The legendary chili that fed Hollywood's Golden Age — Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan. The original recipe. Unchanged since 1936.
Est. 1936 · West Hollywood
For six decades, Chasen's Restaurant was the beating heart of Hollywood — the place where legends gathered, deals were made, and the world's most famous chili was served. Now, that same original recipe is yours to enjoy.
The Story
Dave Chasen opened his restaurant in 1936, and within years it became the undisputed social capital of Hollywood. The chili — a closely guarded recipe — became so beloved that it was ordered by the crate. Frank Sinatra would have it shipped on tour. Elizabeth Taylor demanded it on movie sets across Europe.
Now, the Chasen family brings the world-famous original recipe back to life, packaged with the same care and attention to quality that made it a legend.
Est. 1936 · Beverly Boulevard
One recipe. Nine decades. The most legendary bowl in Hollywood history.
Dave Chasen opens a tiny BBQ and chili stand with $500 borrowed from a friend. The recipe is unlike anything anyone has tasted. Word spreads faster than he can cook.
Chasen's becomes the undisputed social hub of the Golden Age. The chili becomes so sought-after that regulars begin requesting quarts to take home. The recipe is never written down for outsiders.
Ronald Reagan proposes to Nancy Davis right here at Chasen's. Years later, Nancy would say it was the perfect setting — great company, candlelight, and the best chili in the world.
A Hollywood star on set in Rome has Chasen's chili flown across the Atlantic — because nothing else would do. It becomes the most famous food story of the Golden Age.
Dave Chasen passes away. The restaurant carries on under his family's care. The original chili recipe — never shared, never altered — is protected like a family heirloom. Not a single ingredient changes.
Chasen's Restaurant serves its final bowl and closes after nearly six decades. The booths are auctioned. The kitchen goes dark. The recipe disappears from public life — but not forever.
The original recipe — the same one served on Beverly Boulevard for 59 years — is back. One quart at a time, shipped frozen to your door. Unchanged. Uncompromised. Unforgettable.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The stars of the Golden Age didn't leave Yelp reviews — but they said plenty.
"I've eaten at every great restaurant in the world. Nothing — and I mean nothing — compares to a bowl of Chasen's chili at midnight."
"After a long day in Washington, there was no finer thought than knowing I'd be back in California with a bowl of Chasen's chili. It was the one thing in politics that everyone could agree on."
"I've performed for kings and presidents, played every room in the world. But ask me where I'd rather be on a Tuesday night and the answer was always the same: a corner booth at Chasen's."
"Whenever I sat down at Chasen's, the chili arrived before I ordered it. Dave just knew. That's the kind of place it was — they remembered who you were and what you loved."
"Peter and I may have done a great many foolish things in our time. But I promise you, the chili at Chasen's was never one of them. That was the one decision we always got right."
"Two of everything, always. It wasn't greed — it was respect for the kitchen. When the food is that extraordinary, ordering once simply isn't enough."
"When I was filming Cleopatra in Rome, I had quarts of Chasen's chili flown in. There are some things in life you simply cannot live without."
"You want to know the secret to a great evening in Hollywood? Good company, a cold martini, and a bowl of Chasen's chili. In that order."
"My films are full of suspense. Chasen's chili? No suspense whatsoever. You always know it's going to be magnificent."
"I've made America laugh for decades. But the only thing that makes me weak in the knees? Walking into Chasen's and smelling that chili from the door."
"I've eaten at every great restaurant in the world. Nothing — and I mean nothing — compares to a bowl of Chasen's chili at midnight."
"After a long day in Washington, there was no finer thought than knowing I'd be back in California with a bowl of Chasen's chili. It was the one thing in politics that everyone could agree on."
"I've performed for kings and presidents, played every room in the world. But ask me where I'd rather be on a Tuesday night and the answer was always the same: a corner booth at Chasen's."
"Whenever I sat down at Chasen's, the chili arrived before I ordered it. Dave just knew. That's the kind of place it was — they remembered who you were and what you loved."
"Peter and I may have done a great many foolish things in our time. But I promise you, the chili at Chasen's was never one of them. That was the one decision we always got right."
"Two of everything, always. It wasn't greed — it was respect for the kitchen. When the food is that extraordinary, ordering once simply isn't enough."
"When I was filming Cleopatra in Rome, I had quarts of Chasen's chili flown in. There are some things in life you simply cannot live without."
"You want to know the secret to a great evening in Hollywood? Good company, a cold martini, and a bowl of Chasen's chili. In that order."
"My films are full of suspense. Chasen's chili? No suspense whatsoever. You always know it's going to be magnificent."
"I've made America laugh for decades. But the only thing that makes me weak in the knees? Walking into Chasen's and smelling that chili from the door."
The Product
Exactly as it was made on Beverly Boulevard. One quart of the most legendary chili in Hollywood history, shipped directly to your door.
32oz of the original Chasen's chili — enough to serve 3–4 people. The same portion Dave Chasen ladled out at the restaurant every night.
Flash-frozen immediately after cooking to lock in every bit of flavor. Just like the quarts Elizabeth Taylor had flown to Rome — the recipe never changes.
No substitutions. No shortcuts. Premium beef, Chasen's proprietary spice blend, and the same slow-cook process used since 1936.
Just the Way It Was Made on Beverly Blvd.
One quart. One recipe. Unchanged since 1936.
How It Gets to You
We take the same care with shipping that Dave Chasen took with cooking. Your chili arrives frozen, fresh, and ready to heat.
Every order is packed in an insulated box with dry ice to maintain safe frozen temperatures throughout transit.
Orders are processed and shipped within 3 business days. You'll receive a tracking number the moment your chili leaves our kitchen.
Guaranteed to arrive fully frozen. If your order arrives thawed or damaged, we'll replace it immediately — no questions asked.
Keep it in your freezer and enjoy it whenever you're ready. Stays fresh for months frozen without any loss of quality or flavor.
✦ To Serve: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then simmer on the stovetop for 15 minutes. Top with your favorite fixings and enjoy a taste of Old Hollywood.
The Collection
Every batch is made using the original recipe, slow-cooked with the same premium ingredients Dave Chasen insisted upon. Shipped fresh to your door.
The Hollywood Guarantee
We stand behind every quart of Chasen's with complete confidence. If you're not absolutely blown away, we'll make it right. No fine print. No hoops. Just the best chili you've ever tasted, guaranteed.
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