Great chili! A classic place with historic murals on the walls! A true diner...no tables just sit around the u shaped counter. Enjoy! Been going there since 1970. read more

Love their chili! If you like Cincinnati style chili, this is your spot. It has a nice diner vibe. The service is great too. The only bad thing is they're closed on Sundays. read more

I've always wanted to try this place and I finally had the chance to do it! We went in the evening and sat in the tap room on Saturday night. The taproom is the room right next to the old style diner. The diner portion is really quaint and adorable and has a large bar with multiple high seats around it. The tap room has three tables in it and a small bar with 45 high chairs around it as well. For everything on the menu, the pricing is so fair. You could totally try everything on the menu and not break the bank. The servings are good to share and the food is so good. We walked right in and were immediately able to sit down at a table with tools around it. They immediately gave us the rundown of the menu and the service was fantastic. They have pork rinds for the table While you order. They have beers on tap and wine. I only tried beers that night, but they were delicious. There's something special about this place. I have to say I'll definitely be going back. You can have any of the beers made as michellada if you want. We tried the chili It was so delicious. I would highly recommend their spicy chili. You should definitely try it before you knock it even if you don't know if you'd like spicy food. It's that good. I learned this place has been around for so long literally since I think the 50s. We had such a good time trying their pies and their chili and their beers. I'll definitely be going back here. This place would be fun during the day or at night. It would be fun for a date or would be fun for a party. There's not super loud music. There's a couple TVs in the tap room so you can watch sports if there's a game on. You can see the street. It's a very cute view at that part of the street. Lastly, the owners were there when we were present and they were so kind. The staff are so nice. Everyone really seems to care about this place and it made the experience better. It wasn't just good food. It felt like we were out of place that people were proud of. read more

Ok, so bear with me. This place has been opened since 1900. And it truly looks like it. This is a serious greasy spoon. I ordered the mild beef chili cheese fries w/sour cream. These were THE greasiest chili cheese fries I've ever had. Like fries were swimming in grease. And it wasn't from the fries, it was from the chili! The hubby had the medium beef chili with rice and beans. He literally ate about 4 bites and gave up. Super greasy and no seasoning. The waitress was super sweet but I felt so bad cause it was HOT AF in that place. We tried it...but we won't be back. read more

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This place is so cool... if you've been waiting just go right away. They're so nice and friendly and the food is good and inexpensive. Get something with chili in it. I haven't tried the pie yet, but I'll do that next time. read more

$50.00+ in the garbage. How difficult is it to cook a pot of "not so overly greasy" chili? And I got the feeling I was bothering the server behind the counter. Good thing I ordered to go. Maybe I should have asked if he was "Chili John"! I wish I had saved the food for a photo. But just imagine how a lava lamp looks, plugged in.... read more

I SO wanted to love this place for its history, friendly service and tradition. You enter into this establishment and there are the stools arranged around a large horshoe countertop like they have been forever. Everything is old school in the best of ways. The owners are friendly and do well. The German dog, one with sauerkraut, was quite good. The fries were thin and crispy, just like I like them. Bit the chili - THE chili on those fries, the chili which is the centerpiece of Chili John's? Just not my cup of tea. It's a pure beef chili, and the meat is quality and cut into small chunks and well spiced. But there is no zip to it. I guess I was expecting a tomato-ey, slightly sweet, Cincinnati diner style chili but it was a very dark, almost pungent chili. read more

Came here for lunch with the kiddos. We started off with handspun milkshakes and Mexican coke. So good! We love chili but we all eat it differently so it what nice we can eat it our own way. I got it over rice while the kids got it over fries and a hot dog. They don't seed oils so everything was delicious and fresh. Definitely coming back! read more

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Chili John's in Burbank isn't quite Ben's Chili Bowl, but when you're craving chili spaghetti on the way to the airport, it really hits the spot. The diner ambiance is charming, the staff is friendly and attentive, and the food comes out fast. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area! read more

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

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Chili John's is like going back into the past. You feel like Marty McFly sitting at the counter. The staff is SO NiCE and friendly. They let us sample multiple chili flavors and provided excellent suggestions. I tried chili on spaghetti which sounds weird, but was actually delicious. Will try rice/beans with chili next time. You should definitely get a bottle of Dr. Pepper in the glass. Wow! It was the best Dr. Pepper I ever had. read more

Chili John's - I took my "little" brother from the Big Brother Big Sister program for his birthday and he enjoyed it! - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Best chilli in town hands down winner I love my chilli over spaghetti They have beef, chicken and vegetarian read more

Oh man I hate to negatively review an institution like Chili John's but the entire experience left a lot of be desired and ... a massive stomach ache. Firstly, there is mold on the top of the ceiling. Black mold at that. My stomach has been churning like butter since I ate here. The chili was mostly grease with some meat. The sloppy John was just grease, sincerely. If you want indigestion / a bad stomach this will do it. Such a shame cuz it's an establishment but the quality of food is not it. The service was remarkably slow as well. At this point it should be dialed in and it took 15/20 minutes to even order a drink. read more

Firstly, love Chili John's as a Burbank staple and establishment. But this is not the Chili John's you remember or know. The new owners are using the press to make us donate to their GoFundMe and are blaming people for not coming in, and now I know why. I went in to pick up an order to go, the service was truly terrible. You don't get acknowledged at all when coming in. Granted they were busy, but it was just one poor young girl trying her best out front while all the Duck Dynasty guys in the back just stay there with one guy just talking with customers instead of actually helping get food out. Took 10min for me to actually be acknowledged, I had to sit at the counter finally to get some attention. I ordered two chilis to go, that's it, she took my order, I paid, and then proceeded to wait another 15min. I was then told to stand up and wait since I was not eating in. Also the menu online on their site is outdated and incorrect. The one you see in the restaurant is missing a bunch of stuff they have listed on their site. The line for to-go orders was now piling up. Not once did anyone acknowledge the other customers, all waiting. There were 6 or 7 people behind me all huddled up by the entrance. Finally one of the women behind me belted out if anyone was going to help them. We were told to form a line, which we had. Guy behind me asked how long I've been waiting. I said it was around 20min now. He walked out. The two other women finally walked out. I would have walked out but I already paid. Reminder, it was 25min for just me. In that 25min, none of the 6 or 7 people behind me got their orders taken. FINALLY got my order, all it took was 20sec to scoop chili into a carry out container, but had to wait 25min in total. Got home, was missing some of the extra toppings I paid for like chopped onions. Chili was a pool of grease with no flavor whatsoever. Worse than dog food. I felt sick all night. Poor Chili John's. These owners don't deserve to run it and will be the ones known for ruining and crashing a true piece of Burbank history. You'll get better chili at Bob's Big Boy than here, and honestly Hormel's is better. It's the worst chili I've ever had, my wife just tossed hers out because she couldn't finish it due to how much grease there was. The place is falling apart too. I leaned on a wall and the siding just popped off. They truly ran it into the ground. If you read the articles about them struggling, just know it's their lazy attempt to guilt us into coming in when they have no desire to actually run a restaurant. There's a reason people stopped coming in. RIP, Chili John's. read more

I'm gonna go three stars just so they keep their stellar rating. I visited about a week ago and just got the fluids back in me to get enough energy to leave a review. I too had seen the reports of closure and not being able to survive, and the go fund me, so my friend and I decided we needed to visit before their immediate departure. I just came to echo what a previous reviewer said about a week ago. If this is the world famous chili that everyone raves about, we have a problem here! As I sat pending my demise and watching the staff run into each other, I once again said this can't be the place people say has the best chili! After a couple bites I figured out that it only has three ingredients. The first being allspice, the second being grease and the third I have no idea. You do realize we have refrigeration now and you can use other than spices to preserve your food for the cross country journey. If this is the world famous chili John's that we are trying to save here, it just might be time for you to hang up your chaps, take your go fund me, ride back on the chuck wagon and call it a day. As another said stock in Bob's chili spaghetti has gone through the roof! read more

Waited 20 min for the simplest to go order- 16 oz beef chili with beans, 16 oz chicken chili w beans... added 2 sodas bc of the wait time standing there. Was $45 and this is what we got, two sad tiny greasy paper cups with a sad amount of food. One is lacking filling and One doesn't even have the beans added. This place has gone down hill. Also they have a go fund me with 14K in it, you can tell not a dollar has been spent keeping up this place. If you like sitting on a stool with raw foam exposed, this place is for you! read more

Chili John's - Sadness in a greasy paper cup - American Near Me - Burbank, California

The chili is pretty good. The ambience is cool and they very friendly. The lunch special leaves me hungry still. Quite small for $14 but the chips and drink they offer are good. Had Shirley temple soda drink which was 10/10. Overall a bit pricey for chili but solid food. Finally I give it 5 stars mainly because of one thing .... LEMON PIE. Astounding and worth every cent . Not gonna tell you it's better than the chili but it is amazing. Thanks! read more

Chili John's - Lunch special 12 oz. Beef Chili Bowl - American Near Me - Burbank, California

i will want the chili cheese burger with spicy chili as my final meal when i die great food and great service what more could you need? read more

Wish they stayed open later!!!! The Chili is great and they even have a non meat chili option which I love. read more

Chili John's is about as special as it gets in Burbank. Always been owned by families over the years, who put their own mark on a brand that's over a century old. CJ's is the oldest restaurant in Burbank, and as the Irish say, it has that good craic, that good fun feeling in its bones. Not only that, but they're loyal in continuing the traditional Cincinnati Skyline style chili, while also expanding the menu in really fun & tasty ways. Plus they have beer now, and that is a big win for a local yokel like me, who can walk home. Seriously, take a break from where you normally go, and stop by for a bowl, you're definitely going to be coming back. They simply don't make em like this anymore, these places are rare, special, human, and the antidote to the mindless Chipotles, Tocayas, or some other huge chain owned by an investment firm. This place has CHARM that you only get when it's a mom & pop spot. read more

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

Brought out of towners there today. Long time NOHO resident, I've driven past it for years. So glad I came in. The beef chili is a braised beef spicy but very good. Counter service is excellent. The lemon pie was really good. read more

Heard All the Hype about the Chili @ Chili Johns. Decided to Try it one afternoon. "TASTELESS CHILI Swimmimg IN A VAT OF OIL" Unbelievable the Amount of Oil in the Bowl. Returned several months later to give it a Second try to be Fair. Chili was Exactly the Same. If you like your Chili Swimming in Oil 2 Inches Above the Chili---This is your Place. read more

It's taken over 2 years, but the Taproom has finally opened. The food will be new menu items from a chef they're working with to rebrand as a speakeasy. Service should be ok since it opens after the restaurant closes. From the old reels on IG, ambiance looks like a typical beer bar rather than a speakeasy. Good luck, hope they make it to their 80th year and beyond! read more

Chili John's - Check their IG for soft opening days/hours. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Got there at opening 11am. Quickly seats filled up. Unfortunately Only one server, she was a sweetheart. Be patient. Take your time/relax and everything will be alright. I got the spicy beef chili & spaghetti ( it's spicy!) Next time I'll order the medium. My son got the kids mild chili spaghetti & beans with a Dr pepper (cane sugar glass bottle) The pineapple pie was killer as well as our icebox lemon pie to go. Lil Robert has been farting all day totally worth it! read more

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

Amazing staff and delicious food. Classic atmosphere. I go with my granddaughter at least 3 times/month.

this place is great. you should stop by for some tasty food. vegan friendly, and if you keep adding fixins can get as spicy as you desire read more

Chili John's - vegetarian no-chz sloppy john with onions and jalapeños. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

Get yours now! This place is awesome and a piece of Burbank History. Simple, straightforward, and well executed. The Service is good... (the guy there is always pretty cool). Dad's root beer... yes, please. The ambiance is still original and the way it should be. The counter is just classic. I will be returning! Enjoy!! #jsho read more

I tried the 'sloppy john', billed as their version of a sloppy joe. My wife went for the Chili. Neither were very good. Mine had cheese, though I had specifically asked for no cheese when I noticed the cook preparing that dish for another customer. It had cheese, I had cheese, so I basically did not eat it. My wife had to request the condiments that come with the chilly as did several other customers. While the waitress appeared to be doing her best to handle the eight or ten people seated, she did not do very well at it. They do have a great selection of Root Beer, it certainly has that old classic vibe to it, indeed it even smells old in there. They have all the original equipment, like the clock from when the place was built. I won't be back here again. read more

Chili John's - Many old fashion soda beverages are available. You will need to ask for a glass if you want one. - American Near Me - Burbank, California

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Chili John's diner food with care! Their delicious dogs are nitrate free, bread is spot on, which is a plus for me, they have really good chicken and beef chili, the best bread and butter pickles, fries, rings and bottled sodas. Steve and Claudine give you an informative, kind, soulful, experience. Give them a try!!! They were even referenced in a short film I saw at the DWF Fest! (Mama Bear) *The dogs looked and tasted so good, we forgot to take pics, but here's one on Yelp! read more

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You think you know chili, that is until you come to Chili John's. My best suggestion is to let them know it's your first time there and see where things go. I don't think anything is a bad choice, just depends. Come for the chili, stay for the friendly atmosphere at the counter. I don't think this place has changed one bit since it opened. read more

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

Everything was excellent. Awesome Chili (my favorite is the chili and spaghetti) and definitely have the lemon pie! Service and ambiance were welcoming and friendly! It's a definite place to go!!! Can't wait to try new Tap Room next door with additional menu items and a great selection of beer and wine!!! read more

The chili is excellent. Gotta admire an owner who can claim that the chili takes ~30 hours to perfect, using spices from a specialized supplier who has been in the chili game for over a hundred years. They make their own tallow, which emulsified the spices perfectly. Try the fries! This bowl is made from love and passion and it shows. Nothing fancy, but truly classic, timeless, and authentic. No preservatives and additives, just whole clean ingredients. It's worth the drive to Burbank. read more

That food was horrible. I would give no stars if it was an option. Chili cheese burger for me and a sloppy John for the wife. Never ever seen food with so much grease all over my food and no flavor at all. Didn't taste like chili, I not even sure what kind of meat was in it but it didn't look normal. The wife was scared to eat hers. Before I was served that nasty stuff we ordered some chili spaghetti to take home for dinner. Should have waited after eating. That was 67 dollars total for everything. The next day we threw everything in the trash and both or stomach ached for 2 days. Health inspectors need to pay them a visit. Close that place down!! read more

I'm going to miss the original owner. I went back recently since he's passed and I don't know what kind of meat they're making the chili with but it's not ground beef and I found it stringy and dry, far too much chili powder is being used to have spice cover for it but you can tell the difference. That was my last visit. A pound of it just isn't worth $20 anymore. read more

A Burbank institution. But the chili quality is variable. One day it was pretty good. Another day, it was the dregs at the bottom of the barrel, had so much oil and the meat was of dubious quality. I would love to support them if the quality was a bit better and more consistent. read more

Wow!!! Thought we were going to a historic chili hotdog restaurant. It was so grease, everything just was soaked in grease. Chili Dogs, chili French fries, chili spaghetti. Service wasn't great she forgot two sides of chili spaghetti. Would love to know if the chili is always so brown and full of grease???? read more

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

As always with my reviews I call them like I see them. Maybe it's Burbank, or what, the dogs are good but as little pricey in my eyes. Don't get me wrong, dogs are tasty. When It comes to their chili.. the milder one has a bit more flavor. The spicy chili is not spicy... it might be a little bit more capsaicin forward, but not spicy flavorful. I could probably come up with at least a half dozen ways to make it better, but this is a classic establishment. The service was good for an early Saturday, one young lady and another guy were running the place, very friendly. They were quick with their service. As for the ambiance, casual and low key... a basic greasy spoon location. It's cool to visit once for the novelty and experience. It was good, but the chili didn't impress and I'm a person who loves chili and spicy food. read more

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I have been coming to Chili John's about once every few years for most of my 50+ years, but only because my travels don't always bring me to this side of Burbank. I would visit more often if I lived closer. The vibe is original, with the aged mural a dominator in the cozy room with the horseshoe shaped counter. Super friendly staff, and you may run into the owners serving up their 100+ year old chili recipe. A nice choice of burgers, hot dogs or spaghetti topped with the chili that has kept this place known around the region. You can also just get a bowl of straight chili, just pick your heat. Overall it's always a great experience from the chunky chili to the owners stories, this is a fun lunch spot! read more

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

Drove by this spot today and decided to give it a try. The ambiance made me feel at home. I LOVED the layout of the place, kinda like old school diner vibes. The customer service was great and they were very nice. Food came out fast and tasted delicious. I ended up getting 2 hotdogs but a few customers and staff told me they are known for their chilis hence the name (silly me ) I definitely plan on going back to try the chili bowls. If you're in the area and want to enjoy delicious food AND support a staple of the community, this is the place!! read more

Los Angeles is a chili town. It seems weird but it's true. Chili John's is a true throwback. But it's not a fake 50s diner that some interior designer slapped together. It's the real deal: a tiny diner about 70 years old with maybe 30 counter stools and no tables. It's like stepping back in time...but for real. So, yes, they've got a bunch of different hot dogs and burgers for sale and the burgers are outrageously good. But chili is in the name so it better be good. In fact, it better be great. And it is. Get yourself a giant bowl of chili with cheese, onions, sour cream and crackers. They've got spicy chili, if you want it, and it's not nuclear hot but it'll put some serious sweat on your brow. If your stomach can hack it, get yourself some chili cheese fries. They are very generous with the chili. Or get your hot dog or burger with chili. Of course, you need to finish it all off with a slice of lemon pie which they gently push here. Why are you getting pie? Because when you walked in, you stepped back in time so, yes, for sure, you'll have that big bowl of chili followed by some very good and not too sweet, lemon pie. No one heard of cholesterol in 1946. Friendly, fast service. They are popular and can get very busy. Remember, they are very small. Plenty of free street parking all around. read more

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