Michigan’s Best Chili Is at Dr. Rolf’s BBQ in Muskegon

With it feeling cooler this week (and a whole lot less humid, thank goodness!), many of us are craving hearty, warm comfort food. Meaty, veggie-packed, spicy, or classic—whatever your style, chili is fall comfort food at its finest.

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If you don’t feel like gathering all the ingredients and spending hours in the kitchen, do you have a go-to spot for chili? Well, one West Michigan restaurant is serving up the best bowl in the state, according to a national foodie publication.

Lovefood.com went on a hunt for the top chili in every state, according to reviews, awards, and the experiences of their food experts.

Dr. Rolf's BBQ Muskegon via Facebook

Their pick for the best chili in Michigan is Dr. Rolf's BBQ. The family-friendly BBQ joint has locations in Muskegon and Spring Lake.

If you're wondering about the name, the owner is an actual doctor!

Dr. Rolf Hissom has cared for patients in the Muskegon community for over 30 years. That's not his only passion though! The doc loves creating top-notch BBQ, influenced by his Appalachian upbringing.

Dr. Rolf's BBQ Muskegon via Facebook

Dr. Rolf's house-made, smokehouse chili is served with a cornbread waffle on the side or corn chips for a gluten-free option. There are actually three different kinds to choose from:

White Chili made with smoked chicken and great northern beans
Green Chili made with pulled pork and black beans
Red chili made with smoked brisket, black beans, and pinto beans

The great part is, you don't have the choose! For $17, get the chili flight and try all three.

Dr. Rolf's BBQ Muskegon via Facebook

Beyond chili, the menu is packed with crowd-pleasers: fresh salads, stacked sandwiches, wings, wraps, burritos, tacos, and BBQ classics like pulled pork, sausage, brisket, and ribs.

Homemade sides round out the feast—choose from seasoned green beans, creamy coleslaw, butter beans, sweet potato mash, mac and cheese, or potato salad.

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From loaded omelets to picture-perfect pancakes and brunch dishes worth waking up early for, Michigan is packed with morning must-tries.

National foodie sites have spotlighted these standout restaurants as the best breakfast and brunch destinations in the state. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a little of both—these spots deliver.

Gallery Credit: Janna

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Looking for a new restaurant to try? Add these to your bucket list! From the best diners and delis to the best steakhouses, bakeries, and Mexican eateries, we've compiled a list of Michigan's best restaurants based on national rankings.

Using reviews, awards, and the experiences of their teams, publications like Lovefood.com, 24/7 Tempo, Tasting Table, and Yelp have declared these the top eats in the Mitten State.

Gallery Credit: Janna