I've always been a fan of Chili's, a restaurant chain that has been around for nearly half a century now and is still satisfying our cravings for mouthwatering American and Mexican cuisine, not to mention their famous margaritas.
I just love their daily Happy Hour. It's something that makes Chili's kind of special. They have some great deals on alcohol and appetizers. The offering that always gets my attention though, is their $5 margaritas. Some of those are even featured on a 2-for-1 special purchase. And let me tell you, after a long day, there's nothing like unwinding over a couple of well-made margaritas.
Another thing that's really inspiring about Chili's is their Create-A-Pepper campaign. This involves raising funds for the Saint Jude's Children's Hospital every year. It's nice to see how strongly Chili’s believes in giving back to the community. I felt even more assured about the quality of their food and service as they are committed to creating a work environment that's professional yet fun.
You can check out their website here for more information.
So where can you find a Chili's?
Seriously, you'd be surprised at how global Chili's is. The brand currently has a presence in an amazing 37 countries worldwide, with more than 1,500 restaurants open. Originating from the United States, Chili's has a strong footprint in North America, including in Canada and Mexico. Central and South America also feature prominently, including countries like Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
But it doesn't stop there. Chili's can be found in Asia, in diverse locations like India, Japan, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. Fancy a Chili’s meal in the Middle East? You can dine-out in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt. They even have a presence in Europe, with Russia and Germany playing hosts to the franchise.
What sets Chili's apart?
In the early 1990s, Chili's became the number one margarita seller in the entire United States. They've not lost that vibe and continue to create a fun atmosphere while serving up tasty food. Having personally tried their margaritas, let me say, they have most certainly earned that title!
How spicy is Chili's food?
Being a Mexican, Tex-Mex, and American food joint, a mild spice runs through most of their dishes from the seasonings in the recipes. For spice lovers like me, hitting that perfect balance of flavors and spiciness is like dramatic music to my palate. If you're not a spice aficionado, worry not, Chili's does offer a selection of non-spicy menu items too.
Well, let me just say, the menu is as diverse as it gets. You've got a range of burgers, tacos, sandwiches, fajitas, steaks, and other delicious fried or grilled foods to choose from. And did I mention the margaritas? They offer a dozen different flavors and even a monthly rotating "Margarita of the Month". On that note, their “3-For-Me” offer lets you mix and match any appetizer, entre, and beverage for a truly personalized meal!
How do you order at Chili's?
As most restaurants go, the primary way of dining at Chili's is to walk in, get seated, be waited on, and place your order. I usually call ahead to book a table. But if you're more comfortable dining at home, you can always place an order for pickup or delivery, either by calling in, online, or through their mobile app. That flexibility is just another reason I love Chili's.
Can vegetarians eat at Chili's?
While their menu is mainly designed around non-vegetarian American, Mexican, and Tex-Mex dishes, they do have a separate vegetarian menu. As someone who goes through meat-free phases from time to time, this is definitely a plus. You can find an array of vegetarian items and even delicious sauces to go along.
Any options for vegans?
Sure thing! They have vegan-friendly appetizers, salads, and sides. Some vegetarian items can even be modified to be vegan. Again, flexibility is key and often appreciated by customers like me.
How about kids?
Chili's knows how to keep your little ones happy with their delightful Pepper Pal kids meals. It's a fantastic selection of small portions of kid-friendly delights like pizza, chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, cheese quesadillas, and hamburgers. The best part is that each meal comes with a side and a drink. Oh, and there's a tiny chocolate lava cake topped with ice cream just for the kiddos too!
Chili's operating hours?
Typically, they open round about 11:00am, but with various locations, the opening and closing hours may vary. I usually check the operating hours of my local Chili's just to be sure. A late night craving is no fun when your local Chili's is closed!
Does Chili's deliver?
Yes, they do! Through an exclusive partnership with DoorDash, you can order your favorite dishes right from the comfort of your own home. Tip: Order directly from DoorDash for a safe and seamless experience.
Is Chili's healthy?
Well, with many items being fried or deep-fried, it may not always be the most waist-friendly option. But still, they do have salads that you can top with healthier options. As a critic, I always maintain that enjoying good food in moderation is a rule of thumb!
Can you cook Chili's at home?
Well, not literally. While they don't sell their products for us to recreate those delicious flavours at home, I'd say reheating leftovers or opting for delivery is always a good option!
Pros:
- Amazing variety in the menu.
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
- Happy hour specials.
- Child-friendly menu.
- Does charity work.
Cons:
- Food can be a bit spicy for some.
- Not all items are healthy options.
- Opening hours vary with each location.
- No do-it-yourself options.