New York City’s culinary landscape is diverse and ever-evolving, offering a taste of cuisines from around the world. Among these global flavors, the hearty and robust Texas-style chili has found its way into the hearts and stomachs of New Yorkers. This beloved Southwestern dish brings a touch of Lone Star State comfort to the bustling streets of the Big Apple.
For those seeking authentic Texas-style chili in New York, several establishments serve up bowls that rival those found in the Lone Star State itself. From traditional recipes to creative interpretations, these eateries cater to chili enthusiasts looking for that perfect blend of meat, spices, and heat. Whether you’re a Texas transplant craving a taste of home or a curious New Yorker eager to explore new flavors, the city’s Texas-style chili offerings are sure to satisfy.
1) Chili Con Carne at Hill Country Barbecue Market
Hill Country Barbecue Market brings a taste of Texas to New York City. This establishment offers authentic Central Texas-style barbecue and other Lone Star State favorites.
Among their menu items is the Texas Red Chili, a hearty bowl of chili con carne. This dish stays true to its Texas roots, featuring a rich and spicy blend of meat and chilies.
The chili at Hill Country Barbecue Market is served in a vibrant space with counter-style ordering. Diners can enjoy their chili alongside other Texas-inspired dishes and beverages.
For those seeking an authentic Texan chili experience in New York, Hill Country Barbecue Market delivers. Their chili pairs well with their selection of bourbons, cocktails, and live music offerings.
Hill Country Barbecue Market has garnered acclaim since its opening in 2007. It has been recognized as one of the best barbecue spots in New York, bringing a slice of Central Texas to the Big Apple.
2) Texas Red at Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue
Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue brings a taste of Texas to the heart of Brooklyn. Located on Flatbush Avenue, this establishment offers an authentic Texas Red Chili Bowl that stands out among New York’s barbecue scene.
The Texas Red Chili Bowl at Morgan’s is a hearty and flavorful dish. It’s topped with cheddar cheese, onions, and a dollop of sour cream, adding layers of texture and taste to the spicy chili base.
Priced at $10.95, this chili bowl provides good value for those seeking a genuine Texas-style meal. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods ensures a satisfying experience for chili enthusiasts.
Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the Lone Star State. With its wooden corral-style patio gates and fire-burning pits, diners can enjoy their chili in a setting that captures the essence of Texas barbecue culture.
While known primarily for their smoked meats, Morgan’s Texas Red Chili Bowl has become a popular menu item. It complements their selection of brisket, ribs, and other barbecue staples, offering a well-rounded Texas-inspired dining experience in New York City.
3) Brisket Chili at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que brings a taste of Texas to New York with its hearty brisket chili. This establishment takes pride in crafting an authentic Texas-style chili that stays true to its roots.
The chili features tender chunks of smoked brisket, slow-cooked to perfection. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s recipe incorporates a custom spice rub that enhances the meat’s natural flavors.
A key component of their chili is the use of hickory wood chips during the smoking process. This imparts a distinctive smoky taste that sets it apart from other chili offerings in the city.
True to Texas tradition, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s chili contains no beans. Instead, it focuses on the rich flavors of the beef and spices, creating a bold and satisfying dish.
The chili’s base is crafted from scratch, eschewing tomatoes in favor of a more authentic chili con carne style. This results in a deeper, more complex flavor profile that chili enthusiasts will appreciate.
4) Frito Pie Chili at Chilo’s
Chilo’s brings a taste of Texas to Brooklyn with their Frito Pie Chili. This beloved dish combines the crunch of Fritos corn chips with a hearty, homemade chili.
The chili at Chilo’s is a standout, featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich, spicy sauce. Traditional Texas-style chili ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and garlic create a bold flavor profile.
Served in the classic style, the chili is ladled over a bed of Fritos directly in the bag. The combination of warm chili and crispy chips creates a satisfying texture contrast.
Toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, and jalapeños for those who like extra heat. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy element to balance the spice.
Chilo’s Frito Pie Chili offers an authentic taste of Texas in the heart of New York. It’s a comforting dish that transports diners to the Lone Star State with each bite.
5) Smoked Chili at Brother Jimmy’s
Brother Jimmy’s brings a taste of Texas to New York with their smoked chili. This barbecue joint embraces authentic Lone Star State flavors in their hearty bowl of red.
The chili features tender chunks of smoked brisket, giving it a rich, smoky depth. Ground beef adds traditional texture, while a blend of spices provides a balanced heat.
Tomatoes and beef broth create a thick, savory base. The chili simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Beans are notably absent, staying true to Texas chili tradition.
Toppings include shredded cheddar, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Cornbread on the side offers a sweet contrast to the savory chili.
Brother Jimmy’s smoked chili stands out for its barbecue-inspired twist on a classic. The smoky notes complement the bold spices, creating a unique New York take on Texas-style chili.
6) Chili Mac at The Brooklyn Star
The Brooklyn Star offers a unique twist on Texas-style chili with their hearty Chili Mac. This comforting dish combines the bold flavors of traditional chili with the satisfying texture of macaroni pasta.
The chili base features tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce. A blend of aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano gives the dish its authentic Texan flair.
Mixed with al dente macaroni noodles, the chili takes on a new dimension. The pasta soaks up the savory sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures in each bite.
Topped with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream, the Chili Mac at The Brooklyn Star offers a satisfying meal for chili enthusiasts. A scattering of fresh scallions adds a crisp, oniony bite to round out the flavors.
This dish exemplifies how New York chefs can successfully adapt classic Texas recipes while maintaining their essence. The Brooklyn Star’s Chili Mac remains true to its Texan roots while embracing a touch of Brooklyn creativity.
7) Ancho Beef Chili at Hudson Smokehouse
Hudson Smokehouse brings a taste of Texas to the Bronx with its Ancho Beef Chili. This hearty dish features chunks of tender beef chuck, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, smoky sauce.
The chili’s depth of flavor comes from a blend of dried ancho chiles, cumin, and other authentic spices. These ingredients create a complex taste profile that captures the essence of traditional Texas-style chili.
Unlike some Tex-Mex variations, Hudson Smokehouse’s chili stays true to its roots by omitting beans and tomatoes. This allows the beef and chili flavors to take center stage.
The chefs at Hudson Smokehouse pay careful attention to the consistency of their chili. It’s thick enough to coat a spoon but not so dense that it becomes stew-like.
Served piping hot, this chili offers a warming experience on cold New York days. It’s often accompanied by cornbread or tortillas, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
8) Stout Chili at Arrogant Swine
Arrogant Swine, known for its North Carolina-style BBQ in Bushwick, Brooklyn, offers a unique twist on Texas chili with its Stout Chili. This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of dark beer with traditional chili ingredients.
The use of stout beer adds depth and complexity to the chili, complementing the smoky notes from the restaurant’s BBQ expertise. Tender chunks of meat, likely a mix of beef and pork, simmer in the beer-infused broth.
Arrogant Swine’s indoor/outdoor space provides a casual atmosphere for enjoying this robust chili. The bold flavors pair well with their selection of craft beers and BBQ sides.
While not a strictly traditional Texas-style chili, Arrogant Swine’s version offers a creative interpretation that appeals to both chili purists and those seeking innovative takes on classic dishes. The stout chili showcases the restaurant’s ability to blend BBQ techniques with other comfort food favorites.
9) Pork and Beef Chili at Hometown Bar-B-Que
Hometown Bar-B-Que in Red Hook, Brooklyn, offers a unique twist on Texas-style chili. This acclaimed barbecue joint, which opened in September 2013, has gained recognition for its authentic pit-smoked meats.
While best known for their barbecue, Hometown’s pork and beef chili stands out as a hearty addition to their menu. The dish combines the rich flavors of both meats, creating a robust and satisfying bowl.
True to Texas tradition, this chili likely omits beans, focusing instead on the tender chunks of pork and beef. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing the complex flavors of carefully selected spices.
Hometown’s commitment to quality ingredients and traditional smoking techniques extends to their chili preparation. The use of oak wood in their smoking process may contribute subtle smoky notes to the chili.
Visitors to Hometown Bar-B-Que can expect a chili that balances bold flavors with the restaurant’s signature barbecue expertise. This Brooklyn establishment brings a taste of Texas to New York City, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to experience authentic Lone Star State cuisine.
10) Chili Verde at The Smoke Joint
The Smoke Joint in Brooklyn offers a unique take on chili verde that stands out in New York’s Tex-Mex scene. This barbecue-focused establishment brings smoky flavors to the traditional green chili dish.
Their chili verde features tender chunks of smoked pork shoulder, slow-cooked in a vibrant tomatillo sauce. The smokiness adds depth to the bright, tangy flavors of the verde sauce.
Roasted poblano and jalapeño peppers provide a balanced heat, while fresh cilantro and lime juice contribute zesty notes. The Smoke Joint serves their chili verde with warm corn tortillas and a side of rice.
For those seeking an authentic Texas-style chili experience with a New York twist, The Smoke Joint’s chili verde delivers. It combines classic Texan barbecue techniques with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Visitors can enjoy this dish in The Smoke Joint’s casual, rustic atmosphere. The restaurant’s dedication to quality ingredients and expert smoking methods shines through in their interpretation of chili verde.
Understanding Authentic Texas Style Chili
Texas style chili is a bold, meaty dish with a rich history and distinct flavor profile. It relies on specific ingredients and cooking techniques that set it apart from other regional chili variations.
Origins and History
Texas chili traces its roots back to the early 1800s. It emerged from a blend of Anglo, Spanish, and Mexican culinary traditions in the region. The dish gained popularity among cowboys and settlers as a hearty, portable meal.
In the late 19th century, “chili queens” in San Antonio began selling their signature chili from street carts. This helped spread the popularity of Texas-style chili beyond the state’s borders.
The first documented chili cook-off took place in 1967 in Terlingua, Texas. This event further cemented chili’s status as a beloved Texas staple and competitive cooking pursuit.
Key Ingredients and Spices
Authentic Texas chili is known for its “no beans, no tomatoes” approach. The star ingredient is beef, typically chuck roast cut into small cubes.
Key spices include:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
Many recipes incorporate dried chilies like ancho, guajillo, or chipotle for depth of flavor. Some cooks create a homemade chili paste from these dried peppers.
Beef broth or beer is often used as the liquid base. Masa harina may be added as a thickener.
Cooking Techniques
Texas chili requires slow cooking to develop its complex flavors. The process typically starts with browning the meat to build a flavor foundation.
Dried chilies are often toasted and rehydrated before being incorporated into the dish. This step enhances their flavor and creates a smoother texture.
Many recipes call for simmering the chili for several hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Seasoning adjustments are made throughout the cooking process. Skilled chili cooks taste and refine the flavors as the dish simmers.
Adapting Texas Chili Flavors for New York Palettes
Texas chili’s bold flavors can be adjusted to appeal to New York taste preferences while maintaining authenticity. This involves carefully balancing spices and incorporating local ingredients.
Balancing Heat and Sweetness
New York diners often appreciate a more nuanced heat profile in their chili. To achieve this, chefs can reduce the quantity of hot peppers like jalapeños and instead use a blend of milder chilis. Ancho and guajillo peppers provide depth without overwhelming heat.
Adding a touch of sweetness can help balance the spice. A small amount of dark chocolate or a drizzle of honey enhances flavors without compromising the dish’s Texan roots. Some chefs experiment with maple syrup, a nod to northeastern flavors.
Cumin remains essential but can be toasted to bring out its nutty notes. This technique adds complexity without increasing spiciness.
Incorporating Local Ingredients
New York’s diverse food scene offers opportunities to integrate local elements into Texas chili. Grass-fed beef from upstate farms can replace traditional chuck roast, providing a leaner, more flavorful base.
Local craft beers can be used instead of water or stock, adding depth and a hint of bitterness. IPAs work particularly well, complementing the chili’s robust flavors.
Seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or kale can be added for texture and nutrition. These additions cater to health-conscious New Yorkers without straying too far from authentic recipes.
For toppings, consider using New York cheddar or small-batch sour cream from local dairies. These familiar ingredients help bridge the gap between Texan tradition and New York tastes.