Mrs. Ali said that they attended a chili cookoff in Chicago (it was on a daytime talk show, but I cannot remember which) about 15 years ago and she was impressed with Camp Washington. She then took great pride in the fact that they won, beating out Camp Washington's. Since then, she says she has kept up with the Johnson family at Camp Washington and visits when she is near Cincinnati and the Johnsons visit whenever they are in DC. Skyline is my favorite chain but Camp Washington beats them hands down. I would recommend a three way over a coney so that you can really taste the chili. At Ben's the sausage is part of what is so special. Not so with Cincinnati style chili. Price Hill Chili, on the westside gets a lot of press and I love the Beltos family, but, as good as every other item on their menu is, I am not fond of their chili. If you ever go to Price Hill Chili, get the Stinger (hot roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo), or any one of their breakfast items.
I love mom and pop places. Asking my son about his first week at OU, years ago, he said "Dad, I ate out last night and didn't even know the owners". That tells you something about our dining out habits.