I just love this place. It's nostalgic & passed down generations. I like that there's Chili in various preparations to appeal from vegetarian to spicy. With beans, spaghetti, hot dogs, however you like it. They aim to please. It's family operated & so they personally care about your visit. If you haven't tried their new Sunday Brunch, I now crave it. I didn't know how I would enjoy a poached egg on a bowl of chili with cornbread, brisket & gravy but it's so AMAZING! WOW!! I just may end up being a regular at their Sunday Brunches. Everyone I bring here, really enjoys their meal. Especially when it's cold outside, a nice bowl of hot chili, not only warms the body but the soul too. Comfort food at its finest. read more

I just had lunch here today. Steve the owner was so nice. I asked him for suggestions since it was my first time here. I went with the spicy chili spaghetti. It was so good. Tried the Pie for dessert, and the homemade pie was great. Support local businesses like this, you could tell the owner really cares about his business and the satisfaction of his customers read more

Came to eat lunch , food not that bad , Took two hours to get my full order , wasn't that busy either . Never got two of my items , the server was very forgetful. She was really friendly . Good service but wish I got my food hot and fresh instead of cold . I wouldn't come back here . read more

So sad to see my favorite server Steve was no longer working here too bad he was the best most friendliest , positive And fast he always recommended the best things to order sorry that he is no longer here I'm sure he will be working somewhere close by so whatever gets him is lucky he's really the best read more

Had the opportunity to pop in to Chili John's again yesterday and aside from the fun of reliving memories from decades ago in the same interior and the same counter I ate at 45 years ago, my bowl of chili with some cheese sprinkled on top was just fantastic. Of course i had to top it off with a slice of pineapple cream pie, which was better than I remembered from my last visit. This place should be a State or National treasure to endurance, consistency and fabulous customer service. People drive from unbelievable distances to eat there, I will be back as often as my travels allow. Great job to everyone who runs and works at Chili John's. read more

I must say, this place is JUST like I remember it. Used to come here weekly about 10 years ago with my ex and this was literally our "go to place." The chili tastes alright but I can't even rave enough about their special yummy Lemon pie! A must try! Thank me later! read more

The lady server named honey with robert in the back were so great Excellent service very nice people team workers i will def have to come back hopefully to see them again and the food was amazing thank you guys read more

Without a doubt, the worst ever. I had previously posted a comment about how bad my experience was and Claudine made false accusations of racist remarks. Foolishly, I removed my review.... but, no more. There is NO place for poor service and quality to be reversed and/or canceled by an idiot that thinks that she can shame someone into a good review or a removal of a fair one. Perhaps I should contact her other employer, Whole Foods, and copy them of the dialogue. Fix your problems and the rest takes care of itself. Best of luck to you, Debbie, as it looks like you reengaged. An apology is in order. read more

We got a completely different order than what we wanted and the chili was very old and it was very bitter. Also they did not include any onions or cheese or Fritos as requested. This was just Friday, before I really like the chili but it was just unacceptable and it was not even edible you should not sell items at the end of the day if it they do not taste good read more

It's a unique experience in Southern California. My go-to is spicy beef chili over spaghetti. I'd ask them to drain some of the grease. Pies are good too. read more

To all the naysayers who simply don't get it...Chili John's is not supposed to be a chili paste like Tommy's. The best way to describe it is a Chili Soup. The free unlimited oyster crackers are there for sopping up the juice or as some people describe it, "the grease." If they offered free French Bread that would actually be a step up. Think of dunking a grilled cheese sandwich into Tomato Soup or a roll into gravy. It's the same concept although with chili. Chili Johns' recipe wasn't meant to be a can of Dennison's where your fork stands up in the bowl. It's prepared greasy on purpose. The same way I love dunking bread into olive oil or donuts into coffee. Chili John's is greasy by design. If you go in there knowing what to expect you'll leave with a BIG smile on your face that will take doctors hours just to remove. read more

There is a reason some things last a long long time. This Burbank/LA staple is perfect for a wet or cold day! Nothing feels better then getting warmed up inside with a hot Super Bowl of spaghetti with chili and cheese on top. It reminds me of a homemade lunch from mom after playing in the snow all day. Vibe is super western old school diner. Check out their many cameos on film and tv...latest was the neon signage in "Once Upon A Tome In Hollywood". read more

Chili John's - Nuff said!!!! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Im from Texas and one word... incredible! Great vibe inside, yummy spicy chili. Coming back for the burger next. read more

I have been coming here for over 15 years. My high school best friends new about this gem because their dad lived in Burbank as a kid and used to eat it often. I grew up in Camarillo, and would come about 6 times a year in high school. Now, I live in Bakersfield, and any time we drive through, we stop and get some to take back home with us. I have also solidly gotten a best friend, who is also as much of a food lover as I am, addicted to this as well! Now onto the food... Spaghetti bowl with chili is my favorite, with sour cream and cheese of course! It is nothing like you have ever had living in California. It is just a meat sauce chili, not the kind that comes with mostly beans and tomatoes. You can add beans, but I prefer just the meat sauce and spaghetti noodles. Also a really weird concept to most people, but just trust me! Suuuuuuh good! I get medium spicy (which gets tamed down from the cheese and sour cream), and my husband gets hot. If we stop to actually eat, I get a chili dog (medium, with cheese, sour, cream. and onions of course). However, today when we went, they had Hawaii rolls as the bread instead of a hot dog bun, and I wasnt a fan. The sweetness didnt mesh well with the chili, in my opinion. If they have regular buns, get the chili dog. You're welcome. Lastly, I LOVE the lemon pie. When I was younger, I was not a lemon fan but my friends forced me to try it. IT IS SO GOOD! Not an overpowering lemon at all. and a perfect ending after some chili. mmmmmm. As for the restaurant itself, it could REEEEAAAALLLYYY use a decent face lift. It's been there for like 60 years and hasn't changed a bit since I have been going. When you walk in, it feels like an uncomfortable movie scene. Fight through that and eat there anyway. WORTH IT. read more

Wow I was so genuinely surprised about the customer service here. It really is a unique place & the chili is so good. We ordered a chili dog, chili spaghetti & pie. We wanted to try a tamale but it was not available that day. I think it's great that this establishment is a family owned business, the decor looks original & I appreciated the authenticity of the place. My boyfriend and I visited because we seen this place on Diners Drive In's & Dives. I really liked it here & we plan to come back when we are in the area again! read more

Second time I've been here and just as good as the first. Chili here is so, so, SO good. And they have Turducken chili for the holidays! Cannot recommend enough! Also their homemade lemon pie is...simply ridiculous. I'm telling you now. Save. Room. For. Pie. read more

This place is incredible. Honestly the best chili I have ever had and the service was incredible and friendly and made me feel like I was apart of the family. It's a great date spot! They are so accommodating to every type of dietary need you could think of. Vegetarian options, GF options!! Their TURDUCKEN Chili and their Messy Marv are amazing. You can tell that they truly care. I don't understand how anyone, in any capacity, could ever conceive of giving this place less than 5 stars. You in Burbank? Come to Chili John's. #GoElectric. read more

Chili John's - TURDUCKEN Chili & the Messy Marv Sandwich and Turducken over Fritos and JC! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Best chili around love it will always come around for some chili spaghetti and tamales great service read more

Chili John's - There's a tamale under there!!! Wonderfull chilli! Great service! Me and my husband love it and will always come back - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Did you know that many towns in the United States used to have chili parlors? What if I told you that chili was originally a cowboy food and that what they ate was as different from what we call chili today as night is from day? How about if I said that there is still an authentic chili joint in the LA area that follows a secret, true cowboy recipe? Go to Chili John's and ask the owner to teach you about the culture and history of this dish. Let him recommend how to eat it. By the way, if you are on the keto diet, this has to be like rocket fuel for your body. Even if you are not, you owe yourself a little COVID-19 outing. He has it set up so that you don't even have to make physical contact with anybody at all. So you need to call, place an order and be sure to ask for oyster crackers! Yum, Americana! read more

The veggie chili is so delicious. Just the right amount of spice! It's my go to meal from there. Perfect for the cold weather.

Sorry Burrous, I don't agree with you on this one.....as see on Channel 5 News Burrous Bites! Nov/2017 and I ain't coming back..... Guy Fieri you got me again! I've had Chili John's on Bookmark for well over a year now after watching an episode of The Food Network's "DDD" I've tried a few of the spots he's been and it's been Hit & Miss but at least more hits than misses! this place serves not great but some decent Chili, so why the low review? read on! Chili John's has been proudly serving Burbank's motley characters since 1946. Today it's one of the oldest continuously running restaurants in Burbank, California. Specialize in Texas style chili.. The menu id pretty basic, you can have Original Beef Chili I think Mild or Hot, Chicken Chili and Vegetarian Chili, you can have that in a bowl, with or without Beans, on top Spaghetti, Tamale or Hot Dog. You ain't gonna find NO Chili Burgers, Chili Cheese Fries etc! this is an OLD building and I don't think they have an up to code kitchen that they can actually cook in. So I came in it's a smaller place with a horseshoe shaped counter and swivel old skool diner chairs around it, I took a seat *(the counter top was dirty and still had dishes from previous patrons) I looked over the menu, the "waiter" didn't acknowledge me he was busy chatting with another couple of customers, then walks right past me to another couple and asked how they were doing etc... after about 2-3 minutes he came to me and asked OK what can I get you? I said "How about Clearing these DISHES and CLEANING the table FIRST", his reply OH, Oh Yeah! It seems as though several of the employees here are in a Band of some sort and are more interested in talking about their next gig at "wherever" than doing their JOB that they are here for, just a lazy I don't give a F attitude! I ordered my food and didn't have to wait long, the Chili, Dogs, Buns etc are in containers in the center of that horseshoe, just wait it gets better! Original Beef Chili HOT w/Hot Dog ($7.25) http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chili-johns-burbank?select=ZYoovpztwn5Jk_d6VsvOPw#RwVz--B6YV17z25G7zM9Fw There's a Hot Dog on Bun under the Chili, a pricy chili dog at $7.25 IMO, you're not picking this thing up to eat it so the bun is really useless, the hot dog was a basic no frills 1/4 pound dog, you can get better at Costco for a $1.50 w/Soda just not the chili. That leaves me with John's Famous Chili http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chili-johns-burbank?select=ZYoovpztwn5Jk_d6VsvOPw#b4cwSWCFsy5SZO0qSTiHyg it was warm not hot enough to melt the cheese! I got the HOT it was spicy but a bit too salty for my liking, not bad just nothing I'd claim was Great "Guy are you listening?" So while I'm eating several of the employees, waiters or whatever they are happen to be chatting about their upcoming Show, making dogs for customers from this eye sore http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chili-johns-burbank?select=ZYoovpztwn5Jk_d6VsvOPw#PsLd7ZOJ8qiTqa_3dy82uA Yeah this is what you're looking at and where the various Chili, Dogs etc are kept... so while preparing a customers order one of the guys dropped a lid off the chili pot on to the FLOOR, what does he do? YES picks it up and put's it right back on top of the Chili! #Hilole #Pendejo! Food - 3-Stars - Ass Clown Show - Priceless but Minus 2-Stars read more

See all

Best chili in Burbank! If it's your first time the Chili spaghetti is a must! Chili dogs are my boyfriends favorite and you can never go wrong with the chili cheese fries which are my personal favorite! Ally was absolutely amazing! Portions are just right to fill you up. read more

Theyre offering drive up service with is good. But also the prices are way up. The chinis super oily. I literally had to strain a few oz. of oil off the top. Prices have also gone through the roof. Not worth it. read more

I happen to eat here by shear chance! I was super early to a child's birthday party on Saturday and stumbled upon Chili John's. I never venture out to the Burbank area! I pulled up to the rear parking lot and made my way through the door of Chili John's. As I walked in, I immediately felt like a fish outta water! I totally had a sense that I should maybe leave because I had a whole bunch of Dukes of Hazzard looking fellas staring daggers at me! I looked around the walls trying to find a Confederate! I didn't want to make it totally obvious that I've never been here, nor create the impression that I was not a native to the Burbank area. So with my confused yet perplexed demeanor, I sat at one of the empty orange seats. Seating by the way is bar seating around an oval shaped bar. There were two people working the bar: a young dude in his mid-late 20's and an older woman. As I was seated, I looked around, looked at the guy behind the bar, made eye contact with the guy, expected a response but not a hint of acknowledging my presence! They didn't give me a menu. I had to cross 3 empty seats and grab one. My mind was racing "did I make the right choice of coming here?" After sitting in that seat for nearly 3 minutes without acknowledgement (the wait staff had no difficulty speaking with everyone else), the guy asks me if I like hot stuff. I replied yeah, sure! He grabbed a small plate and began serving a sample of their chili on it: Hot Original Beef & Hot Chicken Chili. I tried them and loved it! He asked which I liked better. I said surprisingly I love the Hot Chicken Chili a little better than the Hot Original. He asked what I wanted and I told him I wanted to order the Chili Size. I told him its a shame I can't have both chilis. He said, "sure, I can do half and half." I was delighted and asked for both! It finally dawned on me and I began feeling the vibe. There was never any prejudice sentiment going on here. They are just super laid back and really open up to you after you order. As the guy began talking to the two older gentlemen sitting at my left, I began engaging in their conversation and it was as if we had known each other. Then the guy working there started talking to me a little. Another patron walked in and it was his first time there. We just started rapping immediately. At that point, I felt like Norm on Cheers! From the time you order to the time you are served is roughly 2 minutes. I forgot to say. When ordering your chili, you have the option of Original Beef, Chicken, or Vegetarian. You also can choose between Mild, Medium, or Hot. Chili Size: 5/5 This lovely dish contained a hamburger bun as the base of the open faced sandwich, beans, chili. I loved the Hot Original Beef Chili's intense flavor. This Texas style chili kicks butt and is the best chili I've had! But wait, the Hot Chicken Chili was even better! OMG!!! What a dilemma! You can add onions and oyster crackers freely available on the counter! You'll enjoy the intimate and friendly laid back atmosphere here. I surely did and can't wait to be in the Burbank area again to have my new favorite chili at Chili John's. read more

See all

The most authentic chili you'll get on the west coast, homemade every day!!! Excellent, mouth watering finger lickin good five stars!!! This sit down location is diner 50s style wrap around bar, pay this gem a visit, its worth it just for the ambiance, AND the tasty chili Vegetarian option chili as well. Served w spaghetti, dogs, fries, etc. and lemon pie for dessert : ) Cheers!!! read more

Response to the owner. No way does all that liquid come from cow fat. It was 10% beef (or whatever that dry stuff was) and the rest was liquid/grease. Also how can you make something that's wet be soo dry. If you're gonna make a chili only joint make a great chili. Pro tip: Add more beans and beef so it can be chili and not just a cup of grease with pulp. I have had better canned chili than your "chili". Nice decor tho. read more

Best chili in town. And the service has always been outstanding. Very friendly and helpful. Not sure if it's going to be too hot? Ask and you can sample. Prior to Covid, they had a chicken chili that was amazing, at a medium heat level. Not sure if they still make it, but try it if they do. The chili here is very rich, and yes, oily. But it's very flavorful. A little goes a long way. read more

I don't have the words to describe how good this Chile is. If you love Chile I his is the greatest Chile place I have found. 73 years of cooking Chile!!!! That says it all. read more

I've passed by this restaurant many times. I met the owner while I was waiting on him and his family (very kind and respectful family) we talked about our favorite car being the DODGE VIPER. later he told me to visits his restaurant. So I went to his restaurant just to give it a try. WOW! The homemade lemonade was the best. The chili burger with the chips. Mmmmmm tasty. I thought Tommy's had the best chili burgers. I was wrong. Don't double think! Just go to this iconic restaurant. You can also choose your spicy level on your chill. WARNING: May experience and addiction with the chilly. read more

I was craving some chili so bad today and was soooo disappointed with what I got when I went here on my lunch! I literally took 3 bites and tossed the rest in the garbage it was the worst chili I had ever had! The oil on top was a inch thick! No exaggeration! I couldn't believe this place has 4 stars! I usually don't like to yelp about businesses but this one I had too... not to mention the large chili I got was $15 and I threw it away! I went to Wendy's and got a 3.00 chili instead. BEWARE! read more

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

See all

The best chili spaghetti or chili mac in the world. Really outstanding food, and Guy Fieri came here and loved the food too. Look it up on Youtube. read more

Just the absolute best... all the chilis are great... rice, beans, spaghetti... it doesn't matter it's amazing... if you go after the lunch rush you can usually have some pretty good convos with whoever is working... it doesn't matter all employees are great... all the food is great... it's just the best! Still the best... first time trying the chicken chili... man the flavor on this is unbelievable... out of tamales today which sucks but that should also let you know ...I was just informed they Make the tamales on sundays so if you want that amazing tamale get here on Monday!!! One of my all time favorite spots to eat anywhere!! read more

Chili John's - The chili bar!!! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

See all

You can't defy history. I've been going here for 50 some odd years. They are my go to place whenever I need a chili fix, and I don't have the time or inspiration to make my own. The spicy is VERY spicy and the mild is just too mild, but ask them to cut it down the middle and they will. The counter serves up a variety of dishes all with chili, but nothing beats just a bowl of red. I pour on the cheese, onions and oyster crackers. A couple of hot peppers on the side and I'm good to go. Damn fine bowl of red!!! read more

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

The service was excellent. I was truly impressed by a little girl who was working the counter. She was polite and sweet. The food? I had an expectation of the Skyline chili from Ohio taste. It was not to meet my expectations. I like the chili 5 ways from Ohio. I guess can't find quite like it in California. I asked for spicy but it wasn't. Spaghetti was kind of watery. I put some salt and it was ok but not quite like the taste I was looking for. Maybe I will try the chili dog next time. read more

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

I went to this place when traveling through the area. I had heard of this place thru yelp, and wanted to try it. The chili is very good, I did enjoy it. It reminded me of some chili that my father used to make when he worked in a butcher shop/meat market back in the 1960's in Texas. I am frequently traveling thru the area and will be sure to stop by again. Bring on the cold weather, that is when I really enjoy this type of chili. read more

My daughter and I slipped into Chili John's the other day. I was getting ready to move out of SoCal but I didn't want to leave my last review here hanging. I needed to know if the chili was gone for good or not. I am HAPPY to report that the chili is back! My daughter confirmed. I'm not thrilled about the huge oyster crackers they have switched to but that is small potatoes compared to the return of our beloved chili. And the lemon pie is looking pretty perky, too (it had been a bit anemic the past few years). Rejoice, my fellow chiliphiles. read more

- friendly waitress - NEGATIVE stars for the FOOD & the prices(small portion and SUPER GREASY and tasteless---actually, it did TASTE really GROSS!) I don't remember the last time I gave a restaurant 1 star, but i sure couldn't wait to write this review. I still can't believe all the 4 & 5 stars---perhaps, i got a bad batch that day?!?! (still scratching head)... First off, having a clean bathroom is ESSENTIAL to a business that serves food. Not so much this for this place, when I found a 'surprise' in the toilet, prior to my meal. grossssssss. Restaurants should make it a mandatory routine to check on their bathroom(s) every so often. Yes, it's actually the responsibility of the customers to FLUSH the toilet, but daaaang. Kinda lost my appetite from the get go. On to their famous CHILI---- i ordered the tamale with chili ($6 something + additional $1 for cheese). I took ONE bite and thought to myself "WTF, is this the same chili everyone is raving about?!?!---Oh HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLS NO". Haaaangry as I was, i tried to eat a few more bites to confirm the 'OHN taste'-----confirmed and now at this point, I was completely UPSET since I was really hungry and their supposedly "REALLY GOOD" chili was actually REALLY GROSS and super GREASY! Normally, I would've just left the food and bounced, but I was limited to an hour break before having to sit through another 3 hrs of traffic class. Hence, I forced myself to eat their OVERLY priced tamale and just left the chili behind. Ok, enough of my waaaahhing, I just had to get that out of my system ,especially having to spend $10.20 (w/ tip) on something GROSS + I was still haaangry afterwards. FML. BTW: I usually don't give such bad ratings, but apparently this place is doing really well so my 1 star probably won't do a thing---Rock on w/ the business----opened since 1913? wow. good for them. Just the thought of their chili makes me CRINGE! GAME OVERRRRRRRRRRRR! read more

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

Great chili burgers! The chili bowl with beans was just OK. Nice selection of old time sodas

The best chili in LA no contest. I've read several reviews saying that they had to drain the oil from the top of the chili container like it's a bad thing. Yes, you do, and that should be a sign to you that this is the good stuff. I have tried most of the menu and, while none of it is bad, the menu doesn't offer me my two preferred ways to enjoy chili: atop a cheeseburger and heaped over a steaming pile of cheese fries in a styrofoam container. Fortunately, they do sell the chili by the half and full pound, so you can always add it to your preferred meal later, which I have done myself. The pies are great too. Don't miss this ancient LA establishment. read more

This place is the holy temple of chili. People should take their shoes off when they come here for it is sacred chili ground! I can't get enough of this place and when I moved to SCV, I actually had reservations because of the increased distance I will have from Chili John's. I ordered the large beef chili with spaghetti and beans, but that's not all. I ordered more onions, chilis, and that damn Dave's Insanity Sauce which I still feel tingling on my lips as I type. I love it! The people are great and watch you suffer as you eat the chili. Capsaicin is a great thing for spice lovers. It's our opium, our crack. After the burn ordeal, the nice lady brought us out a slice of pineapple pie to put the fire out. It worked and that pie is good enough to make the trip out there! Parking can be tricky as they only have a few spots in the back. Park on the street if you can. They can accommodate about 20 people in the restaurant but during lunch rush, don't expect to sit next to each other if you come in large groups. read more

See all