Our recent pollto determine whichrestaurantsmake the best chili putRed Nun Bar & Grill, with locations in Dennis Port and Chatham, at the top of the pot.
The menu describes Red Nun’s hearty concoction as “Three Alarm Beef Chili.” The slow-cooked signature dish is traditionally topped with melted cheddar jack cheese and diced red onion, although you can order it straight-up.
A cup sells for $9; a bowl for $10, according to the Red Nun Bar & Grill’s online ordering site.
It’s a far cry from 1860-1910 or so whenThe Chili Queenssold fiery hot chili with a drink for 10 cents. Chili was popularized by Tejana women – Texans of Mexican-American heritage – who set up their food stalls in unlighted squares around San Antonio, especially around the Alamo. Bankers and busboys crowded side-by-side to buy the stew in scenes described by writers, including “The Red Badge of Courage” author Stephen Crane.
Here on Cape Cod, 2,000 miles and more than a century later, chili has lost the lore of its origins. But we can still tell you where you can find our readers’ chili favorites.
Red Nun Bar & Grill,673 Main St., Dennis Port, 508-394-2869 and Red Nun Chatham, 746 Main St., Chatham, 508-348-0469
Red Nun Bar & Grill, also known for its Nun Burgers, won 33% of the vote from those choosing their favorite chili in the Cape Cod Times online poll.
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The Squealing Pig Provincetown, 335 Commercial St., 508-487-5804
The Squealing Pig earned 15% of the vote for what it calls “Very Tasty Chili,” served with tortilla chips and sour cream for $14.99.
Quahog Republic Dive Bar, 97 Spring Bars Road, Falmouth, 508-540-4111
This dive bar’s chili also earned 15% of the vote. The uniquely Cape Cod chili includes chopped quahogs and is usually used for toppings on chili cheese fries or potato skins.
DJ's Family Sports Pub, 165 Yarmouth Road, Hyannis, 508-775-9464
DJ’s in Hyannis ― we didn’t see chili on the menu at the Falmouth location ― came in fourth with 13% of the vote. You choose your own level of heat: the House Made Chili is $7.99 for a cup and $9.99 for a bowl. Add $2 to those prices for the “Hurt-Me” Chili with jalapenos, hurt-me sauce and cheese.
Red River BBQ, 787 Route 28, Harwich Port, 508-430-0405
Coming in fifth was Red River BBQ, which is a smoky, rich, gluten-free chili listed simply as RRBBQ Chili $11.
Gwenn Friss is the editor of CapeWeek and covers entertainment, restaurants and the arts on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Contact her atgfriss@capecodonline.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times:Best chili on Cape Cod? Here are the top 5, according to readers.
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