BEST CHILI

Joe Rogers’ Chili Parlor

820 South Ninth Street, 522-3722 Not many Springfield food haunts are so famous that they have to include shipping options on their website. Then again, Joe Rogers’ “The Den” is not your average spot. An original recipe created almost 70 years ago still drives hordes of Springfield residents and international tourists to the South Ninth Street location each year. Regular customers know how to order their chili, whether mild, mild with a touch, medium, hot, or firebrand. There’s extra meat, no meat, extra oil and everything in between. Although Joe Rogers moved from its first location at 1125 South Grand in 1997, one tradition remains: anyone who eats the ultra-spicy firebrand (and survives) still gets their name on the wall. Give it a try Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cash only. Runner-up: Steak ’n Shake