Here's the thing about Skyline - it's an acquired taste. My husband is from Cincinnati, and his family would always go to Skyline multiple times when visiting. The first couple of times, I didn't "get it." It is indeed kinda sweet, and does indeed have a bit of a clove/cinnamon taste. However, after a few visits, you start craving it, and then the next thing you know, you NEED it from time to time. I get a 5 way, my husband gets a 4 way (no beans). Neither of us love the hot dogs (called Coneys) - they're fine and all, and my mother in law SWEARS by them, but they kinda turn my stomach somehow. Try one on the side, it might be your thing. The only reason for not 5 stars was that this location is pretty run down. It could use a sprucing up. Other locations I've been to have always been much more spick and span and not aging so poorly. Also, it is cafeteria style, which I've never seen before, but no points off there - it was just fine.
(4)
PJ C.
Love Skyline Chili - whenever we roll through Ohio I search for the nearest location to get my fix. I usually get the 4-way with onions but sometimes I opt for the Coney dogs - tasty. I actually have bought the canned version of their chili mix to span the infrequent visits, though it is not the same. I just cannot get the fluffy cheese right. My digestive track can no longer tolerate two visits in the same weekend but I wish I could...
(4)
Kristen W.
Skyline has been in my gene pool since I was a wee thing. My mom was the opening manager at this location when I was 1 so I litterally grew up on this stuff. So yes, I'm partial to this skyline. My dad was the first customer ever so his signed dollar hangs on the wall (true story). Skyline chili is really an acquired taste, but you need to give it a chance(I love it). And if you don't like it, give it another chance or else I'll judge you. The coneys are one of a kind but I always get a four way which is chili over spaghetti with beans. The interior has declined over the years but when I went for lunch last week it was spotless. Also, the workers were so fast it blew my mind. I could watch them make amazing chili creations all day. Oh and I forgot to mention they had diet dr pepper as one of their fountain drinks! Minus one star because the new owners took my dads framed dollars off the wall... And I'm obviously still salty about it.
(4)
Ba Chomp Ba Chomp Ba Chewy Chomp P.
Give me a 5-way or deluxe bean burrito any day! It's strange how the food tastes identically to the bonefide Cinti Skyline's but there is something missing. I order 10 chili dogs w/ cheese to go the other day. They were not used to an order as such and the staff did not know how the wield the hotdog paddles (not sure what that gizmo is called) for large orders. So basically, they miss the flare and the extremely fast pace. People behind me were having to wait. I personally feel" to go" orders should automatically include napkins, hot sauce and oyster crackers. I thought it was odd that I had to ask for those items.
(3)
Benjamin C.
To be fair, something terrible would have to happen to me at a skyline for me to rate less than 5 stars. Obviously, I love skyline. Any trip to Ohio requires a visit. Eat the largest 5-way that you can and worry about the consequences later.
(5)
Mary N.
I really enjoyed it. I ordered the chili three way. The small was enough for me. The chili has kinda a sweet taste to it that I can only describe as cloves. They also had beans and raw onions served with finely shredded cheddar cheese on top. My friend who came with me is a vegetarian and was happy to see a vegetarian chili option on the menu. Service was good and the place was very clean. I would definitely come back here. Next time I come back I plan to try the chili dog covered in the shredded cheddar cheese.
(5)
Sharon K.
I like their chili 3 way! really dense comfort food. They are a bit wild with the cheese though lol. hmmm I see why my friend likes it so much. The greek salad is ok. I got my brother a burrito. I still have some vouchers so my return will be... in some time. Worth a little bit of carbo load :)
(4)
Precious R.
I honestly don't see what the hype is about with this 'chili'. It looks like dog food & doesn't look very appetizing when it's slapped on over cooked noodles. The only things that make the chili somewhat edible is the mound of cheese & hot sauce. At least the employees were very nice & helpful though.
(2)
Betsy P.
I had never been to Skyline and Donna and her team made it a very enjoyable first time! They took the time to recommend different items and went above and beyond make sure I had a great experience. It's rare that you get that kind of service at a "fast food ish" restaurant so I was pleasantly surprised! PS the vegetarian chili was awesome!
(5)
Terri L.
I love this place!! We went there on our way to KY and I have never been there and our friends laughed, Because I never been there, so glad they took me there... I LOVED IT!! The chili was sweet and soooo different over spaghetti and topped with a HUGE mound of cheddar cheese!! Can't go wrong there!! We will be back real soon I hope!!! =)
(5)
Chas M.
When Im feelin a little high on myself and I wanna come down a few notches I eat some horrible food so I feel like crap. Evenflow. The manager workin the counter was super sweet and as nice as peach pie. We ordered to 3-ways. Had a coupon for a FREE one so I took the second one to-go and she didn't give me any grief even though I was being a pain in the ass. Food was good. Even my lil one liked it. We split the one, took the other home for later. Essentially, I got 4 meals for like 6 bux! Not bad. If ya eat this whole thing in one sitting your colon must hate you. To burn off these kind of calories you would have to walk to Lodi and back. I saw lots of single women dining in here which I thought was odd. And, by judging by how busy this place was I can see why Americans are the biggest on the planet. Tables need to be bussed more often. There was no fewer that 8 table around us the whole time we ate that had peoples trash laying around. The ambiance gave me shivers of delight. How about have trash cans at stations and let tubby walk to over. God knows we need the exercise. Oh, and don't use the toilets unless you need to shoot up...or vomit....or both..
(4)
Joshua S.
I hate to give this place two stars, because the service was so good. I guess Greek style spaghetti just wasn't 'my thing'. The bright light of this whole experience was the chili dogs, which were actually quite enjoyable. Make sure you nix the beans, they're not needed.
(2)
Martina D.
This is such a unique place to me being from Virginia, but it was a nice experience. The ladies working here were super helpful and friendly and can apparently tell by the look on your face if its your first visit, and if it is, they give you a coupon for a free hot dog on your next visit. I was in shock by the amount of cheese they put on any given item on the menu. My arteries, I'm sure, were not pleased. I really like the setup thats not quite server style restaurant and not quite fast food - as said in the other reviews, its more cafeteria style, but I'm okay with that. The taste of the chili was different than what I expected. It had a nutmeg flavor to it which was different, but not bad. I'd probably return, but if you love yourself, don't go there too often.
(4)
George S.
At Skyline chili it's simple; it's about the food and good service. Depending on where you go, it's either table service or, like here, it's more of a cafeteria deal, but the food's plentiful, the dogs and chili are tasty, and I really enjoy the simplicity of it all (oh, and did I mention the mountains of cheese:). With good food, good prices, and good company, it's a must to make a beeline to Skyline:)
(4)
Ritu D.
So, I have a confession to make. And, yes, people on yelp are the first ones to know about this. I have a guilty pleasure, and it's going to eat at Skyline. I never take anyone with me - probably because I know how bad what I'm eating is for me, and I never tell anyone that I went after I've gone. The only people who know are me... and the employees... who - no matter how much time goes by between visits - are so friendly and talkative that they seem to remember me!! Now that I've gotten that off my chest......... First and foremost, I've never tried the actual Chili, but everyone I've gone to Cinci locations with has loved it - people who I've talked to who have said they don't like it is usually because they use chocolate / cinnamon in their chili and they don't care of that. But, I've been frequenting skyline for years now. My best friend is from northern kentucky, so going to visit him years ago usually meant at least one trip to Skyline. I used to always get beans and rice with heaping amounts of cheese on top and cheese fries. That was until I moved to Cleveland 2 years ago and discovered that I had my very own Skyline on ridge road!! Every time I go, I get a chili cheese sandwich with beans and a three-way with beans (spaghetti, chili or beans, and cheese). Their oyster crackers and hot sauce are AWESOME. Like I mentioned earlier, the employees are freakin awesome! Legit. Hilarious, friendly, and fun to talk to. I love me some skyline.
(5)
Stewart P.
I'm going to say it and wait patiently for the backlash: Cleveland-style chili sucks! While I will use this review to cover Skyline Chili independent of other places, I want to point out that this style of chili is what this area of the country is known for and quite frankly I think it's terrible. It doesn't mesh well with my palate. I realize that by saying this, I am trampling on a long cherished tradition in this area. And frankly, I'm sticking to it. I realize that your mothers and grandmothers fed this to you as a child... and on their behalf I apologize for years of abuse. Chili should be hearty and robust and spicy. Heck if you want a decent chili, go try the one at Zoup. It at least resembles a real chili. Skyline chili has a texture that reminds me of cream of wheat (and not in a good way). But beyond that it is relatively flavorless with the exception of some odd taste that is somewhat reminiscent of cinnamon. It's also served in a really weird way - on noodles. I am fairly adventurous but these textures and flavors just didn't mesh well for me. I think another thing that bothered me is that, being unfamiliar with this style of chili, I felt confused by the menu. The staff weren't very helpful when I expressed my confusion either. I'm glad you all love this chili but I'll pass on it and find some real chili!
(2)
Yuanjia Z.
This is a hidden treasure of Cleveland! I went their with my friends one time and we were so WOW'd by this place. I mean, literally, it was so good. We had coneys, ways, fries, funnel cake, possibly everything available on the menu and I have to say that you wont go wrong choosing any of them. We also went for the "hot" option and that really added another layer of flavor on this already-so-good chilli dish. The coneys are kinda small, so be prepared to order more. Their stuff is also very reasonably priced!
(4)
Steve Y.
I didn't go here nearly enough, and now I've been going multiple times a week! Pros: The service is fast and friendly, the tables are clean, and the food has been delicious! Cons: The only one I can even think of is that restroom could use some deep cleaning. I really enjoy going to Skyline. Management has come by and asked me how my meal was every time I have been there in the past few weeks. The bottles of hot sauce on table are clean and full. I usually load too much hot sauce, and I usually get my drink in a to-go cup to cool my palette. They usually have oyster crackers and bibs ready if you need them. The coneys are very tempting, but I usually go with a 4-way with onions. Before my friend brought me to this location years ago, it would be something that I wouldn't even try. I am glad I went. I lived in South Carolina for years, and this Cincy style chili is not available down there. It's a shame. One of the worst parts about this restaurant is out of their control. I really dislike the parking lot. It's limited and space and has 1-2 spots in front of the restaurant partially blocked by a traffic directing island. After writing this review, I think I've convinced myself to go to Skyline tonight!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jessica C.
Here's the thing about Skyline - it's an acquired taste. My husband is from Cincinnati, and his family would always go to Skyline multiple times when visiting. The first couple of times, I didn't "get it." It is indeed kinda sweet, and does indeed have a bit of a clove/cinnamon taste. However, after a few visits, you start craving it, and then the next thing you know, you NEED it from time to time. I get a 5 way, my husband gets a 4 way (no beans). Neither of us love the hot dogs (called Coneys) - they're fine and all, and my mother in law SWEARS by them, but they kinda turn my stomach somehow. Try one on the side, it might be your thing. The only reason for not 5 stars was that this location is pretty run down. It could use a sprucing up. Other locations I've been to have always been much more spick and span and not aging so poorly. Also, it is cafeteria style, which I've never seen before, but no points off there - it was just fine.
(4)PJ C.
Love Skyline Chili - whenever we roll through Ohio I search for the nearest location to get my fix. I usually get the 4-way with onions but sometimes I opt for the Coney dogs - tasty. I actually have bought the canned version of their chili mix to span the infrequent visits, though it is not the same. I just cannot get the fluffy cheese right. My digestive track can no longer tolerate two visits in the same weekend but I wish I could...
(4)Kristen W.
Skyline has been in my gene pool since I was a wee thing. My mom was the opening manager at this location when I was 1 so I litterally grew up on this stuff. So yes, I'm partial to this skyline. My dad was the first customer ever so his signed dollar hangs on the wall (true story). Skyline chili is really an acquired taste, but you need to give it a chance(I love it). And if you don't like it, give it another chance or else I'll judge you. The coneys are one of a kind but I always get a four way which is chili over spaghetti with beans. The interior has declined over the years but when I went for lunch last week it was spotless. Also, the workers were so fast it blew my mind. I could watch them make amazing chili creations all day. Oh and I forgot to mention they had diet dr pepper as one of their fountain drinks! Minus one star because the new owners took my dads framed dollars off the wall... And I'm obviously still salty about it.
(4)Ba Chomp Ba Chomp Ba Chewy Chomp P.
Give me a 5-way or deluxe bean burrito any day! It's strange how the food tastes identically to the bonefide Cinti Skyline's but there is something missing. I order 10 chili dogs w/ cheese to go the other day. They were not used to an order as such and the staff did not know how the wield the hotdog paddles (not sure what that gizmo is called) for large orders. So basically, they miss the flare and the extremely fast pace. People behind me were having to wait. I personally feel" to go" orders should automatically include napkins, hot sauce and oyster crackers. I thought it was odd that I had to ask for those items.
(3)Benjamin C.
To be fair, something terrible would have to happen to me at a skyline for me to rate less than 5 stars. Obviously, I love skyline. Any trip to Ohio requires a visit. Eat the largest 5-way that you can and worry about the consequences later.
(5)Mary N.
I really enjoyed it. I ordered the chili three way. The small was enough for me. The chili has kinda a sweet taste to it that I can only describe as cloves. They also had beans and raw onions served with finely shredded cheddar cheese on top. My friend who came with me is a vegetarian and was happy to see a vegetarian chili option on the menu. Service was good and the place was very clean. I would definitely come back here. Next time I come back I plan to try the chili dog covered in the shredded cheddar cheese.
(5)Sharon K.
I like their chili 3 way! really dense comfort food. They are a bit wild with the cheese though lol. hmmm I see why my friend likes it so much. The greek salad is ok. I got my brother a burrito. I still have some vouchers so my return will be... in some time. Worth a little bit of carbo load :)
(4)Precious R.
I honestly don't see what the hype is about with this 'chili'. It looks like dog food & doesn't look very appetizing when it's slapped on over cooked noodles. The only things that make the chili somewhat edible is the mound of cheese & hot sauce. At least the employees were very nice & helpful though.
(2)Betsy P.
I had never been to Skyline and Donna and her team made it a very enjoyable first time! They took the time to recommend different items and went above and beyond make sure I had a great experience. It's rare that you get that kind of service at a "fast food ish" restaurant so I was pleasantly surprised! PS the vegetarian chili was awesome!
(5)Terri L.
I love this place!! We went there on our way to KY and I have never been there and our friends laughed, Because I never been there, so glad they took me there... I LOVED IT!! The chili was sweet and soooo different over spaghetti and topped with a HUGE mound of cheddar cheese!! Can't go wrong there!! We will be back real soon I hope!!! =)
(5)Chas M.
When Im feelin a little high on myself and I wanna come down a few notches I eat some horrible food so I feel like crap. Evenflow. The manager workin the counter was super sweet and as nice as peach pie. We ordered to 3-ways. Had a coupon for a FREE one so I took the second one to-go and she didn't give me any grief even though I was being a pain in the ass. Food was good. Even my lil one liked it. We split the one, took the other home for later. Essentially, I got 4 meals for like 6 bux! Not bad. If ya eat this whole thing in one sitting your colon must hate you. To burn off these kind of calories you would have to walk to Lodi and back. I saw lots of single women dining in here which I thought was odd. And, by judging by how busy this place was I can see why Americans are the biggest on the planet. Tables need to be bussed more often. There was no fewer that 8 table around us the whole time we ate that had peoples trash laying around. The ambiance gave me shivers of delight. How about have trash cans at stations and let tubby walk to over. God knows we need the exercise. Oh, and don't use the toilets unless you need to shoot up...or vomit....or both..
(4)Joshua S.
I hate to give this place two stars, because the service was so good. I guess Greek style spaghetti just wasn't 'my thing'. The bright light of this whole experience was the chili dogs, which were actually quite enjoyable. Make sure you nix the beans, they're not needed.
(2)Martina D.
This is such a unique place to me being from Virginia, but it was a nice experience. The ladies working here were super helpful and friendly and can apparently tell by the look on your face if its your first visit, and if it is, they give you a coupon for a free hot dog on your next visit. I was in shock by the amount of cheese they put on any given item on the menu. My arteries, I'm sure, were not pleased. I really like the setup thats not quite server style restaurant and not quite fast food - as said in the other reviews, its more cafeteria style, but I'm okay with that. The taste of the chili was different than what I expected. It had a nutmeg flavor to it which was different, but not bad. I'd probably return, but if you love yourself, don't go there too often.
(4)George S.
At Skyline chili it's simple; it's about the food and good service. Depending on where you go, it's either table service or, like here, it's more of a cafeteria deal, but the food's plentiful, the dogs and chili are tasty, and I really enjoy the simplicity of it all (oh, and did I mention the mountains of cheese:). With good food, good prices, and good company, it's a must to make a beeline to Skyline:)
(4)Ritu D.
So, I have a confession to make. And, yes, people on yelp are the first ones to know about this. I have a guilty pleasure, and it's going to eat at Skyline. I never take anyone with me - probably because I know how bad what I'm eating is for me, and I never tell anyone that I went after I've gone. The only people who know are me... and the employees... who - no matter how much time goes by between visits - are so friendly and talkative that they seem to remember me!! Now that I've gotten that off my chest......... First and foremost, I've never tried the actual Chili, but everyone I've gone to Cinci locations with has loved it - people who I've talked to who have said they don't like it is usually because they use chocolate / cinnamon in their chili and they don't care of that. But, I've been frequenting skyline for years now. My best friend is from northern kentucky, so going to visit him years ago usually meant at least one trip to Skyline. I used to always get beans and rice with heaping amounts of cheese on top and cheese fries. That was until I moved to Cleveland 2 years ago and discovered that I had my very own Skyline on ridge road!! Every time I go, I get a chili cheese sandwich with beans and a three-way with beans (spaghetti, chili or beans, and cheese). Their oyster crackers and hot sauce are AWESOME. Like I mentioned earlier, the employees are freakin awesome! Legit. Hilarious, friendly, and fun to talk to. I love me some skyline.
(5)Stewart P.
I'm going to say it and wait patiently for the backlash: Cleveland-style chili sucks! While I will use this review to cover Skyline Chili independent of other places, I want to point out that this style of chili is what this area of the country is known for and quite frankly I think it's terrible. It doesn't mesh well with my palate. I realize that by saying this, I am trampling on a long cherished tradition in this area. And frankly, I'm sticking to it. I realize that your mothers and grandmothers fed this to you as a child... and on their behalf I apologize for years of abuse. Chili should be hearty and robust and spicy. Heck if you want a decent chili, go try the one at Zoup. It at least resembles a real chili. Skyline chili has a texture that reminds me of cream of wheat (and not in a good way). But beyond that it is relatively flavorless with the exception of some odd taste that is somewhat reminiscent of cinnamon. It's also served in a really weird way - on noodles. I am fairly adventurous but these textures and flavors just didn't mesh well for me. I think another thing that bothered me is that, being unfamiliar with this style of chili, I felt confused by the menu. The staff weren't very helpful when I expressed my confusion either. I'm glad you all love this chili but I'll pass on it and find some real chili!
(2)Yuanjia Z.
This is a hidden treasure of Cleveland! I went their with my friends one time and we were so WOW'd by this place. I mean, literally, it was so good. We had coneys, ways, fries, funnel cake, possibly everything available on the menu and I have to say that you wont go wrong choosing any of them. We also went for the "hot" option and that really added another layer of flavor on this already-so-good chilli dish. The coneys are kinda small, so be prepared to order more. Their stuff is also very reasonably priced!
(4)Steve Y.
I didn't go here nearly enough, and now I've been going multiple times a week! Pros: The service is fast and friendly, the tables are clean, and the food has been delicious! Cons: The only one I can even think of is that restroom could use some deep cleaning. I really enjoy going to Skyline. Management has come by and asked me how my meal was every time I have been there in the past few weeks. The bottles of hot sauce on table are clean and full. I usually load too much hot sauce, and I usually get my drink in a to-go cup to cool my palette. They usually have oyster crackers and bibs ready if you need them. The coneys are very tempting, but I usually go with a 4-way with onions. Before my friend brought me to this location years ago, it would be something that I wouldn't even try. I am glad I went. I lived in South Carolina for years, and this Cincy style chili is not available down there. It's a shame. One of the worst parts about this restaurant is out of their control. I really dislike the parking lot. It's limited and space and has 1-2 spots in front of the restaurant partially blocked by a traffic directing island. After writing this review, I think I've convinced myself to go to Skyline tonight!
(5)