Two Illinois Spots Named Top Chili Joints in the U.S.

It's a bit of a surprise, isn't it? Texas, the self-proclaimed birthplace of chili, has some competition.

Two restaurants in Illinois have managed to secure a spot on the list of the best chili joints in America. How did that happen?

I'm not saying that Texas isn't featured because it is, but I thought the list would be filled with joints located in the Lone Star State, not in the Land of Lincoln.

Since the weather is slowly getting colder, I thought it might be time to find some decent places to have a bowl of chili.

Some people can eat a bowl of chili straight out of the can, while others prefer something fancier.

These two Illinois restaurants apparently do it so well that The Daily Meal, a reputable food publication, included them on its list of the 25 restaurants serving the "Best Chili in America." Their unique recipes and dedication to quality have earned them this prestigious recognition.

Checking in at #15 is the Dew Chili Parlor located in Springfield. The Daily Meal says the recipe for their "legendary chili hasn't changed since the day it opened, and while it's a closely guarded secret, it's rich and simply made with ground beef and beans." The chili is known for its robust flavor and perfect balance of spices. Hmm, I'll have that.

Dew Chili Parlor via Yelp

Just a few spots ahead at #8 is another chili place in Springfield called The Chili Parlor. What sets them apart is their unique approach.

The secret of their restaurant's success is the fact that chili is made to order, to each customer's specifications.

Meat and beans are kept separate and only combined once the customer chooses from five heat levels and specifies whether they'd like extra meat or beans.

The Chili Parlor via Yelp

Now, I'm faced with a dilemma. I was leaning towards Dew Chili Parlor, but now I'm considering The Chili Parlor.

Which of the two is best? And can someone explain to me how Springfield, a seemingly ordinary city, has become a chili mecca smack in the middle of America?