Category: All

Well…wish I had better things to say about this place. I guess I should have just had a cheeseburger and a coke since they looked good. The beer selection of course was not great and at leas just have a Coors Lite or something similar on the menu. BTW – the buffalo wings were terrible.

The chili… for starters it came in a cardboard container, which is a first. Had the consistency of sloppy Joe meat and really not much for beans or anything else. I had it plain then added some cheese and sour cream, which was a mistake since it was a “seasoned sour cream”, like you would get to dip fries in. Not a good flavor for chili… It just had that overcooked, dried out flavor. Really no hint of any tomato to brighten it up some. The highlight, it did bring the heat. I would not recommend getting this as a side, just stick with the burgers and fries.

Overall Flavor – 5.5/10 (2/10 when adding sour cream)

Spice Level – 5/10

Heat Level – 7/10

IT Factor – 7/10 (oddity factor)

Value – 7/10 ($4.99 for a decent portion)

First trip to KC and took in the best BBQ I’ve ever had. If you make a trip here then try out one of the known spots. Q39 and Jack Stack were both awesome. The white chicken chili was only offered a few days so I had the “burnt end stew” instead. Yes, I know it isn’t chili but thought it was worth mentioning. Only way to describe it would be a mix of a great beef stew and solid BBQ. The burnt ends were amazing, tender and the smoked potatoes were excellent. My sandwich was top notch – pulled pork, smoke ham, bacon and provolone. Highly recommend! @jackstackbbq

Good to be back at one of my favorite places, JJ’S Clubhouse. I was curious if the chili had changed any since I was here last. I believe it is a little different. It has a noticeable less tomato flavor to it and not as much veg. Still a solid side or get a bowl for a meal. I always pair with a chef’s salad (which is different now). Cheese used to be melted a little more too. I’d always recommend getting it if you stop by. Could use a hair more chili powder and paprika.

Overall Flavor – 8/10

Spice Level – 7.4/10

Heat Level – 4/10

IT Factor – 5/10

Value – 6/10

Been to Rock Elm plenty of times and was surprised to see chili new on the menu. They have made a big shift too and added some golf sim hitting bays in a separate area.

I paired the chili with a turkey sandwich. It was titled 3 bean chili, which was a good description since it was pretty heavy on the beans. This was more on the cumin, earthy, fall flavors instead of tomato based. It was pretty simple…meat, bean and sparse veg. This was on the verge of being pretty solid if it has a little tomato flavor and less beans. Overall it was serviceable but nothing to write home about. And it was a little overpriced for a cup.

Overall Flavor – 5.1/10

Spice Level – 4.8/10

Heat Level – 3/10

IT Factor – 5/10 (the fall flavor is good)

Value – 2/10 ($6.25 cup/$9.25 bowl)

First time at R Social, which happened because the first choice was closed. What a pleasant surprise! This place was solid from top to bottom. When I see “beef brisket chili” as a separate menu item you know it is getting ordered regardless. Today it was my side with a Cuban sandwich. Interesting vessel which was a shallow crock. Not sure if it is to mask how much you get?? It seemed like there could have been more.
Excellent smoky meat flavor from the brisket, sauce was a top notch tomato-based version, not too many vegetables or beans…so very very good. The menu said peppers were in there and usually they overpower the flavor but I really couldn’t taste it. This is one that is knocking on the top 5. If it was a top ten…yes.

Overall Flavor – 8.9/10

Spice Level – 8/10

Heat Level – 7/10

IT Factor – 8/10

Value – 9/10 ($3.50 as my side)

Definitely try it!

Is this my 3rd rating of Pepper’s? I like the fact that it has been a little different each time, meaning they make it themselves. Do they tweak the recipe or not consistently measure ingredients? I noticed first that there was a little more noticeable onion, which was good. This is just a good overall solid chili. I paired it with the buffalo chicken sandwich this time. The only thing I’d change is getting the cheese on the side as it was a bit too much and when it tried to break through the cheese it spilled the chili over the side. I do like it melted though. Bottom line…you can’t go wrong with the chili, as a side or the bowl.
curious to see if it has changed the next time.

Overall taste – 7.8/10

Spice level – 6/10

Heat level – 4.4/10

IT Factor – 4/10

Value – 6/10 – didn’t the price as the side but the big bowl is only $6.95

I like to think of this one as “really good potential”. First off, the place is busy with college kids all over as it is on campus. Decent menu and drinks. The chili just had a good overall base flavor but just lacked some oomph. All it needed was some smoked paprika, more chili powder and maybe some other various spices to move the needle. As you can imagine there wasn’t much heat at all. It had my favorite base profile of “a little on the tomato side”, nice amount of meat, great sauce thickness. …and the temp could have been hotter!

Overall Flavor – 5.9/10

Spice Level – 3.8/10

Heat Level – 1.8/10

IT Factor – 4/10 – actually a nice presentation

Value – 1/10 – $8 for a cup??

You are close…spend some money on spices and lower the cost!

Young, home cook Jeff wanted to show what he can do in the kitchen with an old family tradition of Christmas chili. Sorry to say, but this entry is going to have to settle for a lower rung on the prestigious family hierarchy of chili. Something was just off with the meat. Not sure if it was in the crock too long as it really broke down to a consistency like you would find in a chili dog restaurant. The flavor of the meat was not great either. The cook also lacked in any other flavor and spice unfortunately, hence the jug of chili powder and others by the crock to add yourself. Was he nervous for the big guest list attending and just had an off day? Will have to give him another shot down the road with an upcoming chili cook off in the works. On the plus side there wasn’t a lot of bean/veg.

Overall Flavor – 1.1/10

Spice Level – 2/10

Heat Level – 1.6/10

IT Factor – 3/10

Value – 10/10

Nice holiday pop in to a recently renovated VFW in the heart of Prior Lake, MN. As you know, if chili has its own area under the soup section, it is a must order. Very happy to report that this delivered in all areas. Great flavor, heat and value. This was your classic tomato base with a nice amount of meat, not too much bean/veg and great spice combo. Didn’t ask if I wanted any cheese or sour cream so maybe this is standard. It did just fine without any extras. This is definitely a must when you stop in.

Overall Flavor – 8.9/10

Spice Level – 8.3/10

Heat Level – 7/10

IT Factor – 8/10 (loved the mini spoon!)

Value – 8/10

Always love to try other home chef’s chili, as there are always surprises and things you want to steal for yourself. At first glance it passed the eye and smell test. It had the right consistency…not too thick or runny. It has a nice deep color and a real good mix of meat, beans and veggies. I was a little worried that the amount of peppers I saw might overtake the flavor but it just added a nice flavor. I’ll have to do some recon to see what she used for spices as it was very well balanced. What I really liked is that it had a nice kick to it. Overall it was really good so send some more over any time!!

Overall Flavor – 8.2/10

Spice level – 7.8/10

Heat level – 8.5/10

IT Factor – 8/10 (finally found the right mix of peppers that work)

Value – 10/10 (can’t beat free!)