the city. I wish I would have never let my brother talk me into going here. If anyone says "You've got to try the Chili if you're in Cincy" take that as a sign to find your recommendations elsewhere. I tried it all, the Coneys, Fries, Chili over spaghetti (why the F$@?) and it all reminded me of food that came from my elementary cafeteria (think Sysco, US Foods, Aramark, etc). If you like torturing yourself by eating cheap cafeteria food then maybe this is for you, if not, stay away.
(1)Aspidistra D.
Forget Skyline. Forget the other local spots. This. This right here is Cincinnati-style chili done right. AND it's 24 hours everyday but Sunday, because Johnny's into church. They have one location with a long-serving staff, who have been doing the same thing for decades. They also have a decent menu of salads, sandwiches, and other stuff. A classic diner serving up a local tradition. (Even if people who aren't from Cincinnati think the local chili is baffling and gross.)
(5)Kathryn K.
Tried this place today heard so many good things about the place, why I don't know...Ordered a double decker ham and beef, beef was terrible, pulled it off and threw it away...I will stick with J&J's and Price Hill Chili if I want a double decker ever again..Sure was disappointed....
(2)Amanda C.
Can we all be excited that Camp Washington Chili finally accepts credit cards? Yes, we can. Camp Washington Chili is the crown jewel of Cincinnati chili parlors. It's open 24-hours a day except Sunday (it's nice to see a business closed on Sunday, actually), so get your chili fix almost anytime. For you chili haters, there are double deckers and things-- but I'm pretty sure the natives haven't tried them. Service is always pretty super, and the atmosphere is squarely in the "charming diner" category. Bring your kids. Bring your grandma. Bring your business partner. Everyone fits in here.
(5)Ashley H.
I was told I had to try Cincinnati chili, and this was the place recommended by locals. I had already been warned that I would not be getting the kind of chili I was used to getting in the south (hearty, thick, chunky, spicy), so I had already prepared myself for a different kind of experience. I ordered the chili 4 ways and a coney on the side. The chili had a lot of subtle flavors to it, way more than expected. We spent most of our time there dissecting the different spices (the chili was not at all bland, it is extremely flavorful, it simply depends on what you are looking for in chili). Lots of cheese. Yay. I like cheese. The chili was not watery? Just not as thick as I'm used to having. The server was friendly, and the food came out hot and extremely fast. They serve brewed sweet tea, which is nice. I think for a chili experience, this is a good place to stop.
(4)Rae R.
Best chili in Cincinnati. The new building isn't as fun as the old one but the food is still the same. Eating in is definitely the way to go. There's just something missing when you have to assemble your 3 way yourself. The breakfast isn't as good as it was previously but it isn't bad, a testament to how good this place is. They serve beer, too. What's not to love?
(4)Katie F.
Camp Wash is a Cincinnati staple. While I don't think their chili is better than Skyline or Gold Star, their other menu options are delicious. I'm quite fond of their breakfast and their club sandwich. Always quick, kind service. It's seat yourself and you can be in-and-out in about 30 minutes. It's also very cheap. Plus, if you go there late-night, you get a meal & a show!
(5)Veronica B.
The RUDEST staff ever. Attempted to place a call I order and was hung up on more than once. Will NEVER spend my money in here again. ughhhh
(1)Tia H.
My first visit to this Cincinnati landmark while passing through from Houston Texas. It's a clean, large diner with open kitchen and friendly staff but our meal was disappointing from the hype we had read from previous reviews. The miniature coneys were delivered smothered in shredded cheese. Once we scraped away the excess the chili had a very distinct cinnamon flavor which I found very unusual. Perhaps the difference in flavor is regional, I'm not sure but it was something I wouldn't eat again. 5-star French fries and Coke though!
(3)Alistair B.
My second favorite place to get chili in Cincinnati, this place has a great art deco look and very friendly staff. Chili is very good, I love their chili cheese fries. Definitely worth a visit
(4)Brian Z.
Had a 4-way. Horrible, watery, bland, over cooked spaghetti.... Had to put a ton of salt and hot sauce and still was flavorless. Walked out after 3 bites. Just couldn't eat it. It was that bad. SKYLINE is it for me. This confirmed it.
(1)Ryan L.
If you like your chili with a hint of cinnamon then this is the place for you. Good stuff.
(4)Ron A.
In honor of one of the best Cincinnati-style chili parlors in the land, I present to you (5-way)s this place is better than its competition! 1. The chili here is spot-on perfection. In the battle to make a consistent, thick, flavorful chili, Camp Washington Chili easily stands out as a front runner. Unlike Gold Star (which is the RC Cola of Cincinnati chili), the chili here is always money! 2. They are open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week (closed on Sundays). So whether you are drunk at 2 AM leaving a bar on the hunt for grub, drunk at 7 AM after working the third shift at the Boston Beer Company (we know you guys get hammered during your shifts!), or not drunk on Sunday but love a local company that respects the Sabbath, then this restaurant is for you! 3. Camp Washington Chili has been in this area for 70 years and was built around the once vibrant meat-packing industry of Cincinnati. Nowadays, people in the area are more likely packing heat than meat but honestly that is kind of refreshing. Call me old school but with all the recent renovations to the once menacing areas of town such as OTR, it's nice to still dine in the Queen City under a slight duress. 4. CBS News once named Camp Washington Chili the best chili in the nation! That's right, in the whole country! So Texas, you can go back to the drawing board because everything you're doing there from football to chili just isn't working. Yep, I said it. 5. In addition to bombass award-winning chili they serve breakfast and double decker sandwiches. Which means if I want french toast, a 4-way, and a tuna salad & tuna salad sandwich for dinner, then that's my American, God-given right! Thanks George W. Bush for spreading freedom and protecting my right to eat whatever I want! However, you may want to do something about your home state's chili situation, it's kind of lacking : /
(4)Bob H.
I just don't get why CW is considered to have such great Cincinnati-style chili. Skyline, Gold Star, Price Hill, Gourmet, P-Ridge, Empress and probably a few others I've forgotten are all better. CW's is too runny and the flavor is nowhere near as good as the others. I do like many of the other items on the menu, though, so there's is something for everyone to eat if you're with a group. But, if you are after just the chili, take a pass.
(2)Chelsea C.
I'm an east-sider so I've only made my way to Skyline and Blue Ash Chili in my Cincinnati chili adventures. So I was kind of stoked to venture out here to the legendary CWC and give it a try. It's in a busy industrial area, and can be tough to navigate if you haven't been there before but there's a decent sized parking lot in the back (with a very cool wall mural that you'll see in the pictures!). It's a sizable restaurant and has a cool diner vibe. Service was good, and fast as is usually the case at chili joints. I had a 4-way with onions and it was good. Not great, just good. I was out with a group of 5 and we all agreed- not worth driving 25 miles for. But if you're around and feel like a coney, sure. I definitely prefer Blue Ash Chili, but can appreciate the historical value of the place.
(3)Brandy L.
We aren't from the area. Friends recommended Camp Washington Chilli. It was a great choice for lunch. We each ordered a chilli cheese coney. They were only $1.80 each. Then we had to try their 4 way spaghetti. We needed to see what all the hype was about. It was delicious. It's a great place, great service, great food and atmosphere. If you are in the area for lunch it's a must.
(5)Wayne R.
I like Skyline and Chili Time but here's something new to try. It is as good as Skyline but a little more peppery and with standard diameter spaghetti, not Skyline's thinner type. I'd go again if I was in the neighborhood but would not make a special trip like I did this time to try it out. Bonus: serves beer!
(3)Matt M.
I've been away from the Queen City too long, and on a recent trip back I had to stop by and revist this Cincinnati classic. Keep in mind that I had already hit Skyline 2 days before, but that doesn't matter; I'm a big fan of Cincinnati Chili and could eat it nearly daily. In my past life in Cincy, Camp Washington was never a place I went to often. Too far from my stomping grounds, but I had been there a few times before. Sober? Can't promise that, it was a long time ago. I was hassled for spare change on the way in...welcome to the West side. I sat at the bar and ordered a 4 way. Service was good; (she called me 'Darlin') food came fast. What's the verdict? Meh. It's the same complaint I have with Gold Star - overcooked noodles. Just mush. No texture. These cheese was great, the chili was great, onions were great - just brought down by mushy noodles. Skyline keeps theirs frimer, and that's why they're better. Pains me to say it; I'd love to say the underdog has the edge, but as far as chili goes, I'm sticking with the big guys. Now, to their credit, Camp Washington Chili has a much bigger menu. You can get burgers, gyros and other stuff, but I was here for the chili.
(3)C Z.
The service was fast. Ordered a 5 way (typically what I order at skyline or hold star). The chili was good but did like the spaghetti (too over cooked and mushy). Next time I'll order an omelet with chili on top!
(3)Stuart T.
I finally made it to this Cincinnati landmark. After seeing it on Man V Food and being named a Smithsonian food landmark, I had to see what all the hubbub was about. It's a very charming diner. A fairly large diner too. It was surprisingly dead for a Friday night though. No worries finding a table! The first thing we noticed was the crackers were only in little packages at the table. No little bowls like at Skyline. Kind of disappointing. I got my usual meal at a Cincinnati chili parlor. A cheese coney and a 3-way. I found the chili very soupy with very little meat in it, even for Cincinnati chili. The chili seemed to have a little spice to it which was nice. The noodles were over cooked in the 3-way though. The coney was good. After all the hype I felt it was just ok. I would say it's the not best representation of Cincinnati chili. It's still exciting to have a restaurant on Smithsonian's list!
(3)Ray C.
This is by far my favorite chili in Cincinnati! I think it's a bit spicer. The staff reminds me of family, so it's like walking into home. The late hours are the best. If patrons get loud or rude they will remove them. I remember a patron being escorted out for calling someone a faggot (repeatedly and screaming). They seem to want you to feel safe, which they do. Weekend nights are typically monitored by a Cincy police officer. While he is more of a peace officer, remember he is still a official Cincinnati Police Officer.
(5)Patrick L.
I hear this is a Cincy institution and among the best chili in the city, if not the world. I'll say the chili is good here but not great. Cincy chili is unique - watery, not spicy, but has a velvety smooth flavor (i think they must use cocoa or something!). I ordered a side order of chili so I can taste just the chili and ordered a five way - spaghetti, chili, onions, beans, and cheese. The chili on its own was my favorite part of the meal - I'd say four stars for that. I am not a fan of spahgettit chili, sorry cincy. But this is the cincy thing so when in Cincy ... The mound of shredded cheddar cheese is good but i'd prefer it was less cheese melted than more cheese "cold." I also tried a "Coney" which is like a mini hot dog covvered in cheese and chili. The bread got so soggy from the watery chili it couldn't be picked up. The meat is more like a vienna sausage and really not very good. Not sure why they call it a "Coney" ... it's nothing like a Coney Island hot dog and I'd know since I grew up around there! The location is a bit odd - just off the freeway and in what feels like a bit of sketch area. I'd say go if you're in the area but you won't lose much just googling the nearest chain chili place and save yourself the drive.
(3)Mike E.
Camp Washington Chili was featured in the book, 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die. My trip to Camp Washington provided me my first exposure to famous Cincinnati Chili. I ordered a "five way" chili which is a combination of spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese. The spaghetti based chili that makes Cincinnati chili famous and unique was very good. The mixture was meaty, had the perfect amount of cheese and was an all around good meal. My trip to Camp Washington makes me wish that Cincinnati style chili was more commonly available outside of Cincinnati. Four stars for an above average meal and cool dining experience.
(4)Greer M.
Fabulous breakfast, great atmosphere and servers. I remember the old location, equal food and service but now more room. Gotta make a stop at CWC, it's a Cincinnati landmark. Good pie too!
(5)Dickie P.
By far ... by any infinite measure you can imagine, this is the best chili in Cincinnati. I'm not from Cincinnati, so I have no stake in the whole Gold Star - Skyline debate. As far as I'm concerned, chili shouldn't have cinnamon or cocoa powder in it. It's an abomination to do so. But, the people at Camp Washington do it right. And I can proudly say that I will eat this chili willingly and perfectly sober. It's as if Skyline is McDonalds, Gold Star is Burger King ... and Camp Washington is Five Guys. In other words, those in the know, really know what good Cincinnati-style chili is.
(5)andy r.
Dad likes a good 4-way. Mom prefers the 3-way with two cheese coneys on the side. Mine's a 5-way with extra oyster crackers and a good splash of Crystal. We're talking about the best chili in Cincinnati. What were you thinking? For the uninitiated, Cincinnati Chili is a Greek recipe that is slightly spicy, more sweet, and served over spaghetti. Here's the breakdown: 3 way=chili + spaghetti + finely shredded cheddar 4 way=3 way + onions 5 way=4 way + kidney beans That they're open 24 hrs. 6 days a week means you can always get you some when you're in the mood for chili love.
(5)Liz A.
you know what, maybe the stuff on the menu besides the chili is ok, i don't really know. but i know that the chili is pure hell. i heard from a bunch of people that this was the "best" chili in cincinnati, which could only have been true if it was opposite day. the chili tastes like nothing, the spaghetti is mushy and overcooked, and there is not enough cheese. gross.
(1)Ryan B.
Where to eat at 2 or 3am in Cincinnati with an empty stomach? This is the place. Big, cheap plates of Cincy favorites with great service and a stylish (when clean) atmosphere. I recommend the goetta, chili, fries, and desserts.
(4)Deann M.
I give Camp Washington 3.5 stars...but 3.5 stars on the late-night eating options scale not nice-dinner-out-for-special-scale. Why 3.5 stars? - It is open 24 hours! I can't even name 1 place in my hometown of SF that is open 24 hours and has decent food. - CHEAP! After you've spent way too much money on drinks in Mt. Adams, you dont want to spend your last dime on food you won't remember eating the next day. A 3-way (chili on spaghetti with cheese) + a sausage and eggs and toast meal = $7. Not bad, not bad! Think of it as 1 drink. Well worth the money to help you not feel the other 5 drinks the next morning. - It's CHILI! Chili on hot dogs, plain chili, chili on spaghetti. Be a Cincinnatian and eat it! While I prefer my chili on rice (yah, that's the asian coming out) the chili did have a unique flavor. I've heard that it is supposed to taste chocolately. In my boyfriend's words "let's just say that this is the first time I actually like chili." If you had rice, Camp Washington, you'd probably earn another .5 stars!
(3)Christoffer M.
You want chili. Not Skyline, chili. Real chili. But you're in Cincinnati. This is where you come. It has chili powder. It has large chunks of meat. It has cayenne. It has heat. It does not have the sweetness that is reserved for desserts in other cities. But you can still get it on noodles, smothered with cheese. And you can get goetta here, which justifies its label as a Cincinnati establishment. I actually recommend getting a bowl or cup of chili with a double decker sandwich, especially if you're looking to escape the Cincinnati 3-way (I really hope that isn't code for some deviant sexual act, though it sounds like it). Watch out for the lunch rush. It's open round the clock (except Sundays), so just avoid the noon hour and pick one of the other 23.
(4)Terry S.
This is my third review of a chili joint. Slightly ironic given that I'm vegetarian. I have to trust the meat eaters about the quality of Camp Washington Chili, because the first time I ate there was way after I went herbivore. What I can tell you is that it is fast, hearty and ridiculously cheap. There isn't that feeling that you're participating in local history, and with a name like Camp Washington I was slightly disappointed on that front. But it's the perfect lunch destination for a busy day.
(4)Bill P.
Visited from out of town and went there last fall and couldn't even get waited on.
(1)Rob T.
This place is awesome. Lots of old writeups on the wall, easy to get to, cool interior, fast service, oh yeah - their chili is way better than skyline.
(5)John R.
Great for breakfast, lunch dinner or whenever. Chili, burgers, and breakfast! Great diner atmosphere.
(4)Lewis R.
The Camp is a great chili parlor. If you're remembering the Camp Washington from many years ago then take another look. They completely tore down the old building and built a brand new wonderful location in its place. (Well actually slightly north to leave room for the expanded roads) Within the larger category of Cincinnati-style chili there are many variations. Camp Washington is spicier than Skyline and not as sweet. I like it just as much, and sometimes crave it even more. They also make great double-decker sandwiches and you can get breakfast any time of the day. Oh, and its cheap, too!
(5)Kevin B.
I always loved skyline chili, but after coming here I now were they they came from. Great dogs and chili
(5)TJ A.
I have always been a Skyline fanatic. Then my brother told me to give Camp Washington a try. We were greeted by the owner who has been working there every day for over 30 years. The chili was meaty and tasty and much "fresher" than what I've had at Skyline.
(5)David B.
Camp Washington Chili is my favorite chili parlor in Cincinnati. The Chili is much spicier and less sweet then Skyline or Goldstar. The hotdogs for the coney's here are grilled. The hot sauce here doesn't burn your mouth like Skyline's, they use Franks here. The chili here is also meatier then Skylines, though still runny compared to traditional chili. The surrounding neighborhood isn't too great but you're not going to run into any problems walking from your car in the parking lot into the restaurant. If you come here late at night you get an interesting mixed crowd, finding drunk college kids from Clifton, cops grabbing a quick meal, and even some prostitutes. It's opens midnight on Monday, and remains open until 4am Saturday. The prices are very cheap costing less then $5 for a meal on average not including a drink. And they have plenty of other options for you if you're not interested in chili. I just get the feeling at Camp Washington Chili the quality is much higher as well as the attention to detail compared to Goldstar or Skyline. If you're looking to try Cincinnnati Chili from a place other then Goldstar or Skyline check out Camp Washington Chili.
(5)Michael G.
Camp Washington shouldn't be your destination if you want to try Cincinnati Chili for the first time, there are plenty of better options out there. Camp Washington should be you destination, however, if it's late at night and your looking for some greasy food to eat. It's open 24 hours every day but Sunday. While you're there, try another one of Cincinnati's famed local foods, goetta.
(4)Grant A.
open 24 hours except on sunday. though the chili is pretty good, they have excellent deals on egg sandwiches and hash browns for all your late-night cravings.
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