The Best South Jersey Chili

The Farmers' Almanac says that February 3rd, 2023, is the exact halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  It's also the coldest time of the year in New Jersey.

As we enter the official middle of winter, what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, than with a football game, or a good movie on the television, and a big bowl of chili?

Personally, I prefer my chili without beans.  My wife makes a great chili dip that includes cream cheese on the bottom, a tomato-based sauce, chopped meat, an assortment of spices, and a few dashes of hot sauce to bring the heat.

We use Tostitos scoop chips and I'm in heaven.

While my wife makes killer chili, variety is the spice of life.  There are some great places in South Jersey for killer chili.  No matter your preference, there's something for everyone's pallet.  NJ.com recently put out its list of the best places for chili, and a few local joints made the list.

Coming in at number 28, Ducktown Tavern on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City.  Ducktown Tavern lives up to its name.  It's a place you can have a brew and watch a game on one of the many televisions that dot the walls.  While they have a full menu of delicious bar food, we would point to the chili that is available in a cup or bowl, or my favorite, slap it over a hotdog, add some chopped onions and cheese, and bam!  You're set.

Number 24 on the list of best chili places in Jersey is a place you might not expect.  Lumpy's Barbecue in Clementon is best known for great barbecue, but they also serve what is described as a bit sludgy.  Ok, perhaps not the best description, but what stands out are the big chunks of beef.

Number 21 is in Monmouth New Jersey and although their known for their Barbecue, Local Smoke Barbecue in Neptune City has a chili that's heavy on the beans and flavored with onions and peppers.  In addition to their Neptune City location, they have several others in the Jersey shore area.

At number 15, Maui's Dog House in North Wildwood.  Closed for the season, but this summer, be sure to check out the sacrilegious do.  Sinfully delicious dog topped with chili, raw onions, spicy mustard, and sauerkraut.

#13 Comes from Ocean County.  Ray's Roadside Kitchen offers their Triple B chili that features a combination of beer, bacon and barbecue sauce.  Check the out on rt 539 Cream Ridge.

#9 is another roadside country kitchen along rt 539.  Lucille's Roadside Kitchen offers a less-fancy chili that stands out for simplicity and taste.

Asbury Park is home to #3 on the list.  Mutiny BBQ Company creates a Texas-Style chili that people rave about.  No beans in this bowl, but plenty of brisket.

One bonus spot I want to share is MudHen Brewery.

MudHen Brewery located on West Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood is a brewery that features a wide selection of craft beers and a full menu.  Among the choices of chili, they offer a meat-based chili with pulled pork, beef, and brisket.  They add beans and crumbled cornbread as well as sour cream.

MudHen Brewery also offers a vegetarian chili that includes, seitan (wheat protein), beans, smoked onions, cheddar cheese & cornbread crumbs.

Source: NJ.com