(This story was originally published Feb. 12 and updated Feb. 23 with more results)

ITHACA, N.Y. — Armed with spoons, hundreds of people filled the Ithaca Commons on Saturday for the 20th Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off.

This year, there were 42 restaurants, craft breweries, wineries and farmers offering tastes of their products and many variations of chili. Along with the food, there were games, a silent disco and a beard and mustache competition.

ICYMI: Photos from the 20th annual Ithaca Chili Cook-Off

But let’s get to it. Who won?

Taverna Banfi took first place for best meat chili and people’s choice.
Taverna Banfi took first place for best meat chili and people’s choice.

Best Meat Chili

  • 1st Place: Taverna Banfi – “Burning Hog Chili”
  • 2nd Place: Cayuga Medical Center – “Medicine Man Beef Short Rib”
  • 3rd Place: AGAVA – “Deep, Dank Dark Pork Chili”

Best Vegetarian or Vegan Chili

  • 1st Place: Gorgers – Chipotle lime quinoa chili
  • 2nd Place: GreenStar Natural Foods Market – Vegan smoky tempeh bacon chili
  • 3rd Place: Moosewood Restaurant – Maple Bourbon Chili w/sour cream scallion and tofu bacon

Best Craft Beverage

  • 1st Place: Grist Iron Brewing Company – MaXXimus Brown Ale
  • 2nd Place: Wagner Valley Brewing Co. – Sled Dog Doppelbock
  • 3rd Place: Ithaca Beer Co. – Flower Power India Pale Ale

Best “Other” Food Item

  • Life’s So Sweet Chocolates – Lucifer Falls Chocolate Bark – (part of their Finger Lakes Bark series)

People’s Choice

  • Best Chili: Taverna Banfi
  • Best Presentation: Luna Inspired Street Food

Featured image of Taverna Banfi taking first place. Provided by Downtown Ithaca Alliance.

Check back for an update. 

Kelsey O'Connor

Kelsey O'Connor is the managing editor for the Ithaca Voice. Questions? Story tips? Contact her at koconnor@ithacavoice.com and follow her on Twitter @bykelseyoconnor.