Best Chili Dishes In Baltimore

When the weather outside is frightful, there is nothing more delightful than a heaping bowl of hot chili to warm you from the inside out. Bars, restaurants and even cafes in Baltimore can be found serving up chili, from the traditional hearty bean and meat to the contemporary vegan and organic recipes. But no matter how it is served, chili remains a rare breed of food that can complement a variety of foods or stand alone for the perfect meal. So spoons up, bibs on and belts loosened, it's chili eating time!

Duda's Tavern
1600 Thames St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(410) 276-9719
www.dudastavern.com

Proudly serving a famous homemade chili bake in historic Fells Point, Duda's Tavern is a must-stop place for drinks and to heat things up. Each serving comes with a mouthwatering scoop of melted cheddar cheese and onions – enough said. But then to top off the taste, homemade seasoned croutons give the chili bake an addictive crunch at the beginning that makes you realize you can't eat it up fast enough. Also available on the menu is chili soup served in a crock, chili cheese fries and the "Ravens Maniac" burger topped with, you guessed it, chili. Although chili can be treated like a meal, for those who view chili as a side dish, don't hesitate to order up the bar's crab cakes, voted a Baltimore favorite, and crab martini – a drink that only Marylanders could truly appreciate.

Pickles Pub Baltimore
520 Washington Blvd.
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 752-1784
www.picklespub.com

Celebrating its 25th anniversary and its reputation as the #1 place for sports fanatics to enjoy local craft beers and great food, Pickles Pub has quite a few chili options to keep you coming back for more. At the top of the list and widely acclaimed is the pub's chili cheese fries topped with "Earl's Chili," which can also be served up in a soup bowl all on its own. Nachos can also come loaded with chili in addition to a mound of onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers and more atop a bed of white tortilla chips. Then there's every baseball fan's favorite dog, a "Nathan's Hot Dog," that can be smothered in chili and cheese with chips on the side for practically a three-course meal. If you can imagine any other food topped with chili, this pub can make it happen, making Pickles a chili tribute on the Baltimore food route.

One World Cafe
100 W. University Parkway
Baltimore, Md. 21210
(410) 235-5777
www.facebook.com/One-World-Cafe

A scrumptious vegetarian and vegan chili does exist and it's at One World Cafe. The cafe's famous chili is a hearty combination of organic brown rice, protein-packed beans, healthy vegetables and fresh herbs and spices. Made from scratch every day, this flavorful chili is always made using local produce as available, so you can feel good in more ways than one. However, be sure to visit Monday through Saturdays to enjoy a piping hot bowl as no soup is served on Sundays.

Related: Best Vegetarian Burgers In Baltimore

Soup's On!
11 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, Md. 21201
(410) 528-1003
www.soupsonbalto.com

A variety of hot soups offered at every size to fill your appetite – cup, bowl or pint – Soup's On! is one of Baltimore's best known spots to get heart-warming Mexican chili. This chili recipe makes the cut as both a vegan and organic soup, so everyone can try a spoonful. Also, although you can always request additional heat, the chili is tastebud friendly for those who prefer the mild side of spice. Served up with pinto beans and fresh corn, among other secret but equally tasty ingredients, there's no reason not to try it on the side of a sandwich or salad and every reason to make a pit stop for this restaurant's chili on your next lunch break.

Dangerously Delicious Pies
2839 O'Donnell St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
(410) 522-7437
www.dangerouspiesbalt.com

Chili comes in many forms, and according to Dangerously Delicious Pies, it should also come packed into one amazing pie. Topping the savory pie list are a steak chili and vegan chili pie that are guaranteed to change the way you think, and perhaps even feel, about chili. The steak chili pie is filled with everything you'd expect – steak, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions – but the mix of spices is a tasty surprise. Then, taking a different approach, the vegan chili is packed with brown rice, a robust tomato filling and a medley of roasted vegetables to delight the senses. Try one or try both, either way you'll be left with an empty plate after appreciating this yummy yet nontraditional approach to a classic dish.

Related: Best Apple Pie In Baltimore

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her online at Examiner.com