Here are the winners of WMSE’s 2026 Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser

More than four thousand hungry Milwaukeeans flocked to the MSOE Kern Center on Sunday for WMSE’s 24th Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser. While there, these hearty chili lovers sampled a wide range of chilis from oodles of Milwaukee restaurants, cafes, and caterers (nearly 40 participating establishments in total). There was Lakefront beer. There was WMSE merch, music, and hot sauce. And, like we said before, there were thousands of people. (Seriously, did this year seem especially busy?)

And there was voting! Attendees voted for their favorite chilis in five categories: Best Meat, Best Veggie, Best Heat, Most Unique, and Best Display. Here are this year’s winners! Congrats!

BEST MEAT:Red Maple MKE / Curry Cat MKE
Runners-up: Foxtown Heritage Meats, Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown

BEST VEGGIE: La Mariposa Panaderia
Runners-up: Story Hill BKC, MPS School-to-Work Program

BEST HEAT: Blue’s Egg
Runners-up: J.Wonderland Crêpes and Waffles & Catering, Belle Starr BBQ

MOST UNIQUE: Hue Asian Kitchen
Runners-up: Bakehouse 23, Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown

BEST DISPLAY: Bakehouse 23
Runners-up: Nessun Dorma, Blue’s Egg

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