(FORTUNE Magazine) – There are few dishes so distinctly American as a bowl of chili, and fewer still that inspire such regional crankiness. Texans generally despise tomatoes in theirs, while Midwesterners often serve their spicy stew over spaghetti. Now that the nip is back in the air, we've culled a national list of chili masters from Zagat so that you can try them all.

--Ronald B. Lieber

Food Decor Service Cost

CAMBRIDGE, MA. 20 10 14 $16 Porterhouse Cafe 2046 Massachusetts Ave. 617-354-9793

CHICAGO 18 7 13 $7 Gold Coast Dogs Several locations

DALLAS 17 14 15 $6 Tolbert's Chili Parlor 350 N. St. Paul St. 214-953-1353

HOUSTON 17 12 16 $6 James Coney Island Several locations

NEW YORK CITY 21 22 19 $42 Tapika 950 Eighth Ave. 212-397-3737

WASHINGTON, D.C. 22 26 20 $36 Red Sage 605 14th St. NW 202-638-4444

0-9 poor to fair 10-19 good to very good 20-25 very good to excellent 26-30 extraordinary to perfection

Cost reflects the estimated price of a dinner with one drink and tip.

ZAGAT SURVEY