Camp Washington Chili, Chili restaurant in Camp Washington, Cincinnati, US
Camp Washington Chili is a diner in the Camp Washington neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, known for serving Cincinnati-style chili over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheddar, onions, and kidney beans. The restaurant operates around the clock and sits in a freestanding corner building that has become a familiar landmark in the area.
The restaurant opened in 1940 and was one of the first places in the city to serve this style of chili. The original building was torn down as part of urban redevelopment, and the restaurant relocated to its current corner site, where it has operated ever since.
The Cincinnati chili served here comes layered over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar, a combination that locals order by number, from a "two-way" to a "five-way" depending on the toppings chosen. First-time visitors often need a moment to learn this ordering system, which is a small ritual that regulars know by heart.
The diner is open around the clock, so it can be visited at any hour, including late at night or early in the morning. Seating is simple and the service moves quickly, so most visits are short and relaxed.
A blues musician wrote a song that mentions this diner by name, which is a rare thing for a simple neighborhood restaurant. The diner has also received the James Beard Foundation's America's Classic Award, given to restaurants that have been part of their community for generations.
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