4 popular spots in Missouri to grab some bowls of chili as temperatures start to shift

Photo byTaylor KiseronUnsplash

Who doesn't love chili when the temperatures start to drift downward? It doesn't even have to be super spicy as long as it's warm and good and it doesn't have to be in the middle of winter to start craving it.

I remember when my dad used to make a big pot of chili and he made enough to where some would be put in the freezer for later. It was so good. Chili is like the perfect comfort food once the temperature starts to drop, especially when you have to start raking up the leaves.

You have the flavors of cumin and chili powder that help lift your body temperature. The beans, meat, and any vegetables included like green pepper make it a meal of nutrients. There's just something about a steaming bowl of chili that brings on the comfort.

Here are four venues with high ratings that serve chili in Missouri according to Tripadvisor or Yelp if you want to venture out on a chilly day.

BRGR Kitchen & Bar in Kansas City

Photo byBRGR Kitchen + Bar via Facebook.

BRGR Kitchen + Bar is located in a classy building in the Power & Light District at 11 East 14th Street in Kansas City, Missouri. There's also a location in Prairie Village, Kansas. BRGR Kitchen is holding its Octoberfest BRGR event which lasts through October 31.

BRGR Kitchen + Bar was established in 2013. Chili fondue is on the snack portion of the menu. The Texas Chili includes ground beef, ale, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. served with grilled jalapeño cornbread. The chili dog is also served with Texas steak chili. Visit the full menu here.

Bartender was amazing---we sat at the bar & I'm upset I didn't remember his name. He did recommend the tequila I pictured. He was so friendly---gave us his recommendations for the restaurant (chili was amazing & so were the wings). He also gave us tips for other places to visit in Kansas City. (Source.)

Fitz's South County in St. Louis

Photo byFitz's South County via Facebook.

Fitz's South County is located at 5244 South Lindbergh Boulevard in St. Louis. There's also a location at the Delmar Loop which is the original location that opened in 1993. The South County location opened in 2019.

Fitz's has its own root beer made from a recipe going back to 1947. Fitz's housemade chili includes fresh ground beef, onions, chopped tomatoes, red beans, and spices, and it's topped with red onion and shredded Colby jack cheese with oyster crackers on the side.

Fitz's has a 4.5 rating out of over 1k reviews on Tripadvisor. Visit here for hours, menu, and more restaurant information.

Casper's in Springfield (since 1909)

Photo byCasper's via Facebook.

Well, Casper's needs to be included because it was established in 1909. It refers to itself as "Missouri's oldest greasy spoon diner famous for their chili." It's been serving steakburgers and chili for over a century. Amazing.

Casper's is located at 937 South Glenstone Avenue in Springfield. One Yelp reviewer said the chili wasn't the same as before because it had more spice, but thought it was perfect for her because that's how she likes it.

Another reviewer writes, "Haven't been here in years. Best burger in Springfield, chili is still the only one I can eat. I highly recommend it."

This diner was founded by Casper Lederer and has been part of Springfield's landscape for a very long time. Visit the full menu here.

Carl's Drive-in - Brentwood

Photo byClaire W. via Yelp.

Carl's Drive-in is located at 9033 Manchester Road in Brentwood, a suburb of St. Louis. Carl's is in its 65th year. This eatery has some interesting history.

Carl's has been around since 1959 and the building which was originally a service station goes back to 1918. Visit here for the history timeline.

The food is all made to order and comes right off the grill and fryers - fresh and hot! They also have wonderful milkshakes, chili, and frito pies among other things. The servers are efficient and friendly, but they know they need to turn seats quickly and are not afraid to ask you to give your seat if others are waiting and you are just lingering. Overall this STL staple is a must try! (Source.)

Chili comes in different options at Carl's. The menu includes the foot-long chili dog, chili, chili-3-ways, and tamale and chili. In 2022, Carl's was noted as having the best chili in Missouri according to Eat This, Not That!

To be fair, like any venue, you either like the chili or you don't. The downside to Carl's is that it's a cash-only diner, but they have an ATM inside. It's been a popular place that doesn't have a lot of seating, so you need to be patient.

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