It's a sweat box!!! No air conditioning !! Above fans are coated in dust And prices keep climbing... not worth it read more

3 Stars for the history and keeping it that way. Sadly, I will not return, been there, and tried that. I was excited to try it as I love roots LA anything and everything. The problem is the thing that's what's in their name, the chili. It's sort of flat, both in flavor and dry. Felt more like paste, maybe they're reheating it or that's what it is. On another note, the wait staff doesn't really give a f. I mean, they weren't rude, but just didn't care to make sure we were set to order, needed anything extra, the check, etc. Everything had to be asked for. All good, I don't mind asking, but it was obvious that each step we asked, could have been taken care of a bit more proactively... made me feel annoying. read more

I always try to make a stop here as I just love their chili dogs with cheese and they have the most amazing malts as well. Always delicious. You may want to take it to go during the summer as there's no air conditioning as like an oven, but other than that, the food is well worth it. read more

Chili John's - They're delicious chili cheese and lemon pie. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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This joint is like a museum where you get to eat the exhibit! One of the few places to get authentic Texas Chili in LA. The owner is very nice and happy to talk about the history of the place and chili in general. Wish it was closer to Long Beach but will definitely go back and try the spaghetti next time. read more

I've been driving here from Menifee, for over 10 years, just for their Chili Spaghetti.... My daughter gets the Messy Marv.....I highly recommend their Lemon Ice Box pie...This place is awesome... And their staff is just as great.... The owner is very friendly and truly values his customers.... read more

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I think this restaurant has a select clientele. My fiancé & waited awhile to put in our order. We wanted to eat it there but the guy put in a bag. I expected it to be better. The recipes must of changed when the ownership changed. Don't believe the social media hype. read more

I've been eating here on and off for about 17 years and haven't been here for a couple of years because of family issues. The chili is ok and the prices went way up (which is ok and expected under normal circumstances) but they are not so generous with cheese as they were in the past. Now u have to pay for a little tiny container which is barely enough for a small size bowl of chili. I usually get a large so I am a bit disappointed about this.I mentioned it to the girl behind the counter and she just said "That's the way it is now". I think I will be much less likely to eat here in the future, but that's just me. read more

Awesome, neat, old place with good food and service. The chili is good. I had the 'medium' which was to hot, spice wise. I will go back next time I'm in town. read more

Chili John's - Chili John's - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Best burger and chili fries I've had in a very long time. Loved the nostalgia of the interior, took me back to all the lunches with my dad and grandparents. Try the lemon pie, it's incredible! read more

First let me start by saying the staff was friendly and the food was ok. I reviewed the menu and asked if thy could put a burger patty in the chili for me. Like a chili size many places serve. He agreed that could be done. I ordered the large bowl, supposedly 16ozs at 13.95. I asked for onions and cheese. And a soda. The chili arrived and I noticed the bowl was about half full including the burger patty. They fill the chili right in front of you so I'm not sure how they could ever know it is 16 oz's. But it didn't appear anywhere near that. The chili was ok. Not near the flavor I was hoping for from a place that primarily sells chili. Finished up and asked to pay. They bring an automated credit card machine without presenting a bill. Including a tip I spent $30.53 for a bowl of chili. Somehow the $13.95 chili became 15.95. That 1.50 for onions 1.50 for a tiny container of cheese $3.00 for the burger patty, that's ok. And 3.50 for a bottle of coke. Do you know how many really upscale places I can eat for $30.00? Charging for onions and cheese in a chili place is outrageous. And I have no idea what the extra $2.00 was for, but I wish them well. read more

After meaning to stop by Chili John's for so long, we finally picked up their "Lunch Special": chili over spaghetti. We got to meet the owner and he and the gal putting together our order were both lovely. We were waffling over adding a slice of the lemon pie to our order and he advised in favor of it (the cool tartness of the pie balances the spiciness of the chili). They were even so kind as to comp the pie slice as it was our first time. The chili is definitely more in the Cincinnati style, more a spicy meat slurry than a chili-con-carne stew. That said, the "medium" heat was respectably spicy, and I tasted more of a red chili flavor than the cinnamon and nutmeg notes of other Cincinnati chilis. Overall, I was satisfied with my meal and exceptionally pleased with the service. I think I'll need to try both the turkey and vegetarian versions though just to find out which I like best. So give this Burbank institution a try (Walt Disney and Howard Hughs ate here back in the day) if you're a big chili fan. And definitely order the pie. read more

Chili John's - Love that old school neon and lettering. Chili John's is ready for online order and pick-up or walk-up ordering. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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I read some of the negative reviews but I don't always believe what others say. I was really rooting for this small family owned hole in the wall with a lot of character. So disappointed with the 16 oz spaghetti chili. I was really craving chili something. The young lady at the counter let me know that the kitchen was closed for the day which bummed me out because there were still 15 minutes left but, I guess they can make it on what they charge per bowl. So disappointed with the grease filled chili spaghetti the young lady recommended. Lemonade was good. Regular bottled Diet Coke was served. Toppings are all separate and have a cost. For the both of us it was $36. We couldn't even eat it because it was so greasy. My stomach hurt all night. Sorry guys really bad food and it gave me food poisoning. I love to support small restaurants but sadly this was a bomb. read more

Always a 50s experience, always good! Great service - a very good menu! Love the u counter seating! A feel good, taste good restaurant!

I was hoping to have some of the best chili I've ever had but I was kinda disappointed. I got the spicy chili with some fries and it just tasted like I was eating spicy oil with some texture. I also ordered a cheeseburger. The burger was okay but I felt like the buns were too thick. It felt like I was biting into a loaf of bread. I want to give this place another try whenever I'm in the area again. read more

Chili John's - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Best chili I've ever had in my life, and I've had my fair share of chili. Had to take some home for the family!!!!!!!

This was my first time eating at Chili John's. I'm not really a chili person so I ordered a regular cheeseburger. However the people I dined with ordered Chili and they loved it. I noticed that the portions were big. Also do not come here without getting a Dr Pepper! It was so good my whole party ordered one to go. My burger was good and the bun was perfectly cooked. This is a historic family owned restaurant. I really enjoyed hearing about the restaurant's history from the owner. He was extremely nice and personable so thank you for sharing this gem! He knows ALOT and can answer just about any question about the restaurant. If you're in the area check it out! It's important that we support small businesses and keep places like this open! read more

***12 P A G E S of ONE STAR Reviews!*** I couldn't believe it myself, but low and behold, here I am. I've been coming here some 40 years. Yes, the recipe is the same, AND unfortunately, the same dope that's been dragging the service down is there too! This guy is always so high he can barely maintain focus, and counterman for Chili John's is NOT the pinnacle customer engagement difficulty. So I went I today. As usual, this loser of an employee, was engaged in a conversation with 2 people that were leaving, for 10 MINUTES! No- "be with you in a minute", "hello", "I'm too stupid to take food orders", or "go to hell". There were 4 other people seated at the restaurant, 1 needed to order, 2 done eating, and 1 looked like he desperately needed to pay and get back to work. I would say the service was HORRIBLE, but I didn't witness ANY service. Finally the guy left, only for this delinquent employee to continue his conversation with the remaining woman. I left after 10 plus minutes of not seeing this, (if it were my employee, FIRED), engage any of the other customers or me. Truth be told, this has always been one of the dirtiest places I've ever allowed myself to eat in. The walls have visible grease on them, and I can personally attest, they haven't been scrubbed in the 40 years I've been coming here. Long story even longer, I'm done. This place SUCKS! It's dirty, the service is non-existent, and I'm sure I could make better chili and spaghetti at home for 1/4 Chili's John's O V E R P R I C E D Chili! A Concerned Connoisseur read more

Hands down, the best chili! The countertop service is so nostalgic, and the service was great. Lemon pie is out of this world delicious. A cool and classic spot. read more

Chili John's - U shaped countertop - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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The first time eating here, the food was good. The second time the food was terrible. BOTH times it was MISERABLY hot inside of the restaurant. We were told that the air conditioning unit was STOLEN the first time that we were there. When we retuned 2 months later, there still was not air conditioning! It was really hot inside the restaurant, even with the back door open. Even with air conditioning we won't be returning. The food just isn't consistently good enough read more

A good experience here. The Chili Breakfast Burrito is good in a unique way. It is different but still tasty. I still prefer ham or sausage in my breakfast burritos, but life goes on. Good food at Chili John's. read more

Chili John's - Chili Burrito with Mild Beef Chili. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Love everything about this place. The history, food, dessert (try both pies) and the vibe. A Burbank treasure! read more

Chili John's - American Near Me - Burbank, California

If you've got that hankering for chili, this is the place to go! Their chilis have no beans, no fillers or preservatives. Which I love cuz I've never really been a bean fan anyway, but 'tis an option I guess. The medium spice chilis are the bomb (those'll be my go-to's). Unfortunately i got the mild chili cheese dog. They put it on a small hawaiian roll, and it wasn't that great. For some reason the beef was presented in chunkier pieces. Cheese wasn't flavorful enough. Probably shoulda gotten onions and Apple cider vinegar too. Hotdog had that crunch, but not the best I had. Then when i tried the medium chicken and beef chili, wow what a difference! Both had a little kick, and tasted fresher and were minced more. That's more like it! Super tasty! I grew up around here and wish i had gone here more. But only went maybe one other time as a small kid. It's been a Burbankian institution for 72 years! I think it's the oldest restaurant in Burbank too? Only other location is in Wisconsin. LOVE the cute, vintage small diner feel! Also, super hipsterish cuz most of the people coming in to eat look like 'em haha. Quite pricey but worth it I guess ($37 for 2 small meat chilis and chili cheese dog). I hope to be back soooon to try their famous chili spaghetti and oyster crackers, as well as their vegetarian chili and lemon pie! read more

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We finally decided to try their chili. HUGE mistake and a BIG disappointment. 1. It's over priced for what you get, you will still be hungry after a bowl. The side of cheese is worth maybe .25 cents. 2. Half chili, half greasy oil. Forget about a heart attack from a clogged artery, the amount of acid that builds up in your stomach, from the oil, will make you worship the porcelain bowl. 3. If you pour the oil off, the mushy stuff called chili, has no flavor. I guess you could add tabasco for flavor, but remember when you throw up later Tabasco with acid. 4. Chili John's is a Historical landmark...too bad they lost the original chili recipe. Fat burger chili is less of a letdown. read more

A surprisingly pleasant dining room that is reminiscent of the Apple Pan, Pie n Burger or other old school eatery. My server was very nice and helpful while juggling 3 other customers. I was really hopeful for the experience after stumbling upon Chili John's while going to Costco. Unfortunately, the mild beef chili over spaghetti is an absolute abomination... incredibly greasy with a braised beef scum consistently that is hard to believe. This is no Skyline Chili. Instead it's more like a greasier Tommy Burger chili that is too nasty to eat with a spoon. I should have left when I saw the server mashing the chili through a strainer to separate the "meat" from the scum. Perhaps it would be edible smeared on top of a burger like Tommy's? No. I'm very sorry to leave this review and hope the proprietors consider that their format and chili concept could be a local institution if the food was edible. Diners beware. read more

Cozy spot with great chili. Stepping inside feels like a blast from the past, with vintage decor and a warm, nostalgic vibe plus a staff that instantly makes you feel at home. The chili here is truly the star - flavorful, perfectly spiced, and hearty. You can tell it's made with care, and they've nailed the balance between a comforting classic and a little kick. Perfect for a laid-back meal with great food and great atmosphere! read more

Nicest folks in the world own and operate this place and they take the 100 year old cowboy chili very, very seriously! It takes 20 some-odd hours just to make a batch according to the owner. Who cannot respect this? Well me for one. Here is the problem: I cannot fully root for this style of chili here because it's just too darned salty for my taste. Great dog under the chili and I liked the sweetness of the accoutrement pickles and the decor with what looks to be the original horseshoe dining bar - I'm a sucker for these! But they need an option for the elderly and those with kidney stones. That is to say, they need a "low salt alternative chili." Worth a try... once. *** Continuing The Dialogue w Owner Dec 11, 2019. I happen to loooove Beluga caviar! Maybe the saltiness there is expected but was not with regards to your chili? Still, I think for you to qualify it as 'unfair' that I review your chili and describe my feelings of it's taste? THAT is unfair. You are a restaurant. Yelp is a place for those who enjoy eating out to post their reviews. What SHOULD one write that I did not in my review? Do you only berate those who post the negative reviews?? Note to Yelp community: Be warned, your honest opinion is not welcome here... I'd only post a positive review in hindsight. And to think, I was kind enough to keep it to the food and NOT mention the messy countertops and somewhat brusque attitude of the waitress w the blue hair as others have done so already... whomever the gentleman was that spoke with me was an absolute, well, gentleman. Cheers & Merry Christmas! read more

Chili John's - Chili dog at Chili John's - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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Great food. Great service. 9 year old Delillah was charming and attentive. Seating is at a u shaped counter. She is daughter of one of the employee's. She was refilling drinks and chatting up the customers. There were 3 or 4 of us. read more

Chili John's - Chili John's - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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Down right gooooood hot dogs and chili fries!! Don't worry about the reviews because I didn't and I'm happy I went! Definitely will be back soon love the vibe and staff! read more

Chili John's serves the best Chili in Southern California, and if you need "gentler" alternatives to their fabulous traditional beef chili, they've got both chicken & veggie chili. Old-fashioned counter seating, great take-out, a family affair. read more

This place used to be phenomenal, but since the death of the owner some years back, and at a rapid pace since the younger generation took over, everything about it has declined. To those familiar with it's once greatness, it's truly sad. At this point, it could only be resurrected by a serious restaurateur. read more

Great food and friendly service here at Chili John's! Talked to the server about Tarantino filming at the spot for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ... We tried the chili cheese fries with some sour cream, and got some vegetarian lentil chili in a bowl on top of some rice, add an excellent slice of lemon pie with graham cracker crust and a Diet Coke. They had those spicy yellow peppers for free as a condiment, and I'm definitely gonna go back and buy a double XL black shirt the next time I visit! read more

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The mild chili here is excellent, but the spicy chili was a bit too spicy for me, would've liked more spaghetti noodles to balance out the ratio. They have nice lunch deals until 3pm. They trained their kid to come out and upsell pies, and I bought a lemon pie slice, which was super tasty and melted in your mouth. Overall the mild chili cheese fries was good and I'd return for it. read more

Chili John's - Spicy spaghetti and mild chili cheese fries. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

An authentic, family run restaurant with an incredible history. The owners were very friendly and told us about all the natural ingredients they use in their food. The chili dog was incredible! read more

Chili Johns is a total staple for me to visit every time I come back to Burbank. The absolutely wonderful staff makes you feel right at home -- every time you come and no matter how you feel -- after work. The comfort food level is set high. They're attentive, and have absolutely hilarious stories. The current owner will go out of his way to make recommendations-- from the delicious pie to how to avoid mean celebrities-- and I value this family highly. Plus, his 'tats have super clean line work and bad*ss stores/meanings. Literally spent an hour and a half over dinner just shooting the breeze with this super cool dude. The atmosphere is super chill, and don't get me started on how delicious the Chili really is. No joke, best chili and rice dish I've ever had anywhere in the world. Plus, they offer delicious chicken chili if the beef is too heavy. I will always come back here when I visit Cali for as long as they let me in to eat perfect chili -- and have pleasant conversations -- with this wonderful, and down to earth, family. Really love the "family owned business" vibe they got goin' on. I really appreciate all y'all over at Chili Johns. You'll definitely see me at the counter there again! read more

I'm vegetarian so I had the chili with quinoa and it was pretty good - needed salt but that was a quick fix. Also had the lemon pie which was tasty as well. It's a cute spot for a quick bite in a nostalgic location. I appreciated that they let me bring my dogs in and that the servers were so friendly - I ended up having to put one of my puppies down that day at the vet down the block so he had his last meal there (a little bowl of chili). I'd gladly come back. read more

Well well, finally my poor no got to try this place! Must say they deserve mother star, the chili was much better this day. I was right about ordering something else, you gotta do the chili with beans. It's less salty. I ordered the chili dog with beans, which was yummy. They ran out of sour cream which was a huge bummer, I just don't get how you would run out, I think it def is a lot reorganized. The chili dog is two Hawaiian rolls and a long hot dog with a scoop of chili and beans can be added. I also tried the pie, pretty yummy. My be went Ham and had a chili dog and a mark, he loved it. read more

I frickin' love Chili John's ... to the point where, when driving down from Northern California to Southern California, I plan my drive around arriving at Chili John's while they're still open. I only get to eat at Chili John's maybe once or twice a year so when I do, I go big. My usual go-to: a Super bowl of medium spice Chicken chili served over half spaghetti noodles and half beans. But they have so many different combinations and ways to order your chili, you'd never get bored! They have chili over spaghetti, chili over beans, chili on a hot dog, chili by itself ... chicken chili, beef chili ... different levels of spiciness ... my mouth is watering just writing this. The staff that work there are super friendly and engaging; I love sitting at the old school counter and just talking and laughing with the staff and enjoying a massive bowl of chili. read more

Chili John's - A Super Bowl of Chicken Chili (medium spicy) with half spaghetti and half beans (cheese and onions added) - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Came all the way from Texas and well worth the trip! Delicious flavors as hot as you like. All the chili variants were so flavorful. Friendly service with quite a history having been Est.1900!! Had all the classics : medium chili with beans on spaghetti with sour cream and cheese, Little splashes of apple vinegar and oyster crackers, wrap it up with the delicious lemon pie and you are set with a happy belly for most of the day read more

Chili John's - The Breakfast Delivered within 5 miles - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Never been there before. Stopped in got a chicken chili with a spaghetti base and loved it can't wait to go back and try another one.

I have been wanting to try this place for months. The 4 star rating and many positive reviews had me sooooo anxious to bring my bf there. I was so excited. Wow, was I beyond disappointed. The waiter forgot every topping in our chili. We had to keep reminding him what to bring. He left the lid of the chili pot and restaurant door wide open while he went to the back to complete our order. Only the good lord knows what bugs have crawled in and hatched eggs in there. The waiter didn't wear gloves when he cut our hot dog. The owner looked a little unprofessional. Drinks weren't offered to us. I mean, it really was the absolute worst restaurant experience for us. The service was terrible and the place didn't exactly scream sanitary either. Also, the chili was very oily for me, some may like it??....but I would really recommend them to lessen up on the oil.......anyways, we're never going back. read more