I have been going to chili John's for over 30 years. Father used to take me as a child. Unfortunately the taste has changed. And the amount of grease served is crazy. I'm pulling for them to succeed but they need to go back to the original recipe. read more

The spicy beef chili was tasty and satisfying. The lemon pie was deeply disappointing -- mostly thick whip cream with just the hint of lemon flavor and hardly any crust. read more

Pay no attention to the recent poor reviews! This place has been great for years and continues to be great! If you don't like a little grease, don't go. It's part of the recipe and IMO what makes the Chili here stand out from others. Obviously there is something RIGHT with this Chili for the place to still be going after 100+ years, and in Burbank since the '40s. I always get a super bowl over spaghetti, with and extra chili scoop to boot! I just wish it were closer to my home so I could go more often. Super nice family runs it too. I wish them continued success. read more

WTF is this? I was absolutely discusted and disappointed. Ive always wanted to try this place and I told my freinds from work and they placed an order with mine. The chili was burnt like its been at the bottom of the burner all day and the amount of grease is absolutely ridiculous. I was more imberessed cause I recommended it to my friend's and they were dispointed aswell. Absolute Fail. read more

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

I hesitated leaving this comment but really bothered me all day. My first time having it don't know how it has so many good feedback. I like to Support family run businesses. Service was fabulous is way it's a 2 star and I was hesitant There was no one in there no A/C it's was crazy hot Is probably why. Lol The fries was good sodas was cold chips was bag chips lol chilly was so greasy it really was like a bowl of red Grease the Pasta wise waterlogged if that makes sense over cooked The hotdog was ice cold which I am so scared of getting food poisoning And then to top it off there was 2 little girls they was adorable n cute. God bless them but literally was helping them selfs to the rice the bigger one was touching the spoon from rice with her spoon she ate out of. It's not ok now days because Covid etc. They did not know I not saying anything about them. It's the way the was helping them self. Seams like everyone is doing that. It was like double dipping the ranch lol. But all jokes aside no clue how this place in California is in Business the lady told us it was how there chilly is I mean it was 2 lidos full of Grease no joke. Sorry but not sorry it was bad I did not have to say much the young lady knew I said it's on the house. It was a bit dingy. I'm sure the original people that ran this place was probably much better I'm sure it's a second or third handed might even be a daughter-in-law or grandchild and don't care about it. Thanks to the young lady that understood read more

Been back recently since Covid and my experience was quite good . Although the portions are smaller then years past and prices higher I was satisfied with my Chili & spaghetti and pie and will eat their again . read more

My husband had eaten at Chili John's over 30 years ago so when we were in Burbank for a doctors appointment we decided to come try it out. WOW!!! So delicious!! I had the chili cheese burger. It was so good. The Fritos added to the burger added such an amazing crunch. The fries soaked up the grease and I could not stop eating them! My husband had the chili dog and he said it was delicious. I ordered a piece of the lemon pie to eat later when I recover from the massive amount of food we ate. We will be back!! If your looking for authentic chili with amazing flavor... this is the place! read more

Chili John's - Old School! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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After I last review I had a change of heart-burn. I returned hoping to see my favorite blue-eyed waitress and was saddened to hear she no longer worked there. If you enjoy spoon fulls of grease in every bite then this is your place. Horrible service now! read more

Great food and awesome service! Definitely coming back again this for lunch. This hot sauce will kill you! read more

Chili John's - Hottest hot sauce - American Near Me - Burbank, California

This local business has NO BUSINESS staying in business. Our large beef chili and large chicken chili we re swimming in grease. We got no condiments with our take out order and rice is unavailable for take out . The tamale was poor at best. All told this $45.95 Lunch including generous tip was poor and we will not be ordering from here again. We should have been clued into the low quality of the food by the poor state of repair of their building....thumbs down! read more

How I've never been to Chili John's during my time in and around Burbank I will never know. I went to HS in the city of Burbank. I had a good friend live on Reese Place for years which is only a few blocks away. I am stoops! I did try several years ago but they were closed for their annual month-long (usually during July) fishing trip. I can respect that! I am not the spicy eater so I went there thinking I will start with the mild chili to start. It was a Tuesday afternoon, around 230pm so there wasn't a lot of people there. The lunch crowd was gone and that's what I wanted being I was a rookie to this place. It's only counter seating in a U-shape. Super old school and I love that. I was greeted kindly when I sat down. I looked at the menu and went with a regular bowl of straight chili, mild original beef ($9.50) and a plain hot dog ($4.00) because I wanted to put some of my chili on that dog. The chili station is right in front of you so you see them filling your bowl right there. It was a decent size bowl. It was just right for me. If I was hungrier, I would have ordered the super bowl portion which is 1lb ($14.50). Maybe next time. My first bite was great. I added some white onions and some oyster crackers. It was so good. Great flavor. Something I do not get to eat often so I was really happy I finally tried it. My good friend from HS Theresa Brown was a Chili John's regular. She grew up in Burbank and considered it an institution. She is no longer with us but I remember her shock when she found out I had never been to CJ. So pretty much, my first bowl of that famous chili was for Theresa. So really, we have her to thank for me finally driving to CJ and having a taste. She was right. It was great and I waited too long to try it. But trust me, it wont take that long again for me 2nd trip there. I will be back soon. Service was friendly. The 2 women that were working had a great attitude about them. You can tell they had been doing this for a long time. It was nice to have a conversation with them. The place looks like it hasnt changed in decades and that's the way I like it. It certainly is a Burbank institution... Yup, Theresa was right. Again. Parking available out back or on the side street. Check the street signs for sure. Its' Burbank after all. read more

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The food was delectable the music played was very good in my opinion and the service was amazing I highly recommend the chili cheese burger

I am sad to say that a little while ago the owner and keeper of the grease fairies passed away and has gone to chili heaven. Thank you sir for all your work and your generosity and please know that your son is doing a wonderful job continuing the Chili John Legend. On a more jovial note, I don't know if it's because I was with my buddy the unofficial youtube spokesperson for Chili John's or that they just knew how big of a fan I am and of the king seat, but they were cool with me bringing my own sides!!!! Yes I brought in some fries and the crew was more than happy to give me a little extra side of chili from my spaghetti for some chili fries! Hmmm, what will I bring next? Burgers, tots, bagels, pitas, falafel, baguette etc. read more

Mmmmmm No Keep this off your bucket list ...... Maybe was a hot spot in the 70"s Time to revamp and update read more

Chili John's is a mainstay of the Hollywood Studio system. ...At least the Hollywood Studios located in the Valley. :-) No, not the Hollywood of Glitz and Glam but the Hollywood of the Gaffers and the Grips, for they, along with the other working class stiffs, are the ones who frequent this establishment. Chili John's is, as the name implies, a restaurant that revolves around Chili. Yes, yes, they have some other stuff, but chili is the reason to go here for it is very-very good. They serve it hot and medium; i.e.: (spicy and not so spicy) so you can choose your poison according to your own personal taste buds but either way it is good. I have been coming here for well over two-decades and it has never changed. It is like stepping back in time for it is ALL the same. There is the central circular counter, flaked by stools, the chili brewing in the center, and that is that. I love a place that holds onto its tradition! Aside from finally adding a vegetarian blend somewhere along the way, this place is the same as when it opened. If you want to have a true Americana (chili-based) eating experience, this is the place to go. How many restaurants devoted to chili do you even know? It's a fun and tasty place to eat. Recommended! read more

I love this place. Some people in L.A. rave about Providence or Bestia. Give me Chili John's or Pinks Hotdogs any day. This place ain't the BOA Steakhouse. It is old, authentic, warm & friendly. The staff here could not be any nicer. Friendly, helpful and they have pride in what they do and the food they serve. I've never been to any place similar to this. The chili has no beans - It's... well, it's not a soup, it's not really thick... it's just right. If you want beans they'll add beans (and they are nice, tasty beans). I kind of like this because the beans don't become "stewed" in the chili. You can get the chili in a bowl or over other goodies like spaghetti, rice, a hotdog, a tamale or a hamburger bun (like a sloppy joe). The chili dog here is excellent. "Mustard & cheese?" Yes please! Mmmmmmmmm. Covered in chili, you won't be eating this by hand. The hot chili seems hot to me. I definitely get a heat from it but it doesn't leave my mouth burning. How do they do that? Usually when I eat something that hot my mouth burns from the peppers and I need to cool it down or wash the pepper out of my mouth. The chili here is somehow hot without having a "specific pepper taste" (like jalapeno or habanero). All of the customers seem pleasant and happy. This place is a gem! read more

Chili John's - Overcast evening. 11/20/13 - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Where do I start with this place? The building is absolutely amazing, the type of place my family seeks out when we travel. Ally, the Superwoman running the place, was awesome. She was kind, fun, attentive and provided us with excellent suggestions. The hot dogs were fantastic, the buns were exceptional. The chili, which the restaurant is famous for, is delicious. My husband got some loaded chili dog with Fritos and all kinds of other things which he inhaled. The horseshoe shaped counter was an added bonus. I really appreciate drinks in glass bottles, so the Cokes and Orange Crush made me very happy. Thankful we found this place. Grateful to our friend who lives in LA and recommended it to us! read more

I've been coming here for over 40 years. It's a great home feeling restaurant with great service and great food. The only negative that I have is that the chili comes out Luke warm, not piping hot as it should be. I've heard the excuse over and over again, about a guest, burning their mouth, and then suing, but there are 10 establishments within the same radius of this restaurant that if you take one Biden to their food, you will burn your mouth otherwise if you want real chili in a nice atmosphere, then go to this place read more

When I learned that there is a restaurant in Los Angeles that serves nothing but chili a zillion ways and pie for dessert, I knew I had no choice but to make an immediate pilgrimage there. For anyone who feels that chili doesn't sound good on a hot June day, I must respectfully completely disagree, for there is no such thing as a day when a bowl of culinary comfort is unwelcome. Now that we've established there no bad time for chili, Sunday brunch is a particularly good time. My equally chili-adoring friend and I arrived to a half-filled counter just after opening, which allowed us a pick of seats right in front of the parade of chili pots. I'm such a sucker for old-school places like this, and I love that they dish out the chili right there as you order. What you see is what you get. This is a place with a severe lack of bullshit. My friend had a regular-sized medium beef chili straight, which was way too much food considering the dense meatiness, and I had a super bowl of half chicken and half mild beef over beans, which was way, way too much food. The counter is equipped with complimentary toppings (diced onions, hot peppers, cayenne, vinegar, etc.) but you can also add on thin-shredded cheese or sour cream for an extra charge. It's simple but perfect, and I usually eat my chili unadorned, but here I discovered that crisp, white onion bits on thick, stewed chili is a perfect bite. A revelation to a relatively new worshipper of chili. The chicken chili only came in one heat setting, contradictory to the menu. I'm not sure if it was meant to be medium or hot, but it tasted relatively mild to me, which was perfect. The deeply stewed chicken tasted untraditional in a chili, but very satisfying just the same. This is a bowl I would have enjoyed this perfectly fine on its own. Though, we both agreed that the beef chili was decidedly better. It was fattier, richer, and just tasted right. Sorry chicken, it's just not a fair contest when beef is in play. I really liked that it featured some chunks of beef as well as meat that had completely fallen apart--this made for nice textural contrast. And every once in a while, you'd find a bite with a little morsel of soft beef fat. Jackpot. The beans at the bottom of my bowl were mixed pinto and black, and I really enjoyed it with my meat, even if it's frowned upon in Texan chili circles. I'm not from Texas y'all, and I don't mind beans in my chili one bit. I'm not sure that this style of chili is something I would make at home for myself or eat every day, as it's unarguably heavy and not at all shy with grease, but it's exactly what I want and expect from a little joint like this. That being said, pie is the perfect endcap to this meal, and I think they've chosen the ideal, refreshing varieties to serve: pineapple cream and lemon cream. Anyone who knows me knows that I have no greater love in the world than pie, so I was already excited to come here for this, but as I watched them top a pie through the kitchen door with thick cream whipped fresh from the mixer, I knew it was going to be utterly fantastic. I was not disappointed. Both slices came with a rather thin graham cracker crust, which I prefer, and swooped with that perfectly sweetened whipped cream. The lemon cream filling was gooey and almost runny, like a slightly thicker sweetened condensed milk with fabulous, not too tart, lemon flavor. There's not a lot of texture here, it's almost more like a pudding, albeit an extremely delicious one. The pineapple pie, in contrast, was mostly about the texture, with a generous layer of crushed pineapple sandwiched between the cream and graham. Perhaps it was because I had already tasted the tarter lemon, but this was much milder in flavor. Ergo, I conclude that the right choice here is to have both slices--a little bit of goo, a little bit of chew, a lot of delicious pie. If I have any complaints about Chili John's, it might be that it is almost too sparse with amenities. For one thing, there's no bathroom for customers, so if you downed a glass of Diet Coke as my friend did, have a back-up plan. For another, there was no Splenda for this addict, so I had to drink my (rather bitter) coffee unsweetened on the one day I left my personal stash at home (I told you: addict), and they didn't have decaf. This may have been the only time I have visited a diner and not downed a virtual vat of coffee during my meal. But I consider all of these to be nit-picky details, and none of them will stop me from returning to Chili John's. In fact, not much would. Chili John's is such a perfect little specimen of a restaurant that it makes me wonder why a chain of chili-only (plus pie) diners such not exist. Or if it already does, I am not privy to it. So please consider this my public ad in search of such a thing. Please let me know, so that I can experience this kind of gustatory satisfaction on a more regular basis. read more

Chili was okay. The staff could be more welcoming and attentive. First and last time coming here.

Chili John's has a wonderful lunch. The chili bowl was delicious; it had just enough spice so as to avoid being overwhelming while still delivering a kick. And Allie was a terrific server! She was attentive and very friendly. I can't recommend her and this place enough. Oh and don't forget to get a slice of pie! read more

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

I love coming to Chili John's when I'm in the area. A Burbank icon to be sure and easily qualifies as a dive on the Guy Fieri scale. My most recent visit found a tasty chili-cheese dog in front of me along with a side of onion rings. I chattted with server Keith as I polished off the dog and rings from my seat at the big "U". We shared some of our favorite restaurants and food joints around town and in Mexico. They have plans to get an old-fashioned soda fountain to add to the ambiance of the place. An enjoyable visit to Chili John's that will hopefully be repeated before long. read more

Amazing chili dog and pies and lemonade!!! Amaaazingggg service. Will definitely go back read more

I loved it. I've been to the original location in Green Bay, and I've had similar chili before at Real Chili in Milwaukee. It's not the kind I grew up with, but I am definitely a fan. I went with a bow of chilil with spaghetti, beans, and original beef. The employees were great, welcoming and quick. The building is worth the visit alone, they don't make 'em like this anymore. Grab a stool at the counter and enjoy. read more

Chili John's - 12 ounce bowl of chili, original beef with spaghetti & beans. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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Loved being there. The owners daughter was great server. She gave out free oranges too. Food great. Saw it in a movie weeks later. Great food good price great service. What more can u ask for? read more

The colder and wetter the day, the earlier you need to be there! Seriously. This place is insane on cold busy days and if there is an open seat they'll ask you to slide down to fit them in as the wall is lined w waiting patrons. The colder and wetter the day also makes the chili taste much better and will warm you for hours. The menu is limited, but full of flavor. My Fav that I call the "Bowl of Death": 2 tamales in the bottom of a super bowl of chili w beans and spaghetti topped with onions, cheese and oyster crackers! YUM! read more

Chili John's - Unlimited oyster crackers! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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Run don't walk - away ! I saw chili John's by an email recommendation of places to lunch in Burbank. I had a chiropractor appointment just up the block. I've passed it a billion times. I think that was grossest lunch I've ever encountered. It literally looked like cat poop on a bun with cheese. Even the iced tea was awful. The music blasting. No A/C but a fan and a waitress that just stayed in the back kitchen talking and talking and talking as other customers came in and sat for 10 minutes then got up and left. It was truly . Chili John's has been there a hundred years and it tasted like it has been. Into the evening now from that lunch I'm still sick to my stomach with the few bites I tried. read more

This chili is just great! Simple, turkey (which I love) and not greasy... couple different ways you can have it but it's always great! They take a vacay for about a month or two every year which sucks bc I always forget when it is that they leave lol... no beer but you can come get it to go and pick up a pack. Must come too whenever you're in Burbank read more

Age old chilli place. Been there a few times. Worth the trip. Girl at the counter was cute as well. Recommended

Amazing food and amazing service! Highly recommend. A true LA landmark. Original beef all the way!

You can't beat 110 years of chili experience! My friend, a frequent visitor of Chili John's, invited me to have lunch with him at this venerable Burbank institution and felt like going back in time. The decor is reminiscent of a 50's diner but without the booths. Seating is limited to a U shaped counter with the chili dispensed from warmers literally right in front of you. The only downside for me is that the counter stools are too close to each other for my comfort; I like having a little more elbow room. However, once the food was served I forgot about the closeness of my neighbors. The inside of this place looks old, not in a manufactured sense where items are intended to look old. They have memorabilia on the walls as well as a neon accented clock, that says "since 1900" though the time is not correct. Also, on one of the walls they have reviews from the LA times as well as other papers (some dating back to the 60's) The food is good! I had the chili, medium spicy, with spaghetti. ($7.25). They offer 3 levels of spiciness from mild; medium to crazy (I think that's the term they use). The chili was seasoned just right, not too salty or peppery but with right amount of paprika and spice. Is it oily? Yes, a little, but it's not ridiculously so, and if you read someone else's review and they complain about that than clearly, they are not experienced or real chili consumer. I'm not sure that you can get away with having chili without a little bit of a glistening oily sheen. My bowl was delicious and the serving portion was just right and left me enough room for desert (a homemade lemon pie, custard based that wasn't sugary but mildly sweet) Their menu is basic, where the chili is the star. They have other offering with chili as a major component including, hot dogs (chili dogs) and burgers (chili burgers). I'd recommend Chili John's to anyone who wants to experience unique atmosphere and good chili. read more

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Love this place. A piece of Burbank history! The food is great, service is friendly and the place has charm. 10/10 recommend stopping by soon! read more

Made a special trip from the Burbank Bob Hope Airport which is only 2-3 miles away. So glad made this visit as I had seen it on Guy Fieris show. What a throwback in time to 1946 when they started. The horseshoe diner was classic! The Chile options were outstanding and my basic chili with pinto beans , cheese and onions was ridiculous. so good!!!! Met some great locals dining there who are regulars. Great colorful. This is a So Cal classic and a must to come my for a visit. Can't wait cor my return visit!! read more

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

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Best Chili I have eaten, ever. Seating is rather basic, not fancy. Go to Chili John's for the chili. CW

Overly salty chili. They use beef fat instead of tomatoes. This chili is a heart attsattackck waiting to happen and is overly expensive for what it is. Don't waste your time. read more

this place has been on my yelp list for quite some time and because i was in the neighborhood today, i was finally able to make the trip. as you walk in, you are taken back in time to how old mom n pop diners would look. one U shaped counter with an osland counter where you get to watch the server or cook load the chili for your order. three different levels of spice and i went with mild for the chili cheese fries and medium for the spaghetti. medium has some kick. now compared to chili bowls from sit down diners or chili from fast food joints like wendys or wienerschnitzel, the chili at chili johns hits you differently. the house music on this day was a mixtape of punk and 80s and i am quite ok with that. the server was nice and prompt with my order. i would like to come back again but towards the evening so i can see the neon lights. the locals of burbank are lucky to have this greasy spoon in their city. ps. a guy walked in after me and ordered a bowl which he showed a picture of to the server. said the pic was some homestyle chili bowl known throughout missouri. he left and was happy chili johns was able to mimic that recipe which he mentioned reminded him of home. read more

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Chili is great. No air conditioning. It is too hot here for this. No ice. Ug. What?!?!

Although, I have passed Chili John's on multiple occasions this was the first time I decided to stop. This place is small but cute. I recently finished chemotherapy and it can really play havoc with the taste buds. I can mostly enjoy spicy foods. I arrived a 12:32pm; I pull into the modest rear free parking lot. I walk around to the front door (this is preferred). I walked in without the slightest acknowledgement. Ok...so I guess you just have a seat...no problem. I sat at the counter and I waited, waited and waited. Finally the young waitress took my order, two chili cheese dogs to go. Now, I am observing that there is no hair net and no gloves being used. I figured if 12 rounds of chemo hadn't killed me then neither would some pesky old germs. Once again I decided that there's no use in complaining. But, all the time thinking this had better be one damned good chili cheese dog. I have to point out that it's now nearly 1:00pm. I'm asked how I would like to pay cash or credit., I stated that it would be by credit. I slid my card into the machine paid my $22.82 and preceded to leave once again without the slightest acknowledgement. If I wasn't an honest person I could have just walked out, however, I am honest so I paid and left...It's now 1:09pm and no sooner than I round the corner I could see this red oily substance all over the bag...seeping through bag. I immediately pulled over and grabbed my Lysol disinfectant wipes to clean up the mess. Real trouble averted. These chili cheese dogs are now a project instead of a meal. Now, I'm home which is approximately 12 to 15 minutes away. I'm ready to dig into what I hope are excellent chili cheese dogs...Wrong!!! The chili is way over cooked, much to dark, any good cook knows that when you allow soups, stews and yes chili to sit to long that is what happens. We couldn't eat them soaked in grease that way. I was prepared to eat the germs...but no way was I putting all of that greasy stuff into my body. The only thing red in those cartons was the grease, lots and lots of grease. I really wanted to like this place and I'm very disappointed that I didn't. But, I can't in good conscience lie to people especially those who come to trust me and other yelpers to be honest. Maybe some time in the future I will return and will have a more positive experience. read more

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This place has the most bomb-ass chili! Loved the vibe and the staff. Had an awesome birthday with my one and only true friend. read more

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

First time here on Saturday, 10/19/2019, and certainly not my last! Anthony and Robert were excellent staff! Anthony, the owner, who is mostly here on weekends is very social and provides great conversations as if you are in a bar, but instead seated in a large u shape table that is iconic to this diner style restaurant with fast service. This historic chili has been served to Walt Disney and also been visited by Flavortown's Guy Fieri. Robert, our kind server, was nice enough to let us try the turducken, spicy beef, and chicken chili to see what would go best on our tamales. We ordered the spicy beef with our homemade tamale, I also had the regular sized bowl of spaghetti with medium beef chili, and my husband had the Sloppy John. We also added the cheese, sour cream, beans, onions, and oyster crackers for the full effect. It was delicious and very distinct, sooo meaty and oily, with a heartyness that left us so full that we had to take the tamales to go. We complimented our chili with a Coke because afterall, this place as stated in the menu, is older than Coca Cola! So if you want to try the best chili in all of California, then make your way to the city of Burbank and grab a seat at the counter where your chili will be hot and ready for you! read more