The Oldest Standing Skyline Chili

Red brick building with an old-fashioned sign that reads "Skyline Chili"
Photo courtesy of Francesca Marcotte Rietz, taken 10/2/19.

While most Cincinnatians have eaten at one of Skyline Chili’s numerous locations, some may not know that the the recipe was formulated during WWII while founder, Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, was working at the original Empress Chili. In 1949, Lambrinides and his sons opened the first Skyline in Price Hill, which has since closed. However, near and dear to the UC campus is the oldest standing Skyline, which opened in 1966. Now, when I walk by this little piece of the past, I’ll imagine how it might have looked way back when. Food can be historical, too.