Came for late night snack and I will say, it wasn't HORRIBLE but we agreed that it's something that would definitely be so good when you're inebriated for sure. The chili actually freaked me out, the color????? Never seen chili that looked like that. It wasn't entirely bad but again, I knew I would have loved it after the bars more. The workers are really great, definitely appreciated that. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Real chili, real not good! They used to be good. I hope they do something about their chili. I'm not sure if the owner is still the same one. The chili meat is so dry, and it's over price. I hope they can improve it because this spot holds many people's memories. read more

See all

The chili is outstanding! It was soo tasty and a big helping! I don't know how anyone can eat two servings. One is plenty. The server was soooooo nice, helpful, forthcoming and above and beyond. He really created a friendly space for all guests. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because the place is in need of some Heavy cleaning! Especially the dust and rust on the ceiling hanging above the food. read more

After 46 years of eating at Real Chili I think this was the last time. The gross inconsistency is just too much, one time there isn't enough meat, the next time it's dry and then this time it was literally swimming in grease. We all drained out about a 1/4 cup from each bowl. The mild Marquettes were very hot and the medium one was indistinguishable from the mild. Add to that the very surly wait person this time who started off with an unsmiling and unfriendly "what do you want" and I'm struggling to find another reason to spend $14 on a Bowl of Mystery anymore. It's too bad , that has been my go-to place for four decades but I think this is the end. read more

Had a great time Katrina was very nice to us and gave us some extra chili and crackers and a free cookie would definitely recommend as we go here a lot! It always has that special vintage feel to it Which really gives it nice ambiance! read more

I stopped by for lunch. I didn't have the chili, but I did order a turkey and cheese sub comes with chips, drinks extra. Spent about $10. Overall a decent value. Place has a lot of seating. You order at the counter. Server was friendly. Atmosphere laid back. I'll try the chili next time. read more

W.O.R.S.T. chili EVER! (Hard stop) I swear it was two weeks old and left to simmer until it was just this side of dust! What a terrible thing to do to really great Chicago Vienna Hot Dogs! DISGUSTING! I've lived in this neighborhood for years, walked past the place innumerous times but never stopped in. Today, my birthday, it was chilly, misty rain, so I figured: Great Chili weather! Stopped in, ordered two chili dogs, one for me, one for my adult son. Took them home, only a block and a half walk away. Opened it up and worried. It was so dark that it was nearly black. So dry it literally crumbed off the dog. So, I figured; "Ok, maybe if I just add some shredded cheese that'll be better, right?" I thought to myself. Settled in and took a bite. The lovely "snap" of the Vienna beef dog on a classic Rosen's poppy seed bun...utterly ruined by this dry, angry, overcooked crust that was supposed to resemble chili. Yeah, no. I had to scrape off the crust and just added mustard to my lovely Vienna beef dog. The chili, however was a crime! Oh! And the reason I didn't add toppings at the shop? A DOLLAR EACH! $1 for Onions, $1 for Cheese, $1 for Sour Cream (not sure why anyone would put sour cream on a hot dog...but after that experience maybe). I cannot fathom anyone actually "enjoying" that crap! Bad enough a simple hot dog, bun and a couple tablespoons of dusty crust is $5.50! read more

Food always tastes good even though it's pretty salty. The service can be hit or miss depending on who is working. The general overall feel is that of a dated diner but it is what it is. read more

HOW have I not been here before?! I'm FROM Milwaukee, I lived there until my late 20s. NO matter, I went there last week, and now I know. The chili is GREAT. Looks like a diner, the chili gets dished up right away with your choice of toppings - sorta like Cincinnati chili, but I LOVED it. We also had a Chicago dog, and since we live in Chicago - I can give them props. It was LEGIT. Coupla beers, and we're out the door. Super reasonable price for a late night nosh. read more

This place has been around forever! My dad used to take us here when we were kids & hanging out downtown, now my husband & I stop by whenever we're visiting Milwaukee! You're not going into a luxurious restaurant & it's not updated in the decoration/cosmetic department, but you're here for the food. It's a very laid back place with very casual & kind service. The menu isn't big but what can you expect? It's a place for Chili! I knocked down a star because, I'm guessing due to inflation, the prices are getting a little high. I think I paid $12 for a small bowl of chili & some cheese last weekend. Otherwise, this place is worth stopping by! It may not look like anything special in the bowl, but the flavor will surprise you. There are two locations; this is the bigger & arguably better one. Fun fact; my parents used to have a restaurant (before I was even on this planet) & won second place for Milwaukee's Best Chili...they were beat out by Real Chili! I love my mom's chili but this place definitely deserves to be #1. read more

Friendly place, chili as expected. College area, so very informal ambiance. Prices way too high. Ground beef and spaghetti noodles. As close as you can get to the original Chili John's in Green Bay. read more

Went to this place a few months ago, doubting much has changed since. I thought was odd that the chili looked black. First thoughts were that it was sitting on the burner on all day long or overnight. Ended up ordering the chili dog and it was completely meh. Actually it was the worst chili I've ever had. Employee at the counter was a pretty slow at figuring things out. I had to repeat myself a few times. I think its obvious, I won't be back. A tourist trap known on tv shows that's not worth it. read more

The best late night noms in this area. Every time I'm here it's rather not busy and the service is v chill and good. If you ever need to pop in and grab a noms and use the restroom I'd recommend. The best part is the inside is V retro and has historic ties to its past. V cute dinner from the past with v cute tables. I think my Fav would be a Chili dog with extra chili on the side and a water cup. #gotolayenightnoms read more

Real chili, huh? Well, as I was strolling along Wells I decided to check this place out since I was in need for a snack. This was the perfect place. They had quite a selection of hot dogs and of course, chili-related dishes. I went ahead and got the Chili Dog, which was made right in front of me. Sat at the bar, and enjoyed my dog. However, I noticed the chili tasted very weird at first. The workers said that they don't put beans on their chili dogs. Questionable, but hey that's something different. They put the onions on the bottom, not on top, so you're gonna be wondering "Hey, why can't I taste the onions?!". But it was great overall. The workers were very friendly and even named off some cool places to visit while in the city. Would love to check out their noodles dishes next time in Milwaukee! read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Chili cheese dog with onions hidden - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The greatest bowl of chili in the world- no exaggeration. A must have place every time I am in Miwaukee read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Hot with spaghetti and beans - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I started writing this review years ago when I was in college and for some reason never finished it. When back yesterday because I was in the area and decided to stop here. Terrible choice. My original review was 4 stars and it is now updated to 2. This Milwaukee Institution has died. Nothing has changed here as far as the ambience which I guess gives it nostalgia but the chili has declined drastically - it's now a bowl of oily, salty slop and the hot has no heat. And the prices are insane. $15 for an eat in 1 1/2 portion of hot. Portion sizes got smaller too. Noodles overcooked, beans undercooked. Want that to go? Tack on a few more dollars. Need toppings? $1 a piece. $1 for 1 1/2 tablespoons of sour cream Or a bullet ramekin of some chopped onions. Bring back the original recipe and quality. Heck even consider shutting down and just selling frozen portions to Sendicks or something like Chili John's in Green Bay did read more

Real deal chili - their "medium" had just the right amount of spice for me. Friendly staff, clean seating area, and fair prices. If you're in MKE and need chili -this is the place! read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Chili - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This was recommended to us when traveling. Not for me. So greasy. Overpriced for a small cup. Chili was almost black. The best thing I had there was the oyster crackers and the service. I had to go back and order a plan hotdog. The hotdog was undercooked and chewy. I had to get food at another spot afterwards. I'm not sure what it was but our whole group was in pain after this. There wasn't enough pepsid in the world to stop it. read more

This place is the real deal! A Milwaukee native recommended I stop in this place for a bowl of chili and I'm so glad I did! Real Chili is a hole in the wall goldmine. You walk up to the counter to order or you can sit at the chili bar. We chose to sit at the chili bar and we're immediately greeted with bowl of oyster crackers. The staff was extremely friendly and quick. I ordered the Marquette Chili all the way. What I got was a layer of spaghetti, beans, hot chili and cheese with sides of sour cream, onions and jalapeños. This was the best chili I have ever eaten at a restaurant. An hour later and my mouth is still salivating over the deliciousness. The hot chili had the perfect kick but wasn't over the top hot. You can order a second helping for only $3! I thought for sure I'd need a second bowl of chili until I got about halfway through the first bowl. It was filling, delicious and warmed my soul. I'm coming back to real chili every time I visit Milwaukee! read more

See all

As much as I love Real Chili's food (I've been a long time customer), we had a terrible experience with one of the employees at the Cathedral Square location. I think he took pleasure in providing a bad customer service experience. Bad attitude, harsh demeanor, all to the point where our group got up and left moments after he came over to "serve us" (basically tell us to leave). A real shame as we have been long term fans of the restaurant and we're taking our friends there when visiting Milwaukee. read more

My first visit to a Real Chili in over 20 years was just like I remembered- service was nonchalant, and chili with all the fixins was on point. Stopped in here for lunch, and I think it's the first time I've ever had Real Chili that wasn't after a night of college drinking at Marquette (way back when). I got the 1 1/2 portion, medium spicy, with noodles, beans, onions, cheese, sour cream. It was really good! A little greasy at the bottom. The work crowd was in force during lunch, and it seemed like they have regulars, as the guy in front of me just had to say "the usual", no questions asked. Real Chili. Real Milwaukee. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This place had excellent food, and service was great. As well as great vibes. Also great background music. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - My finished food - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Super friendly staff and a low key atmosphere for a quick and easy bite. I had a Chicago dog and a Chili Dog - both were good however the Chili Dog only had meat on it that was a little dry, maybe just an off day or maybe that's how it's served. Anyways the chili with all the beans and other stuff mixed looked really good so I'll try that next time. read more

Real Chili is the real deal. A Milwaukee institution that likely hasn't changed much since my grandfather used to go. A classic, diner-style chili with lots of meat. Tip: skip the noodles unless you want spaghetti with meat sauce. Do add onions, jalapeños, cheese, and oyster crackers. I like it hot, and RC's "hot" brings the heat. Will warm you up and weigh you down like chili should. Less than zero frills. Perfect on a colder-than-cold day. Fun with a friend or just sit at the counter by yourself and enjoy one of the simpler things in life. read more

Some locals recommended to me when I was in town for work. It's worth the stop if you're in the area! Cute inside, nice diner feel. The service is quick and no frills, nothing wrong with that! I got the chili spaghetti and a coney. Both were good! Heads up, it's greasy. My plastic spoon had that weird orange glow, but I wasn't eating that meal to be healthy. Worth stopping in, and the take out is easy and the food doesn't get weird on your way home. It's not the cheapest but you do get the appropriate portion size for the money, that coney was hefty. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Spaghetti and chili with hot sauce and cheese - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

My boyfriend brought me here since it was his usual place when he used to work for Sheriff's office. And when he asked me where I wanted to eat, I told him to take me to a local place. I honestly liked the food.which I wasn't expecting that it would be so good. Good thing I picked the mild because I don't know how much spicy the others can be. I am for sure going back at this place. What's nice about it too is that the person who works in this location knows his regulars. He knows their name and what they always order. It's not often that someone can remember you. But this place sure will. read more

This is a classic Milwaukee restaurant for which residents and visitors need to visit at least once. There chili is like no other and it answers the age old question... Should noodles be put in with chili... And the answer is yes. We also had their sub sandwiches which were delicious. You will love this place. read more

It has been more than a few years since I last ate at RC on a visit to Milwaukee. This was a college standard esp post bar time in the day. For lunch I ordered the Marquette special - med chili, beans and spaghetti with cheese. It was pretty darn good but I think I now would give a nod to Skyline Chili in Ohio as my favorite chili joints though those locations lack character. I love the simple ambience of the counter with the various crucibles of additional spices you can add to zip up your meal. There are a number of things you can add to your chili for a price such as onions and Jalapenos or get a chili dog. Most medium bowls are around $6. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Bill for 3 bowls - $23.34 - glad they can read it! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Just happened to walk by it and popped in and was definitely worth it. Great chili dog. Chilli has huge kick to it on a soft sesame roll. Thankfully I don't live around this place I'd be in it everyday. read more

It's real. It's chili. It's real chili. And let's be totally honest, what says more about the middle of July than a steaming hot spicy bowl of chili? So I wandered over to here for lunch one day. I was impressed. There's no waiting, really. The chili is already prepared, all they have to do is put it in the bowl with your order. So within 60 seconds of asking for a medium with cheese and sour cream, there it was in front of me. Good stuff. If it was winter, I'd probably be here nearly every day. And since it was meaty and beany (is that a word?), I got to enjoy chili burps all afternoon. How awesome is that? And way less than $10 for a big bowl of food. Yum. Tip: Do not wear white. Or any solid colored shirt. Chili stains are a beyotch to remove! read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Front of Real Chili - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

The service was good but the Chili was not. I was actually shocked how bad it was considering that is what they are known for. It was salty almost to the point of being inedible. read more

Amazing service from Victoria and Santana they made our night out! The service was speedy, food was hot, and they went above and beyond to provide a great experience. read more

I may be bias because I go to Marquette, but this is some of the best chili I have every had (& I have had a lot of chili in my lifetime thus far). Starting with the overall atmosphere, the horse shoe shaped counter gives you a view of everyone in the restaurant which is hilarious at 2 am in the morning. If you are like me, you get the Marquette special. Beans, chili, noodles, jalapeños, sour cream, onions and cheese. So basically, everything. But it is so good. I enjoy it even when it's not a late night stop. It is a Marquette legend in itself. I am a loyal customer and that is why Real Chili gets a 5/5. read more

See all

If you love chili you'll love this place! Chili, over beans, chili over spaghetti, or both. Available in three spice levels. Discounted refills offered. Someone here said their chilli looked greasy, but I believe that this was hot (spicy) oil which I thought made it delicious. No-frills retro lunch counter greasy spoon environment. Good for a quick stop. read more

See all

A little on a the pricey side but it was some damn good chili. I ordered the spicy chili with cheese. I rarely order chili on it's own in a bowl. I can regretfully say I should have ordered a chili cheese dog since I'm a big sucker for those. Maybe next time. Ive never had chili with spaghetti. Might have to try that the next time I'm in Milwaukee. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Spicy chili - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

OMG the best chili you'll EVER have! I live in Arizona and crave this on a regular basis. Any chance you'll ship to Arizona? I'd gladly pay to have this shipped to me in a heart beat! Absolutely the BEST CHILI ever! read more

Real Chili, you were there are for me when I needed you most at 12:00AM and 12:00PM. So it only makes sense that I would be here for you- of course, five stars. Fast and familiar! The menu is self-explanatory. So filling. So quick. So yum. Love, Your faithful customer -Spaghetti beans medium onions sc read more

On the 8th day, God created Real Chili. Seriously, this little dive is fantastic. The atmosphere is ridiculous and the chili is legendary. If you're in Milwaukee, check it out. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

I have lived here almost my whole life, and had not been to this Milwaukee institution until now. The place feels very old school. The classic counter and stool service fits the place perfectly. There are old photos on the wall showing the history of the place. We sit down and order one mild and one medium chili, with both beans and noodles and sides of cheese, onions and sour cream. This is not your ordinary restaurant chili, You need to have the noodles and beans for this dish. They start with layering the cooked spaghetti noodles, then the spiced beans, and last small scoop or two of the chili. This is a very spicy beef mixture that needs the beans and noodles to to share the spotlight with it. My husband had the mild chili, which was good, but not enough spice for my taste. I ordered the medium, which was flavorful, but not very hot. Next time I will he trying the hot. The chili was great and would be perfect on a cold day or after night of drinking. We also did appreciate the optional second helping for half price. What can I say other than that Real Chili is a classic and I am sorry it took me so long to find my way the first time, but we will be back. read more

Real Chili Restaurant - Hot Dogs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Is this the best chili in the world? Or in Milwaukee? I can't say for sure but I can say that I love me some Real Chili! I've been eating here since my MU days and although it has probably taken years off my life, it hits the spot on a cold day. There's nothing finer than a big bowl of the Marquette special and some of the best people watching anywhere- all for less than $10. If you are really gluttonous (and sometimes I am) the second helping is a great deal. My husband has been known to go for a THIRD helping but I really cannot recommend that for anyone. For obvious reasons. read more