Nothing warms your soul quite like a hearty bowl of chili or a craft beer on a cold day. In years past, local homebrewing club Baltibrew has brought the two together for its annual Chilibrew competition at Zion Lutheran Church.

“Obviously chili is a great fall favorite,” says Jacob Wolf, a longtime Baltibrew member. “And there’s nothing better than spicy chili with a cold beer. When you pair the two together, they make a great team.”

Aside from the seasonal appeal, Wolf adds that the pairing also makes sense conceptually. He says that, much like beer, chili is versatile and allows home cooks to really get creative with their recipes.

“There are all different types of beers and people like to seek out their own unique styles,” he says. “Chili has that same draw. A home cook can take a favorite chili recipe and make it their own in that same spirit of making home-brewed beer.”

In honor the official start of chili season, we rounded up some of the best recipes in town. Here’s where to get your fix:

Abbey Burger Bistro: Head to this beloved burger spot, which has locations on both sides of the harbor and a new addition in Mt. Washington, to sample “Big Al’s” chili made Southern style with a signature blend of spices. Order a bowl as a starter, or go all out with the cavatappi chili mac and cheese. Multiple locations including 1041 Marshall St. 443-453-9698.

Baltimore Soup Company: The daily rotation at this Towson soup spot includes a Texas beef chili that stews angus beef with green peppers, kidney beans, green chiles, onions, garlic, and Southwestern seasonings. The eatery offers specialty soup orders by the gallon if you’re hoping to stock up for the cold season. 3 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson, 443-275-2325

Duda’s Tavern: Regulars at this decades-old staple in Fells Point rave about its crab cakes and burger specials. But another must-try on the menu is the house chili bake, which is a safe bet if you need to warm up on a cold day. The dish tops mild chili with onions, housemade croutons, and a generous helping of cheddar cheese and warms it all together in the oven. 1600 Thames St. 410-276-9719

Five and Dime Ale House: If you need a spot to retreat from the cold while strolling along the Avenue in Hampden, head inside this corner pub to choose from a lengthy list of local beers, sandwiches, flatbreads, tacos, and other snacks. You can’t go wrong starting things off with a cup of sweet-and-spicy alehouse chili garnished with sour cream and shreds of cheddar. 901 W. 36th St. 443-835-2179

The Flying Avocado Cafe: Vegans frequently flock to this health-conscious cafe in Owings Mills for colorful salads and dairy-free dishes. The bright eatery also makes a killer vegan chili with black, pinto, and kidney beans, as well as crushed tomatoes and a blend of chili spices. 10210 S. Dolfield Rd., Owings Mills. 443-471-2600

G&A Restaurant: Since 1927, this Highlandtown favorite has been slinging its signature Coney Island hot dogs topped with onions, ketchup, mustard, cheese, and, of course, an age-old chili sauce. The recipe, which was featured on an episode of Food Network’s Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, blends ground beef with paprika, celery salt, and chili powder. 3802 Eastern Ave. 410-276-9422

Max’s Taphouse: It only makes sense that this Fells Point corner bar—which features thousands of bottles, five casks, and more than 100 taps—would incorporate beer into its chili recipe. The hearty helping is topped with the classic cheese and onions and served in a bread bowl with tortilla chips. 737 S. Broadway. 410-675-6297

Mother’s Grille: Snag a seat at this Federal Hill hangout to catch a game while digging into traditional tailgate fare. Aside from the stellar Buffalo wings, soft pretzels, and nachos, Mother’s also highlights a black bean chili made with seasoned ground beef. Customize your bowl with toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream. 1113 S. Charles St. 410-244-8686

Pickles Pub: This pregame spot across from Camden Yards has all of the essential sports snacks. (Don’t miss the namesake beer-battered pickles.) The soup menu lists Guinness stew, a classic Maryland crab, and the fan-favorite “Gameday Chili” made with ground beef and topped with fresh jalapeño, onions, cheddar, and sour cream. 520 Washington Blvd. 410-752-1784

Spirits Tavern: At this cozy watering hole in Upper Fells Point, the “Hot Rod Chili” served with house tortilla chips is a staple. On Mondays, order a bowl of the Natty Boh-infused soup either simple style or topped with “the works” (onions, sour cream, and cheese). 1901 Bank St. 410-563-1612

OPEN

Gypsy’s Truckstaurant: Diners no longer have to track down the Gypsy Queen food truck to sample its signature wraps, gyros, and crab cake-topped French fries. After months of delays, the owners have officially opened their new “truckstaurant” tucked off of Clipper Mill Road in Hampden. The hybrid concept uses a large food truck kitchen outside to prepare the dishes that are served in the 90-seat dining room—which boasts a large bar, strung lights, and vintage decor. There’s also a greenery-filled patio equipped with a Ping Pong table and plenty of outdoor seating. Menu options include staples from the truck, as well as old favorites from the former Helen’s Garden Restaurant that owners Annmarie Langton and Tom Looney operated in Canton for 15 years. Be on the lookout for internationally influenced eats including San Diego-style fish tacos, Persian mango and feta salad, and a Korean kimchi burger. 3515 Clipper Mill Road. 443-869-5602

COMING SOON

Fadensonnen: This fall, Old Goucher will welcome Socle—an innovative food and beverage complex from the team behind W.C. Harlan and Clavel. Aside from housing Sophomore Coffee and farm-to-fork cafe Larder, the revamped old carriage house will also be home to Fadensonnen, a bar featuring draft beers, natural wine, and wild ciders that opens up to a 148-seat open air courtyard. Named after a German poem penned by author Paul Celan in 1968, the biergarten will also boast its own “wine cave” bottle shop and an intimate bar upstairs specializing in all-natural wine and nihonshu (Japanese sake). While the cafe and coffee shop aren’t expected to debut until December, Fadensonnen is readying for a grand opening next month. 2223 Maryland Ave.

Nepenthe Brewing Co.: With a newly painted facade by local artist Kelly Walker of Artstar Baltimore, husband-and-wife team Brian Arnold and Jill Antos—along with partner Brendan Kirlin—are now one step closer to opening their expanded homebrew shop and taproom on Falls Road in Hampden. After their former supply shop in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill complex was flooded twice, the owners decided to move to a larger space on higher ground. The new digs will not only provide retail space for all of Nepenthe’s signature beer-making kits and supplies, but also include a full kitchen, taproom, and on-site brewing facility. A grand opening is slated for this fall. 3626 Falls Rd.

EPICUREAN EVENTS

10/13-14: Oysterfest 12
For two days, East Cross Street in Federal Hill is transforming into an oyster-lover’s paradise with raw bars, buck-a-shuck tasting tents, and plenty of seafood specialties to go around. The 12th annual festival hosted by Ryleigh’s Oyster will feature classic crab cakes, pit beef sandwiches, whole-smoked fish, and, of course, more than 10 varieties of local oysters served raw and grilled. A jam-packed lineup of local bands will provide the soundtrack for the weekend, which will highlight the eighth annual Baltimore Oyster Shucking Championship on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. 36 E. Cross St. 12-7 p.m., $12-40.

10/16: Smoke Turns 3
Hard to believe that it’s been three years since chef Josh White first introduced us to his smoked chicken wings, “Boss Dawg” sandwiches (pulled pork, bacon, slaw, and crispy onions), and catchy odes to his dishes set to the tunes of popular rock songs. This Tuesday, the Cockeysville barbecue joint is celebrating its big birthday in style with an all-day rager. Stop in for specials like $3 coffees and deals on three of the restaurant’s “greatest hits” from its run. 574 Cranbrook Rd., Cockeysville. 410-891-8515

SHUT

Baltimore Soup Co.: The South Baltimore location of this homegrown cafe shuttered its doors unexpectedly last week. A sign posted to the door notified customers that the eatery was “busier than expected and sold out of soup.” But owners David and Lisa Redmond confirmed to SouthBMore.com later in the week that they had closed the shop for good after only nine months. “We had a good run and loved our guests who supported us, but there just weren’t enough to make it work,” they said. Luckily, the Towson location is still going strong, serving the cafe’s daily rotation of scratch-made soups including Maryland crab, chicken pot pie, sweet potato vegetable, and broccoli cheddar. 2 E. Wells St.

The Nickel Taphouse: Mt. Washington diners are already mourning the loss of the famous beef on weck sandwiches at this neighborhood haunt, which officially closed its doors earlier this week. Owner Robbin Haas took to Facebook to confirm the closure, stating that the team had “made the difficult decision to utilize our resources toward our Baltimore sister locations Birroteca and Encantada. Both of these locations offer more space, as well as private party areas.” Since 2013, the Nickel served as a community gathering spot for burgers, raw oysters, and other gastropub fare. “We wish our Mt. Washington neighbors the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at our other locations,” Haas said. There’s no word yet on what will become of the space, which previously housed other restaurant concepts Blue Sage Cafe and Freda’s Kitchen. 1604 Kelly Ave.