Chili's Grill & Bar

"Why is Chili’s on this list? This franchise opened in 1999 and operated in blissful anonymity for about a decade before Reddit began ironically recommending it as Austin’s best restaurant. Now it’s a local cult favorite, with long wait times on the weekends and official recognition by the mayor’s office. The menu is the same as any other location, but the service and execution push the limits of what a mass-produced chain restaurant can achieve. Head to 45th and Lamar, grab an El Presidente margarita, and see what Austin’s biggest inside joke is all about." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs

"You’re probably thinking one of two things when you open this review: 1. Why am I reading an Infatuation review for Chili’s? 2. "I want my baby back, baby back, baby back, baby back…” While we can’t get that jingle out of your head—and sorry if we just placed it there—we can tell you why we're reviewing Austin’s most famous Chili’s. First, a brief history. This Chili’s, located at 45th and Lamar, opened in 1999 and operated in blissful anonymity for about a decade before Reddit began ironically recommending it as Austin’s best restaurant. Now it’s a local cult favorite, with long wait times on the weekends and an official recognition by the mayor’s office. But is it any different from the 1,500+ Chili’s around the world? photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel photo credit: Richard Casteel Like anyone who has succumbed to the lure of bottomless chips and salsa, we’ve eaten at dozens of Chili’s locations in our lifetime. This one’s menu is the same as any other, but the service and execution push the limits of what a mass-produced chain restaurant can achieve. The chicken crispers deliver more crunch than some local poultry specialists, and while the baby back ribs can’t compete with Central Texas-style barbecue joints, there’s a level of (tempered) consistency here that even the greats can struggle to achieve. Maybe it’s the massive spotlight shining on the intersection of 45th and Lamar, but something about this Chili's feels distinctly Austin. It’s unpretentious, satisfying, and the fame hasn’t gone to its head. You’re here for cheap and frosty margaritas, reliably solid food, and a lively inside joke that has wedged its way into the city's dining scene. Thanks, Reddit. Food Rundown photo credit: Richard Casteel El Presidente Margarita There are two reasons to make the pilgrimage to Chili's: bragging rights and the Presidente Margarita. It’s on the sweet end, but it also comes in a plastic shaker full of refills. photo credit: Richard Casteel Skillet Queso Despite being an essential part of the “frosty margs and skillet queso” meme, this is probably the worst thing on the menu at this (or any) Chili’s. We’re not even sure there’s actual cheese in it. Skip this and save room for the good stuff. photo credit: Richard Casteel Triple Dipper Our go-to order for game-day snacks, casual Tuesday dinners, and date nights with a begrudging partner. Choose from any three appetizers—if you’re not sure where to start, get the honey chipotle chicken crispers, Southwestern eggrolls, and fried mozzarella. photo credit: Richard Casteel Santa Fe Crisper Salad This probably isn’t much healthier than any other item in the menu, but throwing a pile of lettuce under a stack of crispy fried chicken somehow feels like we’re making a decision our doctors would be proud of. photo credit: Richard Casteel Half Order Of Ribs The meat falls right off the bone in a way that classic Texas-style barbecue spots would probably shake their heads at, but it’s very satisfying when brushed in sweet and tangy house barbecue sauce." - Nicolai McCrary