Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chili John's

    3.8 (1k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Chili John's Photos

    CHILI JOHN'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Chili John's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gilbert R.

    Super old-school diner that looks like Biff Tannen might walk in at any moment to hit on your mom. Decor is frozen in time, along with the analog cash register that sits right in front of me with the big round buttons (just for show; they take card, of course). The seating is all bar style in the shape of a U. Parking is out back and on the street. Inside today, it's about 90 degrees and I didn't see any discernible HVAC system. Didn't want to stick around too long as I prefer not to melt while eating, so I just asked for my chili dog to go. Would've probably stayed if it were a cooler day. Beef chili dog - 7.5/10: Solid chili dog. Pretty sizeable and loaded with chili. Dog has a nice casing and accompanying snap to it. Not sure how their chili is prepared, but it's not your typical ground beef base. It's diced-up and shredded beef chunks that gives it a different texture that you would expect from a traditional chili. You can also adjust the amount of heat in the chili. I got it medium and it had loads of kick. Would probably come back if in the area, especially if it's a cooler day.

    Cute signage!
    Thuy Dan T.

    Very close to the Costco so we decided to stop in because chili sounded so gooood. Been around since 1946 which is really impressive! The spicy chili has a punch but it's pretty strong, not something I could have as a regular soup. The chili was more like a thick sauce and the spicyness made it more of that oily-base. The Messy Marc lives up to its name and I really liked the raw chopped onions here to cut the grease a bit. The bread is thick but nicely toasted. Glad I tried it, but may be something I try once. We ordered for takeout and the staff were still very friendly throughout the whole experience. They use compostable packaging so it's something you gotta eat right away!

    Inside
    Te-see B.

    When it's past 7:00pm on a Saturday night and you're at the "Burbank Moose Lodge," there aren't many options within walking distance for food. (FYI - They only have a bar here, no food unless it's a catered event) So, what do 2 foodies do? They look to "Yelp for Help!" Chili John's was open late and only a few blocks away. So, we called up, ordered our food then walked over to pick it up 15 minutes later...Snap! Claudine the owner, greeted us when we walked in. She was very friendly and made us feel welcomed. It looks like an old diner from the 1950's. Some thing you might find in films like "Back to the Future," or "American Graffiti." They have used it in several films including "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," by Quentin Tarantino. Not sure if you know this, but Chili John's has been around for over 50 years. Established in 1946 by Ernie Isaac, a family run diner famous for its "chili over spaghetti." Claudine purchased it from her uncle about 8 years ago. It has a U Shaped counter which makes it easy for the staff to take your order, chat with you and so on. Loved it! So, grab a stool at the counter and relive your childhood...It's fun! My chicken tender sandwich was very good except that it had barely any chicken on it. Only 2 very thin chicken strips. The sandwich was mostly bun, lettuce and tomato ~ I was a little disappointed. The chili fries and the chili on rice were good. Plenty of street parking (free - just read the signs) ~ and that's all I have to say about that ~ xo

    04/08/26 Menu Front Side
    Robert C.

    Have been here before, but seeing an LA in a Minute posted on X, I needed to drop by again. This is a great, old-school lunch counter that happens to serve great chili. Ordered the ULTIMATE CHILI DOG Bacon-wrapped dog, topped with chili, American cheese, chopped onions, mustard, spicy sweet pickles and Fritos combo which included fries and a drink. The food was great and the facility clean. We were treated right away, and service was a bit slower than normal due to training and computer hiccups. Once that was squared away, the staff was friendly and attentive. This is a place worth more visits.

    IG: happyfoodietown
    Vy D.

    Let's come to Burbank's oldest continuously operating restaurant for their chili recipe. I had: 1. Chicken tenders and fries 2. Chili spaghetti and beans with oyster crackers - it's sooo spicy! 3. Chili hot dog 4. Soda 5. Lemon pie

    Julia S.

    FOOD I got the build your own chili with spicy beef over spaghetti. There was such a large pool of oil at the bottom that I couldn't finish it. It would be fine if I couldn't taste the oil, but I could in every bite. Especially since it didn't mix with the sour cream. The bowl looked small, but it's super filling. I also got the chili cheese fries and it did feel too oily at the end after the fries soaked up all the chili oil. The fries were so well fried though To note, this was the first time I've ever had chili so I don't know if this is a standard chili experience haha SERVICE One of the male servers was a bit grumpy. Not sure why to be honest AMBIANCE Very traditional diner vibes. Small parking lot in the back

    Frank B.

    Chili John's didn't disappoint , its great American dive chili parlor and I love it. Flew into Burbank and needed a food fix so headed over for some chili & dog! Man this place doesn't looked to evolve since it opened. Nice horseshoe counter bar seating maybe 20 people at best. The punk rock element made me feel at home. A darling young lady greeted me and evacuated my order which was chili & rice with a side hotdog. Since I'm a huge chili & rice fan I was ecstatic to have it on a menu. My dog tasted great and yes I only have mustard only ( Dirty Harry style )! Wasn't a fan so much of bunch since it was a skinny dog but after stripping some extra breading off it tasted like a hot dog with mustard, DELICIOUS! Gotta give the counter girl some kudos. She was very attentive in my happiness and my meal. She even wanted to trade a chili John's baseball hat for my Louis Vuitton hat but that was a no deal... LOL Defiantly will stop in for another bowl and maybe a chili dog.... Ya I think I'll grab a chili dog for sure but that's another story. Make sure you tip heavy and enjoy your food & experience !

    Wine.
    Cynthia C.

    Soft opening for this new tap room and comfort food spot adjoining the world famous Chili John's! Same owners and real nice, local folks over seeing the drinks and food. Beer, wine and seltzers for now. Open Fri & Sat 4pm - midnight. The Taproom offers an elevated menu with options like charcuterie selections, burrata salad, seared salmon and desserts. Happily, I could still get a bowl of chicken chili - YUM! And Hubs went slightly fancy(for him, anyway), trying the grilled Gruyère w/bacon jam and grilled onions. To drink, we went with seltzers from nearby Brewyard Beer Company, brewed and canned in Glendale. My Calamansi was a refreshing lime and Hubs tried and enjoyed the mango. For now, the soft opening, there's intimate seating at the tap bar, 5 seats. 3 tables accommodate 4 people each. Outside are 4 tables of 4 seats. This is a charming little spot and I look forward to seeing it grow. Come spend some time at The Taproom @ Chili John's and tell 'em "CC" sent you. Cheers! "

    Spicy Beef Chili with Spaghetti(12 oz) $10.95
    Erik G.

    What I Ordered:  -Chili Dog $12.50  -Spicy Beef Chili with Spaghetti(12 oz) $10.95  -Cheese and Sour Cream $1.50 -Dr Pepper $3.95 -The Weeny $6.59  Total $35.49 plus tax I was doing my Chili Dog tour of Burbank. This was my second stop of the day, as I had eaten at Larry's earlier in the morning. I came here a bit on the early side and was let inside early, which is always nice. I spoke with the owner, and he was very friendly and gave me the spiel about their history. He gave me some recommendations on what to order and what to drink. I opted for the Dr Pepper that they get exclusively from Texas with real cane sugar. He starts telling me about how he and his wife have a health food background and how they transformed the menu at Chili John's. That's where he lost me! I came here for unhealthy food, not healthy food. Some people want the healthy hot dogs and buns made with healthy oils and all that jazz. I guess I went in blind, not knowing about the healthy ingredients. I wouldn't have gone there had I known that. I like going to historical places that have been in business for a long time where they've been serving up dishes since they opened, but altering the original recipe with all healthy ingredients is not for me. I came here in March before the Times article came out. I hope this business can stay open and they can get more customers in through the door. I wish them all the success in the world. I wouldn't be back anytime soon. The Chili Dog was not bad, all things considered, but the one I had a Larry's was better. Perhaps it's not fair to compare one to the other when one is made with healthy ingredients. It is what it is. When in Rome, I tried the skyline type chili with the spaghetti and it was too oily. I seriously felt the heartburn coming on. I think they need to re-evaluate their menu and consider putting on some original menu items to give customers a variety of options. Something for everyone! It's also been featured in a few shows and movies such as Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood and Twin Peaks. Guy Fieri was here for Tripe D too! Honestly, I love Chili John's cool aesthetic, good stories and nice signage. I also appreciate the preservation of landmarks like this. The U-shaped counter really isn't something you see very often nowadays. But honestly, their menu selection does not include any good-tasting food. I hate to be harsh here, but this is my personal opinion.

    Chocolate Malt
    Lila S.

    Very old time quaint diner vibes. Kind of reminds me of the show Twin Peaks for some reason, maybe the fact that the restaurant is over 100 years old! The servers are friendly, the food is very good! Chocolate malts are bomb here and I HIGHLY recommend the chili cheeseburger!!! I don't even like burgers but this was phenomenal. Onion rings are good and house made ranch is so good and dilly. I went back and got the chili dog lunch special and it's also very good since I love a hot dog w casing. Warning the original spicy chili does have a kick and I do love spicy too, but I might shift to mild next time lol!

    Inside
    Kelvin C.

    Best chili dog of all time award! This was the best all around chili dog. All of the ingredients just goes together so well, and everything about it was mouth watering. The bun was buttery, crispy and soft. A good bun is a must. The dog was snappy and flavor packed. The cheese was perfectly gooey. Finally, the chili was one of the best. It was beefy, thick, and delicious. This spot is so nostalgic, and has a long history. Sitting at the counter just makes me feel like a kid again. Love the owner, he was friendly and has a passion for great food.

    Eric H.

    Est. 1946- The call has gone out - Chili John's is in trouble and in danger of closing. All Locals, Foodies and LA Cultural History buffs need to visit and support Chili John's. With the failing studio industry, the ailing LA restaurant culture and the still lingering affects of covid shutdowns for nearly two years, Chili John's has slashed hours and curtailed the menu, to keep the chili 'on the stove' for as long as it can. Chili John's chili recipe is from the 1800s and was documented and passed down to the current owners. This type of Green Bay, Wisconsin chili was never served by itself, as it was thought to be too spicy and too greasy. It was meant to be poured over another dish (i.e. spaghetti, rice, beans & rice). The original spicy beef chili has some real heat and kick. Don't be fooled, it's legit spicy - good for your sinuses. I had it over rice and beans, with onions, cheese and oyster crackers - very tasty. We also got the build-your-own-chili-dog, with cheese, mustard and onions. This is not really an eat-with-your-hands hotdog. It's big and messy and a knife & fork are recommended. As mentioned, this chili is greasy . . . very greasy. If it takes you out of your comfort zone, I recommend spooning off the excess oil into a glass. On the plus side, the owner states: "Chili John's is the healthiest, most farm-to-table greasy diner food you're going to find anywhere . . the hot dogs are pasture-raised beef from Northern California. They contain no nitrates, no oils, no antibiotics. The bread is made fresh daily by Larder Bakery. They are seed oil-free, preservative-free, artificial flavor and color-free ". To quote a classic western film, 'Now who can argue with that!' Chili John's has good food, friendly service, and a historic legacy. Come out and support, before its ALL GONE. Four thumbs up for Chili John's.

    Chili dog with cheese and onions

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 24
    Thanks 13
    Love this 23
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 66
    Thanks 17
    Love this 56
    Oh no 6
    Photo of Robert C.
    0
    68
    171

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vy D.
    3704
    933
    10414

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 4
    Love this 8
    Oh no 2
    Photo of L F.
    0
    5
    0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    19 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 5
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    30 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erik G.
    253
    769
    5759

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 4
    Love this 3
    Oh no 4

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz G.
    419
    17
    0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eric H.
    653
    1016
    2789

    1 year ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron S.
    21
    108
    30

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trevor T.
    176
    40
    11

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James X.
    618
    78
    122

    10 months ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 7
    Love this 10
    Oh no 4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    XLNT CHILI and great service. Wish they did delivery. The last time I was there for lunch... no wait.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Risa Y.
    2998
    961
    984

    1 year ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Debbie L.

    Debbie L.

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 4
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 26

    Ask the Community - Chili John's

    Do you sell quarts or pints of your chili?

    Hello, We sell both.… Read more

    Are there different hours or closures for the upcoming holidays (Christmas and New Year's)?

    We're open Christmas Eve 11-4, Closed Christmas. New Year's Eve open 11-4 and Closed New Years Day.

    Does Chili Johns do catering orders?

    Yes, we love doing catering events.

    Does anyone know if any of Chili Johns' chili recipes are keto and/or paleo compliant?

    Nope. The current owners or as they call themselves "partners" changed the Chili John's recipe. It… Read more

    Heard they are changing owners. Any one know about this?

    It’s the same owners. They took on partners when Debbie retired. The recipe is the same and has not changed. Come on in we offer everyone samples before they buy since our chili is so different.… Read more

    View All 6 Questions

    You might also consider

    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.9(404 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    went here for a brunch for the bride and they were so sweet and really good service. Robert was our…read morewaiter and he made our time feel very welcomed.

    I stopped by Kalaveras while visiting the Jackalope Art Fair in Downtown Burbank. After walking…read morearound in the heat, I wanted somewhere with seating, shade, and A/c. I had passed by this restaurant before but had never been curious enough to actually stop in. This time their drink menu advertised outside caught my attention so I figured "hey, why not?" From the moment I walked in i was trying to figure out whether I liked the atmosphere or not. The music was excellent, but the décor took me a second to process. It felt like an 80s lounge crashed into a neon Día de los Muertos inspired art gallery. It's most definitely not a quiet, cozy restaurant. It has more of a loud, colorful, party style personality. I was seated promptly by a kind hostess but I wasn't attended to by a waiter for nearly 10 minutes. Once my waiter did come by he was kind, quick, and professional. Now, I'm going to be honest.. I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican restaurant food, so I didn't have the highest expectations. I ordered the potato taquitos, a Jarrito Loco made with watermelon purée, vodka instead of tequila, and chamoy on the rim, plus chiles toreados and one carne asada taco. Laugh all you want, but I was half expecting the food to come out looking like a cafeteria lady had splattered it onto a plate... I was genuinely impressed by the presentation instead. The potato "taquitos" were bigger than I expected so don't let the "itos" fool you. They were crispy, flavorful, filling, and honestly so delicious. Those get a 5/5 from me. My drink was also incredible. It was refreshing, especially with how hot the day was, and had just the right amount of alcohol. The presentation was so cute I almost felt bad ruining it. Easily one of the best drinks I've had in the Burbank area -- 5/5. The carne asada taco wasn't as impressive as the potato taquitos, so I'd give that a 3/5. The chile toreado was definitely spicy, it just needed to be salted a little more but otherwise no complaints! I need to remind myself not to be too quick to judge because I was genuinely surprised by this place. The décor wasn't fully my personal style, but the food and drinks more than made up for it. I'd definitely come back again, especially for the potato taquitos and drinks.

    Photos
    Kalaveras - Inside of the restaurant

    Inside of the restaurant

    Kalaveras
    Kalaveras - This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.

    See all

    This is what I believe is called "the flight". It is a Margarita sampler.

    The Corner - Side of Fries

    The Corner

    4.5(532 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    Had a great experience! I had the Wagyu sliders with a side of fries, while my friends ordered the…read moretuna tartare and the traditional Eggs Benedict. Every dish was absolutely delicious and beautifully prepared. The ambiance was wonderful, the service was attentive and friendly, and we loved the overall aesthetic of the restaurant. Everything from the food to the atmosphere made for a great dining experience. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for amazing food and exceptional service!

    I had the delicious Wagyu Truffle burger and decided to add bacon and chipotle aioli because why…read morenot, and it was incredible. The burger came loaded with a juicy grilled jalapeño, tomato, mushrooms, grilled pineapple, red onions etc, on a soft brioche bun. Everything worked together really well and the flavors were rich without being overwhelming. My buddy had the Baja Fish tacos and said they were delicious. My wife ordered the Corner Breakfast special with eggs, bacon, and French toast, and she really enjoyed it. My friend's wife got the Frittata served in a cast iron pan, and that also looked and tasted great from what I could tell. Portions were solid across the table, and everyone left satisfied. Prices felt fair for the quality of food you're getting.

    Photos
    The Corner - Dining room

    Dining room

    The Corner - Hash Browns

    Hash Browns

    The Corner - The golden dinnerware is my favorite, no clue why but just adds a different elegance for me to eat or even to stir my coffee

    See all

    The golden dinnerware is my favorite, no clue why but just adds a different elegance for me to eat or even to stir my coffee

    BB Cafe & Catering - Meat Lovers Omelette

    BB Cafe & Catering

    4.2(506 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$
    Wheelchair accessible
    Outdoor seating

    Came here for brunch with a friend and had such a great experience. It was definitely busy with the…read morebrunch rush, but the staff handled everything really well . service was attentive and smooth the entire time. There was live music, which we loved and made the whole experience feel even more fun and lively. The atmosphere overall was just really enjoyable. The food was delicious and the coffee was just as good. One thing that stood out was how the staff handled feedback. My friend didn't love something in her dish and mentioned it to our waiter, and they corrected it right away with no issue. I really appreciated how quick and accommodating they were. Overall, such a solid brunch spot. Good energy, great service, and honestly... yum across the board. I'll definitely be coming back.

    Good vibes here the moment you walk in. Interior and exterior seatings for open air dining…read more Friendly service throughout. 4 stars because I believed my omelette was overly cooked, otherwise satisfactory. I love the artwork on my matcha latte. Always a plus when establishments do this. It shows love because art takes time. Also loved the pancakes tacos concoction with Nutella, strawberries, blueberries and asked to put the condensed milk on the side. It was truly delectable given I had just eaten a huge portion of my omelette. Overall a great dining experience!

    Photos
    BB Cafe & Catering
    BB Cafe & Catering - Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

    BB Cafe & Catering - Cappuccino

    See all

    Cappuccino

    Chili John's - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...