Skyline Chili is an iconic restaurant that originated in Cincinnati in 1949. Their famous chili recipe originated in Greece with the Lambrinides family. In a small kitchen in the city of Kastoria, Greece, Nicholas Lambrinides watched his mother and grandmother prepare authentic Greek dishes that brought his whole family together, according to Skyline’s website.
Since 1949, Skyline Chili continues to use the same recipe that was passed down generation after generation in Lambrinides’ family and heartily satisfies those who visit. And, according to Skyline’s website, the restaurant is “dedicated to bringing friends and families together for an experience like no other and … will always be devoted to the American dream of that young man from a small village in Greece.”
Skyline began as a lone chili parlor on Glenway Avenue. This restaurant overlooked the Cincinnati skyline, inspiring the name of the parlor. Lambrinides ran the restaurant with his five sons, and the chili he developed was neither a traditional Greek nor Mexican dish known to other areas of the United States. This chili was heaped on a classic noodle dish and topped with a generous amount of cheese. This unmistakable dish is known by all as a “three-way” — a distinct way of eating “Cincinnati-style” chili.
The business expanded when the family decided to open more restaurants. The second restaurant opened in 1952 and solidified Skyline’s brand in the Cincinnati area. By 1986, Skyline had nearly 50 franchised restaurants in operation.
To this day, Skyline is one of the most prominent and well-known restaurants in Cincinnati. Trying Skyline chili is practically a rite of passage for those who are either visiting or new to the local area.
Since today is National Chili Day, it is only fitting that you stop by one of the many Skyline restaurants in the area (there are plenty to choose from) and get a signature dish, such a three-way or a coney. So, celebrate National Chili Day by visiting a local Skyline restaurant today. And, if you’ve never been before, get a taste of what everyone always talks about, because it’s worth the hype.
