Meaty in Miamisburg: Rivertown Chili

We have found our first 2019 hidden food gem, Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.   This restaurant is a true family run organization, with a dad and his 2 sons on staff, and recipes passed down from a 3rd generation.

Owner Brian Walusis may sound familiar.  His brother Eric id married to  Chef Maria and they runWatermark Restaurant nearby.  He has another family member who owns the critically acclaimed chocolate shop in Oakwood called Madame Delluc Artisan Chocolatier.  But Brian’s bread and butter is a chili place, that also specializes in comfort breakfast foods.

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY on RIVERTOWN CHILI:

— Located at 105 S. Second Street, parking is available in the front and the back of the establishment.  It can be slightly tricky if crowded.

— Hours are limited to Breakfast and Lunch:
Tue – Thu, 11am – 2pm 
Fri – Sun, 8am – 2pm

— The quaint dining area seats about 30 in a cozy, split dining room.  The service is personal, friendly

— There is a small bar with beer choices including Star City Brews.

— The prices are VERY reasonable with entrees averaging about 7 or 8 bucks.

 

After visiting the restaurant numerous times, and trying nearly every item on the menu, we have formulated our patented “MUST EATS for Rivertown Chili.”  We have been using this bullet point format for 11 years, now setting the trends …

Let’s start with the meat of the menu — THE CHILI !

 

THE “MUST EATS” of RIVERTOWN CHILI:

— They offer 3 delicious and distinctive chili types everyday.

ALL OF THEM ARE “MUST EATS”…

1) JOHN’S DAYTON STYLE CHILI-
This is the kind of chili that we are used to in Dayton, Ohio.  It has beans, meat, and some tomato influence.  When they serve it get the option of adding onions, cheese and sour cream.  This was the best thing we have had on their menu to date.  The chili is so reminiscent of what we grew up with our mom and grandmothers making that it brought a tear to our eye.  The recipe is passed down from John Walusis and is a shout out to the city’s namesake, Jonathan Dayton, a captain in the American Revolutionary War who signed the U.S. Constitution.

 

2) CLASHMORE MIKE’S CHILI-
This is a Texas style chili which has no beans, and has slices of steak like beef as the meat.  More reddish in color, this chili has a bit more of a spicy kick than the other chilis served. We came across this chili at the AMBUCS chili contest in 2017.  Named after the original mascot of Notre Dame College (Clashmore Mike), Owner Brian has fulfilled a life long dream of using that name in his restaurant.

3) KOKO’s FAVORITE VEGAN CHILI-
This is a fantastic choice, even meat lovers like.  You don’t miss any of the flavor, and this vegetarian option is as delicious as any chili as you will have.  We were very surprised how much we loved it and suggest you try it sometime for a change.  It has a nice little kick.

 

— KIM’S STREET TACO’S:
Possibly the best soft taco we have had in years.  This is a special, but lately they have been offering it every day.  It is a chili soft taco with your choice of chili.  A raw jalapeno slice and onions and tomatoes round out the tacos.  Please try one of these.

 

—CANNOLI STUFFED FRENCH TOAST:
This sinful entree is often available during normal business hours.  Cannoli filling is stuffed between 2 warm pieces of French Toast.  The powdered sugar topping is the finishing touch.  Drizzle the maple syrup and you are in heaven.  Definitely a creamy must eat, and our favorite breakfast offering on the menu.

— THE CHILI CHEESE CONEY:
Ok they have 2 versions, one with a brat sausage, or one with a weiner.  We prefer the hot dog version.  You get your choice of chili on a bun with onions and cheese.  It is topped with a raw jalapeno slice that gets us every time with the heat.  It’s a little messy, but sooooo worth it for the taste.  We love this little chili parlor !!

 

There are other good menu items, from the BLT to the Pancakes and Bacon, but the above items are our MUST EATS.. the best of the best …

 

 

In summary, this chili parlor is one of our new favorite “go to” spots.  Great, affordable casual food with personal service.  We love the menu and we love the family story behind the restaurant.  We think you will enjoy this little eatery as well.  Tell the Food Adventures sent you !!!

Feel free to browse more photos below from our visits to Rivertown Chili in Miamisburg.

Thanks for visiting our food blog articles here each and every week.  Please remember, we aren’t food critics, we just love to eat.  We are Food Adventurers.  It’s the difference between hanging out and eating with Roger Ebert or Indiana Jones.

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