Local Food Finds | National Chili Day 2025

Your weekly dose of some cool food and dining finds around town!

Have a suggestion? We’d love to hear from you – submit it HERE!

• The fourth Thursday in February is dedicated to celebrating one of America’s beloved winter dishes—chili. Originating in Texas, this hearty dish has evolved into a staple for cook-off competitions, with countless variations. Fun fact: Chili has held the title of Texas’ official state dish since 1977. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson was a chili enthusiast, and his personal favorite recipe, Pedernales River Chili, was named after his Texas ranch. Due to the immense number of requests the White House received for it, the First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, had the recipe printed on cards to be sent out. In no particular order, here are a few local spots where you can savor delicious chili:
  • Potato Valley Cafe serves up hearty beef chili and cheddar on a baked potato, with greens, roasted onions, and corn chips.
    • P.S. DYK (Did You Know) that Potato Valley Cafe specializes in oven-roasted potatoes and offers over twenty unique fillings, all topped with veggies and imported Danish roasted onions.

• The Hideaway and Julep (sister companies) offer chili with 22 ingredients—seven types of chiles, red beans, and smoky tomato sauce, topped with cheddar and jack cheese. At The Hideaway, you can also order The Chili-Cheese Dog.
• The Grill at Quarterfield Station has homemade vegetarian chili, garnished with crispy tortilla chips and topped with cheddar cheese.
• URBurger’s monthly special features house-made chili with brisket, pork, and beef made with their secret blend of spices.
• Adam’s Grille and Taphouse serves homemade chili, using Adam’s secret house recipe. 
• Annapolis Smokehouse and Tavern has a no-frills, solid smokehouse chili.
• Bread and Butter Kitchen, a local favorite, will occasionally feature a vegan chili that’s to die for.