It’s almost as if I was meant to come to Briqhouse on the night we chose to indulge in their chili. Imagine running in from the freezing cold into a warm sports bar where a gathering of the “Pinstripe Faithful”, local Yankees fan club, was having their monthly meeting and THEN reading the Wednesday special that all Captain drinks were $3. It almost felt like home. (Assuming your home serves delicious Captain and Diets) As a fellow Yankees fan I got a lot of joy out of watching men in their 60’s wear Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra jerseys while discussing the current state of the Bronx Bombers over a soda and some French fries. I was content already and I haven’t even ordered yet. To top things off, the owner came over to our table and talked with us while waiting for our food. He’s a great guy, passionate about the place, and probably trying to swoon us because he reads this blog.

Let me be the first to say that this chili would have won 2016 Panther Lounge Chili Cook-off. This was easily a better version of the top spot. It differentiated itself right off the bat; and you just know you’re in for a treat when you can smell the deliciousness right when the waitress puts it on the table. Just look at the picture- I can almost guarantee that no other chili will be served to you in a basket as opposed the generic bowl on a plate, and you know what? I dig it. The color was that perfect mix between red and brown, exactly what you want. Really my only criticism is that it finds itself a little too far on the soupy side and it could be a little more hearty and meaty.

Although it was a rather simple bowl of chili, it was definitely not boring. It was bursting with flavor and seemed to get more and more appetizing with each spoonful. You can pick up a little spice that begins to snowball with each bite. In fact it is just enough to make you crave that next bite, the next one, and the next one. To validate this, when I looked across the table and saw a gloomy look on the face of my PIC (Partner in Chili), I was a little worried that we were about disagree on the quality of the dish. However when I asked what was the matter she very genuinely stated, “I’m really sad. I only have one bite left”.  To be honest that’s on her for only getting a cup instead of a bowl but you see my point. Briqhouse has served up a traditional chili that would make Yankees fans (any American) proud. This chili is really for anybody who wants a quality bowl with a tender spice and stays true to its roots.

Official Breggie Rating= 8.4