National Chili Day is Thursday. Here are 11 of the best places in Topeka to find a bowl.
Chili isn't just for meat-eaters. Vegetarians like it, too, said Anne Haskell.
Beans, corn, tomatoes and a not-too-spicy seasoning are the ingredients of the vegan chili popular with customers at Onyx Wellness Cafe, said Haskell, who manages that business at 922 N. Kansas Ave.
"Basically it has no animal products, no cheese, no dairy, no meat, anything like that," she said.
Onyx was among eateries area residents mentioned this week as The Capital-Journal sought to celebrate Thursday's National Chili Day by recognizing some of Topeka's best places to get a hot, steaming bowl of deliciousness.
More than 100 people responded after the newspaper sought input on Facebook, including at the Topeka Experience.
In addition to Onyx, here are 10 of the other places readers identified as the best place to get chili in Topeka.
Porubsky's
The most commonly mentioned destination was Porubsky's, 508 N.E. Sardou Ave., which has long had a reputation for great chili. Porubsky's sets "the gold standard" for chili in Topeka, said Mike Davies. It currently offers carry-out service because of COVID-19.
J Rocks Smoke House
The brisket chili is "awesome" at J Rocks Smoke House, said Susan Frydrych Palmer. J Rocks sells its food out of a trailer at the southeast corner of S.E. 29th and California Avenue, just north of the green railroad car.
At school
School cafeterias, particularly those at Chase Middle School and Hayden High School, were mentioned by readers as making some really good chili. Chase serves its chili with a cinnamon roll, said Diane Taylor. Hayden was mentioned by Brenda Kelsey, who said chili feeds are also a good place to get chili.
Juli's Coffee and Bistro
Readers also voiced praise for the cinnamon roll and chili combination at Juli's Coffee and Bistro, 911 S. Kansas Ave. However, chili isn't expected to be available Thursday at Juli's, which only offers it on certain days as a special item, and last did so Tuesday.
'My house'
More than a dozen people said the best chili in Topeka was made at their house, or in their kitchen. Two told of how members of their family had won chili cookoffs.
Wendy's
Several people suggested Topeka's best chili is available from Wendy's, the national chain that maintains locations here at 728 S.W. Topeka Blvd., 1251 S.W. Gage Blvd. and 3250 S.W. Topeka Blvd. "Wendy's has great chili," said Nikki Anderson.
Hog Wild
The chili is "amazing" at Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, 5330 S.W. 21st, said DaleAnn Wilson-Parker. The chili made there is homemade and features smoked brisket chunks, she said.
Jeremiah Bullfrog's
Readers spoke warmly of the chili at Jeremiah Bullfrog's Bar and Grille, which has been in business since 1993 and is located at 2827 S.W. Wanamkaker Road.
Herman's Beef and Sausage House
Some readers think Topeka's best chili is made by Herman's Beef and Sausage House, which has been in business since 1972 at 823 N.W. Gordon.
Herman's Meat and Smokehouse
Others said the best comes from Herman's Meat & Smokehouse, a business owned by a member of the same Herman family but operated separately at 4211 S.W. Huntoon. Some simply said "Herman's," leaving it unclear which eatery they were talking about.
Special deals to be offered Thursday
Dickey's Barbecue Pit, a national chain that maintains a Topeka location at 609 N.W. US-24 highway, is celebrating National Chili Day Thursday by offering five special deals.
Available for purchase will be brisket chili for $4; brisket chili mac for $4.95; a brisket chili walking taco for $8.95; a brisket chili Frito pie stack for $9.95; and a brisket chili baker for $9.95.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka's best chili can be found at these 11 places, readers say
