16-07-2025
Skyline Chili goes back-to-back as No. 1 regional fast food chain in America
What can we say, Cincinnati has good taste.
Skyline Chili ranked as the No. 1 regional fast food chain in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, released July 16, for the second year in a row.
The chili parlor, founded in Cincinnati by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides in 1949, has become a Queen City staple (or a source of controversy, depending on whom you ask). Today, there are more than 150 locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and even Florida, where locals can get their three-way and coney fix while on vacation.
The chain's signature formula of chili with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, poured over a plate of spaghetti and topped with a mound of cheddar cheese, is arguably as emblematic of the Greater Cincinnati region as the Bengals or the Roebling Bridge.
In a year since its last No. 1 ranking victory, Skyline has made headlines with unique collabs and creations, such as the Skyline Chili-flavored Graeter's ice cream, which drew a reaction from Vice President J.D. Vance. The chain also created a Guy Fieri-inspired 5-Way and a Mac and Cheese Way.
After being vetted by 10Best editors and voted on by the public, the Cincinnati chili chain claimed the No. 1 rank among nine other regional chains (including the famous burger chain, In-N-Out).
Here's a look at the top 10 best regional fast food chains, according to USA TODAY readers.
Best Regional Fast Food, according to USA TODAY 10Best
Skyline Chili (founded in Cincinnati, Ohio).
Biscuitville (founded in Burlington, North Carolina).
Lion's Choice (founded in St. Louis, Missouri).
Farm Burger (founded in Decatur, Georgia).
Runza (founded in Lincoln, Nebraska).
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe (founded in Birmingham, Alabama).
Schoop's Hamburgers (founded in Hammond, Indiana).
In-N-Out Burger (founded in Baldwin Park, California).
Dick's Drive-In (founded in Seattle, Washington).
Taco Cabana (founded in San Antonio, Texas).
USA TODAY is owned by The Enquirer's parent company, Gannett.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Skyline Chili named No. 1 regional fast food chain in America (again)
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