The 100-year-old legacy of Dixon’s Famous Chili is as juicy as the dish
Photo by Zach Bauman
Picture a bowl of chili. Now forget that—You’re wrong. Instead, imagine a plate with a layer of beans beneath a heaping pile of chili meat. That’s how Dixon’s Famous Chili Parlor in Independence has served its highly-acclaimed mash-up for more than a century.
Founded in 1919, Dixon’s Chili was the creation of Vergne Dixon—a no-funny-business type of guy. The first location at 15th and Olive featured only six stools along the counter. To keep the line moving, Dixon banned smoking, reading, and phone calls—Customers were expected to eat their chili without delay and make room for the next chili-hungry person. Ketchup? Out of the question, though this seems to have been more of a personal vendetta.
The original parlor closed in 1969, but the 1970s saw Dixon’s Chili expand into a chain with 16 locations. By 1999, only the U.S. Highway 40 and Blue Ridge Cutoff Dixon’s remained.
Photo by Zach Bauman
The chili became so iconic that President Harry S. Truman made it his favorite in the 1920s. During his presidency, Truman would order takeout chili from Dixon’s to his suite at the Muehleback Hotel (now part of the Kansas City Marriott).
On Dec. 23, 1950, Truman made a return visit to the establishment. The next day, photos of the president enjoying chili over tamales flooded newspapers. Dixon and his wife sent a thank-you letter to Truman, writing, “Not only did we enjoy a visit from an old friend, but we had the honor of a visit from the president of the United States. Our patronage has almost doubled since your visit, and we’ve received letters from all over the country.”
Truman’s response? “I enjoyed the visit very much. It was like old times…”
Dixon passed away in 1964, but the new owners continued to send Truman a container of chili every year on his birthday.
What intrigued me about Dixon’s Famous Chili? The fact that it also sells all-you-can-eat tacos ($12.50), every day. The parlor didn’t offer tacos in Truman’s day, but they’re a popular item now. I know my limit, and I know signing up for anything all-you-can-eat is a recipe for disaster for my stomach. But my curiosity was killing me, so I ordered a basket of three tacos ($7.50).
Are these tacos revolutionary? No. But let’s be honest; You don’t go to Dixon’s for groundbreaking tacos. You go for all-you-can-eat tacos, and these are perfect. They’re simple, with ground beef, cheese, and lettuce in a crispy shell, served with hot sauce. I threw some chili oil on mine, and in about five minutes, I went from three tacos to zero.
Of course, I couldn’t visit Dixon’s without trying the chili itself. You can get it in three variations: juicy (with natural meat juices), soupy (with bean broth), or dry (plain). I went with the juicy and soupy combo, as recommended by the staff.
Photo by Zach Bauman
I ordered my chili as a pint to-go ($9), deciding a break after my tacos was a responsible choice. The toppings are extra, and in a moment of indecision, I ended up getting all of them—cheese, jalapeno relish, onion, pickle, sour cream, and ketchup (their stance is a bit more relaxed these days).
As we know, Dixon was famously anti-tomato, a non-conformant to the classic tomato-based chili. In tribute to his chili legacy, I knew it was only right to forgo the ketchup when I assembled my bowl later that day. And looking back, I don’t regret that choice one bit.
The best way to describe it is a deconstructed burger. The bean-to-meat ratio leans much more meat-heavy. But hey, if you’re trying to meet your protein goals, this makes it easy. The jalapeno relish adds a spicy kick, while the cheese and sour cream provide the expected comfort of your classic bowl of chili. At first, I was hesitant about the pickle, but its vinegary brightness was a perfect counterbalance to the richness of the chili.
They packed plenty of crackers, but my juicy/soupy combo wasn’t quite soupy enough for them. That’s not a complaint, though. The pint lasted me two meals, and the beans and meat reheated nicely.
The chili at Dixon’s is a testament to Vergne Dixon’s no-nonsense approach, with a rich history and simple, yet satisfying flavors. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most iconic things in life aren’t about innovation, but about doing something well and sticking with it. And that’s exactly what Dixon’s has been doing for over 100 years.
Dixon’s Famous Chili Parlor is located at 9105 E U.S. Hwy 40, Independence, MO 64055.
All photos by Zach Bauman:
