Lindy's, Chicago's oldest chili parlor interior with stools and counter, open since 1924.

100-year secret

Only one man knows the 100-year-old proprietary recipe of Lindy's Chili. We will tell you, its main ingredient is lean beef, produced by the finest USDA manufacturers. In 1924, Duke Lindy Lindeman (seen above), owned a struggling South-Side soda shop. Over four arduous days, to save his family, Lindy made the first batch of his “special stew” – beef, water, tomatoes - stuff your mom would feed you – and a uniquely delicious blend of proprietary seasonings.


FDR chicago mayor in suits sitting on a couch holding a bowl of chili with crackers.

Mr. President Wants Chili

In 1960s Chicago, a rush of Secret Service agents stormed Lindy's on South Archer Avenue. Staff and patrons didn't know what to make of the massive order by the men in black. President Lyndon Johnson, visiting Chicago, wanted Texas chili; Mayor Richard J. Daley said he'd do Mr. President one better – Lindy's. On first bite, Johnson conceded: "Now that's some g**damn good chili, Richie."

Collage of people in white uniforms eating bowls of chili at a restaurant, with a branded shirt labeled "Lindy's" and a person carrying stacked bowls.

First Responder Favorite

Since day one, Chicago's best chili has been a favorite among those who keep us safe – our firefighters and police. They may have blue collar hearts, but they have gold medal palates, and they know delicious when they taste it. "The best, by far, by a mile," said Captain O'Malley in this 1981 news story on a chili eating contest to support local charities. To this day, a proceed of Lindy's profits goes right back into the community.