Taste: In Search of ... Chili

Forget the vegetarian and white-chicken kinds. We’re talking manly, stick-to-your-ribs stuff, perfect with a beer in the dead of winter. Here are a few winning versions.

By Victor Fiorillo

: Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg

On Fire
Firefighter-owned, firefighter-themed SmokeEaters Pub has (natch) an award-winning smoldering, slightly sweet sausage-and-bean chili. Though the beer lineup’s impressive, they recommend a Miller High Life with the chili. Hey, it is Mayfair.
7681 Frankford Avenue, 215-338-4188, smokeeaterspub.com.

He’s Got Game
Bridgewater’s chef Michael Zulli loves game, and it shows in his black bear kebabs, boar stews and game chili. Kangaroo, elk and caribou combine with cocoa powder and chipotle peppers to create something between a mean Texas chili and a mole.
30th Street Station, 215-352-5014, bridgewaterspub.com.

Dressed Up
One of our favorite no-pretenses bars in Northern Liberties offers a $9 chili — which seems like a lot for a no-pretenses bar. But The Abbaye uses short ribs and pork shoulder braised in veal stock, San Marzano tomatoes, cinnamon, cumin and pumpkin seeds. We’d say it’s a delicious bargain.
637 North 3rd Street, 215-627-6711.

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, January 2008

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User comments

Love SmokeEaters!: Jan. 5, 2008 at 8:59 PM; Posted by Terry Berry; Can't believe a place in the neighborhood made Philly Mag! They deserve it though! The place looks great - totally remodeled from old owner. Good beer also brings hot firefighters. Wings are good too!

he's got game...on two playing fields now.: Apr. 8, 2008 at 2:48 PM; Posted by Joe Spiller; I don't need to take a train to play in the game. From Bridgewater’s Pub, the city’s best kept secret…Chef Michael Zulli, has joined in the much anticipated South Philly Tap Room expansion, the namesake burger Chef Zulli created for the new venture - SPTR Beer Burger; beer cheese, beer braised onions...perfection.

Dining, Food & Wine