Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Celebrate National Chili Day at these 5 local spots
Reading time: 3 minutes
Birmingham may be known for barbecue and Southern comfort food, but let’s not forget about a dish that’s just as hearty and full of flavor—chili! In honor of National Chili Day on February 27, we’ve rounded up five local spots serving up bowls of hearty, flavorful goodness.
Grab a spoon and get ready to dig in.
(P.S.—Stay tuned for details on The Exceptional Foundation’s 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off on March 1.)
1. Paramount
Paramount has been named the best sports bar in Alabama by Cheapism, famous for tasty bar snacks like boiled peanut hummus and crispy wings—but did you know they also serve a mean bowl of chili? Get it by the cup, bowl or atop the West Virginian burger alongside slaw and mustard.
- Location: 200 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: 11AM-9PM Daily
2. Demitri’s BBQ
While my favorite meal at Demitri’s in Homewood is definitely the Sunday brunch, I love to stop by for a cup of chili during the week for lunch.
They serve both classic red chili and a tasty white chicken chili.
- Location: 1901 28th Ave S, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 6AM-4:30PM, Sunday 9:30AM-2PM
3. Gus’s Hot Dogs
Why stop at just chili when you can get a chili dog from this famous Birmingham spot?
Named one of the 35 best hot dogs in the U.S. by The Daily Meal, Gus’s is the perfect lunch spot to grab a chili dog, a bag of Golden Flake potato chips and a Pepsi.
4. Diplomat Deli
Diplomat Deli has been around for over 40 years, and for good reason. While you probably know them for their delicious sandwiches, the deli is also a great spot to enjoy a warm bowl of chili and a craft beer.
- Location: 1425 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
- Hours: Monday-Friday 11AM-8PM, Saturday-Sunday 11AM-3PM
5. Saw’s BBQ
With six Birmingham-area locations, Saw’s is lauded for some of the best barbecue around. Their chili is top-notch too—get it by the cup or stuffed inside a fluffy baked potato.
6. Otey’s
Otey’s is the kind of neighborhood spot where everyone feels like family! Their hearty Rodney’s Chili is a local favorite—enjoy it by the bowl, loaded on chili cheese fries, or piled high on a chili cheeseburger. (Pro tip: Grab plenty of napkins!)
- Crestline: 224 Country Clb Pk, Birmingham, AL 35213
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-11PM, Thursday-Saturday 11AM-Midnight
- Edgewood: 924 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, AL 35209
- Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-10PM, Thursday-Saturday 11AM-Midnight
Attend the 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off on March 1
If you love chili, this event is right up your alley. The Exceptional Foundation’s 21st Annual Chili Cook-Off is just around the corner, on Saturday, March 1.
Join the community at Brookwood Village for an unforgettable day filled with delicious chili, live music, family-friendly activities and much more.
- When: Saturday, March 1 | 10:30AM-3PM
- Where: Brookwood Village | 614 Brookwood, Mountain Brook AL, 35209
- Cost: $15 in advance | $20 at the gate | Children under 12 get in free
- Get tickets
Where’s your favorite chili in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
