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Cincinnati probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when it comes to cities with a diverse and thriving culinary scene, but there is one dish that’s inextricably linked with that locale: Skyline Chili. It’s hard to imagine there are many people who’ve been clamoring for ice cream inspired by the dish, but we now live in a world where that’s an option.
The United States is home to a ton of unique regional delicacies you’re typically not going to encounter outside of the areas where they’ve managed to amass a cult following; you’re going to have a difficult time ordering a glass of coffee milk if you’re not in Rhode Island, and we should probably be grateful Altoona-style pizza has failed to spread outside of that part of central Pennsylvania.
America also boasts a pretty wide array of approaches to chili, including the beanless variety you’ll get if you order some in Texas and the delicious green concoction that’s popular in Colorado and New Mexico.
However, there probably isn’t a single type more divisive than Cincinnati-style chili, which refers to the Greek-inspired meat sauce immigrants who arrived in the area in the wake of World War I starting serving up more than a century ago.
That particular style is basically synonymous with Skyline Chili, the chain that can trace its roots back to the restaurant that opened up in Cincinnati in 1949.
The eatery is best known for the dish that involves piling the chili on top of a plate of spaghetti where it’s commonly topped with shredded cheese, beans, onions, and oyster crackers to create a meal you’re essentially obligated to try if you ever end up in the area but may not end up enjoying (you can also get the chili on a hot dog if you’re feeling a bit less adventurous).
However, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might want to track down the Skyline Chili ice cream that’s about to be unleashed upon an unsuspecting world courtesy of a collaboration between the Cincy institution and another in the form of Graeter’s.
It’s real and it’s spectacular! 🎉
Graeter’s Ice Cream and Skyline Chili, two Cincinnati icons, bring you this one of a kind collaboration.
This limited edition ice cream features Skyline’s signature spice mix, and crunchy oyster crackers!
On January 27th, Skyline Spice with… pic.twitter.com/sDVflwOHOg
— Graeter’s Ice Cream (@graeters) January 24, 2025
The ice cream merciful eschews any traces of beans, onion, mean, and spaghetti in favor of the Mediterranean spices responsible for giving Skyline Chili its signature flavor and the oyster crackers that add a bit of texture in addition to the saltiness they presumably impart.
Anyone who’s interested in trying the ice cream will get the chance to do exactly that when it’s officially released on January 27th.