Great moments are born from great opportunity. That’s what legends had the night we walked in for a bowl of chili. That’s what they had earned. One bowl. If they made 10 batches, 9 might be average, but not this bowl, not tonight…Tonight, Legends has the best chili in the Cedar Valley.

Not too many people know about Legends. Formerly the Penalty Box, the bar sits right across from Young Arena and attracts a rambunctious hockey crowd when the Blackhawks take the ice. On non-game nights it is much less crowded. This particular night there were just a few older men at the bar talking loudly over what I imagine was their 7th or 8th Old Milwaukee.

The bar design itself is pretty unique. Located right when you walk in the counter is shaped like a star with several corners. This is smart because people love to sit at bar corners so they can face their friends or random locals who are friendly after a few. There are all kinds of TV’s for your viewing pleasure making it a solid option to watch any sporting event. You may be surprised to find this place even has craft beer on tap. And even though we didn’t side this dish with an alcoholic beverage, I’d say it was good timing. I wouldn’t have wanted anything to affect the taste of this chili.

It came out in real flatware with salt and pepper and a massive spoon the size of a hockey puck (That’s an exaggeration but you get the idea). The aroma, color and consistency all set the stage for the first bite. Then boom! The flavor hits you like Fulton Reed just checked you into the boards. It starts out on the sweet side and finishes with some heat. We have finally discovered a chili that has found the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. The ingredients flow together so well it’s like they have been skating on the same line since pee-wee league. It has all the basic ingredients that one would expect in a bowl of chili, so it is the spices that truly take it to the next level. It comes with oyster crackers on the side but I’d recommend you let them ride the pine. This chili stands on its own. Thus far in the Cedar Valley one could call it the Wayne Gretzky of chili.

Do you believe in miracles? Yes! Because staying true to their name Legend’s chili is legen—wait for it—-dary. Legendary.

Official Breggie Rating—9.0