By Patricia Summerfield
September 16, 2009
To me there is nothing like a good bowl of chili, so I thought I would try one of Green Bay's oldest establishments, Chili John's, famous for their chili and located on the west side of Green Bay. Chili John's originated in 1913 in Green Bay and was founded by John Issac; it is still owned and operated by his grandson Dan Hoehne using the same original chili recipe that his grandfather created. The restaurant is a casual bright diner with two very long counters and various tables towards the back. It is simple and casual in style with colors of dark aqua green and maroon. On the countertops and on each table are two bottles of cider vinegar for additional seasoning on your chili, one is a plain vinegar and the other has peppercorns to add a little extra spice to your chili if you choose to.
It was later in the afternoon and I had worked up quite an appetite so I ordered their super bowl which is a regular bowl and a half. The choices are mild, medium, hot, and extra hot. The hotter you order the more chili meat you get. You can also get it with just meat or with spaghetti and beans, extra bean juice, or extra chili oil, no beans or light on the beans. I chose to get it with spaghetti and beans for $9.15. My chili was brought out to me immediately with a small side of oyster crackers. John Issac was also responsible for helping to invent the oyster cracker. He used to serve his chili with 4" x 4" saltines and talked to a particular customer about making crackers that would fit a teaspoon. That customer turned out to be a salesman from Nabisco Foods and the product was created. 
My chili was awesome, the meat sauce is dark and spicy but not so intensely hot that your mouth would be on fire, and the texture of the meat is very finely broken down. I loved the meat sauce so much that next time I would order it without the beans.
My server was very nice and knowledgeable; she has been an employee there for ten years. She told me one of their most famous and regular customers is John Madden, the famous sports announcer. Also when there is a Packer game in town they are extremely busy with customers from all over the country. Chili John's also has a restaurant inside Lambeau Field and that restaurant is open only during the football season. Their menu offers other options such as salads and different sandwiches, but make sure you don't miss out on their great chili.
