Gabrielle Naomi
I recently tried Real Chili near Marquette for the first time, and while the experience started off on a positive note, it quickly went downhill. The person who helped me was incredibly kind and helpful when I mentioned it was my first time there. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended.
The food itself was very disappointing. The to-go container was so greasy that it leaked through the paper bag, leaving a mess on the seat and floor of my car. When I opened the container, I was greeted by a pool of grease sitting on top of the chili—not at all appetizing. The meat tasted burnt, which only added to the overall unpleasantness.
To make matters worse, the meal cost $17, which felt wildly overpriced for the quality. I called to speak with the manager about a refund, but I was told he wouldn’t be available until the next day. I’ll be following up, but as of now, I can’t recommend this place.
As a college student, this meal was not worth the money, hassle, or time it took to clean up the mess before class. Hopefully, others have better experiences, but for me, this was a one-and-done visit.
… moreScott Besemann
Absolutely EXACTLY what you would expect. Old school diner, no frills, friendly service, and totally basic food. Nice to have a local option rather than a chain.
… moreBarbie Bogan
The staff was really welcoming and very nice. The chili is great. I got the bowl chili spicy with loaded with cheese , peppers, onions and sour cream! Prices are really reasonable as well. I love eating here!
… moreErnest Coleman
Not bad chili, a little too heavy on the beans and a tad salty, but I don’t cook with much salt, so a lot of things can taste really salty.
… moreMagdalena Sacco
I ate at Real Chili for the first time last week. This restaurant, running since 1931, is a Midwestern Gem. Housed in a lovingly maintained old fashioned diner with a wrap around counter, Real Chili specializes in one dish – house recipe chili – and it’s real. It is real hearty, real well priced, and real good.
Real Chili has a thick, well flavoured meat based chili. (There is also a vegan chili on offer) There are three pots of it, with three levels of spiciness. You can get a bowl with your choice of toppings, put it on spaghetti, or do a chili dog, Dorito pie or chili nachos. I recommend topping anything you get with their freshly grated WI cheddar. They have dessert, but I ate too much Chili to be able to fit any. I’m not sorry about that.
If you come in during manger Brian’s shift, you are sure to be treated to true Midwestern hospitality. His pride in the business shows with the care he puts into everything, from making the food to welcoming the diners. He’s also a great conversationalist, so if you enjoy a chat, say hi. 🙂
Real Chili is open late, and is perfect for midnight cravings, but I recommend coming in on a quite afternoon and taking time to enjoy the ambience. I came in last week to find some lunch after a very long day, and Real Chili was exactly the comfort I needed. Come and support this living piece of Milwaukee history!
… moreAaron O’Reilly
Being a native Milwaukeean, I can’t imagine how I had missed ever going to Real Chili. This week’s Sunday adventure with my dad took us to downtown Milwaukee, to Real Chili. An old school, sit at the counter, diner that serves primarily chili, of course, but also has some other items. Dad and I each had a chili dog with cheese. The poppy seed bun was steamed and a good sized beef dog covered in mild chili. If you like chili dogs I highly recommend this one!! We also each had a bowl of chili with spaghetti noodles and beans. Dad had the hot and I had the medium. Neither was too hot by any standard. Great Smoky chili flavor and filling to boot. If you want to eat at a real Milwaukee historical restaurant…Real Chili is the place to go. In the heart of the Marquette University campus. Great food and great atmosphere! Our service today was A number one as well! Thank you for a great time and a great meal;
… moreSereen Frion
Chili was a little on the salty side for being chili but would order again. My main issue was that I ordered Fritos and there was a hole in the bag so I was unable to enjoy them.
… moreDominic Gilboy
It’s gotten way too expensive for just a bowl of hot chilli. Still love the flavor just not the grease so much any more.
… moreJordan Jerrett
Visited on 2/5/26. Chili is ok. One employee engaged in a weirdly targeted conversation with other customers about Indigenous reservations and the north side of Milwaukee. It was clearly racially coded and disrespectful.
… moreKeith Brzezinski
Brian the manager is awesome and the food ain’t bad either. If you’ve never been its a Milwaukee must try.
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