Camp Washington Chili

Camp Washington Chili is one of Cincinnati's crown jewels and his been a tradition since 1940 winning many awards for their great food. With that being said, i don't get a chance to stop by all that often but when we do we always look for a great food experience for sure. On this particular visit in October 2025 my wife and i arrived around the 10:15 am to 10:30 am hour. From the outside this place looks so amazing and when you enter the neon lights set this place off. With its 50's retro tables and chairs and the walls filled with great memorabilia, it certainly makes you feel welcome. On this rain morning we wanted to stop in to check out their breakfast of which they did not disappoint. My wife enjoyed the scrambled eggs with a side of toast which was presented to our table steaming hot. For me it was a classic double decker of ham and turkey on white bread. The servings are more than generous as compared to some other restaurants for sure so the portion size on this day was appreciated. If you get a chance be sure to check out all the articles, photos and media accolades that acknowledge this Cincinnati favorite. Camp Washington Chili is open 24 hours a day except when they close on Sundays, for time with family.

I waited 22 minutes for a tuna sandwich and fries. I won’t be going back anytime soon took up my whole lunch break, and I called the order in prior to coming they were serving everybody else ordered that came after me. I had to go up to the counter and ask them about my tuna sandwich. Three other people that came after me got their food before I did…. Tuna sandwich and fries was 3/5 stars it was tasty but nothing to keep going back .

Classic spot for Cincinnati-style chili! Rich, bold flavor with a nice coarse beef texture. Loved the three-way over spaghetti, and the retro diner vibe makes it even better. Open 24/6 – perfect for any time you’re craving chili.👍🏻

Happy to have experienced a Cincinnati chili experience (beside Skyline). However, the nostalgia ran thin quickly. Food was 100% as expected and desired. However, the restaurant needs to pay their AC bill. It was uncomfortably hot. Making it equally uncomfortable was seeing the staff actively complaining and sweating during service. Either close until repaired, or manage your staff. Paying guests shouldn't be exposed during service. I am happy to experience, but one and done for this Cincinnati tourist.

A cincinnati classic, they have all the great classic diner food in a clean 50's style. the cincinnati style chili they have is a taste closer to normal chili then skyline chili

Excellent Cincinnati style chili. Unique in its take, it is more chunky, meat than the other chain chili places. Large offering from breakfast dishes, sandwiches, pies, cakes, brownies, and ice cream and shakes. Everyone will find something to enjoy.

Great customer service, and food was good. I like the chili hotdog, the atmosphere brings you back to the 50s. Also, it's very convenient because it's open 24hours. The prices are reasonable too

Lots of variety on the menu, great place with history, tons of good food

First of all, our server Irene was kind, speedy, and knew all of our needs before we even had to ask. She split things between us and our kids without a bother and brought all of the extra utensils, straws, and napkins without a blink. The food was exceptional! Highly recommend the 513-way, the goetta added a great extra salty heartiness to the normal 5-way. The naked coney bowl was perfect for dipping their perfectly cooked fries. And my non-chili loving kids happily ate delicious spaghetti and a hamburger. At the last minute we tacked on a chocolate milkshake and an Oreo milkshake and I would absolutely order all of this food again. 10/10

Place is clean from my observation i thought i would check it out i went to the funeral of my uncle Gene. I super introverted i want to be in the mix but i am not popular amongst family. So, I choose to be alone.. Anyway, I am not from Cincinnati so I only come to here for the Alabama Fish Bar on Liberty and Central but because there was a snow storm I didn't want to drive in the Rhine. So, a guy from the Nati suggested I go there. The Chili isn't my thing. No disrespect to the chili people of the Greater Cincinnati area but for me it's not better than Gold Star Chili and this place in Pastaskala, Ohio called the Dairy Hut the place is only seasonal.

While visiting Cincinnati, we made it an emphasis to try at least two chili spots. Camp Washington Chili is minutes away from the Cincinnati Museum Center and the museum allows outside food. So we ordered take-out to have as lunch at the museum. Our order for two adults and two young children were 513-way, chili melt, and French fries. The 513-way came with goetta, onion, beans, cheese, spaghetti. This was a good choice to check off both chili and goetta. The chili melt was a mess and likely one of the few times in which we had a sandwich with knife and fork. Both items were very hearty and would easily knock you out with food coma. Worth a try but grab a coffee afterwards or take a nap!

Camp Washington is some places I always try to stop when I'm visiting or driving through Cincinnati. The food is delicious with lots of great options. The service is friendly and it is family owned. On this occasion they were filming some kind of story on this place. The interior had a retro diner feel.

I can now check Camp Washington Chili off from Cincinnati restaurants I wanted to try. The restaurant had a cute diner feel and the service was pretty good. Unfortunately, my meal was inedible. The chili on top wasn't bad but the spaghetti noodles were so overcooked and mushy that I took a few bites and was finished. Now that I have checked them off my list, I can confidently say I won't be returning.

I don't know what the controversy is about Cincinnati-style chili. I love it! I've grown up eating other chili brands, but wanted to try something different on our recent trip. Since it's been open since 1940, this is one to try! They even have a James Beard award for being a regional classic. It is a fairly small building. We came around noon on a Thursday and the parking lot and all the seats were full. But, the servers were great and everyone got their orders quickly. I had the chili 5-way and I truly appreciated that they offered small or regular-size orders. The small size was plenty. This is a perfect stop to add to your Cincinnati bucket list.

This is a classic hot dog in Cincy. Set in an old school diner vibe. Delicious every time. Great breakfasts. The sauce is the star. Get a coney or a chili Mac both outstanding. The friendliest family service! Easily my favorite spot to grab food in the city!

Nostalgia brought me in to have a quick dinner. That place hasn't changed I think the chili is better than Skyline. The noodles were so overcooked I was surprised they stayed together. Friendly staff with prompt service, unless you want to use the bathroom and not a dine in customer. In this neighborhood I get it.

Food was delicious. Our first stop making it into the city did not dissapoint. Thanks yelpers! We're coming from Detroit coneys, but I thoroughly enjoyed the hot dog and chili. We ordered a cup Togo.

Had dinner late night after picking friends up from the airport. After living here my whole life it was my first visit-- pleasantly surprised We ordered lots to share-- a cheese coney, 5 way, chili cheese fries, onion rings, caesar salad, pancakes & a patty melt. The onion rings were the star, the chili cheese fries a close runner-up, the chili was not as hot as we'd hoped, but the shredded cheese was great and fluffy. Local beers were $3.75 and food prices were great! Allison our server was very friendly and very patient while we decided on what to order. We were a little disappointed we couldn't use the restroom while dining in. Overall a great late night spot- next time cheesecake is a must order, the flavors looked great!

Cincinnati Burger Week does not disappoint! Camp Washington came out strong with the Nati Patty. The burger was delicious and then to add the chili, cheese, and grippos (chef's kiss). The burger was filling and tasty. I added onions so it felt even more like a coney and it was every bit worth it. The service is great even when it is PACKED. Be prepared to wait a little bit when they are busy, but it is totally worth it. Great Cincinnati Burger Week choice.

Anytime in Cincinnati to visit family we eat here, traditional and hasn't changed much in 40 years going there, better than traditional chains

I've been to this place many times over the year and it was spot on. I never gotten a sandwich here but decided to do it in this trip. I was slightly disappointed because there was a ton of mayonnaise that took away the flavor of the sandwich. My wife complained about the spaghetti being overcooked and slightly mushy. The fries were undercooked and not crispy that we were used to on the chili cheese fries and wasn't that good The service was off as well. Our waitress didn't come back to the table so no refills. They were busy and the manager was working the tables so they could have been short staffed. I will come back again and I hope it was just today.

Service was fantastic. Great vintage vibe and an excellence to try the infamous 5-way Cincinnati chili. Kk food came out fresh and fast.

Cincinnati-style chili is certainly an acquired taste for anyone who didn't grow up here. That said - I still recommend it to anyone who's never tried it, because it really is unlike any other chili out there. Personally, I've come to appreciate the sweet and salty flavor over time, and I'll never say no to a small mountain of finely shredded cheddar cheese. Camp Washington Chili has been on my list for a hot minute - and when I found myself in the neighborhood on a Tuesday around lunchtime, I couldn't resist. The parking lot was packed, as was the interior of this diner-style restaurant. I noted the drive-thru for future visits, but this time around, my group was able to seat ourselves with no wait. The service was quick - as is the case with most chili parlors. I appreciate the waitress asking if we wanted menus - most people have a "usual" and don't need a menu. The decor is cute - with historic articles and neon signs covering the walls. They've been around since 1940, so you know they're doing something right! I went with a 5-Way, which loaded up with cheese, beans, and finely diced onions. As is typical with Cincinnati chili, the portions are huge, and the chili is saucy with just a hint of cinnamon. I would definitely recommend a visit to Camp Washington Chili - for both locals and out-of-towners, especially if you've only dined at chain chili parlors previously.

For us this is probably a one and done but it's still a must when visiting cincy. We tried their three way and a breakfast sandwich. Really affordable. Great service.

I love the diner ambiance, and the chili is very good as well. The best part is that at 3:15 am you can go to their window, grab any classic Cincinnati style of chili you enjoy, park and talk, and take a break from a long night to refuel and get on with your night. Doesn't happen often for most of us, but when it does, this place delivers 5-star excellence at night. Service is always friendly and upbeat as well. A good value and customer-focused, and perhaps most of all, a Cincinnati tradition like few other places in this great nation. Pat's and Geno's in Philly come close, but they don't have the low-carb craving most of us carnivores prefer. Cincy is a meat eaters paradise.

Not bad. Typical diner / chili parlor. Friendly staff. Service was quick on a Saturday morning. Food was nothing special. But cooked as ordered. Inside was clean you need to get a code from staff to use the restrooms.

This was the 3rd place I went to for chili during my trip to Cincinnati and this was far and away the best. I got the 513 way without beans (had a flight the next morning) and it was just ridiculously good. True Cincy chili but definitely elevated. This place has a James Beard award and for good reason. The area is apparently sketchy according to some things I heard but I've lived in worse neighborhoods. It's open 24 hours (well, 24/6 so no Sunday chili) so it gets wilder as the night goes on but it's just ridiculously good chili. I can't really explain how much better this is than Skyline or Dixie, but it just is. And I liked both of those places! But they didn't even come close to this spot. Don't expect fancy service or anything but you'll get what you need fast and efficiently and it'll be hot and ridiculously good. Go here for chili as long as you're not a wimp about "sketchy" areas.

I haven't been here for several years and stopped in for lunch with my husband and daughter while in the area. My husband ordered the 5-way and an unsweetened Ice Tea. My daughter had a Breakfast Bowl. I had the Gyro. My husband said the 5-way was ok. Not his favorite but passable. My daughter said the breakfast bowl was boring. Unseasoned and boring. My gyro may have been the worst gyro I've had. Dry meat that had been warmed on the grill and made crunchy throughout. The rest of it was just as bad. The service was fairly quick for being busy. It was unfriendly service but it was quick.

I don't know who's making the chili but just got a quart it has so much water,very little spaghetti...Very dissappointing,Very.Lifelong customer may not go back,WOW

Is dine-in always hit or miss? Is the rude officer acting as a host always a thing? Over rated and only coveted for its "late night" accommodation. Chili is eh. Certainly better places with regular dine in hours and a host that doesn't carry a gun and get paid $60+ an hour by the city. Will definitely skip next time I'm in the area.

First time - 1:30pm on a Saturday - they were busy, but as a single diner, I received excellent service. The chili with onions and beans and cheese was delicious! The portion was substantial and the price was very reasonable ($7.75) They have a drive thru which was steady throughout the time I was there. Since 1940 locals have been showing up for this iconic Cincinnati classic chili and I understand why! Open 24 hours.

You want iconic you got it, this place had 1 table left at 11:20 on a Thursday for lunch. It was hopping and so was the drive thru. This is considered one of the best and most famous chili parlors in Cincinnati and maybe the country. It's been in USA Today, on Steve Harvey and many many other publications. Its been voted best chili in the US by mental floss, must try food by the Food network and many kore. It's family owned and has been for 70 plus years. It went through a legal battle to have a new building built when the city wanted to expand the intersection it sits at and yet its still here and kicking and making bellies full everyday. The menu is a plenty, hot dogs, chili dogs, 3 ways, 4 ways and 5 ways (chili parlor talk), melts (they are ginormous), burgers, gyros, soups and salads and sandwiches galore (yes you can make them a double decker) and finally wraps. They do serve breakfast and have desserts and a few beers. It's open 24/6 (closed on Sunday) and they do have a children's menu. I got two coneys, because how could I resist and even though the dog is small, they pack a filling punch. And not a dent in the wallet. Come check this Cincy icon thar just keeps kicking. It's an amazing local with lots of goodness coming your way.

Service is good and a very pleasant atmosphere and the food is ok, they serve a lot of breakfast items and some other items, however I've only tried there double deckers and I'm not sure what kind of turkey they use but it wasn't good, most people prefer shaved turkey , but overall prices aren't bad

Tried it for the first time and left so disappointed. Cold chili over wet and soggy noodles. Interior is super nice and reminded me of a 50s diner. Service was fine, but none of us finished our food, because it simply wasn't good.

I finally made it over to Camp Washington Chili for a meal and was very pleased with my experience. The service was great and the restaurant was clean. I appreciated the parking, too, although the parking lot is relatively small and somewhat cramped. I ordered the Chili + Cheese Omelette and loved it. It was a new combination of foods and flavors for me, but it worked extremely well. Usually omelettes come with toast, but I did not want any. Overall, Camp Washington Chili is a solid classic diner experience. The food is tasty and affordable. I hope I can go back soon and try something else.

I met a friend for breakfast here at 6:00am on a weekday. The only section open for seating was the counter, which was terribly uncomfortable. I was going to ask the sever if we could sit at a table, but she was so terse that I didn't bother. Speaking of service, the server put all of the food off to the left of my friend, who then passed my food to me. The cheese coneys were loaded with onions, despite the fact that I had asked for no onions. Rather than apologizing, the server started barking at the cook, who asked her to remake him because he was "too busy." There were three other people there. The good news is that the coneys were good--not as good as Skyline, but good. My friend had the biscuits and gravy. She said the gravy needed more pepper, but it was good. I offered to pass the pepper, but that would have involved interacting with the guy who was as tweaking out next to me. This is the same guy who asked me if he could have a drink of my tea, and then said he was just joking. I'm fairly sure he wasn't. I will give this place another try in the future, and later in the day.

This is definitely a mixed review. I have frequented this restaurant three times. I was very satisfied those three times with the exception that they ran out/didn't order grits. Every restaurant can have an off day. The fourth time I went to the drive thru before their closing time of 4 PM. I was refused service. The order taker stating that the car ahead was the very last car, however, the car behind me was served. I may come again, but definitely not on Saturday when closing time is before 4 PM and random.

Tried for the first time. They were very nice. The flavor was meh. What I noticed was noodles were bigger than other places, more chunky meat, spices and flavor was comparatively bland; less cheesy as well. The coney roll was kind of hard on the outside (like it sits out). I hate to say, but Skyline is much better and other joints like PR, blue ash and Dixie are better.

Great food and friendly service. Awesome double-decker sandwiches, and they have a uniquely tasty take on Cincinnati style chili.

First thing we walk in and the waitresses are yelling angrily at each other and when we sit down the waitress that is waiting on our table yells at my husband for not knowing what is on the menu- well. We are from out of state and this is our first interaction besides the airport! Needless to say. Although the food is okay ...

First time here. Not bad. Had TAKE OUT. I enjoyed a sausage and egg sandwich. My husband also enjoyed his sandwich. Will definitely return for another breakfast/brunch outing. Good job.

This diner style restaurant has some darn good Cincinnati chili. Much better than Skyline or Gold Star. It's flavorful and the meaty. The service is super friendly too. They also have a lot of other items on the menu as well. So check them out!!

Always my go to for coneys when I visit. Don't even talk about that other place. Food hot and delicious. Service is always fast and friendly. Very retro atmosphere. Love this place!

The chicken gyro and ice cream were okay. The chili was not great compared to other options in the city. VERY cheap. The interior and bathrooms were dirty and the service was not great. Won't be back.

As advertised! Perfect Cincinnati Chili! They have double decker sandwiches as well, they looked great. I'll be back, and tell my friends I'm that it is a must visit in Cincinnati.

First time here and we will definitely be back! Crystal was our server! She was friendly and very efficient, even as it got busier. We had a gentleman, who we assumed was the manager, also stop by to check on us and our lunch. We had the chili cheese dog, onion rings, chili cheese fries and a turkey wrap. Everything was really good!

Highly overrated chili parlor. The portions are small and the chili is bland and watery. .I am at a loss as to why people think it's so special.

While trying to find a place to eat I stumbled upon what I'm sure every cincinnati native is aware one of the only 24 hr locations that serve food. I found my self walking in to the usual staff hard at work on people's food. I took a seat trying to get food and when I was approached by a waitress whom asked me what I was having this night. I ordered 2 gyros with cheese with water a simple order. Then I asked would I be able to wash my hands in the bathroom so that I may eat my food she said the room is closed and that there was nothing she could do about it, not only is this an unsanitary thing to have happen at an eating establishment but also the pure unprofessional behavior that the waitress started to exhibit after the fact was fit only for a farm.too clarify the behavior of this simple waitress is the reasoning for this In depth review. I stated that thats fine ill just have them prepare the food and get a to go box since i already told her my order. She gave me a disgusting grimace and said "i dont even wanna serve you anymore with her obvious (high calorie) attitude " order at the front". i adhered to her request and walked up to the window . For all those concerned she stated the reasoning for her disgusting attitude was because she was understaffed which will confuse you even more when you realize our waitress is the self proclaimed owner of this establishment alert to ALL CUSTOMERS, BE AWARE IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN HERE BEFORE **THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS FAMILY OWNED** the other members of the staff are relatively professional but this wom... the waitress whom later identified herself as the BOSS as she tried to display her feebly placed belief that her high calorie attitude would affect me in trying to alert someone of her outward disrespectful behavior and I would also like to add she more than likely did the least foot work in being responsible for a family business it was probably just gifted to her by her ACTUAL hard working father, but i digress.I waved down a usual respectful employee because at my previous times coming to this location (last minute) I have had respectful interactions with her. While I'm trying to get the attention of the respectful employees I'm reminded of the waitress high calorie diet attitude as she clarifies which again to my surprise " it doesn't matter because I'm her boss" these to then have an exchange.The respectful employee is trying to find out why I am angry. The high calorie human states her one-sided sugar fit to the other and as I'm attempting to clarify she is constantly asking me if I'm still talking and that "I'm trying to piss her off"BUT THATS when i realized although respectful the other employee is also family so i saw that i was getting nowhere and was being ignored but to her defense this incident had nothing to do with her . The respectful member took my order which is my fault because at this blatant disrespect that I am receiving it should have ruined my desire to eat at this establishment but once again I am reminded the fact that her behavior is this way because this is the ONLY PLACE OPEN OUTSIDE OF WAFFLE HOUSE and much like people like her she abuses her power however she sees fit or when ever her blood pressure rises.after the payment when through on the card I stated to the high calorie human that she is unprofessional especially for being the "Boss" and she started flex her power by stating do you want your money back I said I already ordered the food. I can only assume her heart starts racing at the fact that she feel she can't just silence me simply because she realizes she's being immature ( not quite three year old but definitely toddler vibes) #youngestlife,#baselevelinstinct. The tells the respectful to give me my money back in which she does in cash which I'm surprised she was at least professional in that aspect.The respectful one handed me my money and I was on my way. But THIS IS A LESSON WHEN THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE WHO THINK NO ONE CAN CHECK THEM ARE IN POWER THIS WILL ALWAYS BE THE CASE .PS I PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE STOPPED EATING HERE AFTER I GOT FOOD POISONing FROM A GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD. PAY ATTENTION SOMETIMES THE PEOPLE MAKING YOUR FOOD MAY NOT WHERE GLOVE AND YOU KnOW YOU CANT WASH YOUR HANDS there. But I will say one more thing the rest of the staff will usually respond the way you respond to them. The (BOSS) PROBABLY feeling well due to sugar needs. Being High calorie and having to walk back and for at such incredible speed has got to be tiring when your only waiting on 6 people oh and dont stop me at that god awful standing in place.

We were back in town after moving away seven years ago. We wanted chili; our friends suggested Camp Washington Chili. We had never tried it; it wasn't close to where we lived. Not that we ate a lot of chili, but we pretty much always ended up at that other chili place. Yes, I know there is more than one other chili place, but I bet you know which one I mean. Anyway, the social distancing booth dividers were well built and painted to match the decor. Big win! Our waitress was super nice. Everyone else got chili, but I got two cheese coneys. The cheese seemed the same as the other place, which is good. The chili was less bitter, which was fantastic. And the hot dogs tasted more natural. I know that sounds weird, but bottom line is the food here seems much better than the other place. If we still lived in Carthage instead of California, I'm certain we'd make the drive to Camp Washington if a chili craving reared its head.

We went here after a hospital visit. I ordered the cheese coney's. The chili was so cold it didn't melt the cheese. When I told the server, the cashier and the owner all I got was I'm sorry. I could not eat them. Once again proof that when you are a busy restaurant you do not care if someone has bad food. Very disappointing.

This is a Cincinnati staple! We stop here every time thru town and it never disappoints. Come here to get Cincy's best chili, melts, and omelets 24/7. It's truly one of the great American diners!

Camp Washington Chilli is for two kinds of people: those who don't want to pay skyline price, and those who want to finally branch out into trying other Cincinnati Chilis. The flavor is mild; with a slightly peppery aftertaste. Neither too watery nor too dry. It's good, consistent, and has been a staple for the area since 1940. If you want to try a new chili, Camp Washington is the place to start.

Great food, great service, super charming. The only downside is they are closed Sundays, but given that they are 24hrs the rest of the week, you can get your Camp Washington fix pretry much anytime.

There's a sign on their drive-thru that says they close at 4pm on Saturday and reopen Monday at 8am. We're here from Atlanta and were looking forward to the best chili in Cincinnati. Looks like we missed out this trip...

It had been several years since I'd eaten any form of Cincinnati chili when we stopped in at Camp Washington on a freezing cold January Saturday. We came in just a bit before noon and seated ourselves with the restaurant maybe 1/3 full. Service was pretty fast; we put in our order and got our food within 20 minutes, likely a little less than that. My husband enjoyed his two coneys and fries (which of course I also sampled). Being from Detroit he has strict specifications for a coney dog; Cincinnati's are smaller than what you'll get in Detroit and obviously the chili is different, but he was happy with his order. Our working theory is that chili parlors are Cincinnati's answer to the Detroit Coney Island (IYKYK) and that's mostly true but the chili parlors tend to have narrower, more focused menus I think. The fries were hot, fresh and crisp, and equally good dipped in ketchup or chili. My three-way was a generous pile of spaghetti doused with chili and cheese. The noodles were a bit overcooked, as they always are, but this is less important when you are not meant to twirl but to cut and scoop them with your fork. (Why didn't Cincinnati simply opt for a different, short pasta shape? Who knows.) The cheese was a finely shredded mountain of cheddar goodness that started out fluffy and gradually melted down onto the top of the chili and noodles, binding each of those fork-cut bites together. And the chili? While Camp Washington's chili seems to me a touch fattier than I remember Sky-you-know-what's being, it is flavorful and I think has a little more of a kick. I ate the whole dish and did not regret a thing as we settled up at the counter and headed back out into the blistering cold.

the employees are great the food is okay but if you get carry out or go through drive through always check your bag the past 2 times I've been there they have forgot something (maybe intentionally even, starting to feel that way) wether it ja a coney or a 3 way. also don't waste your money on the "pint" of chili Spaghetti its basically a pint of chili with a few cut up spaghetti strands. I've been coming here for 5 years. But the last years and half they have been letting the town down. Sad to say

Camp Washington Chili welcomes everyone with its nostalgic 1950s diner vibe and 24 hour service. This place is no frills, which is reflected in the affordable prices. Having tried skyline I didn't think I'd be a fan of the 5 way but CW Chili changed my mind completely. The meal is pure comfort food. Cheese is finely shredded piled on top of nutmeg chili and spaghetti, the unlikely flavors work well together. I also tried goetta a Cincinnati sausage with grains, which was also delicious. Come here for a taste of Cincinnati's culture.