Best Chili in America Includes Two Chains Found in Maine

With our winters in Maine lasting seemingly half the year, we can definitely appreciate a good chili—and here’s where you can find the best.

We want to make it very clear that this report is only looking at chain restaurants, not our local favorites here in Maine. So, while your go-to spot for chili may not be mentioned, just know we’re still thinking about them.

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So, given all of that, how do we know which restaurant chains apparently have the best chili, and what criteria are being looked at to determine this?

Eat This, Not That! recently highlighted how chilly weather brings comfort foods like chili back into the spotlight, alongside fall staples like pumpkin spice and apple desserts. Their report focuses on seven restaurant chains that serve up some of the best versions of this hearty dish, typically packed with meat, beans, veggies, and bold spices.

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Okay, with that cleared up, which two chain restaurants found in Maine have recently been named to a list of the best chilis in America?

According to Eat This, Not That! and their recent article highlighting ‘7 Restaurant Chains With the Best Chili,' the two chains on that list that you’ll find in Maine are Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse.

There are over a dozen Wendy’s locations across the state, with more planned for the future.

According to Eat This, Not That!, Wendy’s chili is a standout drive-thru option, praised for its hearty beef-and-bean mix that’s lighter than many thicker chilis. Fans online describe it as comforting and flavorful, with one Redditor even calling it their go-to cheat meal during a weight loss journey.

As of September 2025, there are three Texas Roadhouse locations in Maine—one in Bangor, one in Augusta, and one in Scarborough.

Eat This, Not That! highlights Texas Roadhouse’s thick, flavorful chili—topped with cheddar and onions—as a must-try for meat lovers. Fans rave that it’s made from hand-cut steak trimmings like filet, ribeye, strip, and sirloin, making it a rich and hearty dish.

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And there you have it! If you’re looking for the best chili at a chain restaurant, Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse may be exactly what you’re after.

What are your thoughts on these selections from Eat This, Not That!? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

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