Thousands Gather for Cutler Bay's 15th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Cutler Bay Chili Cook-Off 2025

A Record-Breaking Event Brings the Community Together with Food, Music, and Fun.

Cutler Bay, FL - February 4, 2025 - The 15th Annual Cutler Bay Chili Cook-Off turned up the heat on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as more than 6,000 attendees gathered at Cutler Ridge Park to enjoy a day filled with delicious chili, salsa, and cornbread, along with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

This year's event featured 20 chefs' tents, 28 vendor booths, and 10 food trucks, with local businesses, restaurants, and community groups competing for the top prizes. Attendees enjoyed free tastings, a kids' zone with inflatables, face painting, and a performance by hometown band Cutler Stew.

Adding to the excitement, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levina Cava took the stage alongside Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott, a highlight captured in the event's recap video below. Other notable guests included State Representative Omar Blanco, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, and Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, all celebrating the event's 15th anniversary with the community.

2025 Chili Cook-Off Winners

The competition was fierce, with judges—including a local chef, assistant principal, councilmember, business owner, and comedian—tasting their way through dozens of entries. The winners of the 2025 Cutler Bay Chili Cook-Off are:

Restaurant Division

  • Best Chili: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
  • Best Salsa: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
  • Best Decorated Booth: Mee Maws Chili

Cornbread Winners

  • 3rd Place: Miami Firefighter's Benevolent Association
  • 2nd Place: Hanns On
  • 1st Place: Flava Unit

Salsa Winners

  • 3rd Place: O2
  • 2nd Place: Hanns On
  • 1st Place: Comfy Homes

Chili Winners

  • 3rd Place: Pigwrecked
  • 2nd Place: O2
  • 1st Place: Traveling Tailgater
  • Firehouse Chili Winner: Hialeah Fire Department Local 1102

People's Choice Awards

  • 2nd Place People's Choice Salsa: Hanns On
  • 1st Place People's Choice Salsa: Ridge Rats Cutler Bay Firehouse 34
  • 2nd Place People's Choice Chili: Hialeah Fire Department Local 1102
  • 1st Place People's Choice Chili: Pigwrecked

A Celebration of Community and Culinary Talent

"The Chili Cook-Off continues to be one of the most anticipated events in our Town, bringing together families, local businesses, and organizations for a fun and flavorful competition," said Mayor Tim Meerbott. "Seeing thousands of people join us to celebrate this 15-year tradition, alongside our local and county leaders, is a testament to the strength and unity of our community."

The Town of Cutler Bay extends its gratitude to this year's sponsors: HCA Florida Healthcare, Raising Canes Cutler Bay, Nexlevel Contractors Corp. Roofing, Instasmile Cosmetic and General Dentistry, Happy Vibes Drips, and Sunstate Bank, whose generous support made this event possible.

Watch the Recap Video & Relive the Fun!

Check out the event recap video highlighting all the action, including the winners, crowd energy, and the special musical performance by Mayor Meerbott and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Check out the event highlights in our photo album here.

For inquiries, please contact media@cutlerbay-fl.gov.

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