Bishop's Chili

Not what I expected since the signs make it seem like it's a chili parlor, not a bar that serves chili. The service was friendly and prompt, and the chili wasn't bad but 50 cents for onions is too much. Oyster crackers ( a generous bowl full) are complimentary, though.

I haven't had Bishops chili in years and iI was really looking forward to it I must say it tasted absolutely nothing like the original Bishops Chili. It was very greasy and tasted burnt. I asked for beanless chili and was told that was not an option. Sadly I won't be going back.

Not what it used to be. I've been going to Bishops since the 90s. So disappointed. Order given in person and messed up in almost every way possible. Chili is thin and watery like soup. The predominant taste is vinegar followed by bad meat taste. One spoonful and I threw it out. Done with this dump.

A nice place where you grab eats. drinks and alcohol. Bishop's Chili have slot machines, modern wall juke box. They take cash only. Free parking.

Awesome old school bar with the best chili in this area! This has been my 'go to' chili during fall and winter, for the last 15 years-love it! You can only pay with cash here, but they have an atm.

Lights-out the best chili in Chicagoland. The accompanying basket of chili additives helps make this great chili next-level. The tavern itself is a neat place! Great service from Richard!

I didn’t know places like this still existed. Fantastically good chili (I added sour cream and cheese), simple but good beer menu and brats/sausages. Old school bar and local clientele. Definitely worth checking out. Leave you pretensions at the door.

This is awesome chili in a small, no-frills bar. My one and only complaint is that they only give you one small paper napkin....for chili 😆 This is the case every time I've gone. There's no Napkins out somewhere where you can go grab yourself some more. You'd have to ask. Again, it's CHILI ... people are gonna need Napkins. The Chili is fabulous, though !! ♡

Always friendly service. Always cold beer. Always leave with chili (unless you are eating here). This is arguably the best smelling dive bar in the world.

Must try. Friendly service, cozy, clean, no frills, reasonable prices and most importantly the chili is deeelish. Extra points for the selection of homemade hot sauces to add to your chili. Polish sausage and tamales also tasty. Menu is simple but adequate and fitting for this local staple.

Great selection of items with chili and don't forget to try the hot sauces and the draft root beer!

I've been there a few times for chili and beers - and also take-out chili. The chili is good. Used to go to the original on 18th st in the city. When I'm in the Westmont area, this place is on my list. Don't expect a 5 star restaurant, it's a bar with good chili. A good place to chill!

I walked in to order 3 quarts of chili. The owner gave me a hard time because I did not pre-order. She was impatient and not very hospitable. She seemed annoyed that I even giving her some business. The chili was more like soup. Not sure I would go back again. Left with a bad taste. Not a positive experience.

First time here. Went to the original location as a kid. The chili and cheese/ jalapeño brat was excellent. They only have chili and a few sandwiches. Yet, the reason was chili.

Exactly what we expected. Great servers, great location, great Chili! Highly recommend!

Nice atmosphere and staff. But honestly the worst chili i've ever had. It tasted stale with no flavor. A descent place for a drink but don't expect their only food item to be any good.

This is truly, unequivocally the worst famous chili I've ever had. Where are they famous? This chili, if you call it that is tasteless and way to expensive for. The lady is rude when you don't take any of that famous rubbish home. This old hag needs to learn how to add. She charged me 5.65 for a ice tea and tax on a 10.99 meal that was. Not clear how they calculate. Bratwurst was grey and nasty looking. No flavor or famous anything at this place other than a stinky smelly bar. Whatever you do don't ask for chili sauce!! That lady is mean no smiles, no greeting no famous!!

ok food, i have had better chili, i think all food i a matter of taste. it's fine and it works for me in a pinch

The last time I had Bishops chili I was but a tot sitting next to my dad. That was 1966. I told the waitress I had made a special trip 53 years later and she literally yawned. But the chili was good.

Truly disappointing. This was THE WORST chili I've ever had. If indeed this place was ever famous for their chili, then they must have lost the recipe! Save yourself the money and go to Wendy's drive thru for a better chili! Now let's talk about the place... Dirty old bar filled with slot machines. Just don't. Unless you like that kinda place.

I didn't enjoy my visit today. The coney dog fell apart with the first bite and I had to finish it with a spoon they gave me. I got a glass full of ice with maybe 8 oz of root beer in a 20 oz glass. I don't feel the need to return. $9.46 for a coney and a root beer?

OK - a classic old school place that begs me to give it five stars just because places like these are fading fast, but still have a bunch of charm and often some special food or offerings not to be found elsewhere. It says "Chili" in the name - so there's the specialty, the reason to yearn to be there. Not. I went in on quite a crummy cold weather day - one that makes one beckon for a bowl of chili - good comfort food day. The bartender server was nice and helpful - would have included her name here as I'll do that when the service is a positive experience. One type, one size of chili with a few topping options. So I order a bowl and add onions and cheese to it. I'm looking at the menu (half blind because I've left my reading glasses in the car and don't care to go back to it in the middle of the cold driving rain). Looks like there might be burritos, but it's mostly hot dogs or tamales along with a bowl of chili. So I add a tamale to my chili order. The tamale comes out - it's nothing special - one of those steamed Supreme type tamales. But that's OK, because if the chili is awesome, the tamale is just there to augment the good stuff. Now for the chili... eh. Hate to say it, but it might as well have been canned (I'm sure it wasn't - but I've had canned chili that would stand up to it). What's so famous about it? It's sitting in a bay-marie at the end of the bar - it's warm temperature wise, but can't find the goodness. I see in some of the reviews there's talk of "spiciness" - I'm not into super hot food, but this chili wasn't spicy at all. There were different sauces that could be added and give the chili some punch, but for me - the dish needs to stand on its own - and it didn't. The best part of the meal was the draft root beer - that is a nice touch. I truly wish this was a four or five star place - stops like this are few and far between. If it wasn't a classic place with good service, Bishop's would be two stars - food falls short of expectations. Cash only.

I am giving this place three stars, with one of the stars for old times sake. I had fond memories of getting a bowl of Bishops Chili in my younger years, when they were at 18th and Damen. Now they are in Westmont, and still serve the same recipe chili as they did way back when. I guess i don't remember the chili being average, but it is now. Not worth going out of your way to try.

Old school chili parlor - 95 years in business and run by the 4th generation now. Solid chili, reasonable prices, very friendly and great service. Besides chili they offer tamales, brats, dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Simple food, but good on a rainy fall day.

Well...ive gone to Bishops Chilli for years. Decades. I had a bowl today!!! Just as delicious as always. We'll be back each time we're near. Live a few blocks from Indiana. Always worth the trip!

This place used to be great with great chili ! Now the chili is watered down with no meat and no flavor ! The woman behind the bar was extremely rude to us especially my 93 year old mother ! She set the food out of reach when it was ready and did not serve it ! I never wrote a review before but felt I had to ! I used to recommend this place but now I never will and will never go back here ! I was never treated worse in my life ! One star for the video games and location !

The best chili I ever had sorry that they are so far away. Is I'm in the area I always get two bowls and a cold beer. Gene C

This is a great place to eat some great home made chili. Their vinegar chili sauce is awesome on their chili. Some like their other hot sauces. I liked my chili with the spaghetti noodles with cheese n onions. Some like their chili with just oyster crackers. Awesome place for great chili. The atmosphere is a bar setting. But the chili is what they are known for You can buy quarts of homemade chili as well. Yum

Bishop's Chili is a small neighborhood bar and eatery located in Westmont just off of Cass avenue. I decided to stop in on a cold January evening and give this place a try. Once you walk in the door there's a large bar with a TV set up. Most of the other patrons apparently come here to drink rather than to try the items on its menu. Shortly after seating myself at the bar I was given a paper menu and quickly settled on their #1 combo which is Chilli with a hot dog and a bag of chips. I was asked what I wanted on my hot dog and found out they only have a small number of ingredients and settled on mustard, onions, relish and sport peppers. Almost immediately after ordering my chili was brought over. The chili had a nice flavor with a thicker broth than a lot of others. Since this is only the second chili place I've review I'll compare it to another chili place I reviewed some months ago, Lindy's chili. This chili is spicier but has a less rich flavor to it. I'd say the quality of the chili is about equal to that of Lindy's, this one is a little less watery and a little more spicy. Soon thereafter my hot dog was brought out. This was a skinless dog with meat on the inside that was white. The hot dog flavor itself reminded me of many grocery store brands. Due to the lack of condiments available there wasn't much to comment on with regards to the assembly of the dog itself. The bun was soft and was a standard non-poppy seed bun. Overall this was a very poor hot dog. If I were rating Bishops strictly on the dog alone this would be a one star review. Overall my opinion of Bishop's is that it would be a great place to get chili to go, but that you don't want to risk the hot dog. I've noticed they have chili dogs and polishes as well which might wind up being better. The fact that the Hot dog was of such poor quality and that this is #1 on their combo list brought the score down. This is clearly a key item on their menu and it's awful. The chili here is great, but avoid the hot dog. I give it two stars.

Bishops Chili has been a around for about since the 20's. When I was little, my dad used to take me to Bishops and we used to have a bowl of chili and watch tv. Yep, I would sit at the bar with him. That being said, I am used to the taste, and consistency

Old school setting, retro cool feel. Chili was extremely bland and hot dog was tough. Worth going for the atmosphere, not for the food.

Delicious as has been for 100 years. Lol . Seriously, it still tastes the same as when I was a kid. It was great, spicy, rich and meshed well with my tamale!!!!

I almost want to review the reviews! Lets put this in perspective, the Western Suburbs are kind of a cultural and culinary void. Sure there are exceptions, but honestly it is a bastion of corporate pandering to a middle America that is so deprived of enjoyment they will order bread sticks with their pizza and call it a day.. Enter Bishops Chili, been there for years, family owned and operated. Their Chili won't win the big Texas cook off, but it tastes like my Dads, and possibly your Dads, and your friends dads, and that is awesome. There is a scruffy ex-Roadie Scotsman slinging suds and if you can slow him down enough to tell you a story hang on tight. The prices are as cheap as you will find, the place is a bit understated (that comment is understated), but there is a level of honesty here, honesty that no corporate dump can ever provide. So if you want "proper Gumbo" and you head East to Pappadeaux's on Rt-83 and you are disappointed after dropping $40, go fuck yourself. If you want an honest bowl of chili with a beer, tell Scotty I said hi. PS, yes beans are in chili, you chili snobs can fuck off. I am almost fifty years old and my father put beans in chili, no he wasn't from Texas or any other god forsaken wind swept red neck haven, none of that matters, if something is done enough overtime it becomes a thing, now go back to kindergarten and learn how to wine less.

It's rare to find an old-school family run business that has been around for 90+ years. Bishop's unique blend of spices makes their chili one of the best in Chicagoland. Its taste has developed a loyal following of chili lovers. Offering quarts of chili that are warm, refrigerated or frozen, makes it easy for customers who live a distance away to enjoy it at home. If you like chili on the spicy side, I highly Recommend giving this place a try.

This was the worst chilli I have ever eaten. It was cold and watery with zero flavour! I will never go back or recommend this establishment to anybody. I wish I could give zero stars!

You know I love this chili but many people think it's too watery or something I make my own totally in a different way but there is something so different here that you should try it. It's not spicy so I spice it up BUT it's good Ive eaten this for 40 years Since the original location. Maybe I'm biased but if you want a truly unique chili experience give this a shot you'll either love it or not but this is something you'll find no where else in the world

Been wanting to try there chili and finally stopped by. Service was great and on top of that the chili was so good! Will be back

As the Westmont mayor once said "Westmont is a Chevy town surrounded by Cadillac towns." Nothing wrong with Westmont at all and Bishops proves it. Beer, brats, chili, and an old school bar with awesome retro bar stools. The staff is great. The chili is spot on and hey, you can even gamble here. Yep, Bishop's is an American as Chevrolet and apple pie. Took my Dad here and he said it reminded him of a tavern he would frequent in Detroit back in the day. Dad summed up Bishop's perfectly where he said it is where folks go to enjoy the simple things in life.

Hadn't been in this joint in years. But we eat pretty regularly in every other place in town, so I dropped in with the wife on Cruisin' Night. The chili isn't gourmet, the hot dogs are passable, but it's all good enough. The atmosphere was loud and fun, lots of regulars, I actually wasn't the oldest guy in the crowd for once, and we had a good time. Talked with some of the regulars, everybody was friendly. I think the (very friendly) bartender was the only person working, and it was kinda busy. You don't go for the cuisine, but the chili was just fine, and they must be doing something right, since they've been there since the early 70's. As an entire package, we enjoyed it.

This is the best chilli I have ever eaten in my life. You have to like it a bit spicy.....but not hot. They have different sauces to make it ur choice. I read about this place in the paper years ago. Family run....family recipe. Loved it.

A wonderful throwback of eatery, Bishop's embodies what the chili parlor was. The precursor to the sports bars/wing joints we have all grown so accustomed to today. Bishops kept the simple bar where most people dine, with a few small tables off to the side if you want a small bit of privacy. They have embraced some modern touches, a few HDTVs are spread around the small dining room, as well as a small gaming area. Beyond Bishops is as it was when it first opened. The food is what really counts though. As a traveler of this countries dwindling chili joints, I always consider it a treat when I find one. I have been to Joe Rogers in Springfield, Real Chili in Milwaukee, Ben's Chili Bowl out in Washington DC, and even the simply named Texas Chili Parlor in Austin Texas. After all that though, Bishops is among the "local" options I have living the the south west Chicago suburbs, and I could not be happier to have it. Their menu keeps with the throwback. One simple chili, no different varieties, or heat levels. Just a nice and earthy chili, that truly hits the spot. They do offer various ways to dress the chili though, ranging from noodles for simple chili-mac, to hot dogs, to tamale boats. All are here and serve to accompany the chili. Bishops also offers a variety of condiments to spice up the chili if you think it needs more pep. In the end though what endears Bishops to me is this simplicity. It offers all it patrons a chance to travel back in time to what a chili parlor was. Every time I dine in I can imagine the place full of the usual after work crowd, coming home and walking to the spot from the train station, as they may watch the game on a small black and white tv. All of these things combine to make Bishops Chili of Westmont a must see if you truly are a chili aficionado.

This isn't what "everyone" thinks of when you say chili. Like, if you were looking for Texas chili, you will be disappointed. This isn't chili powder & ground beef. However, this is GREAT chili. Good beer selection for an old-school place (maybe 8 taps, plus a Filbert's root beer on draft). But the flavor is great! You won't find anything else like it anywhere in Chicago. Worth a visit when looking for an inexpensive meal and beer.

I really have no idea what the big deal is; maybe the people of Westmont never ate chili before... The chili was way too watery - the spoon kept splashing my face and table with, guess what? Chili water! I guess I prefer a thicker style, but who knew that a thin chili was also available? For chili mac, they serve their chili over cut spaghetti noodles... More like chili spaghetti! If you're into that - I'm not! I found it very expensive for what you get. $3.50 for a cup. They call it a "bowl" but it is a shallow "bowl." Don't forget about all the chili water that comes with it! After I quickly finished the first, the bartender asked if I was ready for a second one... I was gonna tell her that I was ready to go to Wendy's and get a bowl togo. But I kept it down...

LOVED the atmosphere here when we stopped in one night for some chili to-go. It's a total dive type bar that is a bit dark and def old school. There was one bartender/to-go person/waitress in the whole place and she handled it amazingly! And she was super friendly despite being the only one to do everything! Awesome! We ordered chili, cornbread and some toppings like cheese and gardiniera and the price was super reasonable. Once we got home, which was a good 20 minutes away, it was still hot and ready for us to eat! Now, to be totally honest, I kind of don't know what all the hype is all about. The chili had a "dirt" type taste, if anyone knows what I mean when it comes to some chilis. I think that flavor comes from the dark chili powder, because I bought a dark one one time and it had that dirty taste. Not pleasant. =[ And the cornbread was pretty dry and crumbly, nothing I will be craving any time soon! So if I had to just rate the food, I would def give it 2 stars, but they get that extra star for the nostalgic feel of the bar. Loved that. But unfortunately I will not be returning for their famous chili, I'm just not that into it.

Always fast. Delicious. The bartenders are cool. Beer. Craft beer and other. Got it. !!!!!!! Bud light -$10 premium. - (no. But should. )People who love me beer. Don't drink bud light!! There are great gems of beer here !

(Quick tip: Get a tamale with your chili. You won't be disappointed). Also bring cash or check because they do not take credit cards. It is a tad quirky, but it's worth it because the chili is delicious. It's always hot (temperature-wise), with a nice consistency and flavor, and if you like it spicy they have plenty of hot sauces on hand. You pay per extra topping (cheese, raw onions, giardiniera, jalapenos, etc.) but they're only like 45 cents each on top of a bowl of chili that's only about $3-4, so it's still totally affordable. They also have meal options, which includes chili dogs, chili with a tamale on the side (completely delicious), brats, etc. They give you a price break if you order a second bowl, but I'm always filled up by one bowl and a tamale. The dine-in atmosphere won't win any awards, but the staff (usually just the bartender the times I've been there) is very friendly and talkative, despite the shirts they wear that read 'Eat Pay Tip Leave.' Beer of the month is just $2.50 per glass. If you sign up for their text messages, they send out specials for both dine-in and carry-out. In terms of taste and price, Bishop's can't be beat.

You can't go wrong here. Reliably consistent and tasty chili, from a place that goes Way Back. PBR on tap, a pint for three bucks. Good add-ons include their own black pepper blend and a pepper sauce. I had it today, after not having been there for a year. It won't be another year before I go back. Great stuff.

No less than 4 1/2 stars for me. This place has a MEAN chili!!! It had been a while since I had been here so I passed through not long ago to get reacquainted with this place. I'm sure glad I did. This place is no frills, old fashion goodness. Remember the old tavern/grill places of back when? This is it. Now, it's in its FOURTH generation of ownership (another sign of doing things right). I took mine to go. By definition, this place keeps it simple. They basically serve 1 thing as its staple- chili. Yes, you can get a hot dog, brat, polish and tamales but the chili is the main headline. Now extras like cheese, sour cream & onions are $.45 each but that's about going rate (that is if you're not taking the chili home). Still, this place makes one killer chili!!!! To consider the effort to cook each batch for 24 hours shows dedication. If Food Network found it worthy to visit, you may consider doing so as well. You can get your chili by the quart, pint, or gallons. Now if you do want a large order, give them a day in advance. As I mentioned, this process is a timely one. Since 1925, Bishop's Chili has been in various parts of Chicago. I don't venture off the chili often because I don't need to. I might try the tamale down the road. Or do their chili mac as well but when I want chili, that's it. Now if I want to throw a party (& want to grab some food), I can do it all within an 1 mile or so apart. I can get some BBQ from Uncle Bub's and then come to Bishop's for some chili. If you're not familiar with the area, you might miss it. Go to Cass Ave and go south about 1/4 mile (left side of the street).

Been driving through this area for the past year, and finally decided to stop in. I'm sorry to say,I was very very disappointed, on top of the fact that it was very expensive for what you get. I had a bowl of chili Mac and a brat. The brat was very good, but the chili was maybe '93 years old' . Service was good. The people were nice, but again, the chili itself, I would honestly have to say -- I would not eat again !!!

Four stars for nice hot chili served quickly. This is exactly what I would expect from a place like this- friendly and inexpensive service in a five-bar setting. The chili was tasty- I enjoy it with cheese and onion but they offer sour cream, hot giardinera, and jalapeños as well. Recommended!

Good chili. I wouldn't say it's the best, but it is very good and definitely different from most chili you would get anywhere else or make at home. A quart is $8, and you get $2 off the second one, get two, it's worth it. I'd do without the things to add into it if you get it to go, like onions, cheese, jalapenos. It's 45 cents each and really, you probably have most of that stuff in your fridge and probably got it for a much better price, because they don't give you a whole lot of it even for 45 cents. I am surprised that there is only one kind of chili...no variation of spicy, medium, or mild, and only beef. I can see how someone could miss this place as the sign is not the most obvious in the world. I didn't miss it, but I could see how someone would. it is like a bar with the center of attention being the chili. I get the feeling that most of the people here are regulars, all eating chili, drinking a beer and watching whatever game is on. Everything is chili centered, chili tamale, chili dog, chili mac, and so forth. I wonder if you can even get a beer without chili? And what's this, no chili burger? And just a warning...if you have a taste for chili after going to this place, don't try to fill that void with a can of Hormel, you'll have a spoonful and end up crying.

Definitely a Chicagoland Landmark. Four stars was more for atmosphere than for the chili. Bar itself is great, dingy looking shot and beer bar manned by a freindly but "take no shit" barmaid. Classic U shaped bar with Chili cooking in one corner, pro Cub banners and huge Old Style signs. Tables off to one side with grainy multiple Xeroxed menus and condiment stands on them. You can tell the regs as they are hunched over their bowls, slurping their chili's, oblivious to the world around them. One person brought his son in with him for his "rite of manhood". Hey, I think Junior would prefer a brothel but it's your kid.... The chili? It was OK but it had this bizarre aftertaste that didn't quite agree with me. Not sure what it was. Personally, I'd come back for a few brews, not the chili. Just me I guess.

The Chili served here is different from what I make at home. They use pulled meat, instead of ground beef or cubed meat called for in other recipes. The spiciness factor is either mild or medium depending on your pallet. It is not very thick. The most notable, and unusual feature is that there is an acidic vinegar like quality to it. It is not what I am used to in chili. It is not what I look for in a chili either, but I would not say it is objectively bad, just different.

This place is advertised as Bishops "famous" chili. What I would like to know is famous in what category? Famously horrible? I am really sorry to say this but the chili was awful-it tasted like dirt. I went with my friend and they got a hot dog and it seemed like the food was just microwaved. The food was so bad that my friend and i agreed to go get pizza after we left. The bar seems like fun but I don't trust the food.

I liked this place from the minute I walked in! It was a friendly atmosphere; everyone seemed to know each other except me! Chili was great!!

Cash only! I went to this place due to rave reviews from my friends so I went. This place is a homely place with many regulars from the area. The decor could be updated. Old tables and chairs populate the restaurant and a makeover would improve the experience. Chili is very good and definitely ask the staff what to eat if it is your first time there. The chili is a bit spicy but not overwhelming. You can definitely taste great chili here. Alcohol is also served here. I will be returning.

I might have been about 14 years old the first time I had Bishops Chili, 40 years later it's just as good now as it was than, and believe it or not it tastes exactly the same all this time later!!

Food was poor at best. Ugh.... chili was horrible. But there are different types of chili's and this one lost my vote on both the flavor and texture. It had the proper ingredients in my opinion. Meat, beans, onions and sauce. However the flavor was weird like nothing I've had before. I got the bowl of chili and a polish. The bar tender is the only employee in the building and keeps running into the kitchen so I know she's the cook too. My polish seems microwaved and then dropped onto a grill quick to give it a few marks. Bun was soggy.... The gardenia and jalapeño come in little containers pre packaged and cold out of the fridge. Just a weird meal that I didn't like. However it gets 3 stars for having root beer on tap , and also a cozy dive bar feel. One of my favorite atmospheres is the dive bar and this has it totally. Neighborhood feel, lots of old timers around the bar and locals. Just missing good food..... Sorry bishop's but thumbs down on the food but nice work on the old school feel and long time business you run. People obviously like it so my suggestion is to try it yourself and review it.